Leafy Greens

In this recipe we call for a 10 1/2- by 7 1/2- by 1-inch rectangular tart pan. The tart could also be made using a baking sheet or a jelly-roll pan, as the filling is dense enough to hold its shape on its own.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This earthy pasta dish is delicious made with the wide, long noodles called pappardelle, or with the thinner and more readily available fettuccine.

Called fattoush in Lebanon, this colorful dish is offered as a first course at Al-Amir restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

This colorful Asian-inspired salad is great with grilled ribs, chicken or pork chops.

Bruschetta — a rustic Italian canapé — is the perfect vehicle for the robust flavors of late summer. Serve these topped toasts as a first course or, with a salad and a glass of wine, as a light supper.

In doubling or tripling this recipe, you can put all the ingredients for the dressing into a blender (cutting the amount of garlic in half) for a quick whirl. Store the dressing in a screw-cap jar until the salad is ready to be tossed. The flavor is the same, but the texture of the dressing is creamy and looks less attractive on the romaine.

Preparing for the Super Bowl? Think bread bowl. This spinach dip is housed in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. Choose pumpernickel or sourdough and have other items for dipping on hand—those bread bites go fast!

For a picnic, transport this colorful side dish next to a cold pack in an airtight container.