As Summer approaches, so does picnic, barbecue and party season. Whether it’s a family gathering, an end-of-year do, or just an informal get together with friends, the odds are that the host will ask you to “Just bring a salad…”
Many of you may already have a signature dish that is your ‘go to’ for such occasions, but if you are stuck for ideas, or just want to try something a little bit different, I’ve got 12 tasty and easy to make salads that will have everybody asking you for the recipe at the end of the day.
12 Delicious Salad Recipes
Watermelon, Feta & Pomegranate Summer Salad
As salads go, this has got to be one of the easiest Summer dishes to prepare, don’t get too hung up on exact quantities, just throw everything together and enjoy. Works as a light meal on it’s own, or as a side dish it goes well with grilled fish or chicken.
Get the recipe here – Watermelon, Feta & Pomegranate Summer Salad
Grilled Eggplant and Spinach Salad
I love grilled eggplant and can eat it all day long. You can either grill your eggplant in a griddle pan, barbecue or even one of those sandwich press grills. A little spray with olive oil spray stops them from getting too oily.
Get the recipe here – Grilled Eggplant and Spinach Salad
Bacon Potato Salad
You can’t go wrong with a potato salad, but this one from Averie Cooks, takes it up a notch with bacon bits and sweet corn. If you want to keep it veggo friendly just omit the bacon.
Get the recipe here – Bacon Potato Salad
Cypriot Grain Salad from Hellenic Republic
This is probably the best tasting salad I’ve ever eaten. My friend Flo makes it all the time and the dressing is just divine! It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats but I love eating the leftovers the next day.
Get the recipe here – Cypriot Grain Salad from Hellenic Republic
Pesto Pasta Salad
A tasty alternative to the usual stodgey pasta salad from the supermarket deli counter. The addition of fresh peas and asparagus makes it a healthy side dish and the pesto dressing takes the flavour to the next level. Substitute green beans for asparagus if it’s not in season.
Get the recipe here – Pesto Pasta Salad
Pineapple Cucumber Salad
This zingy salad looks so refreshing and is super easy to throw together with just a handful of ingredients. The sweetness of the pineapple is balanced by the acidity of the lime and the crunchiness of the cucumber.
Get the recipe here – Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Green Bean and Egg Salad with Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette
This salad would make a super tasty light lunch, replace the bacon and croutons with a few boiled potatoes and some tuna and you’ve got a version of the classic Niçoise salad.
Get the recipe here – Green Bean and Egg Salad with Garlic Parmesan Vinaigrette
Roasted Butternut Squash, Beetroot & Walnut Salad
This one can be prepared the day before. It’s quite easy to make and can be served as a main or side dish, toss it through some quinoa, wild rice or cous cous if you want to add some grain.
Get the recipe here – Roasted Butternut Squash, Beetroot & Walnut Salad
Thai Slaw with Peanut Dressing
How colourful does this salad look! It’s certainly a tasty alternative to boring old regular coleslaw. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for some extra crunch.
Get the recipe here – Thai Slaw with Peanut Dressing
Healthy Green Salad with Beef and Wasabi Peas
The addition of wasabi peas to this salad adds a delicious crunch with a bit of a surprise flavour punch. Add a ton of herbs and whatever green veg you have on hand. Omit the meat if to cater for vegetarians.
Get the recipe here – Healthy Green Salad with Beef and Wasabi Peas
Mediterranean Fresh Herbs and Tomato Salad
You can’t go wrong with a classic tomato salad and if you have a glut of home-grown tomatoes, this is the perfect simple salad to showcase their deliciousness. Feta is optional but why would you not.
Get the recipe here – Mediterranean Fresh Herbs and Tomato Salad
Green Salad with Oranges, Beets & Avocado
I usually only include oranges in salads that feature fennel, but this one with avocado looks yummy. Most supermarkets sell prepacked salad with beetroot included, so all you have to add is the avocado and orange.
Get the recipe here – Green Salad with Oranges, Beets & Avocado
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