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Salad Days

Published: Jun 23, 2024 by Jacqueline Bellefontaine ·

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collage of salad recipes

Grab your forks and get ready to explore our collection of salad recipes that are as easy to whip up as they are to devour. 

plate of green salad with hazelnuts and cranberries scattered over leaves

If you think salads are just sad bowls of lettuce, think again! Here, we're diving into a vibrant world of crunchy vegetables, hearty grains, and zesty dressings that will have your taste buds calling out for more.

Whether you're looking for a quick salad lunch fix, a show-stopping side salad for your next BBQ, or a light and healthy salad dinner option, we've got you covered. Whether it is a classic salad,  tasty filling main course, a light refreshing salad which make great starters or a side salad, salads never need to be dull.

Gone are the days when a salad meant limp lettuce, a few slices of cucumber and some tomato wedges. While a basic salad may have it’s place, these days there is so much more variety in salad leaves that even a simple salad need never be dull. But salads are not just leaves either.  Think about pasta and rice salads, or those made with roasted root vegetables.  

Nor are salads only for summer, there are plenty of more substantial salads which are great for those warmer between season days. 

So whenever the desire for lighter fresher meals take your fancy check out this collection of salad recipes, including salads with chicken, salads with meat, salads with fish or of course meatfree and vegetarian salads, all just a click away.  

How to liven up a basic salad

Add Some Crunch: Toss in nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted hazelnuts, or almonds. Or add seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin, or even crispy croutons. These add texture and a satisfying bite.

Mix Up the Greens: Don’t stick to just one type of lettuce. There are a multitude of salad leaves to choose from a handful or rocket, watercress,  spinach,kale, radicchio, chicory or curly endive can instantly lift a simple green salad.

Fruity Flair: Add fresh or dried fruits – chopped dried figs, dried cranberries or goji berries  , pomegranate seeds, orange wedges and even strawberries can add a delicious sweet and tangy twist.

Colour Burst: Brighten things up with colourful veggies like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, sweetcorn, radishes, and carrots.

Herb It Up: a handful of fresh herbs like basil, coriander (cilantro), mint, or parsley can really elevate the flavour profile.

Grain Gains: Add some cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous for an extra boost of texture and nutrients.

Avocado Magic: Creamy avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole can make your salad feel luxurious and satisfying.

Zesty Zing: Make a killer dressing with fresh lemon or lime juice, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or a drizzle of honey. A good dressing can make all the difference!

Meaty Salads

Warm Chicken and Brie Salad with Griddled Peaches
A colourful summer salad perfect for sharing with friends and family at an informal gathering
Recipe
serving of warm chicken and brie salad with griddled peaches
Chargrilled broccoli, rocket and beef salad
Quick and easy to prepare this elegant salad is delicious served as a main course for 2 or a starter for 4.
Recipe
Plate of chargrilled broccoli, rocket and beeg salad by recipe made easy with second plate in back ground
Chicken noodle salad with sweet chilli dressing
This chicken noodle salad is a fresh tasting salad with noodles and strips of chargrilled chicken tossed in a sweet chilli dressing
Recipe
chicken noodle salad in bowl with dressing spooned over.
Chicken and Asparagus Caesar Salad
For a simple classic side salad leave out the chicken and asparagus.
Recipe
Serving bowl of chicken Caesar salad with asparagus. Bowl of Caesar salad dressing behind.
Warm duck and orange salad
Quick and easy to prepare. A delicious, light main meal salad for two or a starter for four
Recipe
duck and orange salad on white plate.
Saffron chicken and herb salad
This saffron chicken and herb salad adapted from a recipe created by the chefs at Ottolenghi in Belgravia is fresh and packed with zingy citrus flavour. It would also work well made with leftover roast chicken or pork.
Recipe
saffron chicken and herb salad in brown bowl.
Fig and Goats Cheese Salad
A really delicious and easy to prepare starter that takes minutes to prepare and is cooked in 20 minutes.
Recipe
Fig and goats cheese salad on plate

Fishy salads

Beetroot, Potato and Smoked Mackerel Salad
A great all year round salad. It can be made in minutes when using ready cooked beetroot and potatoes but doesn't take long to cook from scratch either
Recipe
single serving of beetroot, potato and smoked mackeral salad on white plate with fork.
Tuna and bean salad
A healthy and nutritious salad packed with flavour. Serve with crusty bread for a delicious main meal. This recipe is also perfect as part of a buffet table spread.
Recipe
Tuna and bean salad
Warm smoked salmon, lentil and poached egg salad
This dish of lentils cabbage, smoked salmon and eggs is a perfect winter or springtime salad. Serve as a light lunch or a simple starter.
Recipe
A perfect winter or spring salad of lentils and savouy cabbage, served topped with smoked salmon and a poached egg.

Meatfree main meal salads

Beetroot Squash and Feta Salad
A colourful vibrant substantial salad that is easy to make. Serve as a main meal, starter or side dish.
Recipe
beetroot squash and feta salad in a serving bowl.
Barley and Roasted Vegetable Salad with tahini dressing
An all-season salad which is delicious served as a side, light main dish or starter
Recipe
barley and roasted vegetable salad on serving plate with dressing in bowl on the side.
Goat's Cheese Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
A pretty salad that makes a great light lunch or a starter.
Recipe
goats cheese salad with sundried tomato dressing.

Classic salads

Greek salad
A delicious summer salad which can be served as a starter, side dish or light main meal. Serves 8 as a side dish; 4 as a main.
Recipe
classic greek salad with broken block of feta.
Niçoise Salad
A classic French salad that is quick to prepare. Ideal summer lunch.
Recipe
salad nicoise on wooden serving plate with salad tongs on side.
Light Waldorf Salad
A classic salad of crisp apple, celery and walnuts in a light mayonnaise dressing. Ideal for summer picnics and barbecues. Serves: 6
Recipe
light wardolf salad in blue bowl with spoon

Side Salads

Rice salad with roasted peppers and onions
A simple and easy rice salad
Recipe
bowl of rice salad with seed spilt onto work surface in front
Lemon and thyme infused potato salad
Lemon and thyme flavour this delicious potato side dish. It can be served hot, cold or just warm.
Recipe
lemon and lime potato salad in wooden serving bowl.
Easy Tomato Salad
Use the best flavoured tomatoes you can get for this tasty summer salad
Recipe
Easy Tomato Salad by Recipes Made Easy in serving bowl
Spiralised carrot and fennel Salad
A simple, colourful salad in an orange, ginger and honey dressing
Recipe
Quick and easy to make spiralized carrot and fennel salad by recipesmadeeasy.co.uk
Piquant potato salad
The dressing of red onions, sundered tomatoes and capers give this potato salad a lovely piquant flavour. I’ve added bacon because I like it and it adds a savoury flavour of this side dish but you can leave it out if you prefer.
Recipe
bowl of piquant potato salad
Tabbouleh with quinoa
A Lebanese salad of parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion and bulgar. Ideal side salad or starter
Recipe
bowl of tabouleh with quinoa
Winter coleslaw
Winter coleslaw Simple and quick to make, great for crowds and delicious with cold meats
Recipe
Bowl of winter coleslaw
Chunky Peperonata
A classic Italian dish which makes a delicous light side or can be served as a light main, anitipasti or even as a pasta sauce
Recipe
closeup of bowl of chunky peperonata

and for something a bit different

Green Fruit Salad
A simple fruit salad using green fruit served in a lightly spiced chilli ginger syrup. Visually so much more refined than a "chuck it all in" kinda fruit salad
Recipe
serving bowl of green fruit salad with individual portion topped with cream.
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plate of green salad with hazelnuts and cranberries scattered over leaves with salad collection text overlay.

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About Jacqueline Bellefontaine

Jacqueline is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and has been a cookery writer and food stylist for over 25 years. She has written over 15 cookery books, in addition to writing for several major magazines. She likes to champion good basic home cooking and as the daughter of a master baker, she is passionate about home baking.

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Jacqueline Bellefontaine.

Hello I'm Jacqui
I believe that great tasting home cooking need not be hard work, so I like to write and cook recipes that are as easy as they can be. But I won't compromise on taste!

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