Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and savory with Steph’s Summer Salad, a delightful creation featuring crisp lettuce, vibrant fruits, and an irresistible sweet and sour dressing. This family-favorite recipe is guaranteed to elevate your summer meals!
If you appreciate the unique flavors of this salad, you’ll also love exploring our Raspberry Spinach Salad, another fantastic option for a refreshing meal!
Embrace the Flavors of Summer with a Refreshing Salad
There’s something truly magical about a well-crafted salad, especially one that perfectly encapsulates the essence of warmer days. Steph’s Summer Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh produce and balanced flavors, designed to brighten any table. I remember the first time I shared this recipe, and it’s hard to believe it was already four years ago! Time flies when you’re enjoying delicious food, and this salad has certainly stood the test of time in our household.
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, my family inevitably starts dreaming of summer. While we might not be officially there yet, this sweet and savory summer salad is the perfect way to usher in those sunny vibes. It has become one of my all-time favorite recipes, and honestly, even if you just make the dressing, you’re in for a treat. This dressing is truly exceptional – a delightful sweet and sour blend that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully. If you’re a connoisseur of salads that offer a compelling mix of contrasting tastes, this recipe is absolutely for you.
The Genesis of a Family Favorite: Steph’s Summer Salad
This particular salad holds a special place in my recipe collection. I first discovered it while looking for a dish to bring to a family gathering. Flipping through an old, cherished family cookbook, my eyes landed on a recipe simply titled “Summer Salad.” Despite it being the middle of winter, something about the combination of ingredients called to me. I decided to take a leap of faith, and I’m so glad I did!
To this day, I don’t know the exact identity of “Steph,” the original creator of this incredible recipe, but I am eternally grateful for her culinary genius. Her summer salad is nothing short of amazing. I’ve always been a fan of adding fruit to my salads, but the thoughtful combination of crisp greens, vibrant fruits, and the truly phenomenal dressing in this recipe creates a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s a dish that feels perfectly balanced, effortlessly delicious, and genuinely satisfying.
Why This Sweet and Savory Salad Stands Out
What makes Steph’s Summer Salad truly special? It’s the delightful interplay of textures and flavors. The base of fresh spring mix provides a tender, slightly peppery canvas. Layered within are slices of crisp Gala apple, offering a sweet crunch, and thinly sliced red onion, which introduces a subtle, zesty bite without overpowering the other ingredients. The star fruits, sliced kiwi and canned mandarin oranges, provide bursts of tropical sweetness and juicy refreshment, perfectly complemented by the chewy tartness of Craisins.
And let’s not forget the toasted slivered almonds. These add an essential nutty depth and a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to a harmonious whole, making every bite an exciting experience. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a complete culinary journey in a bowl.
The Secret Weapon: That Incredible Sweet and Sour Dressing
While the fresh ingredients are undoubtedly delicious, the real magic of this summer salad lies in its homemade dressing. It’s a game-changer that transforms a simple fruit and greens combination into something extraordinary. Made with vegetable oil, tarragon vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, and honey, this dressing strikes an impeccable balance between sweet and tangy. The tarragon vinegar adds a subtle herbaceous note, while the Dijon mustard provides a creamy emulsification and a hint of piquant flavor. Honey and sugar contribute the sweetness, creating a dressing that coats each ingredient beautifully without being overly heavy.
The beauty of this dressing is its versatility. While it shines brightly in Steph’s Summer Salad, it can also be used on other green salads, as a marinade for chicken, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why I insist it’s “to die for.” It’s a must-try element that truly defines the character of this salad.
Customizing Your Summer Salad Experience
One of the best aspects of Steph’s Summer Salad is its adaptability. While the original recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are a few ideas to customize your salad:
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey, shrimp, or even some chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or even blue cheese can add another layer of savory complexity.
- Nutty Variations: If slivered almonds aren’t your favorite, try toasted pecans, walnuts, or even candied nuts for an extra sweet crunch.
- Seasonal Fruits: Feel free to swap out or add other seasonal fruits. Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), grapes, or even segments of grapefruit could work wonderfully.
- Different Greens: While spring mix is fantastic, baby spinach, arugula, or even chopped romaine can be used as a base.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing can give it a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.
Experimenting with these variations can help you create a salad that perfectly suits your taste and whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s a testament to the robust foundation of this sweet and savory salad recipe.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep Tips
Steph’s Summer Salad is incredibly versatile for serving. It’s a fantastic light lunch on its own, a refreshing side dish for a backyard barbecue, or an elegant starter for a dinner party. It’s also a perfect candidate for potlucks and gatherings, always receiving rave reviews.
For meal prep, you can prepare the dressing and the salad ingredients separately. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For the salad components, chop and store them individually or combine the heartier ingredients (like apples and onions) and keep the more delicate items (like spring mix and kiwi) separate until just before serving. This prevents the greens from wilting and ensures everything stays fresh and crisp. Only dress the salad right before you plan to eat it to maintain its vibrant texture and flavor.
More Green Salad Recipes to Explore
If you’re continually on the hunt for delicious and wholesome salad ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Beyond Steph’s Summer Salad, our collection boasts a variety of green salad recipes perfect for any occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to impressive entertaining. Dive into these other flavor-packed options:
- Italian Chopped Salad: A classic, robust salad bursting with Italian flavors.
- Summer Chopped Salad with Berries: Another fruity delight, perfect for berry lovers.
- Antipasto Salad Recipe: A hearty and savory option, great as a main course.
- Olive Garden Salad: Recreate this beloved restaurant favorite at home.
- Asian Chopped Salad: A vibrant salad with an irresistible sesame-ginger dressing.
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Steph’s Summer Salad
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 4 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons honey
Salad
- 1 (5 oz) bag Spring Mix lettuce
- 1 Gala apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 kiwis, halved and sliced
- 1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained and roughly chopped
- 3 oz Craisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions
- To make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until combined and creamy.
- Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large salad bowl and toss gently to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving*.
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from a recipe found in an old family cookbook.