Easy heatwave-proof salads to make when you can’t face cooking

When the temperature rises, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours sweating over a hot hob or oven. Luckily, these quick and easy salad recipes are perfect for a heatwave – they’re fresh and flavour-packed, and require minimal time in the kitchen. Try these tempting ideas for light lunches and effortless dinners that will keep you cool and satisfied.

Discover more heatwave-proof ideas with our no-cook recipes and summer dinner ideas. We also have plenty more salad inspiration, including chopped salad recipes, healthy salad recipes and high-protein salad recipes.

Mexican street corn salad

A sharing plate with Mexican street corn salad

Inspired by the classic Mexican street food, this salad is bursting with smoky charred corn, zesty lime, creamy mayo and a hint of chilli heat. Finished with salty cheese and fresh coriander, it’s a sunshine-filled bowl that’s both cooling and deeply satisfying. Serve it as a side or light main – it’s quick to prepare and perfect for when you want big flavour with little effort.

See more Mexican-inspired recipes.

Super greens & chicken salad

A large white platter of super greens and chicken salad, with sliced griddled chicken breast arranged on top of bulgur wheat, green beans, chopped Little Gem lettuce, cucumber and avocado, all scattered with fresh herbs and grated Grana Padano

Packed with bulgur wheat, green beans, cucumber, avocado, lettuce and plenty of fresh herbs, this salad is topped with griddled chicken and finished with a zesty, herby dressing. It’s filling yet light, and the combination of crunchy greens and creamy avocado will keep you feeling refreshed. Perfect for when you want something nourishing and energising without spending ages in the kitchen.

Check out more chicken salad recipes.

The very best ploughman’s salad

A sharing platter of the very best ploughman's salad

All the best bits of a traditional ploughman’s lunch are brought together in this generous sharing salad. Expect sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, jammy eggs, crisp apple and crunchy, cheesy croutons, all tossed in a honey-mustard dressing. It’s a hearty, no-fuss option that feels substantial but won’t leave you feeling weighed down in the heat.

Next, see our ploughman’s sandwich.

Chicken panzanella with crumpet croutons

A serving of chicken panzanella with crumpet croutons

This twist on a Tuscan classic is a meal in itself, featuring juicy tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, torn chicken and unique crumpet croutons that soak up all the dressing. The crumpets add a lovely chew and the whole dish is bursting with fresh basil and bright summer flavours. It’s a brilliant way to use up leftover chicken and is ready in minutes, making it a great choice for busy, hot evenings.

We have plenty more panzanella recipes to try.

More easy summer dinner inspiration

Vegetarian summer recipes
Summer air fryer meal plan
Summer chicken recipes
Quick summer recipes
Healthy summer recipes
Summer family recipes
Summer pasta recipes



source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/news-trends/heatwave-salads

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