Kick Off The Summer With These Refreshing Cannabis-Infused Salad Recipes

Few things can top a day in the sun with cannabis. But the addition of a light, refreshing salad can take the summertime bliss to the next level. Why not combine the two? Get creative this summer with refreshing cannabis-infused salad recipes. 

Joints and edibles can certainly elevate a poolside chill session or picnic in the sun, but they’re far from the only options. Infused summertime salads offer a cool, crisp, and colorful twist to the typical cannabis consumption methods. We’ve rounded up some great cannabis salad recipes to turn the summertime vibe up a notch. 

Tinctures for Cannabis Salads 

With the help of cannabis tinctures, anyone can make a salad a whole lot greener. Consumers have plenty of options to choose from on dispensary shelves or even online stores (for THC-free tinctures).  

Cannabis tinctures contain cannabinoids–such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabigerol (CBG), suspended in a base liquid. Typically, they’re made with alcohol, oil, or glycerin. Be sure to use an oil-based cannabis tincture for these recipes, as the salad dressings are also made from oil. 

Opt for a flavorless tincture for the best results. Many cannabis tinctures utilize different flavors to mask the tinctures’ earthy taste, but those earthy flavors are welcome in these salad recipes.
Select a tincture that suits your summer salad goals. Want to get super high from your afternoon snack? Opt for a high-THC tincture. Looking to relax and kick back with minimal intoxication? Select a CBD-dominant tincture. Longing for a nap in the sun? Try a cannabinol (CBN)-heavy tincture to promote rest. 

Flexible dosage 

Tinctures provide easy dosage flexibility. Feel free to add as much as you’d like to these recipes. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend following the products’ dosage guidelines. (Eg, if you’re making a salad for four and the tincture defines one dropper as a single dose, add four droppers to the recipe.)

Cannabis-Infused Salad Recipes

Extra Green Watermelon and Mint Salad

Serves 4 | Ingredients:

Salad:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed 
• 1 large cucumber, chopped 
• ½ cup red onion, sliced thin 
• 1 avocado, cubed
• ½ cup feta, crumbled
• ½ cup mint leaves, chopped

Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil 
• 4 drops of the desired dose of cannabis tincture
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 lime, squeezed
• ¼ tsp salt and pepper (can add more to taste)

Instructions:

1. Whisk all dressing ingredients together until well mixed. Optional: blend all ingredients together for a smoother dressing option.
2. Set aside the feta and half of the mint leaves. 
3. Gently mix all other salad ingredients in a large bowl. 
4. Gently stir the dressing into the bowl and mix well. 
5. Taste-test and add additional lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed. 
6. Top with feta and remaining mint. 

Cannabis Caprese  

Serves 4 | Ingredients

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• 4 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup olive oil 
• 4 drops of the desired dose of cannabis tincture
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk olive oil, tincture, and balsamic vinegar together until well mixed

1. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on a tray. 
2. Top each tomato slice with a slice of mozzarella cheese. 
3. Place a basil leaf on top of each mozzarella slice. 
4. Drizzle with the olive oil, tincture, and balsamic vinegar mixture. 
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Canna-Quinoa Salad

Serves 4 | Ingredients:

Salad:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled 
• 1 large cucumber, chopped
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup corn
• ¼ cup chopped basil 

Dressing: 

• 4-6 tbsp fresh lemon juice (based on preference)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 drops of the desired dose of cannabis tincture
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Add all dressing ingredients to a jar with a tight-sealing lid. 
• Shake vigorously until well mixed. 
• Taste and adjust accordingly. 
• Combine all salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. 
• Pour dressing over salad and stir until well combined. 

Notes and variations 

These recipes can be modified based on preference. Some people prefer more tang in their dressing, whereas others may want more savory oil and garlic. Don’t be afraid to taste-test as you go and adjust according to your preferences. 

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to cannabis flavor in food. Between personal preferences, the many different types of tinctures on the market, and varied access to fresh ingredients, these salads may vary in flavor, even when the recipe is followed exactly as written. Those who want to cover up the earthy cannabis flavor may benefit from a little extra acid, garlic, or seasonings in their dishes. 

Each listed recipe is gluten-free and can easily be made vegan. In fact, the initial test recipes were done with vegan cheese in place of regular cheese. For the feta, we recommend Follow Your Heart’s Vegan Feta Crumbles. Miyoko’s Creamery makes a great vegan mozzarella cheese that works well with the caprese salad. 

READ: A Quick Start Guide to Making Cannabis Tinctures

Consume Cannabis Safely 

These refreshing summertime cannabis salads are a great way to kick off the summer and elevate any sunshine gathering. Just be sure to warn everyone about the cannabis content before consumption. And make sure everyone has a safe ride home if you are serving infused dishes at a gathering. 

Foods prepared with cannabis tinctures work just like edibles. In general, they can take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours to produce effects. Once in effect, the high can last for several hours. Tinctures provide an easy way to keep track of dosage since THC and other cannabinoid content can be precisely measured. 

Always disclose cannabis content to others. People should be cautious and prepared when eating cannabis-infused foods rather than overwhelmed and surprised. If someone is consuming a cannabis-infused dish for the first time, encourage them to start low and go slow. (This can be difficult, given how tasty these dishes are.) We recommend trying these salads on a relaxing day with no obligations, just in case they hit stronger than anticipated.