Michigan Summer Harvest Salad

Summer in Michigan is glorious! Long days, beautiful lakes, and best of all, a bounty of fresh, vibrant produce. As Michigan Family Doulas, we know how important it is to nourish your body, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. And what better way to do that than with a refreshing, nutrient-packed local Michigan summer harvest salad?

Eating seasonally not only tastes incredible but often means your produce is at its peak nutritional value. For July, our local farms are overflowing with juicy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, crisp corn, and a rainbow of berries.

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Michigan Summer Harvest Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

This salad is a celebration of Michigan summer! It’s bright, crisp, and so easy to customize.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 6 cups mixed greens (such as Michigan-grown romaine, butter lettuce, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh from the cob, or frozen & thawed)
  • 1 cup chopped Michigan cucumbers (about 1 medium cucumber)
  • 1 large bell pepper (any color, thinly sliced or diced)
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional, soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the flavor)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, or use goat cheese for a creamier touch)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (for crunch and healthy fats)
• For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (or parsley/chives)
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, corn kernels, chopped cucumber, bell pepper, blueberries, and red onion (if using).
3. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients. Divide among serving plates, then sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of Michigan summer!

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Ingredient Spotlight: The Mighty Cucumber & Why It’s a Pregnancy Powerhouse

While every ingredient in this salad offers fantastic benefits, we want to shine a special light on the humble cucumber. Often underestimated, this refreshing vegetable is particularly beneficial during pregnancy for several key reasons:

• Hydration Hero: Cucumbers are over 95% water! Staying adequately hydrated is paramount during pregnancy to support increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and overall maternal health. They can be a delicious way to boost your fluid intake, especially on hot Michigan summer days, potentially easing swelling.
• Essential Nutrients: Beyond just water, cucumbers provide valuable micronutrients like Vitamin K (important for blood clotting), Vitamin C (an antioxidant that supports immunity), and B vitamins (which can help with energy levels and mood). They also contain minerals like potassium, which is vital for maintaining fluid balance and healthy blood pressure.
• Digestion Support: The high water and fiber content in cucumbers can aid digestion and help prevent common pregnancy discomforts like constipation, offering gentle relief.
• Soothes Nausea: For many expecting parents experiencing morning sickness or general nausea, the mild, cool, and refreshing taste of cucumber can be incredibly soothing and easy to keep down.

So, as you enjoy your Michigan Summer Harvest Salad, know that every crisp bite of cucumber is doing wonders for both you and your developing baby.

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At Michigan Family Doulas, we’re here to support your holistic well-being throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey. Nourishing your body with seasonal, wholesome foods is just one piece of the puzzle, and we’re always happy to share tips and resources to help you thrive.

Happy Summer, Michigan families! #Doulasnearme #doulasofMichigan #Michiganmoms