Easy Summer Salads

Sometimes when I get home from work, the last thing that I want to do is cook, but I still want a delicious, healthy meal. Summer is great time to get creative in the kitchen with fresh produce and prepared foods from Harter House Supermarkets and Harter House World Flavors.

For an easy, versatle meal, I like to cut up a yellow squash and a zucchini squash and toss with lemon juice, salt, pepper and fresh herbs to taste (basil and oregano pair well for a light summer taste or try Herbs De Province). You can also peal the squash into ribbons using a vegetable peeler and top with shaved parmesan cheese for a different texture reminiscent of pasta.

Starting with this, I'll add a variety of different items from Harter House's fresh Deli to make an easy no-cook meal; like Ham diced or Roast Beef.

Tomorrow, I'll cook up some pasta and top it with the leftover salad for a great summer pasta dish.

I also enjoy hard boiled eggs, green beans - tender-crisp, nuggett potatoes, or any other veggies. then serve them along with easy protein - cheese, smoked salmon, rotisserie chicken, marinated beans, sliced meats, quinoa salad, cooked prawns. Add any fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cauliflower, radishes. Add any condiments like olives or capers or dill pickles. Top with a yummy dressing, like peanut, balsamic or ranch. It's different every night, and has a great variety of different tastes, colors and textures.

Sometimes, I like to take some black beans, mash them up a little and spread them on a fresh french roll with some salsa or avocado or maybe a bit of cheese, melted.

Another favorite, open faced sandwiches with cucumbers and hummus or smoked salmon and cucumbers. Toast bread lightly and pile on your desired toppings.

What's YOU'RE favorite summer salad?