Summer Salad Time

While Ireland isn’t exactly renowned for its good weather, we have had reasonably good weather for the last few weeks with even a few days that could be considered “hot”.

You can eat salads all year round, but it’s definitely “easier” to do so during the summer months. Apart from anything else shops seems to stock more salad related ingredients and run more offers on fresh vegetables.

At this time of year I try to have salad most days. I say “most days”, as having salad every single day can get a little bit boring.

So varying the ingredients can help a lot!

The staples I use for the basis of most salads are:

red onions (if I have them)
garlic
iceberg lettuce OR mixed salad from the supermarket
tomatoes
balsamic vinegar
olive oil
herbs

Other ingredients will vary depending on what I have in the cupboards and fridge so I can end up adding things like:

tuna – preferably in olive oil
steak – grilled on the George Foreman and sliced up it’s a wonderful addition to a salad base
chicken – either grilled on the George Foreman or chunks
sardines – possibly not to everyone’s taste, but if you’re getting tired of tuna they’re a good alternative
mozzarella – one of my favourite cheeses
hard boiled eggs
pickled beetroot
olives – stoned obviously – there’s nothing more annoying than ending up biting into an olive and nearly breaking a tooth!
celery
carrot – I tend to grate it
peppers – fresh green, red or yellow peppers (yum!)
mushrooms – wonderful if they’re fresh. If they’re a bit “tired” you’re better off cooking them.
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