Quick and Easy Salads to Keep in the Fridge for Hot Days

​Senior Care Chicago IL - Quick and Easy Salads to Keep in the Fridge for Hot Days

On a hot day, you don't want to stand over a stove. Even a grill can seem unbearable. If you cook your parents' meals, too, you need to have nutritious meals that are ready to go. Salads are one of the best meals to keep on hand.

Here are some quick and easy salads for hot days. 
 
Apple and Chicken Salad 
 
Peel and cube four Granny Smith apples and toss them in lemon juice to keep from browning. Add a cup of walnuts or pecans, a half cup of golden raisins, a half cup of dried cranberries, and two cups of shredded chicken breast. Add half of a diced red onion and two stalks of chopped celery. 
 
Mix those ingredients with just enough mayonnaise to help moisten all of the ingredients. Serve that on lettuce leaves or whole-grain bread. 
 
Cauliflower Salad 
 
Buy frozen cauliflower. Toss the cauliflower and sliced red onion in a few tablespoons of walnut oil. and brown it on the grill or roast it in the oven at a cooler time of day or in advance. If you're making it in advance, store it in the freezer until needed. 
 
Toss the grilled/roasted cauliflower and onion mixture with the juice and zest of one lemon. Add a cup of fresh spinach, a can of low-sodium chickpeas, a half cup of feta, and a few teaspoons of tahini. If you want additional protein, some cooked shrimp work well in this salad. 
 
Couscous Salad 
 
When you're out shopping, purchase some fresh mozzarella pearls, canned tuna, large couscous, olives, roasted red peppers, and a bag of frozen Italian vegetables. Make a vinaigrette with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and balsamic vinegar. 
 
Cook the couscous on a cooler day and keep bags of the cooked grain in the freezer. You can also cook it early in the morning and tuck it into the fridge to cool. To make the salad, toss the couscous, mozzarella, tuna, and vegetables with the vinaigrette. Place it in a lidded container or freezer bag and store. 
 
Zoodle Asian Salad 
 
If you haven't discovered zoodles, you need to try this salad. Zoodles are zucchini cut into noodles using a wide peeler or zoodle cutter. You can purchase pre-cut zoodles in many grocery stores. 
 
Microwave the zoodles for a couple of minutes to soften them. Whisk a quarter-cup of creamy peanut butter with a tablespoon of sesame oil, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and enough water to thin it out. Toss the noodles with that dressing, a quarter-cup of diced green onions, a sliced red pepper, and a bag of frozen edamame. 
 
Make sure your parents have access to healthy meals all week long. One way to ensure they have nutritious meals is by hiring senior care aides to cook for them. Senior care providers can prepare meals from scratch as often as your parents need. Call our senior care agency to discuss rates and other beneficial services that your parents might want. 

 If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Care Services in Chicago IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823. ​

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