Summer Time Salads

School is out for the summer!  After a busy year teaching, its nice to breathe for a moment.  However, it is also the time when your home and have the munchies you reach for the food that is not so good for you.  So when my husband came home saying its time to lose weight I thought its time to eat healthier.  I love vegetables so salad is a definate thing for me but a traditional salad gets old so I did some recipe research and found some great salad recipes which my whole family loved!

Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

2 large English cucumbers

1/2 onion

2-3 tomatoes

{For the dressing}

3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. oregano

1/8 tsp. salt

Directions

Make the dressing: add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.

Slice the cucumbers and onion. Dice tomatoes, removing excess juice. Place in a bowl.

Add the dressing and toss to coat. Salt/pepper to taste if needed.

Best if refrigerated for at least an hour to let the flavors combine.

Caprese salad

Makes 4 servings
Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
4 large ripe tomatoes
1 (8-ounces) package fresh whole-milk Mozzarella
16 fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon good balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions
1. Slice each tomato into 4 slices, discarding (or eating as you prep!) the edges. Using a sharp knife, slice the mozzarella into 16 thin rounds.
2. Arrange the tomatoes on a platter or on individual plates. Top each tomato slice with a slice of mozzarella and with a basil leaf. You can also make pretty little stacks as shown in the photo.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and vinegar. Drizzle over the salad.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.