Salad/5 recipes

Easy couscous from instant pearls and butter, ready in 15 minutes. Boil water or broth, stir, cover, and let stand off the heat for tender, fluffy couscous as a quick side or salad base.

Individual crustless spinach and feta pies baked in ramekins with mint, nutmeg, and a bright Greek tomato salad on the side. A Mediterranean appetizer or light main.

Spinach pasta soup with orzo, tomato paste, and chicken broth, ready in 30 minutes. A light, low-sodium soup loaded with fresh greens and tiny pasta in a savory tomato broth.

The health benefits of green papaya exceed those of the ripe variety. Raw green papaya is packed with vitamins, enzymes and phytonutrients. It contains vital nutrients including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E and B. However, perhaps the most important health property of green papaya is its ability to improve digestion and the uptake of nutrients, raising enzyme levels and improving assimilation, and thus also strengthening the immune system. Green papaya contains two of the most powerful plant proteolytic enzymes: papain and chymopapain. These enzymes excel at breaking down proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as aiding healthy digestion. Papain can only be found in the papaya fruit and is more effective than pepsin produced by our own stomachs.

Mediterranean lamb burgers: grilled rosemary-garlic lamb patties stuffed into pita with goat cheese, olive-tomato salad, and minted yogurt sauce. A greek-style upgrade on burger night.

Grilled squid tossed with a sweet and sour cucumber salad, grilled corn, and Vidalia onions in a mustard seed and ancho vinegar marinade. A bold, restaurant-quality summer dish.

Crisp grilled prawns glazed with lemongrass and ginger meet julienned green mango tossed in a tangy Thai dressing. Every bite balances bright lime, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs.