He’ll never admit it to his tjoms but even your man agrees that a braai just isn’t as lekker without a good salad. But you don’t have to break the bank with pomegranate rubies and walnuts to make your salad ooze with personality. All these sides are inexpensive to put together and guaranteed to be a hot topic around the table on Braai (Heritage) Day.

Unassuming Caprese salad

This classic Italian side resembling the colours of the national flag, has only three ingredients and it’s oh-so-easy to make. Try it – you can’t possibly go wrong!

Ingredients:
Mozzarella, sliced
Tomatoes, sliced
Fresh basil

Tip: To keep the flavours simple and bold, season only with salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Old-fashioned Green salad

Here’s another traditional number which revels in its own simplicity. There are a billion ways to make a green salad, but this recipe truly lives up to its name – and calls for just a few cherry tomatoes to add some colour and juiciness.

Ingredients:
Mixed lettuce leaves
Rocket
Celery, sliced
Cucumber, sliced
Spring onion, chopped
Handful of cherry tomatoes

Tip: Serve with a vinaigrette dressing.

Controversial Potato salad

Undoubtedly the most disputed one around, everyone has their own secret weapon for potato salad greatness: some say it’s all about the parsley, others swear by hard-boiled eggs, while my ace in the hole is two big cloves of yummy roasted garlic – and my money’s on your not being disappointed.

Ingredients:
1kg baby potatoes, boiled
100g mayonnaise
125g sour cream
2 tsp chives, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped

Tip: Refrigerate and serve cold if possible.

Dependable Three bean salad
The three bean salad has to be one of the most old-school braai accompaniments. But it’s a tried-and-tested winner, so don’t shy away from this protein-rich salad which can often be made with ingredients straight from your pantry.

Ingredients:
300g fresh green beans
1 can of baked beans
1 can of kidney beans
2 tbsp mayonnaise
3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
2 tsp chives, chopped

Tip: Swop the beans suggested in this recipe for any others you might prefer.

Admirable Pasta salad

Pasta is as tasty eaten cold as it is warm, so forget about Prof Noakes for just a moment and enjoy my personal favourite. This one’s deliciously sweet and spicy at the same time – and gives new meaning to the word moreish!

Ingredients:
500g of screw noodles (1 packet)
1 green pepper
1 onion
1 tin of sweet corn
250ml tomato sauce
125ml sunflower oil
125ml white spirit vinegar
25ml curry powder (medium)
200ml sugar

Tip: Add about 10 drops of Tabasco sauce if you want a bit more zing. 
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