Summer is here and the temperature is still rising. After spending the day enjoying warm weather, you may find that a crisp, refreshing salad is more satisfying than a hot dish. With more than 1000 recipes in the Zipongo platform, we have plenty of delicious and nutritious options for every occasion. To make things easier, we’ve handpicked five of our favorite salads for you to enjoy with your friends and family on those hot summer nights.
Japanese-Inspired Beef & Noodle Salad
This Japanese-inspired noodle salad features buckwheat, one of the most popular whole grains in Asia. Buckwheat noodles, also called soba, are traditionally served cold with a soy-based dipping sauce or in a hot broth. To get buckwheat noodles perfectly tender, be sure to cook them in simmering water instead of boiling, and rinse them under cold water after straining. This salad is a good source of fiber and B vitamins. Research shows that eating more whole grains may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Orange-Walnut Salad with Chicken
This quick and easy salad features walnuts, which are one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating more omega-3 fatty acids is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The toasted walnuts also add crunch to this delicious summer salad. Top with smooth goat cheese and refreshing orange segments to make it an instant party favorite.
Celeriac, Cress & Spinach Salad with Parmesan Crisps
This vegetarian salad features a couple vegetables that you may or may not have tried before: celeriac and watercress. Celeriac, also called celery root, is the root part of the celery plant. It’s rich in folate, potassium and a spectrum of phytonutrients. Celeriac also gives the salad a unique nut-like flavor. Watercress is leafy green that is popular in Asian cuisine. It’s a great source of vitamins A, C and K. The baked Parmesan crisps add umami flavor to this refreshing salad.
Southwestern Salad with Black Beans
This Southwestern-inspired salad features a complete source of vegetarian protein because of the combination of black beans and corn. Most plants, with the exception of soy, don’t have a complete set of essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein). It’s important for anyone who follows a vegetarian or vegan diet to eat a variety of legumes and grains together so they get all of the essential amino acids.
Crunchy Bok Choy Slaw
This Chinese-inspired vegan salad features thinly-sliced bok choy, carrots and scallions. It’s seasoned with traditional Chinese condiments like rice vinegar and sesame oil. Bok choy is a good source of plant-based calcium, with about 75mg per cup. This makes it a great choice for those who omit dairy from their diet.
