Summer is the perfect season for salads. The days are hot and the produce abundant, so a light, crisp salad can be counted on to hit the spot. Even the most dedicated of salad eaters can get bored with old standbys, though. If you feel like you’re in a dressing rut, or can’t stomach another forkful of lettuce, check out these great seasonal and nutritious ways to spice up your salads this summer.

Corn, black bean and avocado salad — Who needs lettuce when you have delicious in-season corn for a base? Use your grill for some added flavor, or even roast the cobs in the oven for a more low maintenance option. Hold the corn vertically, and run your knife along the cob to slice off the kernels for a dish that’s far more flavorful and lower in sodium than canned. Toss with black beans and avocado for added protein, fiber and healthy fats. Dress with olive oil and lime juice, or spicy salsa for an extra kick!

Spinach salad with mixed berry vinaigrette—Raspberry vinaigrette is a popular choice for diners looking for a bit of sweetness and something on the light side. Purchased versions may be high in sodium, so why not make your own at home? Pick up some of your favorite berries, clean and toss into your blender. Puree with a bit of fresh lemon juice—start with half of the lemon and you can add more to taste—and then slowly incorporate olive oil until you have reached the desired consistency. No blender?  Just mix together the lemon juice and olive oil and add the berries whole. Use it to top your spinach, and you’ll have a great berry vinaigrette flavor with minimal mess!

Multicolor caprese salad—Tomatoes and basil are at their best in the summer, so the classic caprese is a natural choice. Look beyond the traditional supermarket fare and pick up some of the beautiful heirloom options for a killer presentation and a greater variety of health-promoting phytochemicals. Perfectly portioned, the Mini Babybels weigh in with only 70 calories (50 calories for the Mini Babybel Light and are thick enough to slice in multiple rounds. Stack your tomato slices, cheese slices and basil leaves for an individual salad, or fan out alternating ingredients to create a beautiful appetizer plate to share with friends and family.

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