Picture summer garden party tables adorned with colourful platters of fresh salads, showcasing seasonal ingredients. That's what we had in mind when we compiled these stunning summer salad recipes, which look as beautiful as they taste.
We've taken some of our favorites and given them a fresh new twist that will really impress your guests and make for an Insta-worthy table. From a Charred corn, dill and new potato salad, to griddled zucchini salad with a tahini dressing, and a British-style ceviche salad, these dishes make for perfect sides but are delicious in their own right, too, and almost deserve to be the star of the show.
Looking for more summer recipes for entertaining? Try these summer lunch recipes or for a more relaxed vibe, these perfect pizza recipes are perfect for a family cookout.
Charred corn, dill and new potato salad
This new potato salad is combined with sweet and smoky, grilled corn and one of our favorite summer herbs, dill. Perfect as a side to grilled meat, the dill also complements grilled fish in recipes such as our tea-smoked salmon.
Tomato salad with honey, smoked salt and lavender
This tomato salad is best when made with high-quality seasonal produce. Shop for heritage tomatoes locally at farm stands or markets, or you may want to consider growing tomatoes yourself at home (these are the best tomatoes for growing in pots for ease and flavor).
Grilled zucchini and runner bean salad with tahini sauce
This grilled zucchini salad hits all the flavor notes you'd hope for from a summer salad recipe. With fresh green beans and a rich tahini dressing it makes a wonderful side for your grilled meats. As with the tomato salad, above, if you grow zucchini in containers at home, you'll get the best (and most satisfying) flavor.
Root vegetable salad with crispy rice
While root vegetables are a fall staple, this root vegetable salad, served with crispy rice, showcases young root veg as a lovely summer ingredient, too. Though the flavors of this hearty summer salad are delicate, this is a dish that's filling and wholesome, making it ideal if you're feeding a hungry crowd.
Zucchini, fennel and pea salad with cracked wheat and chilli dressing
This no-cook zucchini salad is easy to prep ahead, fresh, crunchy and seasonal. Learning how to grow zucchini yourself will make this dish extra special, but if you're buying from the store, look for firm, small zucchini without soft spots.
Nectarine salad
This nectarine salad, served with chilli, cucumber, green beans, and pancetta really packs a flavor punch and, while it makes a show-stopping side, we think it's a great lunch all on its own. Harvesting peaches from your own yard? Try those as an alternative to nectarines.
British-style ceviche salad
If you're a fan of ceviche, but want to create a dish that's a little different, this elegant, British-style ceviche salad makes for a light summer salad that can easily be served as a main. Our recipe is made with cod, but any white fish or even shellfish will work here.
