WE'RE fast approaching the last bank holiday before Christmas.

It's a frightening thought, so make the most of what's left of this briefest of summers by getting out into the garden with family and friends this weekend.

Here's a delicious summer salad to enjoy with a few bottles of wine. Parma Ham and Chicken Salad With Lemon Mustard Mayonnaise 12 slices Parma ham, torn into strips

2 tbsp olive oil

12g /oz butter

350g/12oz skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

1 Cos or Romaine lettuce, shredded

2 celery sticks, finely sliced

red pepper, deseeded and finely sliced

yellow pepper, deseeded and finely sliced

small red onion, finely sliced

large lemon, rind finely grated

1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

4 tbsp mayonnaise

Salt and freshly ground black pepper HEAT the olive oil in a wok or frying pan with the butter. Add the chicken and saute for 8-10 minutes until cooked. Drain on sheets of kitchen paper.

Arrange the lettuce on to serving plates with the celery, peppers and onion. Top with the warm crispy chicken and strips of Parma ham.

Mix together the lemon rind, mustard and mayonnaise. Season to taste, then spoon on to the side of each salad. Serve immediately. Serves four.