As summer approaches, visions of barbecues and sharing delicious meals al fresco with family and friends come to mind. And no table would be complete without a selection of fresh, colourful salads. Although some may deem salads boring, there are endless ways to upgrade simple lettuce/tomato/cucumber combos into delicious and nutritious meals and side dishes. If you don’t love salads, you simply haven't experimented enough with them.

A well-crafted salad is a crowd pleasing addition to any summertime feast, and should include healthy fats, complex carbs and protein. A refreshing salad of seasonal leaves, crunchy salad vegetables and creamy avocado, with roasted chickpeas sprinkled throughout, adds a refreshing note to a midday barbeque – whilst a bed of kale and spinach with layers of crispy, marinated tofu and tangy spring onions makes a brilliant evening option. After all, the wonderful thing about salads is their versatility.

Here are some ideas to help you build a variety of different summer-themed salads that are packed with plant-based protein.