* This post was written by guest blogger, Amy Broughton of 20MinuteMom.com.

There’s something about Summer – the temperature guage rising, the longer evenings, the relaxing schedule – that makes one want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with those you love. When planning your next gathering, consider serving up the tastes of the season Salad Bar style!

Here are some salad buffet items to include on your next shopping list.

• Assorted cheeses: grated parmesan, feta, fresh mozzarella
• Lettuce: iceberg, romaine, radicchio, endive, arugula
• Vegetables: avocado, beets, cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts, shredded carrots, cucumber, diced bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, sliced onions
• Meats: crumbled bacon, sliced ham, shredded chicken
• Seeds/Nuts: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pecans, walnuts, almonds
• Beans: black beans, chickpeas, kidney, black eyed peas
• Other Toppings: boiled eggs, jicama, fresh herbs
• Dressings/Flavorings: olive oil, lemons, balsamic vinegar, ranch, bleu cheese

What are your favorite ingredients in a summer salad?

Amy is a Registered Nurse turned Stay-at-Home Mom who lives with her hard-working husband and pig-tailed daughter in Southern California. When she’s not creating straight vacuum lines and warding off spider intrusions she enjoys reading, pomegranate martinis, Target, and Dodgers’ baseball. She shares her time-saving household management tips at www.20MinuteMom.com.

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