From watermelon with tangy feta to crunchy kale meets creamy avocado, we’ve rifled through our favourite collection of summer salad recipes, each as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat. Healthy, zingy, seasonal, fresh and delightful, these are the salads we’ll be feasting upon at our table under the sun. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner by starlight, these summer salad ideas are guaranteed spotlight stealers.
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette,
Olive Tomato
When the sun really comes out, there is nothing more refreshing than watermelon; we could – and often do – devour whole hunks of it. But for a perfect high summer lunch, you can’t do much better than this Greek classic which, as Elena Paravantes rightly says, is made for the moments when you simply cannot be bothered to cook in the heat of the day. We love her addition of sesame seeds for crunch, vinaigrette for bite and a touch of honey for added sweetness. The very stuff of la dolce vita. Get the recipe.
Baked Feta Salad, Olive Magazine
We are, as you might discern, warming to our theme here. But since tangy feta with fruit is just so perfect at this time of year, it would be negligent not to devour it in its every iteration. When figs are in season, find us poised to work them in to as many meals in as many ways as possible. This is a showstopper: salty, sweet, drizzled with honey, scattered with almonds and given a kick with chilli flakes, it’s the perfect dinner party salad to eat in gardens thronged with lavender. Get the recipe.
Kale Salad W/ Avocado Tahini Sauce, Love & Lemons
As Love & Lemons’ blogger Jeanine says, this is a recipe to have on standby all throughout the year. As green as it gets, it’s packed full of goodness, thanks to the kale (which, since raw, should be massaged), brussels sprouts, white beans, radishes, almonds, basil and sliced carrots, all of which is lent a nutty, lemony luxuriance via an avocado tahini. We can think of few tastier salads than this, and it’s as gorgeous eaten al fresco with a good glass of white wine now as it is in a few weeks’ time with a some red to see us through the autumn. Get the recipe.
Aubergine Salad With Mint And Pine Nuts, Olive Magazine
A beautifully charred aubergine goes hand in glove with crumbled feta, not least when further lifted by fresh mint and sweet sultanas. This excellent and easy salad goes dreamily with barbecued lamb or, alternatively, works well on its own, perhaps with an accompanying tomato salad to offset the flavours. Get the recipe.
Creole Shrimp Caesar Salad with Cheesy Croutons, Country Living
We adore a good hearty salad that transports us to the coast in a bite (who doesn’t?) With extra jumbo shrimp, mayo, anchovies, lemons, parmesan, cheesy croutons and crunchy romaine lettuce, this one’s a masterclass in balancing flavour and texture. Get the recipe.
Hot Smoked Salmon And Freekeh Salad, Delicious
This beautiful salad is great way to serve up salmon to the troops in one relaxed and informal dish. We love the crunch of the chopped almonds and the sunflower seeds, the sweet goodness of the goji berries and golden raisins, and the freshness of the parsley and coriander. Perfect for relaxed candlelit al fresco suppers at dusk. Get the recipe.
Tomato Salad With Burrata And 'Nduja Sauce, Olive Magazine
A good tomato salad, served with a side of crusty sourdough to mop up its delicious sweet juices, is really all we’ll ever need on a hot day. This one from Olive Magazine is simple and flavoursome, adding burrata for creamy sustenance and ‘nduja for kick. Perfection whether served up in the garden or on a balcony overlooking the sea. Sigh. Get the recipe.
Summer Salad FAQs
What makes a great summer salad?
A great summer salad balances fresh seasonal ingredients, contrasting textures and a mix of flavours. Think sweet watermelon with salty feta, creamy burrata with juicy tomatoes, or crunchy kale with a rich avocado dressing.
Can summer salads be filling enough for a main meal?
Absolutely. Adding ingredients such as salmon, shrimp, beans, freekeh, feta, burrata or nuts turns a simple salad into a satisfying lunch or supper.
How far in advance can I prepare a salad?
Most ingredients can be prepared a day ahead. Wash and dry leaves, chop vegetables and make dressings in advance, but combine everything just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What's the best way to keep salad leaves crisp in the fridge?
Follow these ideas:
- Wash leaves only if needed, then dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean tea towel.
- Store them in an airtight container lined with kitchen paper.
- Place another sheet of kitchen paper on top to absorb excess moisture.
- Replace damp paper towels as needed.
- Keep leaves in the vegetable drawer where temperatures are more stable.
- Place an ice cube in your salad bag to help keep leaves fresh.
Why do my salad leaves go slimy so quickly?
Excess moisture is usually the culprit. Wet leaves trapped in a sealed container deteriorate rapidly. Thorough drying and using absorbent paper towels can significantly extend freshness.
Can I revive wilted salad leaves?
Yes. Soak them in a bowl of ice-cold water for 10 to 15 minutes, then dry thoroughly. This often restores much of their crispness.
When should I add the dressing?
Dress salads just before serving. Acidic dressings begin breaking down delicate leaves almost immediately, causing them to wilt.
What's the secret to a good kale salad?
Massage the kale with a little olive oil or dressing for a minute or two before serving. This softens the leaves and improves flavour and texture. The article specifically notes that raw kale benefits from being massaged.
Which ingredients can be prepared ahead without losing quality?
Here are some ideas:
- Grains such as freekeh or quinoa
- Cooked beans
- Toasted nuts and seeds
- Dressings and vinaigrettes
- Chopped crisp vegetables such as carrots, radishes and cabbage
How can I stop avocado from browning?
Toss cut avocado with lemon or lime juice and add it at the last minute where possible. Cover tightly if preparing ahead.
What are some easy ways to add crunch to a summer salad?
Try toasted almonds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, croutons or thinly sliced radishes. Many of the featured salads use nuts and seeds to add texture.
:Which summer fruits work particularly well in salads?
Watermelon, figs, peaches, berries and mango all pair beautifully with salty cheeses and fresh herbs. The article showcases both watermelon and figs alongside feta.
How can I make salads feel more special for entertaining?
Use a large serving platter rather than a bowl, layer ingredients attractively, finish with fresh herbs and add a final flourish such as toasted nuts, chilli flakes or a drizzle of quality olive oil.
What's the biggest salad mistake people make?
Overdressing. Start with less dressing than you think you need, you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
