I don’t know about you but there is just something about *summer* produce that really get’s me excited to cook. Well, not so much cook, but use the fresh produce in a way that doesn’t compromise its natural flavor – often times this means just serving raw in combination with other fresh produce or dressings. That’s exactly what i’m doing in this “Summer Candy Salad”.
If you follow along with me on Instagram, you know that I have a farm share subscription or a weekly CSA (community-supported agriculture) share. I get a basket of random goodies once a week, straight from Edible Earth Farm in PA and it feels like an episode of chopped! What am I going to make?! Well this week, the box was packed with fresh peaches, corn, and tomatoes… some of summers sweetest “candy.” This salad was so fresh and delicious, it was too good not to share.
With all of that said… introducing the Summer Candy Salad. I didn’t measure much so these measurements are an estimation. Use what you have. Swap things, take liberties here!
Summer Candy Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon I like the small seedless watermelon
- 2 peaches
- 1/2 can chickpeas
- 1 cob corn cut off cob
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1/2 – 1/4 cup good quality crumbled feta sprinkle some more on top
- 2 tbsp mint chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped loosely
- 1/4 cup chives chopped small
Light & Fresh Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 fresh lemon juiced
- 4 tbsp good olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano heaping
- 1 pinch thyme
- 1 tsp sea salt
- cracked pepper
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 clove garlic grated super fine
Instructions
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Cut all of the summer candy salad ingredients so that they're bite sized – this includes everything but the vinaigrette.
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In a jar with a lid, add all of the vinaigrette ingredients. Secure the lid tight and shake the vinaigrette until it's fully emulsified. It should be fully mixed and look kind of light and fluffy.
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Dress the summer candy salad ingredients with as much or as little dressing as you like. I used about half of it. Save the rest for another salad — it's a delicious and versatile vinaigrette
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Important note! Just eye these measurements up when it comes to the salad ingredients. It's completely a matter of preference here. I just guesstimated on the quantities. Add additional items like cucumbers or other fresh summer veggies.
The best part about this summer candy salad? The ingredients are so ripe and so fresh in August, we’ve just cut everything raw and drizzled with a light vinaigrette. It is so packed with sweet flavor… just as you’re meant to eat in summer!
Here’s a little bonus knowledge for you, because the freshness of these ingredients will make or break the recipe. I think most of these ingredients indicate ripeness by a soft exterior but we’ve all picked up an unripe watermelon and it’s sooo disappointing…
I recently learned a few key factors to picking a super juicy Watermelon:
- It should feel heavy for its size
- There should be one little light yellow mark on the side of the watermelon to show where it sat. It’s called a field spot. As a rule of thumb, the color should be creamy and yellow. If it’s white or light yellow, you may want to choose another one.
- Dull is better — shiny could indicate it’s underripe
So now that you’re prepared to pick the best quality ingredients… I hope you make this recipe, share with friends, and enjoy in good health!
