Our best main, salad and dessert recipes to make this summer

2020 has been something else, and not a lot has gone to plan.

If you're only just starting to plan Christmas lunch or a summer gathering, we're here to help.

Here's a handy list of festive summer recipes, from traditional and surprising baked mains to salads, that will work for vegetarians and vegans too.

Impressive baked mains

These baked dishes are good not just straight from the oven, but good to snack on after the guests have left.

Meals that keep on giving, if you like.

• Spiced maple-glazed ham is an impressive dish that uses the sweetness of a peach relish to take it to the next level.
• You've heard about the whole roasted cauli? Well, it may not have occurred to you that cabbage can be a hero too. This is a simple recipe for a whole baked cabbage that you can pop in the oven and walk away, and then charge it up with different dressings including sour cream and parmesan.
• Such a versatile veggie, this delicious whole roasted cauliflower recipe can easily be the main dish on the menu. "I remember a time when the non-meat option on a feasting table was lentil loaf," says food writer Hetty McKinnon. We're all glad that's no longer the case!

Make a salad or a side

Some of these salads are hearty enough to serve as mains, and there are plenty of colourful options to make your summer tables shine.

• Assemble a rainbow vegetable bake — it's easy to make and a beauty too. Make sure you choose a range of veggies in different colours for maximum impact.
• This soba noodle salad with avocado and cucumber is perfect on a hot day. There is something about cucumbers that is cooling, and this salad serves 4-6 generously.
• Pasta salad is a picnic classic and this warm pasta salad is packed with veggies. Though maybe wait until the cold front is coming through.
• This fig, mozzarella and prosciutto salad is easy to prepare (we're talking minutes) and is a delicious way to make the most of fig season.
• Using vegan mayonnaise means this potato salad can be enjoyed by everyone.
• If you're looking for something hearty, this freekeh salad with sticky roast carrots, pomegranate and goats' cheese is filled with goodies.
• Zucchini and pearl couscous salad is a delicious way to use up any excess summer zucchini. It's tasty, fresh and filling.

What is summer without desserts?

Whether you say 'pudding' or 'dessert' doesn't matter once you have these delights in front of you.

• Are cheesecakes ever not delicious? This dreamy no-bake cheesecake has an almond, honey and burnt butter crust, and sets in the fridge.
• Mix up your usual trifle with this mango, coconut and ginger trifle, a dessert that could double as a healthy, vegan breakfast.
• Oh hello there, raspberry meringue roulade. Remember supermarket Swiss rolls? Take that memory and imbue it with a crunchy rolled meringue, a slab of cream and seasonal berries. Do you get the idea?
• This chocolate cream pie is a luscious, rich and cold dessert. Just make sure you give it enough time to set in the fridge.
• Cherries are a delight of the Australian summer, and you won't regret spending the extra prep time on this orange-soaked cherries with Anzac crumble.