It’s summer and despite the sun going on holidays as well as the rest of us, salads are a staple summer diet.

Regardless of the rain, temperatures are still high enough to not want to eat heavy meals while you dash around running your errands on your lunch hour.

So here are a few simple ideas to give you inspiration:

Caesar

In a blender liquify the following:

3/4 cup oil

1/4 cup vinegar

1 tbsp mayonaise

1 tbsp mustard

1 egg

1-3 garlic cloves

2-3 challots

Essentials but not mandatory:

Gem lettuce

Croutons

Anchovies

Bacon bits

Parmesan cheese

Ali Baba

This Mediterranean salad consists of various of textures, colours, and flavours. A trip to the Big Apple takes some planning, but this dish takes hardly any prep. Chop up some lettuce, shred a few carrots, slice a red cabbage, cucumber, and tomato, and have some Feta cheese on hand. Douse the salad in olive oil, white vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic.

Caprese

This one is quick, easy, tasty (and, good for you: tomatoes lower the risk of certain cancers, reduce heart disease risk, and are loaded with antioxidants). Alternate slices of tomato and bocconcini, top with basil (fresh, or dried), and add a drizzle of olive oil. It’s as simple as that.

N.B.: Traditionalists refrain from using balsamic vinegar, but to each their own!

Macaroni

This chilled salad is a summer classic. As a side at a BBQ, or a meal all its own, you can’t go wrong with the ‘roni. Load it with veggies, and keep the carbs at bay after lunch. Opt for low-cal options (like low-fat mayonnaise) to make this delicious salad all the more beneficial.

Dressing:

-Mayo (spoon it on thick, or thin)

-Sweet pickle juice (literally the liquid from your jar of bread & butter pickles)

-Onion powder

-Dice up celery and carrots (bell peppers work nicely, too)

Fruit

Have it for dessert, or make it your meal! Toss strawberries and almonds in with your lettuce, tangerine and walnuts, or make fruit the main feature. Throw away the rules for this recipe, and simply make a salad with your favourite fruits.