10 fresh summer salads to pack in your picnic basket

From fresh fruit medleys to creamy pasta salads, these simple and tasty recipes are perfect for a light lunch

After a weekend chalked full of socially-distanced drinks and takeaways, fresh fruit and summer salads are a welcome respite.

Don’t settle for another humdrum caesar or cobb mix. Instead, indulge your taste buds with crisp, gourmet salads packed with flavour.

Here are our favourite summer salad recipes to try this week.

Healthy Taco Salad 

This deconstructed taco recipe is a healthy alternative made of romaine lettuce, taco-seasoned mince, tomatoes, pico de gallo, avocado, crunchy tortilla strips, cabbage and jalapenos — all topped with cilantro lime dressing. (Love&Lemons)

Strawberry Caprese Salad

A summer twist on an Italian classic, this caprese salad balances that strawberry basil combo we love with cherry tomatoes, avocado, mozzarella, toasted pecans and balsamic vinaigrette. (Love&Lemons)

Summer Panzanella

A traditional Tuscan salad, this panzanella is made with chunks of soaked sourdough instead of lettuce leaves. A red wine vinegar dressing coats the croutons along with cucumber, basil, tomato, onion and garlic. (Delish)

Roasted Shrimp and Poblano Salad

This spicy shrimp medley is packed with nutritious protein. Season shrimp with oil and chili powder before roasting with poblano peppers and shallots, then serve with mixed greens, avocado, radishes and lime juice. (Good Housekeeping)

Halloumi, Carrot and Orange Salad

Perfect for a light lunch or starter, this halloumi, carrot, orange and watercress salad is served with a tasty mustard and honey dressing. (BBCGoodFood)

Classic Fruit Salad

Follow this sweet recipe or make your own fruit medley with what you have. Just don’t skimp on its unbeatable dressing, made with orange juice, lemon zest and honey. (Delish)

Sesame Soba Noodles

Soba noodles have a wonderful nutty flavour and are gluten-free (make sure the package says 100 per cent buckwheat soba). This Asian classic combines them with sesame oil, lemon, snap peas, edamame, radishes and mint. (Love&Lemons)

Tuscan Tortellini Salad

Forego the usual pasta salad for this unique take with cheese tortellini, prosciutto, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. It is welcomely filling compared to its lettuce-laced relatives. (Delish)

BBQ Chickpea and Grilled Nectarine Salad

Smoky chickpeas, sweet charred nectarines, and fresh, peppery rocket — this is a great dish to bring to summer BBQs. Plus, it’s super easy to make last minute. (Good Housekeeping)

Salmon Niçoise Salad

Substitute the usual tinned tuna for grilled salmon; this delicious niçoise salad requires a bit more prep with hard-boiled eggs, grilled potatoes, charred green beans and a vinegar and dijon mustard dressing — definitely worth the hassle. (Woman’s Day)

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