It's summer time and as the heat increases our desire to cook healthy food decreases. I consider salad to be a perfect summer time food because it is easy to assemble without turning on the oven and is more versatile than it is given credit for. With that being said; move over sad, boring iceburg lettuce and make room for some salads you'll actually want to eat!

1. Arugula, Fig, and Goat Cheese (Vegetarian, gluten free)

There are two things I love in life; creamy goat cheese and delicious seasonal fruit. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a little tang. For extra texture add some candied almonds and top with a balsamic vinaigrette.

2. Classic Kale (For Vegan omit cheese/Vegetarian)

This delicious salad combines the trendiest vegetable of all (AKA kale) with a delicious variety of flavor and tart, dried cranberries. For this one shred up one head of kale, add half of a fresh lemon (don't forget to remove the seeds!), two garlic cloves crushed, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and olive oil in a bag until the leaves are tender. Top with garlic croutons, lemon/herb vinaigrette, dried cranberries, and if you aren't vegan shredded Manchego cheese.

3. Asian Chicken Salad

Okay, so I'm fairly certain that this isn't the most authentic Asian recipe but neither is General Tso's chicken and this is much healthier, so there's that .Mix baby bok choy with greens, carrots, purple cabbage for color, top with almonds or cashews and if you're feeling particularly adventurous fry some wonton strips and drizzle some Asian style vinaigrette.

4. Southwest Salad

This salad is not only tasty; it has a lot of texture and nutrients like fiber, protein and calcium. For a little sweet, salty 'merican flavor profile I add ranch and BBQ sauce; toss with romaine lettuce, chicken, corn, tomatoes, black beans, and tortilla strips and you've got a party in your mouth!

5. Caprese pronounced: [kuh-prey-zey, ‐zee]

This here is my all time favorite salad; call me a sucker for simplicity and a lover of cheese and tomatoes! If you're craving a pizza without the carbs, you may want to try this delicious, light, perfectly balanced salad that you can literally make in 2 minutes in your kitchen. It's literally sliced tomato, mozzarella or burrata cheese, basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar (pesto also works great!)