Summer is almost here, and that means backyard barbecues, long lunches, sizzling afternoons and the return of the humble salad.

But forget those uninspiring bowls of iceberg lettuce, tomato and cucumber. This summer, salads are getting a serious makeover!

The food lovers at taste.com.au have put together a collection of ultimate summer salads, proving that a little creativity can turn a simple side dish into the star of the table.

Think juicy watermelon paired with creamy feta, colourful Mediterranean vegetables, crunchy Asian-inspired creations and fresh combinations bursting with seasonal flavour.

And it’s not just about leafy greens anymore.

Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, nuts, grains and zesty dressings can transform an ordinary salad into a satisfying meal.

The beauty of summer salads is their versatility. They’re perfect alongside a barbecue, easy to prepare ahead of a family gathering and ideal when it’s simply too hot to spend hours standing over the stove.

Best of all, you don’t need to be a master chef to create something sensational.

With Christmas entertaining just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to experiment with a few fresh ideas.

So, what’s your ultimate summer salad? Are you a traditional potato salad lover, or do you prefer something a little more adventurous?