big summer salads

a beautiful salad is a masterclass of contrasts – texture, flavour and colour. Go for fast, fresh dishes enhanced with homemade dressings and chargrilled meat or seafood, cheese, beans, nuts, croutons and fruity additions. A well-made salad can be very satisfying and healthy, and being creative is so easy when you start with seasonal ingredients. Make sure your leafy greens are well washed and dried and kept in the fridge crisper to prevent them wilting – never a good look – and get going on these salad stunners!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BEST SALAD

• Invest in a salad spinner to wash and dry leaves.

• Use fresh, seasonal produce for best value.

• Choose a theme, such as Asian or Mediterranean, and use herbs to suit such as parsley or coriander.

• Add crunch