Easy-Peasy Summer Salads

Photo by Vicki Bartel

Summer salad season is upon us and there is just something about summer hosting that feels easier and a little less serious. Maybe it’s the warm weather, longer evenings, backyard dinners, or simply the fact that everyone suddenly wants to gather around food again after hibernating all winter long. Either way, summer entertaining tends to revolve around simple dishes that can feed a crowd, sit out for a bit, and somehow taste even better the next day.

One thing both Candyce and I can agree on is that summer meals should feel simple, fresh, comforting, and easy to share. The best recipes are usually the ones people casually pick away at in the kitchen, ask for seconds of, and quietly request the recipe before they leave.

So for this month’s blog, we thought it would be fun to share two of our go-to summer salads. Neither are overly complicated, both are crowd pleasers, and honestly, they are the perfect addition to just about any summer table.

My choice is an simple green leaf salad that somehow always tastes elevated despite being incredibly easy to make. It’s fresh, crisp, light, and pairs well with just about anything you’re throwing on the grill this summer. Candyce’s choice is a creamy pasta salad that brings a little comfort and nostalgia to the table. It’s colourful, kid-friendly, and the kind of recipe that disappears quickly at backyard barbecues and family get-togethers.

I know food blogs tend to ramble on forever before getting to the actual recipe (you’re probably already scrolling), so we’ll spare you the dramatic life story and get right into the recipes below.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a cottage weekend, bringing a dish to a family gathering, or simply trying to survive summer break lunches, hopefully one of these salads makes its way onto your table this season.

Markie’s Everyday Green Salad

Feeds 4 people, can be doubled or tripled.

Salad

• Mixed greens - 1x 142 gram carton (or double it for larger crowd)

• 1 whole tomato, diced (Roma or cherry tomato 1/2 carton are my go-tos)

• 2-3 Tbsp of red onion sliced thin or diced (or less if you like less onion)

• Cucumber, 1/3 cup - diced (any variety)

• 3 Tbsp of Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toast quickly in an oven safe dish.

• Feta, crumbled, about 1/4 cup (less or more depending on your desired amount).

Combine these ingredients in order as listed in a large salad bowl (make sure the bowl is big enough for mixing with dressing)

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider)

• 1 tsp grainy Dijon mustard (or regular Dijon mustard)

• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

• 1/2 tsp of oregano or Italian herbs

• sprinkle of salt and pepper

Put all these ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to emulsify, or put them in a jar and shake together till emulsified.
Pour over the top of salad and mix or dress salads individually and ENJOY!

Candyce’s Creamy Dill Pasta Salad

Feeds 4–6 people

Salad

• Rotini pasta - 1x 340 gram box

• 1 Cup of Old cheddar cheese, cubed small

• 1/3 english cucumber, diced small

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced small

• 1 large carrot, diced small

• 1 celery stalk, diced small

• 1/4 red onion, diced very fine (or less if preferred)

• 1/2 cup peas (frozen, dethawed in cold water)

• Fresh dill - about 1/4 cup chopped (reserve some extra to put in dressing)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and let cool completely.
Combine pasta, cheddar, cucumber, pepper, carrot, celery, red onion, peas, and dill in a large bowl (leave room to mix with dressing).

Dressing

• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• sprinkle of black pepper

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Put all dressing ingredients into a small bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Pour over pasta salad and mix until evenly coated. Chill the pasta salad before serving for best flavour and ENJOY!

---

And that’s it! Easy right?

Either salad recipes are perfect for a summer BBQ, hosting a small gathering OR just for an easy dinner for your family.

Now we need to know: do you have a favourite summer salad recipe you keep making year after year?
Send us a DM on Instagram or email us a recipe to share what has become a Summer staple in your home!

Thanks for reading friends!

Catch you next Month,

Markie & Candyce.