# Cool Summer Salad: A Colorful and Invigorating Treat
This summer salad begins with crisp greens, accompanied by crunchy, juicy vegetables, blended in a zesty dressing, and topped off with a dash of nuts and cheese. It’s the ideal dish for warm days, providing a rush of flavors and textures that embrace the season.
## Taste Experience
There’s nothing quite like a crunchy salad packed with veggies and a lively lemon Dijon dressing, harmonized by a touch of sugar and seasoning. The mix of fresh components and a tangy dressing delivers a pleasurable experience for your palate.
## Suggested Tools
To ease the preparation process, think about using a [salad spinner](https://amzlink.to/az0eqhgvkJ1aF) for washing and drying your greens, and a [mandoline](https://amzlink.to/az0O919uRp7f5) for evenly slicing your vegetables.
## Time-Saving Tip
For a speedier preparation, opt for a pre-washed bag of mixed greens. This will conserve your time and effort, letting you concentrate on assembling your salad.
## Preparation Ahead Option
You can prepare the salad up to two days beforehand. To keep the best texture, add the avocado and dressing right before serving.
## Serving Ideas
Elevate this salad into a main course by including your choice of protein, such as [shrimp](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/oven-baked-shrimp/), [cooked chicken](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/oven-baked-chicken-breasts/), diced ham, or [crumbled bacon](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/crispy-air-fryer-bacon/).
## Ingredient Suggestions for Summer Salad
– **Greens**: Select a mix of greens for optimum flavor and texture. Choices include romaine, arugula, kale, baby spinach, iceberg, and red leaf.
– **Vegetables**: Add vibrant and crunchy veggies like cucumbers, radishes, onions, and tomatoes. Leftover sweet corn kernels, spring peas, asparagus, or diced bell peppers can also enhance the color.
– **Nuts & Cheese**: Combine various cheeses such as feta, goat, blue, mozzarella, or parmesan with walnuts, pistachios, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds. Lightly toast the nuts and seeds in a dry skillet first to amplify their taste.
– **Dressing**: Whip up a basic dressing using acid, oil, sweetener, and mustard. If you’re pressed for time, don’t hesitate to use your preferred store-bought dressing.
– **Variations**: Incorporate fruits like blueberries, strawberries, peaches, or pears to enliven the salad. Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil, along with eggs, olives, almonds, or chickpeas, can also boost the flavor.
## Storing Summer Salad
To preserve your salad’s freshness, store the salad and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, mix them with fresh lettuce or vegetables and a splash of fresh dressing. Leftovers can also be used to make wraps filled with your favorite protein.
## Summary
This cool summer salad is not only quick to prepare but also a wonderful way to savor seasonal produce. With its lively colors and refreshing tastes, it’s bound to be a favorite at any summer event. Enjoy the burst of freshness and the health advantages that accompany this delightful dish!