Happy Monday Babes, I am getting ready to leave for California tomorrow and cannot wait. Fourth of July celebrations, the ocean breeze, cooler temperatures, BBQs on the beach and lots of family time.
One thing I love to do is cook with my family on the beach but I love making things that are easy and quick so I can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with my family. While I typically don’t mind being in the kitchen, when I am at the beach I want to be outside as much as I can. So I’ll be sharing some of my favorite summer salads that are perfect side dishes to bring to any celebration this summer. First, I will share my Summer Stone Fruit Salad. Not only is it easy to make but it’s beautiful in presentation and tastes great. The colors and textures on the plate also make any table look that much better.
Summer Stone Fruit Salad
Stone Fruits
A stone fruit is a fruit that has a stone or pit inside of it. Stone fruits are very popular in the summer, which is the best time to consume them. Eating seasonally is something everyone should think about more. When eating seasonally you are getting the food at its peak which means it’s not only the best tasting but they are also packed with more nutrients.
Stone Fruits include:
- Cherries
- White Peaches
- Yellow Peaches
- Apricots
- Plums
- Mangos
- Nectarines
These fruits provide a lot of Vitamins such as, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Cherries specifically also provide anti inflammatory agents. When my RA was really bad the doctors would tell me to drink straight cherry juice as it would help reduce inflammation. More on the benefits of stone fruit here.
To the salad, I also add macadamia nuts for some added texture and crunch, but in doing so I am also adding even more nutritional benefits. Macadamia nuts have healthy fats and are rich in oleic acid and omega 9 fatty acid. This provides healthy antioxidants and is great way to sneak protein into the dish.
With a healthy drizzle of Honey to top it off, this salad is packed with sweetness.
Honey is also full of antioxidants and its a healthier alternative to sugar to provide more sweetness to your dish.
So I hope you enjoy the salad, and if you make it, send me a picture or tag me in your finished product. Would love to see your version :]
Now its time for me to get back to packing and cleaning the house.
Also if you like this recipe, also check out my favorite baked veggies & how to make the most delicious kale salad!
