When summer gets busy, I don’t want complicated dinners.

I want something fresh, filling, and easy to get on the table without heating up the kitchen.

That’s one reason I love summer salads.

But here’s the trick that makes them even easier:

Don’t think of a salad as a side dish. Think of it as the base for dinner.

Start with your greens and then build from there.

Build Your Summer Dinner Salad

You don’t need a complicated recipe. Just mix and match what you already have.

Start with greens:

• Romaine
• Spring mix
• Spinach
• Your favorite lettuce

Add a protein:

• Leftover chicken
• Rotisserie chicken
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Tuna
• Beans

Add something fresh:

• Cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Berries
• Peaches

Add something satisfying:

• Cheese
• Nuts or seeds
• Croutons
• Avocado

Then add your favorite dressing and dinner is ready.

My Favorite Summer Salad Shortcut

Here’s where I try to make future-me’s life a little easier.

Instead of washing and prepping produce every single time I want a salad, I like to do a little prep all at once.

Wash your greens.

Wash your berries.

Spin them dry.

Then store them so they’re ready to grab.

When your produce is already clean and ready to go, making a quick salad for dinner—or lunch the next day—is so much easier.

That’s one reason I’ve been enjoying the Salad & Berry Spinner. I can rinse my greens or berries, spin away the excess water, and get them ready to use.

It’s a small step, but those little steps can make a big difference on a busy weeknight.

Try This Easy Summer Chicken Salad

Start with:

• Mixed greens
• Cooked chicken
• Cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Berries or sliced peaches
• Feta or your favorite cheese

Add your favorite dressing and a handful of nuts or seeds if you like.

That’s dinner.

No complicated recipe. No need to turn on the oven. And you can easily change it based on what you already have.

My Dinner Decision Tip

The next time you’re standing in the kitchen wondering what to make, don’t start by looking for a recipe.

Start by asking:

What do I already have that could become dinner?

A little leftover chicken + fresh produce + something crunchy can turn into a completely different meal.

That’s the beauty of flexible dinners.

You don’t need more complicated recipes.

Sometimes you just need an easier way to decide what to do with what you’ve already got.

What’s your favorite thing to add to a summer salad?

I’d love to hear your combination!