5 Simple Summer Salads

When the patio beckons, the last thing you want to do is spent any amount of time in a hot kitchen. Save yourself from stove slavery with these easy and delicious recipes that are best served with a side of sunshine.

Classic Caesar
Why mess with an old standby? The Caesar salad is simple, tasty, and a surefire way to satisfy even the pickiest palates. Serve on its own or add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make it a meal. Ree Drummond’s recipe is simple, easy to follow, and incredibly delicious, especially with the addition of homemade croutons.

Asparagus, Spinach, and Crisped Prosciutto Salad
We have Martha Stewart to thank for this incredible recipe that brings together lively greens, salty prosciutto, and fresh summer vegetables in a salad that will have your guests begging for more. Simple but undeniably sophisticated, this recipe is perfect served with a crisp glass of perfectly chilled rose

Butter Bean, Tuna, and Celery Salad
Fresh, hearty, and easy to make, you’d be hard pressed to find a better picnic contribution than this delicious salad. Food and Wine’s recipe combines a few simple ingredients to make this delightful dish that’s substantial enough to serve as a meal. Try to find good quality tuna, it really does make a difference.

Cabbage and Carrot Salad
A new take on a classic summer standby, this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens is a fabulous way to add a fresh kick to your basic barbecues. Snappy toasted sesame, peanut butter, honey, and lime juice are just some of the flavours that come together to make this Asian inspired crowd-pleaser. Your weekend grill outs will never be the same.

Tomato-Beet Salad
Beets can be polarizing. Some people adore them whereas other argue that their taste is mildly reminiscent of dirt. End the debate once and for all with this bright salad that promises to become a summer staple. The earthy taste of the beets combined with the salty feta and fresh cilantro makes for an incredible side that will make converts out of even the most most hesitant diners.