Salad recipes

Pickled shallots in red wine vinegar with bay leaf and thyme. Crunchy, rosy-pink no-cook refrigerator pickle that brightens salads, sandwiches, and cheese boards.

Toasted country bread brushed with olive oil and oven-toasted until golden, the base for bruschetta and tomato salad toasts. Two ingredients, restaurant-quality crunch.

Pickled red beets in a sweet brown sugar and vinegar brine. Old-school canning recipe that yields jewel-toned jars perfect for sandwiches, salads, and holiday relish trays.

Minted peaches and melons is a fresh summer fruit salad of ripe peaches and cantaloupe in a light orange-lemon dressing, finished with chopped mint and toasted almonds. No cooking, and easy to make ahead.

Turmeric oyster crackers are a microwave snack mix flavored with garlic, dill, and chicken bouillon. A golden, savory twist on seasoned crackers for parties, salads, and soup toppers.

Sweet potato phoenix nests deep-fried between two sieves into crispy, golden lattice bowls. Just 3 ingredients and a stunning presentation for stir-fries or salads.

Fresh melon salad with cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon tossed in a creamy mint and cardamom sauce. A chilled summer fruit dish with light sour cream dressing.

Pineapple-pear mold is a light, refreshing gelatin salad made with orange juice, crushed pineapple, and sliced pears. A retro potluck classic with no added sugar.

Homemade tahini from scratch with just toasted sesame seeds and oil. Smooth, nutty paste for hummus, baba ganoush, salad dressings, and Middle Eastern cooking. Keeps for months in the fridge.

Delicious Pan-fried fillet of seabass on grilled asparagus with mustard seed, mango and toasted coconut salad, served with a glass of Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, £8.49 from Asda, Thresher, Morrison's, Sainsbury's, Somerfield, Tesco

Sugared pecans in a buttery brown sugar glaze made on the stovetop in 5 minutes with just 3 ingredients. A quick snack, salad topper, or holiday gift idea.

Penne alla malefemmina, a no-cook Southern Italian pasta sauce of raw tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, and garlic marinated in olive oil. Tossed with hot pasta or served cold as pasta salad.

Black-eyed pea and crab salad with bacon, roasted peppers, and fresh herbs in a bright vinaigrette. A Stephan Pyles-style Southwestern recipe served on gorditas or crisp tortillas.

Soba noodle and cucumber salad with daikon sprouts and seared ahi tuna. A cold Japanese-style noodle plate finished with chile oil drizzle. Light, fresh, restaurant-style.

Itch pilaf is a no-cook Armenian bulgur salad soaked in tomato sauce, brightened with lemon, paprika, and fresh parsley. A cousin of tabbouleh, ready in 15 minutes with zero stove time.

Yogurt Cheese Dressing: a thick, tangy salad dressing made with yogurt cheese, garlic, dill, and vinegar. Lighter than ranch with a labneh-style backbone for spoonable creaminess.