Three Amazing Summer Salad Ideas

Hello, fashionistas! We know you love a gorgeous summer ensemble as much as we do, and here at lagunaoaksoa, we believe in expressing style in every aspect of life - including our plate. As we transition our wardrobes into the sunny season, why not bring that same vibrant transformation to our food?

With the warm weather inviting us to dine al fresco, BBQs and outdoor get-togethers are undoubtedly on the horizon. And while your summer fashion game is going to be on point (thanks to your latest [Your Brand] haul), we think it's time for salads to enjoy their moment in the sun too!

Oh, yes! Salads are so much more than just leafy greens. They're the haute couture of the culinary world - versatile, colorful, and they can be whatever you want them to be! And guess what? They're also perfect for staying nourished and fabulous during the BBQ season.

So, ready to serve looks and tantalizing salads at your next summer gathering? Here are three crowd-pleasing and oh-so-healthy salad recipes that are as vibrant and chic as our summer collection.

1. Zesty Greek Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 pound Roma tomatoes, wedged
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• ¾ cup kalamata olives
• 1 tablespoon capers
• Thinly sliced red onion
• 8 ounce slab feta cheese, sliced ½ inch thick

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil to create a zesty dressing.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, capers, and red onion.
3. Arrange the thick feta slices on top.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Serve and enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in your backyard!

2. Refreshing Watermelon Farro Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cubed watermelon
• 4 cups cooked and cooled farro
• Small red onion, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together watermelon, farro, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently. It's a refreshing, hearty salad perfect for those hot summer days!

3. Vibrant Bell Pepper and Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dice the bell peppers. In a large salad bowl, combine them with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Add parsley and mint.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
5. Crumble feta cheese on top if desired.

These salads are not just visually stunning (we do love a good aesthetic), but also packed with flavors that'll have your guests asking for the recipe. And just like the perfect summer outfit, they leave you feeling great too! So go ahead, let's make salad the summer sensation it deserves to be and serve some serious style in our plates and on our bodies!