Now that the days are finally getting longer and the temps start to get hotter (wishful thinking!), our cravings take a turn for the cool, crisp, and crunchy. Goodbye, heavy casseroles - hello, vibrant salads! Whether you're picnicking in the park, hosting a BBQ, or just trying to make your lunch feel like a mini vacation, these spring and summer salad recipes are here to bring main character energy in a bowl.
Think juicy grilled peaches, creamy dressings, and enough greens to make a bunny jealous. From light and leafy to hearty and wholesome, we’ve got salad recipes to turn any frown upside down.
Grab your biggest bowl and let’s get tossing. Here’s 5 easy and drool-worthy Summer salad recipes.
1. watermelon and feta
A refreshing and flavoursome summer salad idea.
Ingredients:
- 180g watermelon
- 100g feta
- ½ cucumber
- ½ bunch of mint
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
Method:
Step 1 – chop the watermelon and cucumber into chunks and toss in a bowl with the olive oil and the finely chopped mint.
Step 2 – season to taste and pile into a serving bowl.
Step 3 – crumble the feta over the salad and just before serving drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
Top tip: pairs well with crispy shredded duck.
2. caesar salad
A classic tried and tested summer salad recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 ciabatta loaf
- 1 large romaine lettuce
- Crunchy croutons
- Parmesan cheese
- Caesar dressing
- Anchovies
- Olive oil
Method:
Step 1 – preheat the oven to 200C/ fan 180. Chop the ciabatta loaf into cubes and spread evenly on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
Step 2 – chop the lettuce into large pieces and add into a bowl. Finely chop the anchovies and add, along with the dressing. Toss to coat.
Step 3 – once the croutons are crispy add on top of the salad along with grated parmesan cheese.
Top tip: serve with hot chicken strips for the ultimate spring/summer meal.
3. apple and walnut salad
A crunchy, refreshing and wholesome summer salad recipe.
Ingredients:
- Mixed lettuce leaves
- 100g blue cheese (or feta if you’re not a fan!)
- 1 apple (finely sliced)
- 1 onion (finely sliced)
- Crushed walnuts
- Vinaigrette
Method:
Step 1 – chop the lettuce and set aside in a bowl.
Step 2 – In a separate bowl, add the apple, onion and vinaigrette. Toss to coat.
Step 3 – pour the mixture onto the lettuce, mix together and top with the crushed walnuts and chunks of blue cheese.
Top tip: this summer salad idea goes well with some crispy bacon.
4. Greek salad
A simple, delicious and nutritious summer salad recipe.
Ingredients:
- ½ cucumber
- ½ red onion (finely sliced)
- 1 tomato
- 50g olives (whichever take your fancy!)
- 100g feta
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano
Method:
Step 1 – chop the cucumber and tomato into chunks and add into a bowl along with the finely sliced red onion.
Step 2 – chop the olives into halves and the feta into cubes. Add into the bowl along with the olive oil, salt, pepper and oregano. Toss to coat.
Step 3 – serve and enjoy.
5. caprese salad
This has to be the easiest salad recipe of them all and super tasty too.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 Mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
Method:
Step 1 – Slice your tomatoes and mozzarella into similar sizes.
Step 2 – arrange the tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter. Top with the basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Top tip: this summer salad idea pairs well with sliced fresh grilled peaches.
summer salad recipes: final thoughts
When the weather warms up and your tastebuds are craving something cool and flavoursome for dinner, make this summer salad recipe round up your go-to.
At eve, we're all about eating better to feel better, feeling better to live better, and living better to sleep better. Whether you need some healthy lunchtime ideas, want to learn whether a warm bath before bed is a good idea, or need some rainy day ideas this Summer, we're on hand to help.
Until next time, eve Sleep.
