Salad recipes

Moroccan tagine of okra and tomatoes uses a clever string-the-okra technique to keep pods whole while poaching in spiced tomato sauce. A vegetarian Maghreb classic served hot or warm.

Tomato kachumber with fresh mint, ginger, lime juice, and popped black mustard seeds. A tangy Indian tomato salad that adds bright, cool contrast to any curry or dal.

Eggplant a la Provencale layers golden olive-oil-fried eggplant slices under a slow-simmered tomato, garlic, and parsley sauce. A chilled French summer appetizer or salad.

Fresh tomatoes hollowed out and stuffed with mashed avocado, chili powder, alfalfa sprouts, and coriander. A light, no-cook Mexican appetizer or healthy snack.

Orange spirited carrots cooked in the microwave with vodka, butter, orange zest, and a touch of sugar. A quick glazed carrot side dish ready in 20 minutes.

Microwave cucumber-onion bake with layered sliced cucumbers, onion rings, ketchup, and butter. A retro vegetable side dish ready in 30 minutes with just 6 simple ingredients.

Crisp steamed asparagus on baby lettuce with toasted hazelnuts and a tarragon-Dijon vinaigrette made with hazelnut oil. An elegant make-ahead salad or appetizer.

Tofu antipasto salad with bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes in a balsamic-oregano marinade. A colorful vegetarian appetizer or side, no cooking required.

Microwave cauliflower scramble with frozen cauliflower in cheese sauce, zucchini, tomatoes, and thyme. A quick vegetable side dish ready in 30 minutes with no stovetop needed.

Scalloped asparagus layered with sharp cheddar cheese sauce and toasted almonds. Microwave method makes this creamy side dish ready in 30 minutes.

Microwave broccoli spears topped with a creamy lemon-ginger butter sauce made from scratch. A fast vegetable side dish with bright citrus flavor.

Microwave cauliflower au gratin with a quick cheddar cheese sauce made from scratch. Ready in under 20 minutes using just a microwave, no oven needed.

Classic Caesar salad for two with raw egg yolk dressing, anchovies, capers, bacon bits, and Parmesan. Made from scratch tableside in under 15 minutes.

Marinated wild rice salad with porcini and white mushrooms, julienned carrots, walnuts, and Dijon vinaigrette. A make-ahead grain salad that gets better as it sits.

Thai cucumber pickles, a quick sweet-sour-spicy side of sliced cucumber, red chiles, onion, and cilantro in a red wine vinegar brine. Five-minute condiment.

Creamy pasta with oysters and shrimp in a roux-based sauce spiked with anchovy paste, Tabasco, and Worcestershire. A rich Cajun-style seafood pasta that comes together in one pan.