With the arrival of summer, our taste buds crave refreshing and vibrant flavours. One of the best ways to indulge in the season's best offerings while keeping it light and healthy is by enjoying a delicious summer salad. Packed with fresh produce and bursting with flavours, a well-crafted salad can be the star of any summer gathering. To help you create the perfect summer salad, we've compiled seven tips that will elevate your salad game to the next level.

1. Embrace Seasonal Produce

When it comes to creating a summer salad, it's crucial to start with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Visit your local farmers' market or grocery shop to find the best produce available. Look for ripe and juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, and herbs like basil or mint. Seasonal ingredients are not only bursting with flavour but also provide essential nutrients.

To ensure your prepped salad ingredients stay fresh for your customers, Cooksmill offers a range of Polycarbonate Gastronorm Pans that ensure your salad ingredients stay fresher for longer. Simply chop up your salad ingredients, place them in the gastronorm pans, and store them in the fridge until a salad order comes. 

2. Experiment with Colours and Textures

A visually appealing salad is a feast for the eyes, and incorporating a variety of colours and textures is the key. Mix vibrant greens like romaine, spinach, or rocket with colourful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, or grated carrots. We stock a wide range of essential Knives and Chopping Boards to help you perfectly prepare your essential salad components. Whether you need to slice delicate tomatoes or dice crunchy cucumbers, these knives and boards allow you to achieve perfect results. 

You can also add a pop of sweetness with fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or sliced oranges. To create an interesting texture, toss in some toasted nuts, seeds, or crumbled feta cheese.

3. Keep it Light and Refreshing

In the summer heat, a light and refreshing dressing can elevate the flavour of your salad without overwhelming it. Opt for citrus-based dressings like lemon vinaigrette or a tangy lime dressing. These dressings not only add a refreshing twist but also complement the natural flavours of the ingredients. Alternatively, a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon can be equally delightful.

Citrus Juicers and Oil & Vinegar Bottles are kitchen essentials when making light and refreshing summer salads. Cooksmill offers a wide range of these to ensure you can easily create the best summer salad dressings. With citrus juicers that squeeze out every drop of juice and condiment bottles that allow customers to add oils and vinegar to their taste, our collection of salad essentials has everything you need this summer. 

4. Don't Forget the Protein

To transform your summer salad into a satisfying and well-rounded meal for your customers or loved ones, include a protein source. Grilled chicken, prawns, tofu, chickpeas, or quinoa are all excellent options. Protein not only adds substance but also keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer. Marinate your protein with herbs and spices to infuse it with extra flavour.

With our range of high-quality Electric Grills, you can ensure all your meat is perfectly cooked for your summer salads. These electric grills are easy to use and available in compact models that fit into small spaces at home, or larger grills that are ideal for high-volume cooking in restaurants.

5. Get Creative with Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs and spices can take your summer salad to new heights. Experiment with different combinations to create unique flavour profiles. Basil adds a refreshing and aromatic twist, while coriander gives a zesty kick. Mint is perfect for a touch of coolness, and dill can bring a hint of freshness to your dish. Sprinkle a pinch of chilli flakes or cumin for a touch of heat, or use a Mediterranean herb blend for a burst of flavour.

Preparing herbs can seem like a tedious task, especially for simple dishes like salads. However, it's important not to skip this step as herbs bring a unique depth of flavour to salads. Cooksmill has Kitchen Herb Scissors that allow you to strip the herbs from the stalk and finely chop them. 

6. Include a Variety of Textures

A salad that offers a range of textures is more satisfying to eat. Combine crisp lettuce leaves with crunchy vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrots. Add a creamy element with avocado or goat cheese. Toss in some roasted chickpeas or croutons for a delightful crunch. The interplay of textures creates a dynamic and enjoyable eating experience.

The shapes and sizes of your salad ingredients can also bring a unique texture to your salad. Having vegetables that are cut to the same size always results in a better-tasting and looking salad. This can be quite difficult to do by hand. We offer a range of top quality Vegetable Preparation machines that allow you to chop, slice, dice, and shred with ease. 

Whether you’re preparing courgettes, carrots, or cucumber, these machines are a must-have for busy kitchens. Another alternative is the OXO Hand-Held Spiralizer. This handy little tool allows you to quickly and easily spiralize your veg in a safe way that takes up less space than a full machine. The spiralised vegetables also add a fun texture to your salads.

7. Experiment with Unconventional Ingredients

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try unconventional ingredients in your summer salad. Consider adding grilled peaches, watermelon cubes, or roasted beetroot for a surprising burst of flavour. Fresh summer herbs like tarragon can infuse your salad with a unique taste.

However, if you decide to experiment with your summer salads, a large Mixing Bowl is essential to ensure your salad is well-mixed and covered in your delicious dressing. Cooksmill stocks a wide range of mixing bowls. From plastic to stainless steel, there are many options to choose from. 

In addition to mixing bowls, salad serving bowls are also essential for any food service environment. These Woven Wood Salad Bowls are made from high-quality materials and add a rustic charm to your fresh summery salad. 

Vibrant Summer Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

If you want to try making a salad using these tips, here’s a quick and simple salad that will leave your guests feeling refreshed in the summer heat.

This recipe combines the vibrant colours and refreshing flavours of seasonal ingredients with a zesty citrus vinaigrette. It's a versatile salad that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or served as a side dish at summer gatherings. Feel free to customise it to your liking, and let your taste buds savour the delightful combination of textures and flavours.

Ingredients:

• 300g mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, rocket)
• 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 150g fresh strawberries, sliced
• 30g toasted almonds
• 50g crumbled feta cheese

For the Citrus Vinaigrette:

• 60ml freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and sliced strawberries. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This is your citrus vinaigrette.

3. Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Start with half of the dressing and add more as needed, depending on your preference. Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the vinaigrette.

4. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavours and refreshing crunch of your summer salad.

Extra Tips for Customisation

• Add grilled chicken, prawns, or tofu for a protein boost.
• Substitute other seasonal fruits like mangoes or peaches for the strawberries.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint to add an aromatic twist.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds.
• Feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients based on your preference and serving size.

The Perfect Summer Salad

Crafting the perfect summer salad is an art that combines fresh and seasonal ingredients, vibrant colours, and a balance of flavours and textures. By following these seven tips, and ensuring you have all the necessary equipment needed, you can create a salad that is not only a visual delight but also a delicious and nutritious addition to your summer menu.

Cooksmill stocks all the essentials needed to embrace the season, experiment with ingredients, and let your taste buds savour the refreshing and vibrant flavours of a well-crafted summer salad.