Recipe Sifter

Lazy salmon cakes turn canned salmon and leftover mashed potato into pan-fried patties with dill, lemon and onion. A pantry dinner that comes together in 30 minutes with whatever's already in the fridge.

Pasta salad with fresh basil, ripe Roma tomatoes, parmesan, and a lemon-olive oil toss. A summer-ready cold pasta that lets a handful of garden ingredients shine.

Microwave strawberry cheesecake lightened with stiffly beaten egg whites for an airy, mousse-like texture. A no-bake-style cheesecake on a zwieback crust with sour cream topping and fresh strawberries.

Char-broiled turkey stuffed with citrus, apple, onions, and celery, then grilled low and slow with smoker chips for a smoky, juicy holiday bird right off the charcoal grill.

Greek lemon soup (avgolemono) microwave shortcut version using canned chicken and rice soup, egg, and fresh lemon. A 35-minute cheat for a Mediterranean classic.

German Rohkostsalat with raw shredded cabbage, diced apple, and raisins in a tangy sour cream dressing with pineapple juice. A refreshing, crunchy no-cook side dish.

This sorbet, based simply on commercially canned pears, can be enhanced with the flavor of eau-de-vie de poire (pear liqueur) or, if preferred, with fresh lemon juice.

Grilled or baked salmon steaks with dill butter and a lemon juice presoak. Four ingredients, minimal prep, and done in under 30 minutes on the grill.

Broiled ginger shrimp marinated in pureed fresh ginger, shallots, dry sherry, and Italian dressing. Three hours of marinating builds bold, aromatic flavor that caramelizes under the broiler.

Thai green papaya salad (som tum) with grated unripe papaya, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and peanuts in a spicy soy-chili-lemon dressing. Served with raw cabbage leaves for scooping.

Grilled sirloin steak marinated in condensed tomato soup, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice, then served thinly sliced with the reserved marinade heated into a warm sauce.

Grapefruit segments in lemon sugar syrup with a splash of gin or orange juice. An elegant, refreshing citrus dessert that can be prepped ahead.

Blend firm tofu with sugar, vanilla, and a squeeze of lemon for a silky dairy-free whipped topping. No cooking, no fuss, ready in 10 minutes flat. A quick vegan stand-in for whipped cream on pies, fruit, and beyond.

Vegetarian stuffed grape leaves (dolma) filled with brown rice, dill, cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of peppermint. Meatless dolma simmered in lemon broth, served hot or cold as a make-ahead appetizer.

Scallops and mussels with Dijon mustard vinaigrette, served over al dente asparagus on a bed of Boston lettuce. Lemon-marinated bay scallops and steamed mussels in a herb-rich dressing.

Ginger chicken broth soup with vermicelli, cilantro, and scallions finished with fresh lemon. A light, aromatic bowl ready in 20 minutes.