Gather together all your favourite nibbles and combine the best of a cheeseboard and charcuterie platter for this indulgent selection of party food

This one-platter-serves-all beetroot hummus will be a big hit, and doesn’t require any cooking

Roast or barbecue these BBQ chicken pieces then serve on a platter with onion rings, coleslaw and mac ‘n’ cheese for an all-American banquet

A combination of cooked and smoked salmon, hot-smoked salmon, stuffed eggs and cucumber, yogurt and dill salad makes the ideal al fresco sharer for friends

The ultimate easy-going food for a crowd: a tear-and-share dough ball platter, served with rosemary-spiked gooey cheese, ready for some serious dipping

Impress your dining partner with pan-fried flatbreads. Serve with olives, cured meats, roasted peppers and cheese

Put ripe and juicy tomatoes centre-stage in this simple side dish, dressed with basil oil - perfect with grilled or barbecued meats

An easy, no-cook summer platter that’s brilliant for entertaining

The perfect alfresco salad. Warm new potatoes, roasted peppers and salmon, mixed with the punchy flavours of capers and anchovies

Get all the elements of this beautiful lunch dish prepared in advance, then just assemble when you're ready to serve

The fresh colours and flavours of this salad are so summery and look especially good served on a big white plate

A platter packed with veg perfect for entertaining health-conscious guests

This stunning prepare-ahead starter can be served on individual plates, or just gather everyone around for drinks in the kitchen

Serve a pick-and-mix lunch plate of smoked fish dip, oatcakes, celery, artichokes and coleslaw

Alastair Little's veggie antipasti platter makes an ideal starter course, or to serve with wine and a loaf of crusty bread

A traditional starter dish infused with the tastes of Italy - perfect with warmed bread

Serve this help-yourself platter while you get on with the rest of supper. In summer, add a few sliced fresh figs

Raid your local fishmongers for a selection to suit your budget and you have an instant impressive starter

Cheat your way to dinner party compliments by making the most of your deli counter and creating this amazing antipasti

A deliciously healthy and juicy orange platter, ready in 5 minutes. From Merilees Parker

Perfect for BBQs and buffets, this is an assembly job of gorgeous ingredients – no cooking required. Serve it with lamb kebabs for an impressive summer feast

Use bunches of young beetroot for this recipe if you can - they'll be full of flavour

Looking for a simple side or starter that delivers on taste? Look no further than roast aubergines with yogurt and harissa. It's vegetarian and gluten free

A zesty chicken dish for the BBQ or the griddle pan

A classic Chinese dish of stir-fried egg noodles with shredded chicken breast. Experiment with different fish, meat or vegetables

Pan-fry potato patties until golden, then serve with smoked salmon, mackerel and a creamy sauce as part of a sharing seafood platter

Silverside and topside are cheaper and leaner cuts of meat, well-suited to slow-cooking. The stock and juices make a great sauce when combined with caramelised onions

A Middle Eastern-style meze bowl with healthy grains, parsley, mint and coriander

This fresh and simple Greek dip is perfect served with toasted pitta bread for a party platter or served with slow roast lamb

Serve up this tasty Moroccan roast lamb dish for a low-calorie main that delivers stacks of flavour and three of your 5-a-day