Grilled Calamari with Lemon and Oregano

Calamari is the Italian word for squid, so look for "squid" at the fish counter. Mild-tasting calamari is best when it's impeccably fresh, but it's most often sold in 2 lb (1 kg) boxes, frozen or thawed. Moist and tender, it can toughen with overcooking, so watch your grilling time.

Chicken Salad Niçoise

Barley Risotto with Peas & Leeks

Pan-Fried Green Beans With Olives & Garlic Croutons

Aubergine and Pasta Charlotte

Couscous, Chickpea & Roasted Eggplant Bowl With Herbed Yogurt

Crab Cakes With Lemon & Caper Vinaigrette

Baby Bow Tie and Walnut Pasta Salad

Farfallini are tiny bow tie-shaped pasta; other small pastas, such as orzo (rice-shaped pasta), stellini (small star-shaped pasta) and ditalini (small tube-shaped pasta) are also suitable. Toasting some of the pasta boosts the flavour as well as the visual appeal.

Artichoke, Sun-Dried Tomato and Pancetta Gemelli

Turkey Scaloppine with Leafy Salad

Simple and satisfying, this family-favourite dish can be made with either turkey or chicken scaoppine.