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Fresh Summer Salad With Seasonal Fruits and Crisp Vegetables - Bright, Juicy, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Mixed greens: 6 cups (spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula)
  • Cucumber: 1 large, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Sweet corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh off the cob, lightly steamed or raw if very tender)
  • Peaches or nectarines: 2 medium, pitted and sliced
  • Strawberries or blueberries: 1 cup, hulled and sliced if using strawberries
  • Avocado: 1 ripe, diced
  • Red onion: 1/4 small, very thinly sliced
  • Fresh herbs: 1/3 cup chopped (mint and basil are ideal)
  • Toasted nuts or seeds: 1/2 cup (almonds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts)
  • Feta or goat cheese: 1/2 cup crumbled (optional)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: 1/3 cup
  • Fresh lemon juice: 3 tablespoons
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1–1.5 tablespoons, to taste
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest for extra brightness

Instructions
 

  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using. Taste and adjust sweetness, acidity, and salt. It should be bright, lightly sweet, and well balanced.
  • Prep the produce: Wash and dry the greens thoroughly. Slice the cucumber, tomatoes, peaches, and onion. Hull and slice strawberries if using. Chop the herbs. Dice the avocado last to keep it fresh.
  • Toast the nuts or seeds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool to preserve crunch.
  • Layer the base: Add greens to a large serving bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of dressing and toss lightly to coat so the leaves are seasoned from the start.
  • Add the crisp and juicy elements: Scatter cucumber, tomatoes, corn, and red onion over the greens. Spoon on a little more dressing and toss gently.
  • Add the fruit: Fold in peaches and berries. Be gentle to avoid crushing softer fruit. Add the avocado and most of the herbs.
  • Finish and serve: Top with toasted nuts or seeds and feta or goat cheese if using. Add a final drizzle of dressing, a pinch of salt, and a crack of black pepper. Garnish with the remaining herbs and serve right away.