One of my most popular posts is Six Salads for Summer, so I thought I’d kick off this summer by sharing six more so you’re never short on inspiration! If your goal is to improve your health the number one thing you can do is add more vegetables to your diet. We know that eating plants is good, but eating a big VARIETY of plant foods is better, as it seems to encourage the growth of different species of helpful bacteria in our gut. So add flavour to your plants with extra virgin olive oil, herbs and spices and add some different varieties to your trolley each week. Click on the recipe title or image to see the recipe.

Chargrilled broccolini with chilli, lemon and capers

If you’re heating up the BBQ this salad makes the perfect side with hot flavoured oil poured over the freshly grilled broccolini. The addition of chickpeas also allow it to stand on it’s own as a substantial vegetarian main.

Grilled vegetable and fig platter

Perfect for entertaining, or for a family dinner with the hopes of leftovers, here's how we've been enjoying our grilled veggies.  Our secret is to include a punnet of figs (so cheap at the moment - and they used to be such a luxury!) and to marinade before grilling.  These veggies are delicious on the side of some barbecued steaks, sausages or halloumi. If figs aren’t in season use oranges or grapes.

Sunday Salad Brunch Bowl

Salad for breakfast! Yes you can! And with a bit of extra thought you can make extra for lunch the next day so that you’re #winningatlife. This beautiful recipe is from Melissa Hemsley.

KALE AND EDAMAME ORANGE MISO SALAD

Another substantial salad that holds up well in the fridge for leftovers, and it’s quick to make too. We love it with salmon, chicken or marinated tofu. The recipe makes more dressing than you really need, but lasts for a week in the fridge so you can use it for a green salad or over steamed green veggies. This recipe is high in plant proteins from the edamame and almonds.

SUPER SPEEDY THAI QUINOA SALAD

What to do do when you’re tired, hungry but know you should have a salad with dinner? Enter my super speedy thai quinoa salad! This plant powered salad packs in a load of different veggies plus plant protein and is ready in 5 minutes, plus holds up in the fridge for leftover the next day. Winner!

Ottolenghi's Hot Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Cold Yoghurt

Have you tried this dish from “Simple” yet? The hot, juicy tomatoes contrast beautifully with the fridge-cold yoghurt. I think this dish is perfect as a Christmas table centrepiece.

Need more quick, easy, healthy meal ideas? Go here.

Have you been thinking for a while that you would love to find out more about your gut health or why your weight won’t shift no matter what you do? Or maybe you just want to feel less bloated, have more energy and understand what food you are meant to be eating?

I’m offering a free 15 minute call to work out a nutrition action plan to get you feeling your best. There are no commitments just a friendly chat so we can work out if I’m the right person to help you reach your health goals.

Rachel is a university qualified Clinical Nutritionist based in Balmain.  She is also the busy working mum of two teenagers, so is practical and realistic with her advice . Rachel offers private consultations to improve your family's health and well-being. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram for more healthy tips and tricks.