4 sensational summer salads

A fresh salad is the perfect quick and easy meal. It takes minimal preparation and fills you up without weighing you down. Plus, it’s a great way to use the produce that’s in season: Think juicy tomatoes, crunchy peppers, refreshing melon, and sweet berries. Here are four favorite summer salad recipes that are sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Want a light lunch that not only tastes great, but can also reduce your risk of several diseases? This spinach and strawberry salad is your answer. Eating spinach may help ward off certain eye problems, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The antioxidants in strawberries help protect against cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. And pecans are among the best nuts for your health.

This satisfying bean salad features a rainbow of healthy ingredients including corn and three kinds of bell peppers—red, green, and yellow. But black beans are the star here: They’re packed with protein and fiber to help you feel full, plus nutrients that help lower your risk of colon cancer and heart disease. You can serve this salad right away or make the vegetable mixture up to a day ahead.

This vibrant salad with tender asparagus and ripe cherry tomatoes is loaded with important vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in vitamin C, which promotes a healthy immune system, vitamin B, which helps the body convert food into energy, and vitamin K, which is important for strong bones. Another bonus: It’s only 57 calories per serving!

Old-fashioned fruit salad can hardly be beat in terms of fresh flavor, natural sweetness, and antioxidant power. You can tweak and upgrade yours with toppings such as chopped nuts and honey. A little Greek yogurt can also increase the healthfulness factor: Yogurt can help boost your immune system and aid in the absorption of essential nutrients.