Thai shredded chicken & runner bean salad

This low-fat yet satisfying salad is full of authentic Asian flavour and will add plenty of zing to al fresco dining

Big egg, bacon & bean salad

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
A substantial ‘almost-Niçoise’ that goes with just about anything, and won’t get soggy on the way to the picnic

Mediterranean feta salad with pomegranate dressing

Middle Eastern pomegranate molasses gives this salad a delicious tang

Bistro runner bean salad

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Runner beans are usually just treated as a side dish, but in this main-meal salad they get a starring role

Chocoholic’s Christmas pudding

Wow. A definite crowd pleaser – chocolate mousse hidden by a layer of chocolate sponge, covered with the best chocolate topping we’ve ever tasted

Marinated lamb steaks with paprika roast tomatoes & butterbean smash

Everyone will love these juicy lamb steaks teamed with new-age mash in this recipe by Silvana Franco

Smoked salmon & bean dip with crispy pittas

The pittas become crunchy in the oven making them unbelievably moreish

Herb-crusted rack of lamb with white bean purée

Show off your cooking skills with this restaurant-style cut of lamb served on a butter bean mash

New potato & green bean salad

Try to use Jersey royals in this healthy take on a picnic classic then swap the mayo for honey mustard vinaigrette

Tasty cottage pies

The classic family dish from the Cooking with Auntie Sara series – perfect for getting the kids involved

Warm duck salad with Merlot dressing

The dressing for this filling salad is quite unusual as it has chicken stock in
it, which adds a great depth of flavour

Sticky chilli roast chicken with rice salad

These sticky chicken pieces with salsa and salad are perfect for easy yet glamorous entertaining