Sizzling Summer Salads

Sizzling Summer Salads

While healthy eating can sometimes be a challenge, the warm summer months make it a lot easier to turn down the hot chips in favour of a salad. The only problem can be coming up with interesting and tasty salad options.

When Health Guru Geoff Jowett was looking for gourmet inspiration that would keep him on the straight and narrow, he turned to some of his favourite restaurants.

Chef Manoli Tressos of the Award Winning Athenian Restaurant created some classic Greek dishes that will keep your mouth watering and your waist trim. Athenian's healthy salad options include Salad of Grilled Eggplant with Feta Cheese, Beetroot Leaf Salad and Smoked Salmon Salad with Feta and Olive.

For those who like a taste of the orient, U Thong Thai suggest Pla Gong (prawn salad), Yum Talay (seafood salad), Yum Som Zar (Salad with Squid, Pork and Chilli), Yum Nam Tok Salad (Spicy Beef Salad) or a Roast Beef Salad with Coriander.

For a touch of French sophistication, no one could resist the salad creations of La Grande Bouffe Head Chef Robert Hodgeson. Try his traditional Salad Nicoise with fresh Tuna, Wiltoff Salad with Ham Hock and Poached Egg, a salad of Pear, Walnut and Curly Endive with Bayonne Ham or a Lamb Fillet, Beetroot and Mint Salad.

Those with a yearning for something more exotic on their salad plate could try some Middle Eastern recipes from Kazbah including a Smoked Eggplant, Lima Beans and Yellow Capsicum Salad, the Grilled Cauliflower, Tomato and Baby Spinach Salad, a Rocket, Roasted Beetroot, Walnut and Feta Salad or a Seafood Salad with Shaved Fennel and Capsicum with a Sumac Dressing.

All recipes are available through the Bodytrim 4 Weight Loss Cookbook series from leading bookstores such as Angus & Robertson, by calling 1300 66 44 80 or by visiting www.bodytrim.com.au.