5 refreshing summer salads that keep you cool, hydrated, and happy

Beat the summer heat with these five refreshing salads featuring hydrating fruits, crisp veggies, and flavourful dressings—perfect for brunches and picnics.

5 refreshing summer salads

5 refreshing summer salads

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With the summer heat kicking in, your body craves hydration, light meals, and fresh flavours. This season, swap out heavy foods with crisp, nutrient-rich salads that cool you down while keeping your energy up. 

From crunchy veggies to juicy fruits, these five salad recipes are not only easy to toss together but come with dressings so delicious, you’ll be tempted to sip them straight from the jar.

Whether you're planning a sunny Sunday brunch or packing a basket for a weekend picnic, these salads are just the refreshing companions you need.

1. Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta Salad

Why it works: Watermelon and cucumber are water-rich and instantly cooling.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups watermelon (cubed, deseeded)

  • 1 cucumber (sliced or cubed)

  • ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)

  • Fresh mint leaves (a handful)

  • Dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lime juice + salt + black pepper

Method:

  • In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, and crumbled feta.

  • Tear mint leaves and add them in.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

  • Serve chilled.

2. Mango Avocado Quinoa Salad

Why it works: A perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and protein-packed goodness.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)

  • 1 ripe mango (diced)

  • 1 avocado (diced)

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

  • Fresh coriander (chopped)

  • Dressing: 2 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp honey + chili flakes

Method:

  • In a salad bowl, combine quinoa, mango, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

  • Add chopped coriander.

  • Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.

  • Mix gently and serve cold.

3. Greek Chickpea Salad

Why it works: Loaded with fibre and protein, it's both filling and refreshing.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas

  • 1 bell pepper (diced)

  • 1 cucumber (chopped)

  • ½ red onion (thinly sliced)

  • ¼ cup olives (sliced)

  • ¼ cup feta (crumbled)

  • Dressing: 2 tbsp red wine vinegar + 2 tbsp olive oil + 1 garlic clove (minced) + salt + oregano

Method:

  • Toss chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta in a large bowl.

  • In a jar, shake together the dressing ingredients.

  • Pour over salad and toss well.

  • Let sit 20–30 minutes for flavour.

    Greek Chickpea Salad

4. Berry Spinach Salad

Why it works: Berries add a burst of antioxidants and tangy sweetness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups baby spinach

  • ½ cup strawberries (sliced)

  • ½ cup blueberries

  • ¼ cup walnuts (toasted)

  • ¼ cup goat cheese (crumbled)

  • Dressing: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp honey + ½ tsp Dijon mustard

Method:

  • In a bowl, mix spinach and berries.

  • Add toasted walnuts and goat cheese.

  • Shake up the dressing and drizzle just before serving.

  • Toss lightly and enjoy.

5. Asian Slaw with Sesame Dressing

Why it works: Crunchy, colourful, and perfect for a heatwave.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (red or green)

  • 1 carrot (julienned)

  • ½ red bell pepper (thinly sliced)

  • 2 scallions (chopped)

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

  • Dressing: 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tbsp sesame oil + 1 tsp honey + ½ tsp grated ginger

Method:

  • In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, scallions, and sesame seeds.

  • Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.

  • Pour over the slaw and toss thoroughly.

  • Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.

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