Summer salads are a go-to lunch for me right now. They’re easy, refreshing and delicious. I love that I can throw them together in a matter of minutes then get right back to work (or let’s be honest pretending to work and staring at pictures of Four instead). And since its almost unbearably hot in Dallas right now, I am always craving something super refreshing.  So, over the past few months I have  been playing around with a few different recipes. I have 4 that I keep going back to. I am going to include what ingredients I use, but am not including serving sizes because I usually just wing it!

Caprese Salad

A summer staple in our household! Could seriously have this everyday for lunch or dinner. See the reel I made for it here.

What you’ll need: Grape tomatoes, Avocado, Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Balsamic Vinaigrette (I use Newman’s), Balsamic Glaze

Directions: Halve grape tomatoes and place in bowl. Slice up your avocado, mozzarella and fresh basil. Mix with tomatoes. Top with balsamic vinaigrette and balsamic glaze.

Strawberry/Spinach/Feta

First of all how pretty do all those colors look together? Again…SO simple. Just 5 ingredients! I love this one because the walnuts add such a fun texture to it. I didn’t here, but I also like to add grilled chicken to this! See the reel I made for it here.

What you’ll need: Strawberry’s, Spinach, Feta Cheese Crumbles, Walnuts, Vinaigrette Dressing (I used Briannas Blush Wine Dressing…which you can find at most grocery stores), Grilled Chicken

Directions: Halve or Slice your strawberries and add to bed of spinach. Add feta crumbles and crushed walnuts. Top with your choice of vinaigrette dressing.

Taco salad

I mean who doesn’t love a good taco salad? A nice alternative to tacos/burritos. This might be weird but I use Italian dressing on mine since I have yet to find a bottle of ranch I love…I’m taking suggestions! See the reel I made for it here.

What you’ll need: Romaine lettuce, 1lb ground beef, Taco seasoning (I used McCormick), Black beans, Avocado, Shredded Cheese, Salsa, Italian Wishbone dressing (ranch if you have a fav)

Directions: Cook ground beef and add seasoning according to package. In a separate pan, heat up black beans. Combine both beef and beans with lettuce, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, salsa and dressing of your choice.

Watermelon/Feta salad

I tried this for the first time a couple weeks ago and let me tell you…I’m OBSESSED. I swear I had it for lunch for the next week straight. This is a salad you can kind of give your own twist. I added cucumber and extra salt to mine. All depends on what you like! See the reel I made for it here.

What you’ll need: Watermelon chunks, Cucumber, Red Onion, Feta Cheese Crumbles, Balsamic Glaze, Mint

Directions: Chop watermelon and cucumber and add to bowl. Thinly slice red onion. Combine all ingredients and top with balsamic glaze and mint.