Salad recipes

Tender shrimp tossed with pasta in a bright lemon-herb dressing spiked with tarragon and rosemary makes an elegant cold salad perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

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.

Tuna pita pockets stuffed with creamy yogurt-mustard tuna salad, fresh dill, crisp celery, lettuce, and tomato. A light, mayo-free lunch ready in 10 minutes.

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

Peanut butter dressing stirs chunky peanut butter with dark corn syrup and milk into a thick, sweet drizzle for fresh fruit salads. Three ingredients, five minutes, kid-approved.

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.

Toasted hazelnut vinaigrette with lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of sugar. A light, nutty salad dressing with only 6 ingredients, ready in 15 minutes.

Pineapple cheese mold layers sugar-free orange Jell-O with cottage cheese, yogurt, and crushed pineapple for a creamy, light retro gelatin salad. A church potluck classic.

No-cook summer couscous salad with fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, mint, coriander, parsley, and garlic in olive oil. A light, herby Mediterranean side dish.