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Too hot to cook? Then turn on the air conditioner or crank up the fan and enjoy one of these easy-to-prepare summer salads instead. Chock-full of the year's tastiest ingredients, these salads are not just good for you, they're delicious, too.
1. Chicken nacho salad
If you love Mexican food, you’ll love this twist on the classic chicken salad. Using leftover chicken, this hearty salad is simple to throw together on a hot summer’s day. In fact, you’ll probably want to eat it all year round! Accompanying frozen margaritas are optional.
Ingredients
1 bag of mixed salad greens, washed
2 grilled chicken breasts, chopped
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups tortilla chips
2 tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup sliced black olives
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup ranch dressing
Toppings
Sour cream
Tomato salsa
Fresh coriander, chopped
Method
Lightly toss together all of the salad ingredients and the dressing in a large bowl. Top with a large dollop of sour cream, tomato salsa and chopped fresh coriander. Serve immediately.
2. Asian noodle salad
This nutty and delicious Asian noodle salad requires no stove time and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
250 grams cellophane rice noodles
½ cup carrot, julienned
½ cup cucumber, julienned
1 spring onion, julienned
½ cup bean sprouts
Coriander, chopped
Roasted peanuts, chopped
Roasted sesame seeds
Dressing
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 clove freshly minced garlic
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Method
Soak the rice noodles in hot water according to the directions on the packet, then rinse in cold water and drain. Mix together all the dressing ingredients, and set aside. Place the noodles in a serving dish, and pour the dressing over the top. Add the vegetables, coriander, peanuts and sesame seeds. Serve.
3. Veggie avocado salad in pocket bread
This delicious avocado salad in a pocket bread sandwich is quick and easy to prepare, and will satisfy even the most fussy eaters.
Ingredients
1 ripe avocado
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup black or green olives, sliced
1 small cucumber, peeled and diced
½ carrot, grated
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons of your favourite salad dressingSalt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pocket breads, with the top third cut off
Sprouts of your choice
Method
Cut the avocado into chunks and transfer to a bowl. Add the rest of the vegetables, feta cheese and dressing, and gently toss together. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide the mixture between two pocket breads and top generously with sprouts. Serve immediately.
No longer just a side dish, today's salads are taking centre stage. So, when it's just too hot to cook, be sure to treat your taste buds to one of these yummy summer salads.
If you're looking to stay cool and save on energy costs this summer, check out EnergyAustralia’s electricity plans to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Or contact EnergyAustralia directly to organise a fast and hassle-free connection in your new or existing home.
