Jazz Up Your Summer Salads: Fresh Ideas for Bold, Beautiful Bowls

Summer is the absolutely perfect time to enjoy light, refreshing, and vibrant meals. 

And nothing fits the bill better than a crisp, colourful salad. 

But let’s face it: not all salads are created equal. If your lettuce leaves are starting to look a little limp with boredom, it’s time to jazz things up. Here’s how to turn your summer salads from side dish to showstopper.

Start with Stunning Greens

Ditch the iceberg and experiment with a mix of textures and flavours. Try:

Rocket and watercress for peppery zest

Lollo rosso or oak leaf lettuce for colour and crunch

Baby spinach or kale for a nutritional boost

Top tip: Mix at least two types of greens for visual appeal and a better bite.

Add Sweet and Savoury Surprises

Fruit in salad? Absolutely. The sweet-savoury combo can be magical:

Strawberries + balsamic vinegar + goat’s cheese

Mango + avocado + lime juice

Watermelon + feta + mint

Bonus: Try roasted peaches or grilled pineapple for a caramelised touch.

Say Yes to Cheese

Cheese brings richness and complexity:

Crumbled feta for saltiness

Shaved parmesan for a nutty note

Burrata or mozzarella for creamy indulgence

Try tossing your cheese in after dressing the salad to keep it fresh and firm.

Crunch It Up

Great salads have texture. Add crunch with:

Toasted nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts)

Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)

Homemade croutons or crispy chickpeas

Pro tip: Toast seeds or nuts in a dry pan for extra flavour.

Go Beyond the Basics

Go wild with toppings and mix-ins:

Pickled red onions

Roasted vegetables (courgettes, aubergines, sweet potatoes)

Grains like quinoa, bulgur or pearl barley

Hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken for protein

Salads are a great way to use up leftovers or get creative with your pantry.

Dress to Impress

The dressing makes or breaks the salad. Skip the shop-bought stuff and make your own:

Classic vinaigrette: 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar, plus mustard and seasoning. Also, consider using organic cider vinegar .

Creamy tahini dressing: tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and a touch of honey

Zesty yoghurt dressing: Greek yoghurt, cucumber, mint, lemon juice

Tip: Dress just before serving to keep things crisp.

Serve It in Style

Presentation matters! Try:

Layering ingredients in a glass bowl

Serving on a wooden platter for rustic charm

Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs (think basil, chives, coriander)

Also, consider using organic cider vinegar 

A salad doesn’t have to be a soggy afterthought. With a few smart swaps and bold additions, it can become the star of your summer table. So next time you’re prepping for a picnic, barbecue or light supper, jazz up your salad and let the flavours sing.

Homemade Dressings and Vinaigrettes That Are Perfect for Spring

As spring arrives, bringing with it an abundance of fresh vegetables and leafy greens, it's the perfect time to elevate your salads with homemade dressings and vinaigrettes. 

Ditch shop-bought versions, which often contain unnecessary preservatives and artificial ingredients, and opt for these fresh, flavourful, and easy-to-make dressings instead. 

Here are some truly delightful homemade recipes to complement your springtime meals.

1. Classic Lemon & Herb Vinaigrette

This light and zesty dressing is perfect for fresh green salads, grilled asparagus, or even drizzled over roasted new potatoes.

Ingredients:

60ml (4 tbsp) extra virgin olive oil

30ml (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp honey or maple syrup

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (or basil)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

Whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and honey in a small bowl.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify.

Stir in the fresh herbs, season to taste, and serve.

2. Balsamic & Honey Vinaigrette

A rich, slightly sweet vinaigrette that pairs beautifully with spring greens, strawberries, or goat’s cheese salads.

Ingredients:

60ml (4 tbsp) balsamic vinegar

125ml (½ cup) extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 small shallot, finely minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

In a bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, and shallot.

Gradually add the olive oil while whisking until the mixture thickens.

Season to taste and serve over your favourite salad.

3. Creamy Avocado Dressing

Perfect for drizzling over crisp greens or as a dip for raw veggies, this creamy dressing is full of healthy fats and fresh flavour.

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

60ml (4 tbsp) Greek yoghurt

30ml (2 tbsp) lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

If too thick, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

4. Honey Mustard Dressing

This sweet and tangy dressing is a versatile addition to salads, grain bowls, or even as a marinade for chicken or tofu.

Ingredients:

60ml (4 tbsp) olive oil

30ml (2 tbsp) apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method:

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

5. Sesame Ginger Dressing

This Asian-inspired dressing is ideal for drizzling over slaws, noodle salads, or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

60ml (4 tbsp) toasted sesame oil

30ml (2 tbsp) rice vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 clove garlic, minced

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a small jar and shake well to mix.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Drizzle over your favourite Asian-inspired dishes. (This is our favourite recipe as we both love ginger!)

Final Thoughts

Homemade dressings and vinaigrettes are not only healthier but also more flavourful and customisable to your taste. Experiment with different herbs, oils, and acids to create unique combinations. Whether you're tossing together a quick weekday salad or preparing a beautiful springtime spread, these dressings will add a delicious finishing touch.

Have a favourite homemade dressing? Share your go-to recipe in the comments below!