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.