Published: 21 June 2025

When the sun’s out and the days are longer, the last thing most of us fancy is standing over a hot oven. Enter: the summer salad. Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavour, a good salad can hold its own at a barbecue, steal the show at a picnic, or be just the thing for a lazy lunch in the garden.

Here are five of our favourite summer salad recipes—some classics with a twist, some a little unexpected, but all utterly delicious.

Strawberry, Feta & Rocket Salad

Sweet strawberries and salty feta are a match made in summer heaven. Throw in some peppery rocket and you’ve got a salad that’s as colourful as it is tasty.

Ingredients:

  • A couple of handfuls of fresh rocket
  • 200g strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 100g feta, crumbled
  • A small handful of fresh mint, torn
  • Balsamic glaze or a light vinaigrette

Method:
Toss the rocket, strawberries, and mint together, crumble the feta over the top, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Perfect for: Garden lunches or a sweet-savoury starter at your next barbecue.

Classic Greek Salad

Simple, satisfying, and sunshine in a bowl. This Greek staple is a winner every time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 3 ripe tomatoes, roughly cut
  • 1 red onion, finely sliced
  • 100g kalamata olives
  • 150g feta, cut into chunks
  • A good glug of olive oil
  • A sprinkle of dried oregano

Method:
Toss everything together gently (leave the feta chunky for that authentic feel), season with salt and pepper, and finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and a shake of oregano.

Perfect for: Easy alfresco dining with crusty bread on the side.

Mango, Coriander & Lime Salad

Fresh, juicy mango with a citrus kick—this one’s a light and fragrant addition to your summer table.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped
  • ½ red onion, finely sliced
  • A small bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional: 1 red chilli, finely sliced (for heat)

Method:
Toss the mango, onion, and coriander in a bowl. Squeeze over the lime juice and mix gently. Add a few slices of red chilli if you fancy a little spice. Chill slightly before serving.

Perfect for: BBQ sides or as a topping for grilled fish or halloumi.

New Potato, Dill & Mustard Salad

A hearty, earthy number that holds its own next to barbecued meats or veggie skewers.

Ingredients:

  • 500g new potatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yoghurt
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fresh dill, chopped

Method:
Boil the potatoes until tender, then cool. Mix the mustard, mayo/yoghurt, lemon juice, and dill into a creamy dressing. Stir through the potatoes and chill before serving.

Perfect for: Picnics and BBQs—this one travels well too.

Watermelon, Cucumber & Mint Salad

Ultra-refreshing and ridiculously easy to make, this is the salad equivalent of jumping into a cold pool on a hot day.

Ingredients:

  • ½ a watermelon, chopped into chunks
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • A handful of mint leaves, torn
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional: crumbled feta or a pinch of chilli flakes

Method:
Combine the watermelon, cucumber, and mint in a bowl. Squeeze over the lime and toss gently. Add feta or chilli if you’re feeling fancy.

Perfect for: Cooling down on a sweltering day or serving as a refreshing side dish.

Bring Summer to the Table

Whether you’re spreading out a picnic blanket in Holker Hall & Gardens or hosting a summer soirée at home, these fresh and flavour-packed salads are guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your plate.Plan your visit to Holker Hall & Gardens today.