CA-Grown Summer Salads

June 22, 2020

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Salads are a simple and delicious way to enjoy a variety of fresh, seasonal, California-grown produce at the peak of ripeness. Our great state produces more than 400 different commodities, which is more than a third of the country’s fruits and nuts! Having such a bounty at our fingertips makes it easy to play with our food and create fresh, healthy salads with little to no cooking. 

Here are a few delicious California-grown fruits to try in your next summer salad. 

Table Grapes: California is well known for its wine country, but the Golden State also grows more than 99% of fresh grapes in the U.S.A. There are more than 80 varieties of grapes, but most commonly, they are referred to by their common colors: green, red and black. They’re mainly grown in Coachella Valley and San Joaquin Valley, and are a delicious, sweet and healthy treat. 

Not just for munching out of hand, try incorporating grapes into green salads or other recipes like this classic Chicken Waldorf Salad. 

Melons: From cantaloupe and honeydew to watermelon and specialty varieties, there are so many melons to enjoy this summer! California is the largest melon grower in the U.S.A., mainly growing them in the Southern Desert area and the San Joaquin Valley. Enjoy melons ice cold, sliced up in a fruit salad or in one of these summery creations.

Light and refreshing, melon-based salads like Chayote & Melon Slaw and Watermelon Salad are perfect for summertime picnics and casual dinners.

Strawberries: These sweet, juicy berries are grown in five distinct areas of coastal California by more than 300 organic and conventional strawberry growers, many from multi-generational farming families. California strawberries are hand-picked and at the peak of the season, and can be harvested every three days since the plants will continually produce fruit throughout their season.

Ready to eat? Try this simple Strawberry Arugula Salad with locally produced goat cheese for extra California love.

Don't forget the greens! Learn about the best ways to choose, use and store leaf lettuce in our latest Foodie FAQs.

Written in partnership with the CA-Grown marketing agreement.

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