In winter, it's most enjoyable to reach for a big old bowl of something comforting, but warmer weather arrives and we're all over the lighter dishes.

Seasonal ingredients are best on spring-summer plates, as the fruit and veg that comes in over the months tends to be naturally high in water content and thus lovely and refreshing.

Below, we've brought together 10 delicious salad recipes that are handily (by virtue of being salads) also nice and easy to throw together. And will still taste of sunshine even if the barbecue's rained off...

Asparagus, goat's cheese and hazelnut

Courgettes and asparagus are both in plentiful supply come spring-summer, and Proud Italian Cook utilises them both in this fresh salad, adding crunchy hazelnuts and creamy goat's cheese. NB the website is American, so rest assured it's definitely courgette and rocket, despite appearances from zucchini and arugula.

Find the recipe here.

Blueberry, feta and almond

Cheese and fruit has always been perfect, so try this blueberry and feta pairing from Lemon Tree Dwelling, which counters the saltiness of the cheese with the fruity sweetness and a sharp lemon dressing.

Find the recipe here.

Roasted rainbow quinoa

There's loads of good stuff in this Honestly Healthy dish, which livens up carrot, quinoa, edamame beans and pepper with fennel seeds and lemon zest.

Find the recipe here.

Harissa chicken and lemon tahini

Marinate ahead of time if you can, but otherwise, this from Wholeheartedly Healthy is one of those simple dishes that looks (and tastes) deceptively impressive.

Find the recipe here.

Avocado, strawberry and spinach

This fruity offering comes from Gimme Some Oven, and matches sweet strawberries, creamy avocado and crunchy poppyseeds with spinach, blue cheese and a dressing of honey and cider vinegar.

Find the recipe here.

Smoked salmon and avocado

Smoked salmon and avocado is a classic combo, and Fuss Free Cooking combines it with cucumber, rocket, lime juice and toasted sesame seeds.

Find the recipe here.

Asparagus and couscous

Feasting at Home offers up a more substantial salad for a spring dinner, with couscous, asparagus, feta, pine nuts and fresh herbs to taste. The couscous could be swapped for orzo pasta, rice or quinoa according to diet.

Find the recipe here.

Bean, chorizo and duck egg

This beautiful creation is from Wild Greens and Sardines, and uses the best of spring-summer veg (including peas and broad beans) together with top-notch chorizo and softly cooked duck eggs. The sherry vinaigrette can be whizzed up in a blender.

Find the recipe here.

Grilled melon and prosciutto

Sweet melon and salty cured ham is a match made in heaven. The Pig & Quill has turned it into a warm spinach salad, adding buffalo mozzarella and balsamic.

Find the recipe here.

Fennel, orange and crab

Fennel and crab are great ingredients for a fresh, spring taste, topped up with mint and avocado and a sweet, juicy note from the orange in this Jamie Oliver recipe.

Find the recipe here.