What fruits work best in summer salads?

For summer food recipes, use fresh fruits that are in season, such as pineapples, cherries, peaches, melons, and berries. They make salads juicier and more delicious.

Are fruit-based salads suitable for weight management?

Yes. They are perfect for a healthy diet since they are naturally sweet, have few calories, and are rich in fibre.

How to keep salads crisp at a picnic or BBQ?

Use hearty greens (such as kale) or grain bases for the most flavour and keep the dressing separately and pour and mix just before serving.

What is the best way to cook quinoa for salads?

Rinse the quinoa before cooking to eliminate any bitterness. Boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes in 2 cups of water with a pinch of salt. Fluff with a fork and let it cool before adding it to your salad.

Written by

Pragya Jha

Content Editor

Beyond Watermelon-Feta Salads: Refreshing
Summer Salads
Featuring Seasonal Fruits

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Quick Summary

Let your taste buds go free this summer with the most colourful produce that nature has to offer. Even though watermelon and feta are a summertime staple, you need to step up your salad game by adding seasonal fruits like crisp pineapples, juicy mangoes and colourful berries. Here are creative salad recipes with a burst of flavour and a mouthwatering feel, perfect for a backyard BBQ, picnic, or a quick bite to eat.

Deep Dive

This summer, explore creative, fruit-infused salad recipes that celebrate seasonal produce. Whether you're planning backyard barbecues, picnics, or light lunches, this delightful collection has you covered with fresh and vibrant options.

The “sweet-salty-acid-crunch” balance forms the backbone of modern summer salads. Pair the natural sweetness of mangoes, peaches, and strawberries with the saltiness of feta and black beans, the acidity of lemon vinaigrette, and the crunch of toasted quinoa and almonds to create perfectly balanced dishes. Here, we explore five recipes that showcase how seasonal fruits can elevate everyday salads. These easy-to-make creations are not only visually appealing but are sure to become your go-to favourites for the warm season.

Why Choose Only Seasonal and Fresh Fruits for Salad Recipes?

Using fresh, in-season fruits from the farm is the best way to make a healthy summer salad that everyone will rave about. Here are reasons why using seasonal fruits is the key to making tasty summer recipes:

- Taste and Texture: When you buy seasonal fruits, you're getting them when they're at their ripest and full of flavour. Your salads will have a more vibrant and pleasant taste with fresh, local fruits.

- Economical: Seasonal fruits are often more economical, as they don't need costly transportation or storage. Summertime is the perfect time to stock up on in-season produce since it's usually on sale at grocery shops and farmers' markets.

- Greater Diversity: Starting with berries and cherries in the spring, and peaches, melons, figs, and grapes in the autumn, and mangoes and lychees in summer, the choices of fruits are endless. The key to making salads that never get old is to use whatever is in season. You'll never grow tired of it, and every salad recipe is a celebration of the season.

Blueberry-Quinoa Superfood Salad

Blueberries, packed with antioxidants, and nutty quinoa create a dynamic duo of nutrition. Add baby kale, toasted almonds, and sliced radishes to enhance both texture and colour. Top it off with a zesty lemon-tahini dressing for a salad that’s both vibrant and wholesome. It is perfect for gluten-free diets and can be made in advance for easy lunches and breakfasts.

Strawberry-Avocado Spinach Salad

This acidic and vibrant salad recipe is built on a bed of spinach leaves. Chop some fresh and seasonal strawberries and top them with avocado, red onions, toasted walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. Pour a tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing that harmonises all the flavours beautifully. A summer salad that has fats, fibre, and powerful antioxidants.

Mango, Black Bean & Corn Salsa Salad

Transform your beloved salsa into a satisfying salad! Delicious summer mango cubes (either Alphonso or Langra), hearty black beans, crisp corn, vibrant cherry tomatoes, zesty red onion, and fresh cilantro unite in this salad recipe. Delight your guests by serving it over a bed of mixed greens, with a dash of soy sauce and cumin-lemon vinaigrette.

Pineapple & Shrimp Salad

This tropical salad will transform your simple salad if you're a fan of "sweet and heat" flavours. This vibrant, protein-rich salad has a spicy chilli-lemon dressing that brings out the flavours of grilled shrimp, ripe succulent pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and avocado. For some extra flavour and crunch, top it with chopped coriander and tortilla chips. This salad recipe is an excellent choice for a refreshing dinner on lazy nights.

Creative Homemade Dressings to Try

Salad recipes turn out great when you add the right type of dressing to them. Here are some dressings to try for your next summer salad bowl:

Combine lime juice, honey, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt in a bowl and whisk to make a lime-honey vinaigrette.
Stir together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of maple syrup to make a lemon-tahini dressing.
Make a poppy seed dressing by mixing Greek yoghurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and poppy seeds together.
Make a ginger-soy dressing, which is reminiscent of Asian flavours, by combining grated ginger with sesame oil and rice vinegar.

Celebrate Summer with Colourful Plates

The easiest way to take your summer meals to the next level is to include fruit in your savoury salad recipes. These summer food recipes are more than just a source of nourishment; they are a sensory journey through the finest ingredients of the summer season. You can turn basic ingredients into energising and cooling meals by playing around with different proteins, seasonal fruits, and inventive dressings.

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