The Gourmet Mama

Image By Double Reed

Summer is the perfect time for salads because they are refreshing, tasty and most importantly, require no turning on the stove and adding to the already hot day! Here are a few quick and easy salads that you can make in less than five minutes that will have your family asking for more, and you thinking “why didn’t I try this earlier?”.

Easy Corn Salad

This great summer salad is hearty and filling and makes a great addition to any potluck or party that you go to. I’ve taken it with me to dinners many times and have been asked for the recipe every single time because its such a hit. I love it because its so simple and you can add your own little twist on it if you like!

1 Bag Frozen Corn

2 Medium tomatoes

1 green onion

3/4 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip

You can thaw the bag of corn ahead of time, either overnight in the fridge or in a bowl before you go to work or if its a last minute decision, throw it in a big bowl in the microwave for 5 minutes stopping to stir it every couple of minutes. If there are still a few kernals that are frozen, don’t worry about it. Next, chop the tomatoes into small chunks and dice the green onion. Then all you do is mix everything all together and you have your corn salad!

Mayonnaise works for this salad but Miracle Whip adds a little bit of tang to it. I’ve added shredded cheese, real bacon bits, hot sauce and minced jalapenos at different times to add something different to it but its up to you to leave it the way it is or add whatever else you have on hand.

Asian Supreme Salad

This salad is also quick and easy but with the asian flare to it, it makes it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen to prepare a gourmet salad even though it took you less than 5 minutes.

1 Bag mixed greens (you can get the greens yourself and wash and chop them…but why would you want to do that?)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 carrot

handful of snow peas

1/4 cup Orange Sesame Dressing

For this salad, you simply grate the carrot, throw all of the ingredients together and toss. Its one of those salads that you just can’t seem to get enough of and I’ve sat down and ate the entire bowl on more than one occassion.

Spinach and Feta Salad

For a more Greek approach to salad, try putting together this super simple spinach and feta salad that mixes some great flavours and makes you feel like you have gone out for dinner…well, except for the pile of dishes waiting for you.

1 bag baby spinach leaves

1 small apple

1/4 cup walnuts

1/2 cup feta, drained and crumbled

1/4 cup chopped red onion

This salad is all about layering. First, put the spinach leaves into a bowl, next sprinkle with the chopped red onion. Chop the apple into small chunks and sprinkle those on top, followed by the feta and finally, the walnuts. Put it on the table like that and serve it with a simple vinegar dressing by mixing 2 parts vinegar with 3 parts oil.