This article provides a recipe for a fresh summer salad that is perfect for Fourth of July barbecues. The salad includes lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, croutons, feta cheese, and parsley. The dressing consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Variations include adding protein like chicken or shrimp, substituting other vegetables, using a different type of cheese, or swapping croutons for nuts. This versatile salad is easy to make and can be customized to suit different taste preferences, making it an essential addition to any summer BBQ menu.

A Stunningly Simple Summer Salad for Fourth of July BBQs

Introduction

The Fourth of July is a time for outdoor barbecues, fireworks, and fun with friends and family. While you might have plenty of meat to throw on the grill, you need something to balance out all of the savory flavors. A fresh summer salad is the perfect addition to your menu, and this recipe is easy to throw together on the day of your BBQ.

Ingredients

To make this summer salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 head of lettuce (green leaf or romaine)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 cup croutons
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your stunning summer salad:

1. Prepare the lettuce: Rinse and chop the head of lettuce into small bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce into a large salad bowl.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half lengthwise. Add the tomatoes to the salad bowl.
3. Slice the cucumber: Rinse and peel the cucumber. Cut it into thin slices and add them to the salad bowl.
4. Chop the red onion: Peel and chop the red onion into small pieces. Add them to the salad bowl.
5. Add croutons and feta: Sprinkle the croutons and feta cheese over the top of your salad.
6. Prepare the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
7. Toss to combine: Use salad tongs or a large spoon to toss the salad gently, making sure that all the ingredients are coated in the dressing.
8. Garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of your salad.

Variations

This summer salad is versatile and can be customized with different ingredients to fit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• Substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery.
• Use a different type of cheese like blue cheese or goat cheese.
• Swap out the croutons for toasted nuts like almonds or pecans.

Conclusion

A summer salad is an essential addition to your Fourth of July BBQ menu. This stunningly simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Serve it alongside grilled meat and other sides for a delicious and balanced meal.