Simple salads

I love the robust, earthy combination of ground cumin and smoked paprika with root vegetables, and in this hearty salad these spices shine through beautifully, tempered by the sweet tang of orange zest.

Today I want to tell you the story of my enchanting New Year's Eve, spent with good friends in a little hut nestled deep in the forest of Mount Aspiring National Park on the west coast of New Zealand. More

My first creation since coming home is packed with the best, boldest flavours – spicy jalapenos, tangy lemon and sumac, salty feta, and fresh spring onions, among even more good stuff. It might look light enough, but the combination of falafel and lentils give this meal some serious filling power. Packed into a wrap or eaten straight from the fork, this meal really hits the spot. Ditch the feta and use hommus instead of yoghurt for an (almost) equally delicious vegan option. More

The apple and the pumpkin in this salad provide two very different kinds of sweetness that are complemented nicely by the sharpness of dijon mustard, the tartness of apple cider vinegar and the saltiness of feta. More

Smoky lemon tofu and fried zucchini and peas combine with fresh tomatoes and red onion to create a fresh, nutritious salad that can just as comfortably be enjoyed cold as hot. More

This salad is packed with low-GI, high-protein seeds and grains. It'll satisfy your hunger like nothing else and leave you feeling full of energy. Plus, it's great hot, warm, or cold. More

Pearl barley carries the zesty flavours of lemon juice, sumac, thyme and toasted sesame seeds in every mouthful of this chewy salad. The slightly bitter eggplant taste is offset by the sweet bursts of tomato, with chickpeas lending a hint of nuttiness. More

This meal is as quick as it gets, and uses just a small number of fresh raw ingredients. The classic combination of tomato and basil works beautifully with the classic salad ingredients of cucumber and red onion, while lentils add a bit of texture and tie it all together. More