Angry bean salad - summer salad recipes

During the summer months, salads are a saviour. Whether you’re after a light lunch or a quick, refreshing supper, having a few summer salad recipes in your repertoire is a great way to guarantee a vibrant veg-packed meal.

And the best thing about salads? Just about anything goes. You can’t beat a simple green salad or a classic Caesar, but have fun with whatever combo of protein, veg and leaves you fancy – it’s all about texture, colour and seasonality. Shake things up with a portable healthy salad dressing and say goodbye to soggy salads forever.

 

Step up your barbecue game with this summer sizzler – grilled prawns glazed in a fragrant mix of garlic, spring onions and chilli. All piled on soft avocado, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with hot garlicky focaccia. Yum!

 

Griddle halloumi, courgettes and asparagus until beautifully charred, then layer onto a serving dish with shallots, broad beans and tomatoes, drizzle over a honey and mustard dressing and dig in.

 

Toss green beans, cherry tomatoes and fresh chilli in a warm arrabbiata dressing for this fiery little number. Scatter over cooling mozzarella, fresh mint and serve with hot toast. Lovely served warm and is just as delicious cold the next day.

 

Try something a bit different this summer with a beautiful watermelon and feta salad. Peppery radishes and tangy cheese are balanced perfectly by the sweetness of watermelon and fresh mint.

 

The contrast of grilled and raw seasonal veg makes this summer ratatouille salad really special. It makes a delicious side, or add some grilled meat, fish or goat’s cheese for a stunning main.

 

A celebration of different textures and flavours, there’s a reason a Cobb salad is a classic. Shredded roast chicken, crunchy lettuce and smooth avocado with a tangy blue cheese dressing and a sprinkling of crispy pancetta will always be a winner.

 

Revamp the classic potato salad with hot smoked salmon, cucumber and soft herbs. Coating the potatoes in the yoghurt and lemon dressing while they’re still warm will ensure they soak up more of that lovely flavour.

 

For an easy Indian-inspired salad, simply grate and chop crunchy veg and mix with fresh herbs, toasted spices and lemon juice. Add crunched-up poppadoms too if you fancy.

 

A summer alternative to classic roast chicken, this salad has it all – tender meat, golden croutons, smoky bacon and a quick mustard dressing. The perfect dish for using up leftovers, but totally worth cooking a whole chicken for, too.

 

This five-ingredient broad bean salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch – ready-roasted peppers are a great midweek cheat, while the toasted almonds and Manchego cheese bring bags of flavour and crunch.