The summer heat is here in full force, which means we are all craving lighter fare. For something refreshing, these fresh salads feature the best of the season’s produce from local farms.
Immigrant Food Ballston
Chef Ben Murray just added a new summer salad to the menu at Immigrant Food. The French green salad is made with greens, crunchy radishes, sweet cherry tomatoes, and drizzled with a light lemon vinaigrette. The salad is part of Immigrant Food’s just-launched “Girl Dinner Wednesdays ” at their Ballston location. Guests can enjoy the French green salad, truffle Parmesan fries, Filipino fried chicken, and two perfectly shaken martinis, all for just $60 for two. 4245 Fairfax Dr., Arlington
Joon
Dive into Joon’s invigorating Persian cucumber salad this summer. It features chilled cucumber topped with ruby-hued pomegranate seeds, crunchy pistachios, both feta and soft goat cheese, and a sprinkling of fresh mint and lime to cool you down even more. 8045 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 120, Vienna
Mason Social
Mason Social gives the classic caprese salad a fun and fruit-forward twist by adding hunks of watermelon. If you are a real caprese aficionado, you can also try their caprese martini. 728 N. Henry St., Alexandria
Matt and Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar
Matt and Tony’s tomato and burrata salad is a true love letter to summer. Hunks of fresh tomato are combined with arugula, roasted garlic, pine nuts, watermelon radishes, and fennel pollen. Its showered with a lemon thyme olive oil and five-year aged balsamic vinegar. Then the salad is arranged around a gleaming sphere of burrata cheese and dotted with crunchy, buttery challah croutons. 501 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria
NUE
Nothing says summer like perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes. At Nue, the summer heirloom tomato salad is especially creative, with tomatoes and cucumbers tossed in a sweet and spicy Thai chili and strawberry vinaigrette. Fresh herbs add even more brightness and flavor. And a smattering of crunchy, salty peanuts and a dollop of coconut mousse complete the dish. 944 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Virtue Feed & Grain
For fruity summer salad try the strawberry and blueberry salad at Virtue Feed & Grain. Baby spinach is mixed with hunks of strawberry and blueberries, along with candied walnuts, onions, golden raisins, and feta cheese for a salty note. A simple red wine vinaigrette balances out all the sweet flavors for a perfectly finished dish. 106 South Union Street, Alexandria
Feature image courtesy Matt and Tony’s All Day Kitchen + Bar
