From barbecues to busy weeknights, here are seven salads to prepare this summer
This pearl couscous salad with pomegranate, leafy greens and a tangy dressing is ready in 30 minutes. (ABC News: Lina Jebeile)
Summer is the season for salad.
In that spirit, we've gathered seven of our finest for you.
Whether you've been asked to bring along a side to a summer occasion or your body is just yearning for some extra veggies come dinnertime, there will be an option that fits the brief.
Quick pearl couscous salad with leafy greens, pomegranate seeds and capsicum
A serving of pearl couscous salad with leafy greens, green capsicum and pomegranate. (ABC News: Lina Jebeile)
This salad comes together in less than half an hour, with tender pearl couscous, fresh greens and a tangy dressing. A delicious addition to any spread, the greens can be substituted (depending on preferences and availability), and you can add grilled chicken or roasted sweet potato for a more substantial midweek dinner.
Easy brown rice salad with feta and a quick pickled dressing
Hetty Lui McKinnon's brown rice salad with feta cheese, herbs and a quick pickled dressing. (ABC News: Hetty Lui McKinnon)
This recipe leans on pantry staples to create an "anything-but-boring rice salad". It's quick to assemble, adaptable, travels well and lasts in the fridge for several days. A great option for everything from work lunches to picnics.
Easy potato salad that's ready in 30 minutes
A classic, creamy salad that's a welcome addition to any summer spread. (ABC News: Clementine Day)
A potato salad is a classic side, and this punchy rendition only takes about 30 minutes to pull together from start to finish. With plenty of herbs, caramelised shallots and pickled onions, this vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free option really delivers on flavour.
Shake and serve chipotle chicken salad is perfect for meal prep
Enjoy this Mexican-inspired salad with corn chips. (ABC News: Zain Ayub)
A grab-and-go meal with protein is perfect for busy days, especially when it's hot. This shake salad is a twist on a Mexican burrito bowl and ticks a lot of boxes. It has warmth from the chipotle and sweetness from the peppers and tomatoes, plus the option to serve with crunchy corn chips (yes, please!).
Quick zucchini salad with garlic labneh and mint
A no-cook zucchini salad, served with flat bread and labneh for summer nights. (ABC News: Lina Jebeile)
A sophisticated side that involves no cooking. Picture crisp, raw zucchini with creamy garlic labneh and fresh mint. It's quick, simple, delicious and you can avoid turning on the stove.
Tomato, cucumber and crouton salad in 30 minutes
This salad will happily sit alongside a variety of dishes at BBQs or potluck gatherings. (ABC Everyday: Heidi Sze)
Make the most of in-season tomatoes with this simple and festive summer salad. Add the (tremendously moreish) croutons just before serving to avoid any sogginess.
Olive salad with creamy feta and zesty lemon-garlic dressing
This simple but flavourful salad lifts any meal. (ABC News: Lina Jebeile)
A salad for olive lovers, with freshness and a hint of tang. This mix of marinated olives, red onion, capsicum and creamy feta, tossed with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing can be ready in just ten minutes.