The Summer Hosting Guide: Fresh, Easy and Made for Sharing

Got a few people coming over this weekend? Maybe it’s a sunny BBQ that’s suddenly turned into a crowd, or a long lunch that needs to look effortless. Whatever the plan, Salad Servers makes it simple to pull together a spread that looks good, tastes even better, and doesn’t leave you trapped in the kitchen.

Since 1979, our family has been feeding Australian families, taking the prep, stress, and mess off your plate. Every salad and hot meal is made fresh in our Chatswood kitchen using quality Aussie-grown ingredients, then delivered chilled and ready to serve. Think of us as your behind-the-scenes catering crew, helping you nail the food without breaking a sweat.

Spring’s the perfect time to get outside, fire up the barbecue, and enjoy good food with good company. Here’s how to bring it all together, the easy way.

Pair It Like a Pro

When it comes to feeding a crowd, you don’t need ten different dishes... You just need a few smart pairings. Think juicy roast chicken paired with Greek Salad or grilled salmon, paired with Japanese Slaw Salad.

Whether you’re hosting Sunday lunch, a family BBQ, or a long-table dinner with friends, our salads are designed to do the heavy lifting. Add your favourite protein, pour a drink, and let the flavours (and compliments) flow.

Plant-Based Favourites

Our Plant-Based salads and meals are proof that vegetarian food can be hearty, colourful, and full of flavour.

• Turmeric Couscous with Cauliflower & Cranberry Salad – a delicious mix of pearl couscous and diced cauliflower, tossed with roasted red capsicum, pumpkin, pepitas, cranberries and parsley in a creamy turmeric tahini dressing. It’s fresh, golden, and guaranteed to steal the show at any table.

• Herby Quinoa & Broccoli Salad w Green Tahini Dressing - fresh chopped broccoli, quinoa, roasted sweet potato, pepita seeds, roasted almonds and parsley, all brought together with our signature green tahini dressing. It’s bright, nutty and full of texture — perfect for summer hosting.

• Tabbouleh Salad - with the classic flavour of continental parsley mixed with crisp vegetables and bulghur wheat, finished with a zesty lemon citrus dressing. A fresh, vegan-friendly favourite for BBQs and long lunches.

  Edamame, Freekeh & Kale Salad - with edamame, freekeh, kale, lentils and seeds tossed together in a fragrant dressing for a nutritious and filling feed. 
  

Each dish is packed with texture and balanced flavours, so you can serve them straight from the fridge or mix and match for a full vegetarian meal that’s ready in minutes.

Browse the full range here: Plant-Based Salads

Gluten-Friendly Goodness for Every Table

Finding gluten-friendly food that still feels like a treat can be tricky... but not here. Our Gluten Friendly collection is made for easy entertaining and everyday eating, without compromising on taste.

• Black Rice, Beetroot, Walnut and Feta Salad - with cooked black rice mixed with tangy pickled beetroot, walnuts and a delicious kick of feta cheese. Brought together with a classic balsamic vinegar, this is not your average salad!
  
• Potato, Egg & Bacon Salad - with bacon, egg, fresh vegetables and herbs, all glazed in a creamy whole-egg mayo. Bye bye, bland potato salad!
• Japanese Slaw Salad with Sesame Mayo - crunchy red and white cabbage with julienne carrot, soy beans and arame seaweed, finished with a roast sesame and miso dressing.

All our gluten-friendly salads are made fresh, using real ingredients you can feel good about. 

Explore the full gluten-friendly collection here: Gluten Friendly Range

Styling Tips for Effortless Hosting

You don’t need to go all out to make your table look great. A few easy touches make everything feel a bit more special:

• Swap plastic for something nice. Wooden boards, ceramic bowls and serving platters instantly lift your spread.

• Keep it casual but thoughtful. A linen tablecloth or colourful napkins can make even a backyard table feel styled.

• Add something fresh. Sprinkle herbs, seeds, or citrus slices on top right before serving – a quick garnish makes everything pop.

• Keep it generous. Pile up the salads and sides so everything looks abundant and inviting.

Hosting doesn’t have to mean perfection – it’s about creating a space where people want to linger.

Plating Ideas That Look Effortless

Presentation doesn’t need to be complicated. Just choose what suits your vibe:

• Deconstructed Boards: Great for BBQs or bigger gatherings. Lay out salads, meats, and sides across one large platter so everyone can serve themselves.

• Grazing-Style Tables: Perfect for parties — combine a few salads with bread, dips, and nibbles for an easy, help-yourself setup.

• Individual Bowls: Ideal for picnics or family lunches. Less mess, and everyone gets a perfect portion.

• DIY Upgrades: Add your own toppers like feta, avocado, roasted nuts or microgreens. It’s the easiest way to make our salads feel extra homemade.

The trick is to keep it relaxed and real — good food, good company, and minimal fuss.

Your Shortcut to Stress-Free Entertaining

All our salads and hot meals are made fresh by chefs in Sydney and delivered chilled, ready to enjoy. No prep, no stress, no mountain of dishes. Just fresh, flavour-packed food made for sharing.

So whether you’re hosting a BBQ, bringing a plate, or planning the next big lunch, we’ve got the food side sorted.

Browse the full range at saladservers.com.au - we’ll do the salads, you host the party.