RECIPES TO SAVOUR THE SEASON: SALADS

Jun 21, 2025

Savour golden summer evenings with our shaved asparagus and courgette salad—a vibrant mix of fresh greens, creamy mozzarella and toasted seeds. It’s the kind of dish made for easy summer lunches and sunlit suppers, best enjoyed gathered around the warmth and character of our Arlington dining set.

Asparagus & Courgette Salad

Serves 4

There’s a certain softness to summer at its height—the way the light falls through leaves, the quiet clink of glasses, the slow rhythm of outdoor meals. It’s in these gentle moments that simple, seasonal dishes come into their own. This shaved asparagus and courgette salad is one of them—fresh, delicate and full of texture, finished with creamy mozzarella and the crunch of toasted seeds. A dish made for sun-dappled lunches and easy garden gatherings.

Asparagus & Courgette Summer Salad ready for an alfresco lunch on a wooden garden dining table

Lemon, Honey & Herb Dressing with Toasted Seeds

To elevate the dish while keeping it light and seasonal, here’s a zesty lemon and herb dressing with a hint of sweetness and crunch that pairs beautifully with shaved vegetables and mozzarella:

Ingredients:

Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp runny honey (or maple syrup for a deeper flavour)
1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional for a little tang)
Small handful of fresh herbs, finely chopped (mint and basil work beautifully)
1 tbsp pumpkin or sunflower seeds, lightly toasted
Sea salt & cracked black pepper, to taste

Method:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, honey, mustard, and olive oil until lightly emulsified.
Stir through the chopped herbs and season generously with salt and pepper.
Just before serving, drizzle over the salad, then scatter with toasted seeds for texture and a finishing flourish.

This dressing adds fragrance, balance, and a sunny sharpness that lifts the sweetness of the mozzarella and freshness of the greens. Let me know if you’d like a wine pairing or food styling tip to go with it!

Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairing: Cucumber, Elderflower & Mint Sparkler

Ingredients:

100ml cucumber juice (freshly blended & strained)
50ml elderflower cordial
Sparkling water or soda
Fresh mint leaves
A squeeze of lemon
Ice

To serve:

Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cucumber juice and elderflower cordial, top with sparkling water, a squeeze of lemon, and a few mint leaves. Stir gently and serve chilled.

It’s clean, botanical, and elegant—perfect for garden lunches and warm afternoons.

Continental Calm: The Rise of Relaxed Outdoor Living

This summer sees a shift toward a more effortless way of outdoor dining—think unfussy table settings, shared plates, and long lunches that spill into the afternoon. Inspired by continental style, it’s all about bringing comfort and ease to the garden, with natural textures, warm tones, and space to gather.

Our Arlington collection embodies this laid-back elegance, pairing a solid acacia wood table with traditionally woven chairs to create a setting that feels both grounded and inviting. Perfect for everything from weekend brunches to impromptu evening feasts.