Five refreshing and creative summer salads to step up your pot luck game this season

It’s hard to find salads that you’re more excited to eat than the main dish. And figuring out refreshing and creative takes for the summertime can be even more challenging. Food expert, Bianca Osbourne shares five unique recipes for the perfect summer salads. 

Prosciutto melon and arugula salad

Arugula has a peppery and slightly bitter taste, adding a refreshing and cooling element to the salad. The juicy and sweet melon provides a refreshing flavour that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients in the salad.

Chickpea halloumi salad

Halloumi originated in Cyprus and it’s also favourite in Greek recipes. It’s a firm, squeaky and salty cheese traditionally made from sheep or goat milk. Since it has a high melting point, you can sear it or grill it and it will become crisp on the outside while the inside stays warm and chewy. Plus it’s a great option for a vegetarian meal. 

Summer rolls with peanut sauce

Summer rolls are a fantastic way to get veggies on your plate on a hot summer day because they are light, refreshing, and packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. The combination of cool and crisp vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper, along with vibrant herbs like basil, mint, and cilantro, provides a refreshing burst of flavours that helps beat the summer heat. Inside you’ll see you also have your protein, which could be chicken, shrimp or tofu, and vermicelli noodles. And it’s all wrapped in rice paper.

Cucumber mint watermelon spritz

A fresh and inspiring spritz made with summer flavours like cucumber, mint and juicy watermelon. 

Fruit/dessert charcuterie board

The beauty of a charcuterie board is its versatility, allowing you to personalize it according to your taste and the occasion. With a platter, you get a feast for the eyes with the variety of flavours, textures, and colours, and it’s great for sharing which is why it’s perfect if you’re hosting. You can add or substitute other fruits, desserts, or accompaniments based on your preferences or what's in season.