It’s been a long time coming, but as of this week … it’s summer, baby!

We’re at the time of year for outdoor meals, long evenings with friends and poolside days beneath the warm, warm sun.

It is hot.

And that means, as we phase out the hearty meals of winter and fall, it’s time to bring in the cool, light recipes that make a summer dish so delicious. So, for my first meal of the season, I’m sharing one of my favorites: a sweet and tasty Nectarine Summer Salad.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

For Salad:

• 1/2 cup chopped lettuce or any leafy green

• 1/4 cup cucumber

• Handful of cherry tomatoes

• 1 nectarine

• 1/4 cup feta

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

• 2 sprigs of mint

For Dressing:

• Splash of apple cider vinegar

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and pepper

Getting Dressed at Home

If we’re talking about nutrition, homemade is almost always better than store-bought. Sure, it takes some added time and effort, but that’s the point. Store-bought dressings are made to be quick and easy, often filled with the preservatives and “bad fats” that give a longer shelf life and make it cheaper to produce.

Not to mention, everything tastes better with a little bit of love, right?

With only a few extra minutes of time, some quality ingredients, and a delicious recipe (you’re welcome), you can whip up a healthy salad dressing that elevates your nutrition and dish!

Sweet, Sweet Nectarines

One of my favorite summer fruits, nectarines are a smooth-skinned version of peaches that are packed with nutritional benefits. They’re juicy and sweet but low in sugars and high in fibers. This makes nectarines a great option to sweeten up a meal while actually promoting healthy weight loss.

Nectarines are also high in the antioxidants that can help maintain your cellular health and reduce the risk of numerous diseases by fending off the free radicals that can wreak havoc on your body.

Sunflower Power

An excellent source of plant-based protein, sunflower seeds may be small, but they pack a powerful punch. Their high levels of vitamin E make them a great option for fighting inflammation, a leading risk for heart disease. And the phytosterols in sunflower seeds can play a supportive role in lowering cholesterol levels, also aiding in your heart health.

Instructions

1. Chop up the lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, nectarine, and mint. Place in a bowl.

2. Top with feta and sunflower seeds.

3. Mix together dressing ingredients in a bowl or mason jar and stir or shake thoroughly.

4. Dress the salad and enjoy!