My go-to simple summer salad

The midst of summer in Brisbane means it's far too hot to eat anything other than leaves and greens. Let's not get boring though! If you are forever looking for ways to make vegetables more exciting, trust me, sometimes simple is best. We all start out trying to over-complicate something that should be straight forward, by adding a little of this and that until you have a mish mash on a plate. While a side salad doesn't steal the show, it should accompany your carbohydrates and protein nicely and bring a little life to your meal.

This simple summer salad dish was inspired by the entree served at a favourite local restaurant, one that has that a singular set menu to order. I always looked forward to the entree, even though it was just the precurser to a meal. Now I serve up this salad quite regularly and it's always met with a positive response! Whip it up for barbecues or if you're having friends over, otherwise throw in some grilled chicken and have it for an easy lunch.

This recipe goes from fridge to table in about 10 minutes, and you can easily change around ingredients depending on what you have available in your fridge. The dressing is a classic combination of honey, Dijon mustard and lemon, but feel free to swap with horseradish or seeded mustard, maple syrup or apple cider vinegar. Make sure you taste as you go to ensure the dressing is balanced. Simple salads are taken to the next level with a reliable dressing.

Simple Summer Salad

Print Recipe

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The simplest salad for your next summer barbeque

• Author: Andrea
• Prep Time: 5
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 serves 1x
• Category: Savoury
• Cuisine: Salad

Ingredients

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• 2 heads baby cos lettuce
• 6 pink radishes
• ½ small red onion
• 10g chives

Dressing

• Juice of one lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ½ tsp honey

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Instructions

1. Cut off the end of each head of lettuce. Pull off leaves individually, wash and pat dry.
2. Thinly slice radishes and red onion. Slice chives into thirds. Roughly chop walnuts.
3. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
4. To make dressing, combine all ingredients in a jar. Shake until well combined and drizzle over salad.
5. Serve with a side of protein.

For more salad ideas, check out Vietnamese salad with poached chicken or my all-of-the-greens salad.