We’re coming into those warmer months, and that means it’s time for lighter meals, fresh ingredients, and easy dishes. A summer salad are is a favourite, offering the perfect balance of flavour, colour, and convenience. Whether it comes to daytime barbecues, afternoon picnics or evenings at the beach, a salad is the ideal choice.
Throughout this blog, we’ll take you through how to craft the perfect summer salad.
Key Ingredients of A Delicious Summer Salad
Greens
Every great salad starts with a base of greens. At Willowbrook Foods, we offer a fresh range of leafy greens including baby spinach, rocket, and iceberg, all washed and ready to use. Whether you want something mild and crisp like iceberg or something peppery like rocket, these greens create a flavourful and textured foundation for your salad.
Vegetables
No salad is complete without a colourful mix of vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots not only add vibrant colour, but they bring sweetness, crunch, and a boost of nutrition. Our prepared vegetable range at Willowbrook makes it easier than ever. Everything is fresh, prepped, and ready to enjoy, saving you time without sacrificing flavour.
Herbs
Herbs are the secret to turning a good salad into a great one. At Willowbrook, our fresh herb selection includes parsley, coriander, and sorrel, all pre-washed and ready to use. These herbs don’t just add flavour, they also come with natural health benefits, from helping digestion to providing essential vitamins and antioxidants.
Quick and Easy Summer Salad Recipes
Here’s a selection of quick and easy recipes that incorporate some of Willowbrook Foods fabulous food offerings.
Grilled Chicken & Veggie Salad
Ingredients:
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Sweet Potato Cubes
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Mixed Salad Leaves
- Coleslaw
- Olive oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper
Method:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad leaves, sweet potato cubes, broccoli and carrot.
- Add the sliced cooked chicken breast and a generous spoonful of traditional coleslaw.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Halloumi & Roast Veg Salad
Ingredients:
- Roasted Vegetable Mix
- Mixed Salad Leaves
- Par Cooked Roast Potatoes
- Sliced Halloumi Cheese
- Beetroot (sliced or diced)
- Fresh Parsley
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Glaze
- Salt & Pepper
Method:
- Lightly fry or grill the halloumi slices until golden on both sides and set aside.
- Roast the par-cooked potatoes and roasted vegetable mix in a little olive oil until golden and warmed through.
- On a serving platter or bowl, layer the mixed salad leaves, then top with the warm vegetables, potatoes, and beetroot.
- Add the grilled halloumi on top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm or at room temperature.
For more delicious salad recipes visit BBC Good Food.
Need Something Quicker?
If you don’t have the time to make your salad from scratch, why not try one of our pre-prepared salad options? Perfect for quick lunches, our food to go offerings have a range of quick options including our fresh salads and potato salad. Appealing to consumers with busy lifestyles, we ensure our products are not only delicious but also fresh and nutritious. Explore our food to get options here.