What's a good base for a summer salad?

Summer salads shine with lighter greens like rocket, spinach or mixed baby lettuce. You can also build them around grains such as quinoa or couscous, or make a hearty base with pasta or potato salad.

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

Add a good source of protein to make it more filling. Grilled chicken, prawns, halloumi and feta all work well, and grains like quinoa or bulgur wheat add extra substance. Healthy fats like avocado also help create a more satisfying meal.

What fruits go well in a summer salad?

Plenty of fruits pair beautifully with summer salads. Watermelon with feta is a classic match, while sliced peaches or nectarines go well with halloumi. Berries, including strawberries, add a bright and sweet contrast to fresh greens.

What's a good, light summer salad dressing?

A simple vinaigrette is ideal. Use a '3-to-1' ratio of extra virgin olive oil to an acid like lemon juice or white wine vinegar, then add a little mustard, salt and pepper. It’s fresh, balanced and won’t overpower your ingredients.

What are the best salads for a BBQ?

Classic sides are always a hit. A creamy potato salad, a zesty pasta salad or a crunchy coleslaw pair perfectly with grilled meats and veggies and hold up well outdoors.

How do I keep my salad fresh for a picnic?

Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. Store the salad in an airtight container and pack the dressing in a small jar. Dress the salad just before serving to prevent the leaves from going soggy.

Summer Salad Recipes

When the sun is shining, nothing beats a fresh, crisp and vibrant summer salad. They're the perfect option for light lunches in the garden, healthy dinners that won't weigh you down or delicious side dishes for your next BBQ.

Summer Salad with Caramelised Peaches

& Marinated Fetta

Summer Pesto Risoni Salad

with Charred Corn & Goat Cheese

Moroccan Summer Salad

Similar Recipe Collections

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Potato Salad Recipes

Get inspired

The perfect summer salad dressing

Summer salad recipes are all about fresh and vibrant produce, so the dressing shouldn't overpower it. The perfect summer salad dressing is light, bright and zesty, designed to complement the ingredients in HelloFresh meal kits, 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 BBQ recipes. A simple mix of extra virgin olive oil and a bright acid like lemon juice, lime juice or white wine vinegar is the foundation. A balsamic vinaigrette salad is 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: This 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 summer salad dressing

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

Summer salad dressing 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

Summer salad dressing steps:

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.
Add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to a jar with the lemon zest and juice.
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.
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.
Drizzle it over everything from a simple parmesan green salad to a Mediterranean quinoa bowl or an Aussie 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 recipes are 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 Herbs and Spices: 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.