Recipe Sifter

Chilled Mediterranean grilled vegetable soup with charred bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, and red wine vinegar. A smoky, no-cook summer soup served cold.

Howard Karten's salsa is a Mediterranean-leaning chunky tomato dip: peeled tomatoes, red onion, black olives, cumin, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar. No chiles, no cilantro, all flavor.

Beets always have fresh and good colour, this salad, there are beets, beans, all are fresh vegetables, easy to make, taste so good.

Italian no-cook tomato cucumber summer salad with red onion, basil, parsley, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Italian-style topping for bruschetta or tossed cold with pasta.

"SOUTH TO NORTH -- `Everything' Salsa Adds Zing to, Well, Everything." Jacqueline Higuera McMahan

Grilled mustard-coated chicken breast sliced over a mixed bean salad with black-eyed peas, fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs in a balsamic vinaigrette. Served at room temperature.

Mexican red onion soup slow-caramelized with cumin, coriander, oregano, allspice, and cinnamon, brightened with orange juice and red wine vinegar. A spice-warmed take on French onion.

Orecchiette pasta tossed with slow-cooked red onions, anchovies, garlic, and fresh oregano. Rustic Southern Italian one-pan sauce that uses pasta water to bind it all together.

Pita pizzas: individual chicken and vegetable pizzas on pita bread with spinach, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and mozzarella. A fast weeknight dinner for six in 40 minutes.

Red potato casserole bakes cubed red potatoes with fresh tomatoes, red onion, baked tofu, and Mediterranean herbs in olive oil. A hearty 5-step vegan one-pan meal for two.

Chilled summer spaghetti tossed with raw gazpacho sauce of tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, sherry, and saffron. Spanish-inspired no-cook hot weather pasta.

Tricolor Boboli pizzas: prebaked crusts topped with olive tapenade, caramelized red onion, red peppers, goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts. A 1990s Mediterranean dinner-party shortcut.

Savory Italian spinach torta with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts baked in a Dijon-brushed pie crust. A stunning brunch or dinner centerpiece that's golden, cheesy, and herb-filled.