What's a good base for a summer salad?

While you can use any greens, summer salads are great for using lighter leaves like rocket, spinach, and mixed baby lettuce. You can also build a base on grains like quinoa or couscous, or make a classic pasta or potato salad.

How can I make a summer salad a satisfying main meal?

To make it a filling main, add a good source of protein. Grilled chicken, prawns, halloumi, and feta cheese are all perfect for summer. You can also add hearty grains like quinoa or bulgur wheat, or healthy fats like avocado.

What fruits go well in a summer salad?

So many! Watermelon and feta are a classic combination. Sliced peaches or nectarines with halloumi, or strawberries and berries with a balsamic dressing are all delicious ways to add a sweet, seasonal twist.

What's a good, light summer salad dressing?

A simple vinaigrette is perfect. A '3-to-1' ratio of extra virgin olive oil to an acid (like lemon juice or white wine vinegar), plus a little mustard, salt, and pepper, is all you need. It's light and won't overpower your fresh ingredients.

What are the best salads for a BBQ?

You can't go wrong with classic side salads. A creamy potato salad, a zesty pasta salad, or a crunchy, fresh coleslaw are all perfect companions for grilled meats and veggies.

How do I keep my salad fresh for a picnic?

The key is to keep the dressing separate! Store your salad ingredients in an airtight container and put your dressing in a small jar. Only dress the salad just before you're ready to eat it to stop the leaves from going soggy.

Summer Salad Recipes

When the sun is shining, nothing beats a fresh, crisp, and vibrant summer salad. They are the perfect option for a light lunch in the garden, a healthy dinner that won't weigh you down.

South American, Moroccan Summer Salad

Summer Time Freekeh Salad

British Summer Salad with Asparagus, Chives and Fennel

A Simple Smoked Mackerel Summer Salad

with Green Beans and New Potatoes

Similar Recipe Collections

Halloumi Salad Recipes

Cucumber Salad Recipes

Greek Salad Recipes

Get inspired

The Perfect Summer Dressing

A summer salad is all about fresh, vibrant produce, so the dressing shouldn't overpower it. The perfect summer salad dressing is light, bright, and zesty, designed to complement the ingredients, not mask them. While heavy, creamy dressings have their place, summer is the season for vinaigrettes.

Light Vinaigrettes: This is the go-to for summer. A simple mix of extra virgin olive oil and a bright acid like lemon juice, lime juice, or white wine vinegar is the foundation. It's perfect for delicate leaves, fresh greens, and fruity salads.
Light & Creamy Dressings: If you're craving a creamy texture, skip the heavy mayonnaise. A tangy yoghurt-based dressing, often thinned with lemon juice and packed with fresh herbs like dill or mint, is a refreshing and light alternative.
Fruity & Sweet Dressings: Don't be afraid to add a touch of fruit. A raspberry vinaigrette or a dressing with a splash of orange juice can add a beautiful, sweet and tangy note that pairs perfectly with ingredients like feta or nuts.

Making your own is the best way to control the flavour. A simple "3 parts oil to 1 part acid" ratio is a great place to start, just whisk it with some salt, pepper, and a touch of mustard or honey.

Simple Lemon Vinaigrette: Your Go-To Summer Dressing

This is the only dressing you'll need for 90% of your summer salads. It's quick, fresh, and goes with everything.

Ingredients: - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 large lemon (you'll use the zest and the juice) - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup) - Salt and black pepper to taste

Method: 1. Zest the lemon into a small bowl or jar first (this releases all the fragrant oils). Then, squeeze in all the juice from the lemon. 2. Add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to a jar with the lemon zest and juice. 3. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the jar vigorously for about 30 seconds. You'll see the dressing magically come together, becoming creamy and emulsified. 4. Give it a taste. Does it need more salt? A little more honey? A touch more oil? This is the beauty of making your own. 5. Drizzle it over everything from a simple green salad to a quinoa bowl or a grilled chicken salad.

Building the Perfect Summer Salad

A truly satisfying summer salad is all about balancing flavours and textures. It should be a celebration of the season, using the best produce available.

Use Seasonal Stars: This is the most important tip. Summer is all about the produce. Build your salad around juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and seasonal fruits like watermelon, peaches, nectarines, and strawberries.
Get Grilling: Bring in that smoky BBQ flavour. Grilled halloumi is a classic, but you can also add grilled chicken, prawns, or even grilled peaches and corn on the cob.
Add Fresh Herbs: This is the secret to a truly fresh-tasting salad. A handful of fresh mint, basil, parsley, or dill can transform a simple dish into something special.
Go Beyond the Base: Your base doesn't have to be just lettuce. Use peppery rocket for a bite, or make it a hearty main by building your salad on a bed of quinoa, couscous, or bulgur wheat.
Don't Forget the Crunch: Every great salad needs a final, satisfying texture. Toasted nuts (like almonds or walnuts), seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin), or even a handful of crispy croutons will do the trick.

Summer Salad Recipes

Baked Chicken Breast and Summer Bean Almond Salad

Grilled Lamb Pittas

Summer Chorizo and Potato Salad

Green & Yellow Courgette Cheesy Bacon Summer Tart

Chicken Breast and BLT Inspired Summer Salad

Green & Yellow Courgette Cheesy Summer Tart

Sirloin Steak

Chermoula Spiced Halloumi