Forget sad side servings of limp leaves – these vibrant, modern and delicious salads will be the main attraction on any plate.

All of the recipes in this fresh and inspiring book are fuss-free, beautifully presented and packed with nutrition. There are classic salads with a contemporary twist; Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-style mezze plates of vegetables, beans and pulses; light sides and starters; nourishing pasta, grain and potato dishes; as well as colourful slaws and zingy dressings to make your salads truly sing.

Whether you want to liven up a Caesar Salad, rustle up a starter of Roasted Fig, Parma Ham and Dolcelatte or pass round sharing plates of Lemon and Chilli Butter Beans with Mozzarella and Pesto, The National Trust Book of Salads has some of the most exciting, satisfying and versatile dishes you will ever make.

Sophie Knox-Richardson is a food writer and nutritionist on a mission to rescue salads from their ‘pile of leaves on a plate’ reputation.