Our pick of salads for summer

Whether you’re chilling in the backyard, or serving it up for the family after work, a great salad is the summer staple. Here, a variety to inspire you

Compiled by Megan Whelan

  1. 01

    Barbecued Chicken Salad with Grilled Nectarines

    Over in the summer fruit section, I commended to you, dear reader, grilled peaches. See also: grilled nectarines.

  2. 02

    Barbecued Corn Salad with Roasted Tomatoes & Avocado

    Barbecued Corn Salad with Roasted Tomatoes & Avocado

    I discovered this recipe on rnz.co.nz a few years ago, and I have made it dozens of times. It is a perfect summer dish.

  3. 03

    Wilted Cucumber Salad

    I don’t like cucumber, but who am I to argue with the first family of New Zealand food, the Holsts?

  4. 04

    Crisp Vegetable Salad with Watermelon, Lime and Peppermint

    Who can even afford fresh lime in New Zealand? But if you can, peppermint and lime alongside barbecued meats (or even haloumi?) Yes please.

  5. 05

    Lentil and Cherry Tomato Salad

    It’s hard to go past cherry tomatoes as the ideal summer vegetable - except maybe for fresh peas. (See below.) And who doesn’t love a lentil?

  6. 06

    Warm Potato and Pea Salad

    I might make this over summer as an excuse to buy some fresh peas, and then eat most of them as I shell them. Who could say?

  7. 07

    Tomato, Onion and Cucumber Salad

    For when you need something really summery, really simple, and really delicious.

About the compiler

Portrait of Megan Whelan

Megan Whelan is RNZ’s head of content. She believes the amount of garlic in any recipe is more of a guide than a rule.