Hi Reader!

With all the news about the recent Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, I figured we’d take a break from leafy greens this week! Instead, I’m sharing six of my favorite summer salads that don't need lettuce.

They’re still fresh, colorful, and easy to toss together, with everything from crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes to pasta, quinoa, and fresh herbs. I’ve also dropped a quick reminder on produce safety below, because giving everything a good wash matters no matter what you're prepping.

Summer Salad Recipes

A Few Quick Produce Safety Tips

Give everything a good rinse. I use an over-the-sink strainer to wash fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs under running water before I cut or eat them and for sensitive ones like berries, I soak them in vinegar for 5 minutes. For firmer produce like cucumbers and melons, I like to give the outside a firm scrub with a vegetable brush, too.

Keep an eye on current recalls. Washing produce is important, but it won’t make a recalled item safe to eat. When there’s an active outbreak, I always check the exact product names and dates before using anything in my fridge.

Clean anything it may have touched. If you find a recalled item, toss it and wash your hands, refrigerator shelf, cutting board, and any containers or utensils it came into contact with.

[Read the FDA’s produce safety guidance.]