When it comes to barbecue cooking, it’s all about the side dishes. Salads are a must have – but boring lettuce and a few tomato slices just won’t cut it these days. So here are some of my favourite salads that are perfect for entertaining. They’re tasty, visually impressive and, above all else, easy to throw together. These salads are a stress-free zone, and just looking at them will have you ready to fire up that grill and invite your nearest and dearest around. Pass the salad, please!

Classic Potato Salad with Egg and Bacon

This sumptuous side dish, perfect for parties, barbecues or weekend gathering is always a crowd pleaser. Baby potatoes are boiled and combined with crispy hickory smoked bacon, spring onions, boiled eggs and a delicious mayonnaise dressing. Serve warm or chilled, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/Tt1lwtit4Y4

Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad is endlessly adaptable and is always popular at barbecues. This version features small shell pasta (or any small pasta you like!) combined with bacon, carrot, spring onion, corn and a glorious creamy garlic aioli dressing. I recommend making a double batch because this one is always the first thing to run out from the buffet table!

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/B90ttIRa5Og

Curried Rice Salad

Rice based salads are great as they are fast to throw together and naturally filling. For this salad, cooked rice is combined with celery, spring onions, apple, raisins and a light, mild curry dressing. Quick to prepare and perfect for using up left over rice, this will become a new regular in your house.

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/UAaDVxxyk9U

Mango Chicken Salad

Mango Chicken Salad is a quick and easy to make salad dish that can be served as a side dish or a main meal. Mixed salad leaves are combined with fresh slices of mango, succulent chicken and a delicious tangy dressing. Great for sharing with friends on the weekend, or a quick meal during the week, this gorgeous salad is guaranteed to impress!

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/oYPFTeAyYBk

Pomegranate Cous Cous Salad

Pomegranate Cous Cous Salad is a fabulously festive side dish, perfect for Christmas or any time of year! Cous Cous is combined with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, pomegranate and fresh parsley. A splash of extra virgin olive oil brings everything together to make a gloriously simple salad that everyone will enjoy!

YouTube Recipe Video: https://youtu.be/LL5AtqlnCh4