Ah, those famous salads! While some parts of the world, Edinburgh, for example, seem to be firmly entrenched in winter, Malta’s experience is markedly different. Imagine this: the sun is high, the skies are clear, and people are reaching for their sunscreen as the mercury hits a delightful 27°C. Days such as these leave you with no desire for heavy meals. Instead, you find yourself craving something light, refreshing, and, dare I say, splendid!
Below, I’ve curated a selection of summer salads that promise to deliver on taste without weighing you down. Each recipe celebrates summer flavours, is easy to prepare, and is divine. Let’s dive in and explore these culinary delights!
The Casual Chicken Caesar: A Summer Salad Secret
Who said a chicken Caesar salad had to be boring? This version adds a summer twist to the beloved classic, making it a refreshing choice for any hot day.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Fresh romaine lettuce
- Grilled chicken, sliced
- Croutons and Parmesan cheese
- Caesar dressing (light and homemade is recommended)
- Lemon wedges for an extra zing
Combine these ingredients, and you’ve got a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
Watermelon Salad with Mint Dressing
Imagine biting into a piece of juicy watermelon, enhanced with a refreshing mint dressing. This salad is a festival of flavours and textures, perfect for those scorching summer afternoons.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Cubed watermelon
- Feta cheese crumbles
- Fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- Lime juice and olive oil for the dressing
Mix these for a salad that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze.
Thai Crunch Salad with Thai Peanut Dressing
Bring the flavours of Thailand to your table with this crunchy, nutty salad. It’s a vibrant mix of colours and tastes that will transport you straight to Bangkok’s streets.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers
- Cilantro and green onions
- Crunchy wonton strips
- Thai peanut dressing to bring it all together
Easy Grilled Avocado Mango Chicken Salad
This salad is like a holiday on a plate. The creaminess of the avocado, the sweetness of the mango, and the savoury goodness of the grilled chicken create a symphony of flavours.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Grilled chicken breast, sliced
- Fresh mango and avocado, cubed
- Mixed greens for the base
- A light vinaigrette to dress
Honey Lemon Vinaigrette Peach and Bacon Salad
While peaches and bacon may seem like an unlikely combination, they work perfectly together in this salad. Topped with a honey-lemon vinaigrette, it’s a dish that balances sweet and salty to perfection.
Ingredients & Preparation:
- Fresh peaches, sliced
- Crispy bacon, crumbled
- Mixed salad greens
- Honey lemon vinaigrette to drizzle
More Summertime Favourites:
- Avocado Salmon Salad: A heart-healthy feast featuring fresh salmon and ripe avocados.
- Griddled Halloumi Salad with Peach, Courgette, and Lemon Pesto: A vegetarian delight that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
- Caprese Salad with Pesto Dressing: A timeless Italian classic, elevated with homemade pesto.
- Balsamic-dressed strawberry spinach salad is a fun combination of sweet strawberries and earthy spinach.
- Honey Mustard Chicken, Avocado + Bacon Salad: A hearty yet refreshing salad that’s a meal in itself.
Join the Summer Salad Journey
I’d love to hear about your summer salad experiments or your go-to favourites. We designed each of these recipes to be light, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying under the summer sun.
So, tastebuds, embark on a journey of delightful flavours with summer salads and let your tastebuds embark on a journey of delightful flavours. Happy cooking!
