Summer is finally here, and the weather is gradually warming up. There’s little more gratifying, after months of enduring cold weather, than being able to sit outside in the sun with a refreshing salad. Using fresh, seasonal produce from your own vegetable patch, you can create a delicious, light salad that’s simple to prepare. Salads don’t have to be plain and bare; with the right ingredients, they can be incredibly tasty – so it’s a good idea to take inspiration from a recipe.

Mexican salmon salad

Mexican-inspired dishes are a great option for the summer months, providing refreshing flavours that give a little kick. If you’re the owner of a vegetable patch and grow your own salad vegetables, then you can source the lettuce, tomatoes and coriander at your own home. The addition of salmon, Greek yoghurt, smoked paprika and lime combine to create a highly nutritious dish that bursts with flavour. Click here to view the full recipe.

Asian chicken salad with ginger sesame dressing

This nutrient-dense salad takes slightly longer to prepare, but combines a whole host of superfoods – such as kale extra-virgin olive oil – to create a dish that’s rich in vitamins and protein. It’s worth noting that you will need a blender to create the dressing; if you don’t own one, however, then you can just use a nut/soy-based ready-made dressing. Those who would prefer a vegetarian option can simply swap out the chicken for tofu, and prepare accordingly.

Spiralised vegetable salad with roasted chickpeas

Spiralised vegetables certainly add interest to an otherwise plain salad. Those who own a spiraliser can use it to cut the carrots, courgettes, and yellow squash for something a little different. Taking inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, which is widely renowned for the health benefits it provides, this salad is both colourful and highly nutritious. With the addition of roasted chickpeas as a source of protein, this salad is also ideal for vegetarians. See here for the recipe.

Greek superfood salad

This Greek salad is perfect for halloumi lovers. Combining this with quinoa, a popular superfood, and a variety of herbs and vegetables works to create a more filling salad that’s ideal for either lunch or dinner. If you don’t have any halloumi, you can use feta cheese as a substitute. This salad takes slightly longer to make, but the resulting flavours make it well worth the wait.

Melon and prosciutto salad

This deliciously refreshing salad mixes sweet melon with prosciutto and herbs to create a unique salad that tantalises the taste buds. Evoking sweet, salty and herbal notes all at once, this dish is perfect for both a light lunch and a mid-day snack. The addition of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, fresh mint and black pepper work to add a welcome kick.

The summer months are perfect for enjoying either a light or hearty salad, giving us the nutritious boost we need following a long winter of indulgence!