Colorful Cookout Salad & Salsa Recipes!

Spring and summer produce take the crown of color – brightly colored berries and melons, deep salad greens and herbs, fresh red tomatoes, sunshine-yellow corn and orange peaches. Mixing and matching these colors brings a long list of nutrients to the table, pumping up your meals with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals!

The recipes below mix these seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs to bring a flavor and nutrient-packed dish to your table. Both would be perfect to bring as a fresh new healthy option to an outdoor cookout and/or family get-together!

Strawberry, Peach & Spinach SaladMakes 4 servings

1 bag raw spinach leaves (~6 cups)
3 cups strawberries, sliced
2 Tbsp sesame seeds
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 tbsp chopped walnuts
¼ c chopped mint

Mix all ingredients together and top lightly with balsamic vinaigrette (or dressing of choice).

Calories: 135 Total Fat: 8.2 g Saturated Fat: 0.8 g Protein: 5.5 g Carbohydrate: 14 g Fiber: 6 g

Fresh Corn & Tomato SalsaMakes 12 servings

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
¼ c chopped cilantro
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground pepper
2 ½ c fresh corn kernels (~5 ears)
1 avocado, diced
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (OR 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered)
½ c diced red onion

Whisk oil, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper together in a bowl. Add corn, avocado, tomatoes and onion – toss to mix together well. Chill or serve at room temperature. Serve as a dip with tortilla or pita chips, or as a side with grilled proteins (e.g. fish, chicken, or shrimp).

Fresh Corn tips: to remove the silk easily, hold the ear in one hand and rub downward with a wet paper towel. To remove the kernels, stand the uncooked ear in a small bowl and use a sharp knife, cutting away from you. 

Recipe adapted from Family Fun

Calories: ~80 Total Fat: 5.0 g Saturated Fat: 0.7 g Protein: 1.5 g  Carbohydrate: 9.5 g Fiber: 2 g