Filling summer salads: 10 refreshing recipes to try this season
When the temperatures rise, heavy meals often lose their appeal. That's when hearty, refreshing summer salads come to the rescue. A well-crafted salad can be colorful, packed with nutrients, and surprisingly satisfying — perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week.Here are 10 delicious summer salads that are light, refreshing, yet filling enough to stand alone as a full meal.advertisement1. GREEK CHICKPEA SALADWhy it's filling
Loaded with protein-rich chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, this salad is a Mediterranean classic that provides fiber and healthy fats.Quick tip: Add some grilled chicken or quinoa for extra protein.2. GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALADWhy it's fillingGrilled chicken adds lean protein, while crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy Caesar dressing make it a rich, satisfying option.Quick Tip: Use a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter, healthier twist.3. ASIAN SESAME NOODLE SALADWhy it's fillingWhole wheat noodles, vibrant veggies like bell peppers and carrots, and a sesame-ginger dressing create a delicious and filling fusion.Quick tip: Toss in tofu or grilled shrimp to up the protein content.4. MEXICAN BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALADWhy it's fillingBlack beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing bring both flavour and fibre, making it incredibly hearty.advertisementQuick tip: Serve over mixed greens or stuff into a tortilla for a salad wrap.5. QUINOA AND ROASTED VEGETABLE SALADWhy it's fillingQuinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Combined with roasted summer veggies, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse.Quick Tip: Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.6. CAPRESE SALAD WITH AVOCADOWhy it's filling:This twist on the traditional Caprese features creamy avocado along with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, providing healthy fats that keep you full longer.Quick tip: Add a handful of arugula for extra greens.7. WATERMELON, FETA, AND MINT SALADWhy it's fillingSweet watermelon, salty feta, and cooling mint make this salad incredibly refreshing. Adding walnuts or grilled chicken can turn it into a satisfying meal.Quick Tip: Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for a crunch boost.8. LENTIL AND KALE POWER SALADWhy it's fillingLentils provide plant-based protein and iron, while kale brings fibre and nutrients. Together, they create a salad that's both energising and satisfying.Quick Tip: Massage the kale with olive oil before adding the dressing to soften its texture.9. TUNA NICOISE SALADWhy it's fillingThis French classic features tuna, boiled eggs, potatoes, green beans, and olives. It's a balanced meal with proteins, carbs, and healthy fats.advertisementQuick Tip: Swap canned tuna with grilled salmon for a gourmet touch.10. AVOCADO SALADWhy it's fillingChunks of tender chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy celery, and a light yogurt-based dressing make this a protein-packed salad ideal for a quick summer meal.Quick tip: Serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER SALADS MORE SATISFYINGAdd a protein source: Think grilled chicken, tofu, beans, lentils, or boiled eggs.Incorporate healthy fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil-based dressings enhance flavour and satiety.Include fibre: Beans, whole grains, and leafy greens keep you full longer.Mix textures and colours: A visually appealing salad often feels more satisfying to eat.Summer salads don't have to be just a side dish — with the right ingredients, they can easily be the star of your meal. These 10 refreshing options are not only nutritious and easy to prepare, but they also help you stay energised and satisfied during the hottest months of the year.Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a dinner on the patio, or meal-prep ideas, these salads deliver flavour, nutrition, and fullness — all in one big bowl.Must Watch
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Profit takes a backseat for birds at this adventure park
Vadodara: It all started with a flutter of feathers on a 50-foot bungee platform. A few summers ago, Bandish Shah, a Vadodara-based businessman and nature enthusiast, spotted an Indian pitta — a small, vibrantly colored bird — nesting atop a popular ride in the adventure zone of his resort in Dabhoi. Most people would've ignored it. But Shah did something unexpected: he shut the ride down. "The adventure zone was bustling during the summer holidays, but I couldn't let thrill rides endanger nesting birds," recalls Shah. That one incident changed everything. Soon, he discovered that this wasn't a one-time occurrence. The dense green canopy surrounding the adventure zone had become a seasonal refuge for several birds — from Indian pittas and Asian paradise flycatchers to fork-tailed drongos and orange-headed thrushes. Many of these species, including migratory ones, return year after year to nest during summer — coinciding with the peak tourist season. Faced with a choice between ecology and economy, Shah chose the birds. Since then, he has made it a rule: if a bird nests too close to any ride, that activity is shut down — regardless of footfall or profits. "If hundreds of visitors use the rides daily, it disturbs the birds. And they may never return," Shah told TOI. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "So I decided their safety comes first." The decision comes at a cost. Shah estimates that he loses lakhs of rupees annually by keeping the adventure zone partially or fully closed during nesting periods. Yet, he remains unfazed. "I am a nature enthusiast. Disturbing other living beings for entertainment is the last thing I'd want. Revenue can be recovered. Lost wildlife, once gone, doesn't return," he says. It isn't just the rides that have been adjusted. Once echoing with loud DJ music, the zone now embraces silence. All artificial lights are turned off at night. The goal: create a space where birds feel safe — not threatened — by human presence. Shah's resort, spread across 120 acres, is a green sanctuary by design. Only 10% of the land has construction — mostly using natural materials. The rest is a vibrant forest of native trees, nurtured over the past 15 years as part of his eco-tourism vision. Today, the area hosts over 155 species of birds, some of which return annually to breed. "We also plant thousands of indigenous saplings every year in and around the property," Shah adds. "It's about long-term conservation, not short-term gain."
NDTV
3 days ago
- NDTV
Incorporate Lotus Stem In Your Diet Today To Achieve These Health Benefits
Lotus stem, also known as kamal kakdi in Hindi, is the long, cylindrical stalk of the lotus plant that grows underwater and is commonly used in Asian and Indian cuisines. It has a crisp texture and a mildly sweet, earthy flavour. Rich in dietary fibre, vitamins like C and B6, potassium, iron, and antioxidants, lotus stem is highly nutritious. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, it can contribute to better digestion, blood circulation, immunity, and even skin health. Its low calorie and high fibre content make it especially beneficial for weight management and overall wellness. In this article, we discuss the many benefits of lotus stem. 10 Ways lotus stem can boost health 1. Improves digestion Lotus stem is high in dietary fibre, which adds bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. This helps prevent constipation and supports a healthy gut. Fibre also encourages the growth of good gut bacteria, enhancing nutrient absorption and digestive efficiency. 2. Supports heart health Rich in potassium, lotus stem helps regulate blood pressure by balancing sodium levels and relaxing blood vessels. This can reduce the strain on the heart and lower the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. 3. Boosts immunity The vitamin C content in lotus stem strengthens the immune system by enhancing the production of white blood cells and acting as a powerful antioxidant. It protects the body against infections, colds, and oxidative stress caused by free radicals. 4. Aids in weight management Being low in calories and fat yet high in fibre, lotus stem keeps you full for longer periods, curbing unnecessary hunger pangs. This helps reduce overall calorie intake and supports healthy weight loss or maintenance. 5. Enhances skin health Lotus stem contains vitamin C and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative damage to the skin. These nutrients support collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, giving the skin a healthy glow. 6. Improves blood circulation Iron and copper present in lotus stem support the production of red blood cells, improving oxygen delivery throughout the body. This helps prevent fatigue, boosts energy levels, and promotes healthy skin tone. 7. Manages blood sugar levels The fibre in lotus stem slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood glucose levels. This makes it a useful addition to the diets of those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. 8. Reduces inflammation Lotus stem contains anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids, which may help reduce chronic inflammation in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for people dealing with arthritis, metabolic syndrome, or inflammatory gut issues. 9. Supports liver function Some compounds in lotus stem, especially antioxidants and polyphenols, help detoxify the liver by neutralising toxins and reducing oxidative damage. A healthier liver means better metabolism and improved overall health. 10. Improves mental function B vitamins such as vitamin B6 found in lotus stem are known to aid in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This can help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and support better cognitive functioning over time. Lotus stem is not just a delicious addition to curries, stir-fries, and pickles, it's a functional food that can contribute to holistic health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Nalwadi was architect of egalitarian society: Mandya DC
Mandya: Deputy commissioner Kumara on Wednesday referred to the Mysuru Maharaja, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, as the architect of an egalitarian society and social justice, who envisioned a fair society. The maharaja established the Backward Classes Commission and implemented reservations for the uplift of the backward communities, he stated. Speaking after the inauguration of the Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Jayanti celebration at the Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar auditorium, he said that the maharaja's contributions are such that future generations will continue to remember him. He served the people in a way that they remember him every day. Even during the British era, among nearly 600 princely states, he was a distinguished ruler. People from Mysuru, Mandya, and Hassan regions keep portraits of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in their homes and worshipped him. He expressed happiness that the maharaja was responsible for Mandya district becoming agriculturally dominant. It is also due to him that Bengaluru, now recognised globally as the Silicon City and the first Asian city to have electric streetlights, earned such reputations. Noticing his developmental works, Mahatma Gandhi honoured him with the title 'Rajashri' (Saintly King), he stated. Special pujas at royal cemetery Mysuru: As part of the 141st birth anniversary of Mysuru's king Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, special pujas were performed at Madhuvana, the royal cemetery, in the city on Wednesday. Mysuru Palace Board deputy director TS Subramanya, Urs community leader Amaranatha Raje Urs, Karnataka Senapade president Tejesh Lokesh Gowda, and others were present. They offered floral tribute to the Maharaja and recalled his contribution.
