Hi there Reader!

Sometimes when it's scorching outside, you just want something cool and light to eat. So I thought I'd share inspo for some fabulously simple and tasty recipes to add to your lunch and dinner rotations. Today we're talking salads, friends...MAIN COURSE SALADS to be exact!

What makes a good main course salad?🥗

Well, these yummy collections of veggies and protein are satisfying enough to be a main course, but can also be divvied up and served as a side dish.👍

Some of the recipes below weren't originally made with protein though, so I recommend topping with thinly-sliced beef, panko chicken, baked salmon, or even honey garlic shrimp if you want to give them an extra boost of heartiness.😋

Try one the next time you're craving something fresh, crisp and oh-so-delicious. Enjoy!

​Ultimate Taco Salad​
​This salad is an explosion of contrasting flavors and textures, from spicy taco meat and velvety black beans to acidic tomatoes and crisp fresh corn, all topped with crunchy tortilla chips and a creamy, cilantro-flecked Avocado Ranch Dressing!

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​P.F. Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps Salad​
​This amazing recipe is a salad spin on the popular restaurant appetizer, loaded with delicious ground chicken, cucumbers, carrots, avocados, almonds, and more!

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​Summer Lentil Salad​
​With protein-packed lentils, roasted corn, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, this salad makes a healthy, vibrant main dish or versatile side!

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​Caesar Salad​
​This scrumptious salad features a flavorful (egg-free!) dressing, garlicky homemade croutons, and fresh shaved Parmesan atop crunchy hearts of romaine!

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​Corn Tomato Avocado Salad​
​This explosion of Tex-Mex flavors and summertime textures is tossed with a zippy lime vinaigrette...and it's also great as a dip with chips!

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​Brain-Healthy Salad​
​Loaded with leafy greens, blueberries, walnuts, and extra-virgin olive oil , this salad is an easy, delicious way to enjoy brain-protective foods in your diet!

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​Thai-Inspired Chicken Chopped Salad​
​This delectable chopped salad is loaded with crunchy Napa cabbage, juicy chicken, colorful peppers, sweet carrots, salty peanuts, and fresh cilantro, all finished off with an amazing homemade peanut dressing!

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​Mixed Berry Salad​
​Lovely flavors mingle in this beautiful salad of spring greens, mixed berries, candied almonds, and honey citrus vinaigrette!

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​Greek Pasta Salad​
​This hearty pasta salad features marinated chicken, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a tangy dressing!

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​Summer Couscous Salad​
​This flavorful summer salad features fluffy couscous studded with fresh corn, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet peaches, chopped basil, and creamy feta in an amazing honey lime dressing!

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​Strawberry Spinach Salad​
​This classic and popular salad features sweet strawberries, salty feta cheese, and toasty pecans tossed in a delectable, homemade Blush Wine Vinaigrette!

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​Summer Pasta Salad​
​Loaded with tender pasta and fresh summer produce including corn, tomatoes, cucumber, nectarines, and fresh basil, this pasta is accented with fresh mozzarella and dressed in a luscious white balsamic vinaigrette. Add sliced chicken on top to make it a full meal!

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​Asian Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette​
​Featuring mixed greens topped with sweet orange segments, crunchy almonds, and creamy avocado chunks, this salad is bursting with Asian flavor!

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If you need an extra tasty way to dress up your summer salads, try...

​Homemade Croutons​
​These fresh croutons with garlic and herbs are not only crunchy, flavorful, and delicious, but they're sooo easy to make!

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And if you'd like to put together your own summer salad, don't miss my entire collection of fabulous homemade salad dressing recipes! ⤵️

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You can't go wrong with adding any of these fresh, vibrant salads to your summer rotation!

Although I certainly wouldn't be surprised if you decided to enjoy them year-round... 😉