When scorching summer temperatures descend upon the Valley — and, despite our current respite, they are coming — I can’t stomach the thought of a heavy meal. Here are five summer salads that, thanks to lots of fresh fruit, are light and refreshing entrees any time of the year.

Cork: This south Chandler restaurant and wine bar starts its unnamed salad ($9) with purple loose-leaf lettuce known as lollo rosso, which is mixed with strips of dried apricot, candied kumquats and fresh strawberries and blackberries in a Meyer lemon-thyme vinaigrette. It’s served on a big piece of delicious Bucheron goat cheese. 4991 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 883-3773.

Pita Jungle: This popular local chain of Mediterranean eateries offers 11 salads, including the Caribbean ($9.49) with pineapple, orange, grapefruit, apple, strawberry and banana over a bed of mixed greens, topped with shredded coconut and raisins and served with a strawberry vinaigrette. Locations in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Glendale.

Crackers & Co. Cafe: The Fruited Chicken Salad ($8.99) at these dishes-from-scratch cafes is made with white-meat chicken, raisins, celery, pineapple, mandarin oranges, strawberries and almonds on a bed of mixed greens with a creamy lemon dressing. 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa, (480) 898-1717; 1325 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa, (480) 924-9977; 1285 W. Elliot Road, Tempe, (480) 705-7900.

S’Bistro: This downtown Mesa bistro counters the chili-spiced chicken in its Las Cruses Salad ($8 lunch, $14 dinner) with the sweetness of grilled pineapple, strawberries and mango. It also comes with blue cheese, all served on a bed of California field greens and topped with a berry vinaigrette. 124 W. Main Street, Mesa, (480) 962-0344.

Pier 54: This patio restaurant on an urban lake borrows from Down Under for its Strawberry Kiwi Salad ($6.99 small, $7.99 regular). Sliced strawberries and kiwi are placed on a bed of greens, tossed with a raspberry vinaigrette and topped with dried cranberries and candied walnuts. 5394 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, (480) 820-0660.

Posted in: Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa • Tempe • 5 to Try • Cork • Crackers & Co. • Pier 54 • Pita Jungle • S'Bistro |

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