The best fresh salad recipes with seasonal vegetables and fruits to enjoy at the end of August
Summer salads 🥗 Seasonal vegetables and fruits Freshness tips Easy & healthy recipes
Why prepare seasonal salads in August
At the end of August, nature is bursting with color and flavor. Market stalls are overflowing with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, as well as peaches, nectarines, figs, and raspberries. Seizing this abundance is a feast for your taste buds with a feast of freshness and vitality! Seasonal salads are complete, light, and highly customizable dishes that showcase flavor, vitamins, and conviviality.
Plus, they require very little preparation and avoid overheating in the kitchen 🔥. Whether you're on vacation or back at the office, a good salad is the promise of a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner that feels good.
Fresh salad ideas and serving tips
There are a thousand and one ways to create a seasonal salad! Start by choosing your base: baby shoots, crisp lettuce, arugula, fresh spinach ... Then, let your creativity run wild with seasonal vegetables and fruits: beefsteak tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, radishes, grilled peppers, grated zucchini or lightly seared in the air fryer (if you want tender vegetables, check out our air fryer guide ).
For a sweet touch, consider seasonal fruit : diced melon, fresh figs, peach wedges, or raspberries. The fruit-vegetable combination is perfect for surprising and refreshing!
Mediterranean salad
Tomatoes, cucumber, yellow pepper, feta, black olives, fresh herbs, drizzle of olive oil.
Crunchy Summer Salad
Green beans, radishes, peaches, arugula, roasted seeds, lemon vinaigrette.
Sweet and savory summer salad
Grated zucchini, fresh figs, mozzarella, mint, walnut pieces, balsamic vinegar.
Express vitamin salad
Quinoa, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, raspberries, basil, lime.
To vary the textures, add a cold grain (quinoa, bulgur, barley) or legumes (chickpeas, lentils). Proteins (hard-boiled eggs, grilled fish, cold chicken, tofu) make the salad more nutritious. And for a side dish, why not make a quick smoothie using your favorite blender ?
Fresh tips and winning combinations 🥗
Basil, mint, parsley, coriander: they boost the aroma and color of your salad.
Combine crunch (radish, roasted seeds, hazelnuts) with softness (cream cheese, avocado, ripe fruit).
Prepare your dressing in advance, but pour it on just before serving to preserve the crunch.
A barbecue or grill for quickly frying vegetables or grilling fruit is the perfect way to add depth to your salads!
Keep your ingredients chilled and assemble at the last minute. For an ultra-refreshing effect, even let them marinate for a few minutes in the refrigerator.
Use leftover cooked vegetables or overripe fruit to create original and economical salads.
Budget, purchases and smart equipment
Good news: seasonal salads are economical ! By buying local fruits and vegetables, you benefit from low prices and optimal quality. Favor markets, producers, or seasonal baskets to save money and vary your pleasures.
To save time, invest in a good knife, a mandolin, and an XXL salad bowl. When it comes to cooking, an air fryer is ideal for fat-free roasting, while a small barbecue lets you sublimate tomatoes or peppers in a flash.
Need regular inspiration? Discover ideas every week on our weekly recipes page to vary your salads according to what's available!
FAQ
What fruits and vegetables are in season at the end of August?
At the end of August, you'll find tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, green beans, radishes, lettuce, but also melon, peach, fig, raspberry, blueberry... Enough to add color to all your salads!
How to prevent salad from getting soggy?
Season just before serving and keep vegetables fresh. Play with textures by adding seeds or croutons at the last minute.
Can you prepare a salad in advance?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate and assemble at the last minute. Grain or legume-based salads hold together better if you have to plan ahead.
How to create a complete and balanced salad?
Mix raw vegetables, fruit, a source of protein (egg, legume, cheese, chicken, etc.), crunch, and a homemade vinaigrette. You have a healthy and nutritious dish!
What fruit and vegetable combinations work well?
Tomato-peach, cucumber-watermelon, zucchini-fig, pepper-strawberry... Dare to combine sweet and savory for an ultra-fresh result.
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