First, make the dressing. In a small jar, combine the yoghurt, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, grated garlic, and all of the chopped herbs — basil, chives, and parsley. You should see a wonderfully vibrant green colour forming as you stir. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously until the dressing is thick, creamy, and smells intensely of summer gardens.

Prepare the romaine. Lay the romaine leaves flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice them lengthwise, then cut crosswise into small, bite-sized pieces. You want each piece about the size of your thumb nail. Listen for the crisp snap as the knife cuts through the leaves — that sound tells you your lettuce is perfectly fresh. Place the chopped lettuce into a large salad bowl.

Dice the cucumber and avocado. Halve the cucumber lengthwise and run a small spoon down the centre to scoop out the watery seeds. Cut the flesh into neat, uniform cubes — about 1cm each. The cucumber should feel firm and cool in your hand. Dice the avocado in the same way, adding it to the bowl gently so it doesn't bruise. Notice the creamy, buttery smell of the avocado as it mixes with the lettuce.

Add the remaining vegetables and protein. Scatter the sliced spring onions and the thawed peas over the bowl. The peas should be bright green and tender, not mushy. Add the shredded chicken (or chickpeas), distributing it evenly so every forkful has a bit of everything.

Pour on the dressing and toss. Give the dressing one more shake in the jar, then pour it over the salad. Using your salad servers, gently toss everything together. You'll see the creamy dressing coat every piece of lettuce and vegetable, turning the whole bowl a uniform, appetising shade of pale green. The sound of the dressing swishing through the leaves is deeply satisfying.

Finish with nuts and serve. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds over the top for a final, nutty crunch. Give the salad one last gentle turn, then serve immediately. The salad should look glossy, smell herbaceous, and taste crisp, creamy, and bright all at once.