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Fresh Summer Salad Recipes & Inspiration
Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing! Sure, it's not exactly a fresh joke, but what is fresh is a delicious salad. And as the days get warmer and the sun shines brighter, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a vibrant summer salad!
Perfect for beating the heat, summer salad recipes combine an array of crisp and seasonal ingredients that are both refreshing and tasty. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish, summer salads are the ideal choice for those looking to stay cool and nourish their body. With endless potential combinations of vegetables, fruits and proteins, we've compiled our top picks for the best summer salad recipes and ideas to offer something for every taste!
Quick Links
- Classic Caesar Salad With Added Protein
- Simple Garden Salad With Tangy Dressing
- Tasty and Simple Cucumber Salad
- Textured and Hearty Broccoli Salad
- Classic Greek Salad
- Vibrant and Refreshing Pomegranate Salad
Must-Have Tools and Essentials For Salad Making
Before you get into making your salad, ensure you have the right tools and kitchenware to make the process easy and to serve your salad in style. Must have salad making tools include:
Classic Caesar Salad With Added Protein
A Caesar salad is a classic summer salad known for its creamy, tangy dressing and crispy textures. Typically made with romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons and a rich salad dressing made from ingredients such as rich parmesan cheese, garlic, anchovies, egg yolk and tangy lemon juice, it's the perfect balance of flavours!
Topped with grilled chicken (and bacon if you like), it can be a satisfying meal on its own or a delicious side dish. The Caesar salad's popularity comes from its bold taste and versatility, making it a go-to choice for many.
To make a Caesar salad, simply toss some shredded romaine lettuce with the dressing in a large salad bowl, add toasted croutons and sprinkle it all with some shaved parmesan cheese.
Grill some chicken tenderloins with a grill pan or electric grill, cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them in once cooled, and then drizzle some Caesar salad dressing on top (or make your own with olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard). Give it all a good mix, and you're ready to feast!
Simple Garden Salad With Tangy Dressing
As a summer favourite, a simple garden salad is a light, refreshing mix of fresh vegetables - typically lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and capsicum. It's a versatile, delicious and easy summer salad that's perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to a tasty side at family barbecues. Its popularity comes from its crisp textures and the freedom to chuck in your favourite toppings such as olives, cheese or nuts. A simple garden salad is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce and add a burst of colour to your plate.
To make it, simply slice up some capsicum, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes (a mandoline will make this quick and simple), plus any of your preferred vegetables, then toss them together in a bowl and add your favourite dressing. We recommend balsamic vinegar dressing, as the acidity and tangy flavour of the balsamic vinegar pairs perfectly with the freshness of the vegetables.
Tasty and Simple Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad is another light, refreshing and easy summer salad that's known for its crisp texture and fresh, clean flavour. It's a very popular choice at get-togethers, especially during the warmer Aussie months, due to how simple it is and its ability to complement a wide variety of meals. Easy to make, cucumber salad is perfect for busy cooks looking for a quick, healthy addition to their table. To prepare, simply slice fresh cucumbers with a mandoline and toss them with a simple dressing.
A white wine vinegar dressing is ideal for cucumber salad, offering a delicate tang that enhances the cucumber's mild taste without overpowering it - you can easily make one from white wine vinegar, olive oil, sugar and a pinch of salt. A dash of chopped dill or fresh minced garlic can be added for extra flavour, but it's totally up to you. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or preparing a light meal, this summer salad idea is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Textured and Hearty Broccoli Salad
When it comes to delicious summer salad recipes, Broccoli salad stands out as a vibrant and nutritious summer salad that combines fresh, crunchy broccoli with a creamy dressing and a variety of mix-ins. It's become a popular summer salad for gatherings, barbecues and casual meals, thanks to its hearty texture, rich flavour and ability to be prepared in advance. Broccoli is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making this summer salad not only delicious but a healthy option too!
Making broccoli salad is simple and quick. Start by chopping fresh broccoli florets (or save time by chucking them in a food processor) and tossing them with other ingredients, such as crisp bacon bits, raisins, sunflower seeds or chopped red onion for added crunch and sweetness. This salad's creamy dressing is made from mayonnaise, a touch of apple cider vinegar, a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt.
This combination creates a tangy, slightly sweet coating that enhances the broccoli's flavour while tying all the ingredients together. Perfect for any occasion, broccoli salad is a versatile and easy summer salad that's simple to customise to suit your taste!
Classic Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad is a refreshing and popular summer salad that combines a medley of Mediterranean flavours. Known for its simplicity and robust taste, this summer salad idea features a colourful mix of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives and a generous block of feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with oregano! It's a popular choice for summer meals, barbecues and quick lunches, offering a balance of fresh, crunchy and savoury elements.
Making a Greek salad is straightforward and quick. Start by chopping your tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Then add Kalamata olives and top with thick slices of feta cheese. The dressing is a simple mix of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and a sprinkle of dried oregano. For easy prep and to ensure even seasoning, toss everything together in a salad spinner. This not only ensures your easy summer salad is perfectly mixed, but it also helps dry any excess moisture from the veggies, enhancing the overall texture.
Greek salad is a light and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main, and it's perfect for making in advance!
Vibrant and Refreshing Pomegranate Salad
A pomegranate salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that brings together the sweet and tangy burst of pomegranate seeds with crisp, fresh ingredients. This salad has gained popularity for its striking colours, health benefits and delightful contrast of textures. The juicy pomegranate seeds add a natural sweetness, while leafy greens such as spinach or arugula combined with ingredients like walnuts or feta cheese create a perfect balance of flavours and texture. It's a perfect choice for holiday gatherings, weeknight meals or as a light and nutrient-packed summer salad on the side.
To make a pomegranate salad, start by assembling your base with mixed greens such as spinach, arugula or kale. Add in pomegranate seeds for sweetness, along with walnuts or almonds for crunch. Then put in some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese to bring a creamy richness to the salad.
For the salad dressing, a simple blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey and a pinch of salt works beautifully. Once everything is prepped, toss the salad in a large bowl with tongs to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated. This quick and easy summer salad is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Try These Deliciously Easy Summer Salad Recipes & Ideas Today
So lettuce celebrate good times, and always romaine positive! Who said salads had to be boring - try out these amazing summer salad recipes and ideas this summer and wow your friends and family! But first, make sure you have everything you need in your kitchen to prepare these delicious salads by browsing our salad bowls, tongs, food processors, salad spinners and mandoline ranges at Harris Scarfe. Visit us online or in-store and head over to the Hub for more food ideas and inspiration! Some great articles you'll love include:
