Diwali celebrations: Recipes for 5 showstopper salads for your Diwali house party

Pomegranate and spinach chaat salad, 

Combine the crunch of fresh spinach leaves to the juicy sweetness of pomegranate seeds in this vibrant salad. The tamarind chutney and chaat masala will bring out the quintessential chaat flavours to your mouth.

How to make: Mix fresh spinach leaves, pomegranate seeds, roasted peanuts, tamarind chutney, chaat masala and lemon juice. Serve salad in individual bowls and top with a sprinkling of sev for added crunch. The contrast of green and ruby red makes this salad visually appealing and festive.

Beetroot and carrot ribbon salad with toasted walnuts

Pair the sweetness of beetroot and carrots with the earthy crunch of toasted walnuts and create this riot of colours and textures. The simple lemon-honey dressing adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the vegetables.

How to make: Mix fresh beetroot and carrots, peeled into thin ribbons, toasted walnuts, lemon-honey dressing (lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and black pepper) and fresh parsley for garnish. Lay the vegetable ribbons in a circular pattern on a platter and scatter the walnuts and parsley over the top. This salad not only tastes great but will also add a splash of festive colour to your Diwali table.

Quinoa and roasted vegetable salad with dry spices

This salad combines the health benefits of quinoa with roasted vegetables and dry spices, elevating the flavours and making it an excellent fusion dish for your Diwali party. It will be a favourite among your more health-conscious guests.

How to make: Mix cooked quinoa, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, cherry tomatoes, cumin and coriander powder and olive oil and lemon dressing. Serve on a large platter with a sprinkling of fresh coriander.

Chana salad with spicy yoghurt dressing

A healthy twist on the classic chana chaat, this protein-packed chickpea salad with a tangy and spicy yoghurt dressing will give your gym-going guests much to thank you about.

How to make: Mix boiled chickpeas, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers, green chilies and fresh coriander and spiced yoghurt dressing (Greek yogurt with cumin, chili powder, and lemon juice). Serve in a large bowl with a drizzle of yoghurt dressing on top.

Watermelon and feta salad with balsamic glaze

This showstopper salad will quickly become everyone’s favourite. Pair together the freshness of watermelon with the salty tang of feta cheese. A balsamic glaze adds sweetness and depth to the salad, making this a sophisticated and crowd-pleasing option.

How to make: Mix cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves and balsamic glaze. Arrange in a circular pattern on a platter, alternating between watermelon cubes and feta. Garnish with mint leaves and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful presentation.

These five salad recipes are not only packed with flavour, they are healthy, too, and will impress your guests with both their taste and presentation.