What makes the perfect summer salad?

The great thing about salads, is there are so many classic recipes to fall back on – or you can completely make them your own. They’re a great way of using up left-overs to minimise waste too.

There are just a few simple principles for salads that look amazing and taste great:

Your salad doesn’t have to start with lettuce leaves. Other greens like curly kale, chicories, watercress or arugula rocket work really well. Or skip the lettuce altogether and build a salad using vegetables. Purple sprouting broccoli, carrot, mangetout, sugar snaps, peas and beetroot will all make a great base.

If you’re looking to save time, our new Chopped Cos Lettuce is a helpful option for busy kitchens.

Adding fats like avocado, nuts, toasted seeds, hard or soft cheeses will help carry flavours and make your salad taste exceptionally good.

Another time and waste saving way to add creamy healthy fats is with our new quick-frozen Ardo Avocado Halves, which arrive washed, peeled, stoned and cut.

Add protein such as bacon, deli turkey, grilled chicken, seared steak, smoked salmon, or eggs. For vegetarians or vegans, plant-based proteins like black beans, lentils, edamame, tempeh, tofu, quinoa, or wild rice are fantastically tasty.

Our new seasoned and spiced chicken skewers will save you time while adding flavour. Or opt for our pre-fried Ardo Beetroot Bacon for a plant-based alternative. Simply bake or fry, sprinkle over your salad and serve.

Salad dressings help the whole thing come together and can add another interesting flavour dimension. Customise them any way you like: puree in berries or avocado, add spicy mustard, mayo, yoghurt or honey, or keep it simple with fresh herbs.

1. Toss your salad to coat each leaf when preparing the greens so they taste perfectly seasoned.
2. Choose colourful toppings that add flavour, such as red cabbage, Heritage tomatoes or bell peppers, orange carrots or citrus wedges, yellow corn, white cheese, croutons, or cucumbers.
3. Sweet fruits like dried blueberries, fresh citrus or watermelon or vegetables like butternut squash create a powerful balance to salty cheeses or savoury meats.

Whether it’s the best of British or globally sourced, explore our range of over 500 fresh, quality fruit and vegetables here. Or, explore what’s new in fresh & frozen produce here.