The warm weather is here and Christmas is just around the corner, and for many of us this means a lot more entertaining and attending social events. A full social calendar based mostly around food, because let's be honest they almost always are, offers plenty of opportunities to wow your loved ones with a delicious and healthy dish. What's better is that these sides are all easy, and won't break your budget. So it's time to put down the deli pasta salad, and get in the kitchen ahead of your next event. 

1. Mango salsa  

It's not a secret that I love mangoes, and i'm pretty sure everyone else does too. Now they're 4 for $5 they can star in many more dishes than just the humble fruit platter, including this delicious mango salsa. I've been enjoying this salsa with salmon, but it would be great with prawns, turkey and chicken too. 

What you need: 

2 mangoes

2 cucumbers

2 avocado

juice of 1 lime

small bunch of coriander 

1 mild chilli 

What you do: 

Cut the mango up into small cubes. If the mango is firm you can peel the skin off with a peeler, and then it's easier to cut up. If the mango is a bit soft, you will have to slice the flesh off and then use a spoon to get it out.  

Cut the cucumber and avocado into small cubes. Add to a bowl and squeeze the lime juice over the top. Finely slice the coriander and chilli, and add them to the bowl. Serve and enjoy! 

2. Pea, mint, pomegranate and feta salad  

This is a delicious way to enjoy your peas during Summer. The colours are especially festive, making this dish perfect for Christmas lunch or dinner.

What you need:

500g baby peas

1/2 bunch mint, or around 1/2 cup finely chopped

1 pomegranate

150g feta (depending on how much feta you enjoy)

1/2 lemon, juiced

Olive oil, salt and pepper to serve

What you do: 

Defrost frozen peas in microwave, should only take 2-3 minutes. Chop the mint finely and add it to the peas. 

Seed the pomegranate, here are easy instructions. Add the seeds to the peas. Break the feta into pieces, and add it to the peas.

Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favourite mains and enjoy your Christmas side. 

3. Cucumber, watermelon, feta and mint salad 

A delicious and refreshing Summer salad, the perfect accompaniment to a barbecue on a hot day or night. 

What you need: 

1/4 seedless watermelon

2 Lebanese cucumbers 

1/2 bunch of mint

100g feta

the juice of 1/2 of a lime 

What you do: 

Cut off the watermelon rind, then slice watermelon in cubes of around 2cm, and add to a bowl. Thinly slice the mint and add to the cut up watermelon, gently combine with your fingers.

Slice the cucumber in to quarters, then into pieces of around 2cm. Add to the watermelon and mint, mix gently. 

Crumb the feta over the top of the salad, then squeeze the lime juice over the top. This salad tastes best on the day is has been prepared.