When it’s hot, no one wants to heat the oven. Summer fruit salads are a great way to stay fresh, healthy, and nourished just when you need it most. Here are some ideas on how to create the perfect salad for you.

Fruit salads for lunch

Fruit salads aren’t necessarily like traditional salads, but they can be just as filling. It all depends on the type of fruits you include in your creation.

Fiber is your friend. There are several summer fruits that contain a large amount of fiber. As you know, fiber fills you up and also helps remove fat from your digestive system. To increase your intake, include fruits such as apples, pears, berries, guava, and kiwi. They would all make a nice addition to your salad.

Taste the sweet summer fruits. Many types have a natural sweetness that can satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth. These can be your base for your salad. Suggestions: peaches, nectarines, watermelon and strawberries.

Have you heard the saying, “Too much of a good thing…”? That goes for fruit too. To get the taste sweet but not too syrupy, especially for a meal, add some tangy citrus to your salad. Suggestions: oranges, pineapples, tangerines, lemons and limes.

Some fruits can turn brown quite easily when exposed to air. Your creation could lose its appeal if the meat looks mottled when it’s time to eat it. Try mixing your fruit with lemon juice to prevent it from turning brown after you cut it.

To put together your summer fruit salad, start with your favorite greens. Some use lettuce or kale leaves or turnip greens. This keeps the juice with the fruit so it stays juicy from the moment you serve it to the last bite.

Cut the chosen fruit into cubes. Some fruits can be sliced ​​with the skin on for better nutrition. Blend your fruit with a citrus juice to keep it fresh. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Fruit salad for dessert

Fruit does not have to be eaten as is for dessert. Liven things up a bit so everyone wants more. Start with a fruit salad for lunch and add a dressing. This is not your average vegetable salad dressing. Think sweet and spicy and delicious.

Here are some ideas for toppings and dressings for your summer fruit salad:

• Yogurt and orange juice

• Brown sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla extract

• Sugar, cream cheese, lemon juice

• Yogurt and honey

The dressings can be served on the side or poured over the fruit salad. Brown sugar toppings can be boiled to create syrup. Mix it with the fruit. Either way, you create a tasty dessert for a hot summer night. Be careful about the extra calories you’re adding as well.

Do you want an alternative to a heavy meal this summer? Try a summer fruit salad for lunch and/or dessert.

I also encourage you to check out our summer cooking tips, which offer great tips for keeping your kitchen cool during the hot months.