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10 delicious summer salads

If you're looking to whip up something a bit different from the usual greek salads and tricolores this summer, try these fresh new salad ideas created by our resident foodie Niamh Shields

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Beetroot & chive gravlax

Gravlax is a Scandinavian way of preserving fish. It’s not unlike smoked salmon in texture and carries a delicate flavour of beetroot and chive. It also turns the edge of the salmon a lovely gentle pink. It takes only 48 hours and is worth the wait. Don’t worry about it being fishy. As long as you use very fresh salmon, it will taste great. See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Asparagus & jamon mimosa

Mimosa means many things, in this case, it means grated egg on top. I like to jazz it up by shredding some good prosciutto and jamon and combining it with the grated egg. Traditional French recipes also include a mustard dressing, personally, I find that English asparagus in season is best left on its own. It has such a wonderful flavour I don’t like to mess with it. So I dress it simply in some good extra virgin olive oil. See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and easy meals

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Griddled baby aubergines with pomegranate & tahini yogurt dressing

Baby aubergines are very pretty in a salad but don’t worry if you can’t get any, large aubergines cut into rounds are just as good. I like to use a middle eastern style dressing here. The nutty tahini tastes great and is very good for you as it is composed primarily sesame seeds. The yogurt softens it and gives it a creamy tang, the juicy pomegranate seeds brighten the flavours and the dish. See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Squash, candied pecan and spinach salad

This is a lovely salad and is great served on it’s own or with some cooked chicken. The textures work really well and the sweet squash is great with the pecans. The spinach livens it up a bit both in colour and flavour. I don’t use a dressing here as I don’t feel it really needs one. See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Tomato, feta & mint salad

This is a delicious, quick and healthy summer salad, even better with English tomatoes in season. Great on it’s own and terrific served on a big platter for sharing. See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Rice seafood salad

Mixed fresh seafood bulked out with some carbs like rice, and fragrant with fresh herbs, is a perfect summer salad. Use the seafood of your choice here. I have used mussels, prawns and squid as those are my favourites. You can buy mixed seafood packs now, and can buy cooked mussels out of the shell. Whichever is best for you works here! See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Corn and avocado salsa

This lively bright salad will cheer up any grey day and is great for a barbecue or picnic. It’s difficult not to eat it all by the spoon before you even serve it! See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Pear, goats' cheese & watercress salad

This is a terrific summer salad, the sweet pears are lovely with the sharp goats cheese and the pepery watercress is a lovely contrast. It’s a light stress free summer salad so I keep the dressing simple. We want to be out in the sunshine, not stuck in the kitchen! See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Green salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, toasted garlic & pine nuts

This green salad has a bit of life in it with the toasted garlic slices. Normally I am averse to any brown garlic but it works really well here. See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Honest to goodness potato salad

Now what’s wrong with potato salad? . It’s one of my favourite sturdy summer bites. In Ireland we even put it in sandwiches. I just love it and when you glam it up with homemade mayonnaise – it’s delicious. Homemade mayonnaise is easiest made in a mixer or with an electric whisk, it takes no time this way. I like to leave the skin on but that’s up to you when you make yours. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it! See recipe...

See also: 10 fast and healthy meals

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Next Up: 10 fast and healthy meals
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