Usually at this time of year, I’m starting to think about warming autumnal meals, perhaps involving soups and squash. But a lot of these cosy dishes can be time intensive, and with the back-to-school/back-to-work routine of September, it can be a tricky time to dedicate to slow cooking.

So, however your start of the month is looking, plan in some simple no-cook meals to make those mid-week evenings easier, and give you more time to unwind.

Here are five ideas for easy and impressive refreshing meals to bridge the gap between our sweltering summer and the incoming autumn months.

Shorts

Mackerel and lentil salad bowl with speedy carrot slaw