Build a Salad That Actually Excites You This Summer
Tired of sad, soggy greens? Let’s fix that.
Salads have had a bad rep especially in the UK but a good one can be bold, filling, and totally addictive. Here’s your fast-track guide to making salads that pop with flavour, texture, and colour.
1. Start with Better Basics
Go seasonal: Tomatoes, berries, sweetcorn—summer’s best.
Pick crisp greens: Rocket, spinach, little gem.
Storage tip: Keep greens in a bag with a damp paper towel to stay fresh.
Dry your leaves properly—wet greens = sad salad
2. Balance Texture + Flavour
Mix it up: Crunch (seeds), soft (avocado), chewy (grains).
Flavour contrast: Sweet + salty + sour + bitter.
Winning trios:
Watermelon + feta + mint
Squash + goat cheese + pumpkin seeds
Rocket + blue cheese + cranberries
3. Make It a Meal
Add protein so it actually fills you up:
Animal: Chicken, steak, salmon, prawns
Plant-based: Chickpeas, tofu, lentils, seitan
Pro tip: Marinate or grill for extra flavour
Try this: Harissa chicken + couscous + rocket + lemon yogurt dressing
4. DIY Dressings > Bottled
Basic rule: 3 parts oil, 1 part acid, season to taste
Creamy picks: Yogurt, tahini, blended avo
Flavour twists:
Honey mustard
Pomegranate molasses
Miso-ginger
Quick fix: Olive oil + lemon + garlic + Dijon + maple syrup
5. Think Global
Greek salad: Cucumber, olives, feta
Thai mango salad: Lime, chilli, peanuts
Mexican corn salad (Esquites): Lime, feta, chilli
6. Add a Nutrient Boost
Kale (massage with lemon)
Quinoa (hot or cold)
Chia or flax seeds
Avocado (always)
Try this: Kale + quinoa + avo + pomegranate + tahini-lemon dressing
7. Pro Tips for Better Salads
Prep ingredients in advance
Chop evenly
Layer for texture (heaviest at the bottom)
Serve in a shallow bowl for max visual appeal
Store dressing separately to keep leftovers fresh
Perfect Pairings
Grilled meats → Pair with citrusy salads
Pasta → Add a light, leafy side
Soup → Use crunchy elements like nuts or apples
Seafood → Add orange, mango, or fennel
Make It a Whole Meal
Add grains: farro, couscous, rice
Include protein and healthy fats
Try: Niçoise with tuna + potato, or chickpea + cucumber + lemon-oregano
Quick FAQs
How to keep salad fresh?
Dry greens well, keep dressing separate.
Best dressings?
Leafy greens: Light vinaigrettes
Hearty salads: Creamy or tahini-based
Fruity salads: Tangy + sweet
Can I prep ahead?
Yep—store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
How to avoid sogginess?
Dry everything. Add dressing and crunchy toppings last minute.
With these summer salad recipes, you’ll never look at a bowl of greens the same way again. Get creative, layer your flavours, and make salads the star of your summer menu.