Salubrious Salads For The Summer

What better way to cool and nourish yourself than to seize a salad during these sultry days

-  Naini Setalvad

In summer, salads are your best best friends. Being high in water and antioxidants, salads cool and rehydrate your body while also ridding it of toxins that collect due to the intense heat. Salads are ideal for summer since they not only provide vital nutrients but are easy to digest; you stay light and energetic the whole day through. So, this summer, give yourself the perfect detox program by nourishing your body with salads every day.

From sides and accompaniments to main courses and even desserts, salads are extremely versatile. Experiment with local vegetables, herbs, and dressings to beat boredom. As a rule, you want to aim for as many colours as you can. I always tell my clients to make their plate look like a rainbow.

Salads that have many hues are not only visually pleasing but also brimming with essential vitamins and minerals.

So, what are some key ingredients? Think crisp cucumbers, plump tomatoes, all kinds of green lettuce, red, yellow and green peppers, and onions.

Don't forget that your regular vegetables too can be steamed and added for extra flavour and punch. So don't hesitate to throw in some beets, cauliflower and, yes, even pumpkin. While many people think pumpkin has mere decorative value, few know that it is an excellent salad ingredient, especially when paired with some salad leaves, garlic, and basil.

Speaking of basil, don't forget to add a few fresh sprigs of herbs to your salads too. They go a long way not only nutritionally but also in terms of adding intense flavour. Basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mint, and our familiar coriander all work brilliantly to cool and nourish the body.