5 delicious summer salad recipes for dinner

When it’s this hot outside, a crisp green salad with protein is an incredibly appealing dinner option. We love summer salads because they’re easy to prepare, surprisingly hearty, delicious and packed with vitamins and nutrients. You can use freshly grilled steak, chicken or pork but leftovers work just as well—just cook a bit extra one evening and you’ll have a quick meal the next.

Here are five flavourful dinner salad recipes that are perfect for summer. Olliffe has everything you need to make these fantastic dishes—please shop online or visit our Yonge Street butcher shop. We look forward to serving you.

Steak and tomato salad

Steak salad is always a good idea, and it’s incredibly simple to make at home. Start with some crisp romaine lettuce then add fresh cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers and red onion, crumbled blue cheese and a handful of croutons. Add sliced steak (fresh off the grill or chilled—it’s your call) and a drizzle of your favourite vinaigrette (balsamic works well with these flavours, but anything goes). If you don’t like croutons, consider adding a handful of walnuts, pine nuts or roasted pecans instead. You can also use ranch dressing instead of vinaigrette, if you prefer something creamier (though we’d skip the nuts if you go that route).

Grilled chicken with summer berries

This recipe starts with your favourite greens—spring mix, baby spinach, kale or arugula—plus some thinly sliced red onion and a sliced or diced grilled chicken breast that’s been seasoned to your liking. (Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.) Add a generous amount of fresh local blueberries and sliced strawberries, plus a handful of nuts (pecans, sliced almonds or pistachios, for example). Top with goat’s cheese and your favourite vinaigrette. This formula is easy to customize, so have fun creating a chicken and berry salad that reflects your taste. If you don’t want to wing it, consider following a recipe like this one.

Grilled pork with goat’s cheese and peaches

This one is easy, summery and so delicious. Start with your favourite kind of lettuce—romaine works well, but spring mix or Boston lettuce are good ideas, too. Add a sliced, well-seasoned pork chop, some grilled peaches, goat’s cheese and roasted pecans or pine nuts. A honey garlic or citrus vinaigrette works perfectly with this combination of ingredients, but you can also use balsamic or another favourite. Want to try a more elevated version of this salad? Use this recipe and add slices of grilled pork (warm or chilled—it’s wonderful either way).

Taco salad with fresh corn

Tacos are a fun summer meal, but don’t forget about taco salad. Here’s a basic formula: ground beef (or ground chicken, a ground beef and pork blend or diced steak) is served over chopped iceberg lettuce, fresh tomatoes, sliced or diced avocado (or a scoop of guacamole), diced bell peppers and red onion, black beans, jalapenos and anything else you love on a taco. Add some fresh corn (you can cook it on the cob and slice off the kernels.) Top it with sour cream or crema, fresh salsa and a drizzle of hot sauce and you’re good to go. You can also add tortilla strips or small tortilla chips for added crunch. Here’s a taco salad recipe to help inspire you.

A classic cobb

Cobb salad is a classic year round, but it’s extra good in the summer. Make this recipe using our tender Ontario chicken and your choice of bacon (we have plenty of delectable options online and in store). Because you can grill the chicken and cook the bacon/boiled eggs ahead of time, this recipe is ideal for meal preppers or families that need to eat in a hurry. Remember, you can put a fun twist on your cobb salad by using steak, pork or turkey instead of chicken! Enjoy.

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