Three Summer Salads to Impress your Guests

Three Summer Salads to Impress Your Guests

When cooking a meal for friends and family, salads are always my go to dish. Personally, I tend to veer away from cooking one big dish and prefer a table full of what my family fondly call ‘bits and pieces’!

My friends know me for many dishes scattered across the table, to be enjoyed in an informal way. I usually try and create at least three salads, alongside a meat dish which can be a simple roasted chicken or pot of pulled pork, some breads, and perhaps some grilled vegetables and new potatoes. I’ll then throw in a few Charlie & Ivy’s Mayo’s on the table for guests to choose from, and you’ve a grazing table ready to impress, with not a lot of effort!

I have a few reasons salads are my go-to. Most of my salads require little cooking and can be enjoyed cold, making them quick and easy to prepare, especially in large quantities and you can prep ahead, simply adding the dressing when you’re ready to serve, perfect for big parties.

Salads are a great opportunity to make the most of local and seasonal produce, enjoying the best of flavours. They can also easily be adapted to fit vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions, ensuring all guests have something they can enjoy.

Not forgetting, salads look beautiful on the table! The vibrant colours of fresh produce, making them an attractive addition to any party.

If I were to choose just three salads to include in my next dinner party menu here at the farm, these are certainly the three I’d choose. There is a balance of flavours, something a bit different and one that gets some carbs in too. If you’re choosing what to make, then look at what works together whilst also offering something unique. If you’re on a tight timescale look at what can be created in advance and consider the variety you’d like to offer your guests. We hope if you choose to make any of our Charlie & ivy’s recipes you enjoy making them as much as you do eating them!

Zingy Lemon Orzo Greek Salad

Inspired by a trip to Greece, this sunshine filled Greek style salad is a zingy combo of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion and feta. Brought together with pre-cooked and cooled Orzo and our Lemon & Poppy Seed Dressing. A great one to prepare the night before, and a good serving of carbs in there too!

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Strawberry & Pomegranate Salad with Harrogate Blue

This salad certainly looks impressive, and the strawberries sing out summer! With peppery watercress and Harrogate Blue from Shepherds Purse Cheese, topped with a crumbling of walnuts, along with the sweetness from the strawberries and pomegranate, this dish is perfectly balanced. We finish this salad with a drizzle of our Blackberry & Thyme Balsamic Bread Dipper.

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Roasted Smoked Chilli Vegetable Salad with Halloumi

This is a bit of a different salad, which you can choose to serve warm or make ahead and serve cold. Use summer vegetables such as peppers, courgettes and red onions, add some sliced halloumi and drizzle in our Smoked Chilli Dressing before roasting. To serve, simply toss through with some fresh rocket and the juices in the pan, adding a little dressing to taste.

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