Vegan

Once you master a basic vinaigrette, the variations are virtually endless. For example, a little bit of prepared mustard mixed with the vinegar boosts flavor and allows emulsification. Experiment with different combinations of vinegars and oils — and with adding herbs and spices. To make a citronette, substitute lemon juice for the proportion of vinegar.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Miso-Marinated Salmon with Cucumber-Daikon Relish.

This lovely side dish is delicious with roast pork or chicken, or grilled sausages or fish. Market tip: Escarole has a pleasantly mild bitterness and sturdy leaves that hold up well to cooking. Young escarole (available at farmers' markets) is mellower and makes a wonderful salad green.

Although this mix of greens with pine nuts and raisins is typically a vegetable course, here it is placed on toasted bread rounds to serve as a tapa. If you prefer it as a side dish, chop the chard very coarsely.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min

An Asian treatment of chestnuts that will be right at home with all your side dishes.

These crunchy, sweet-tart chips are addictive — you'll definitely want to make them as a snack. The preparation is particularly easy with a nonstick baking pad. If you decide to use parchment paper instead, be prepared for some chips to stick to it. When they do, return them to the oven for 3 minutes to soften. Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 2 hr

Add a glass of rosé and some crusty Italian bread to make a perfect summer lunch.

Active time: 5 min Start to finish: 40 min

Yellow or white peaches work equally well.

This would be nice with any roasted meat.

A clever way to present every morsel of a cooked whole artichoke is to remove all the leaves before serving, and use their bits of tender flesh as a stuffing for the hollow artichoke bottom. It takes a bit of time to scrape the leaves of an artichoke clean, so reserve this as a special treat for 2, or at most 4.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 1 1/2 hr

This pizza is made with no toppings other than oil and salt and should be served as a snack. It's not really a cracker, but it's crisper than focaccia. Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 25 min

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 40 min

Peg Isherwood of Libertyville, Illinois, writes: "While in Christiansted, St. Croix, we dined at Kendrick's and had the most interesting gazpacho — it was spicy but not too hot, with lots of chopped vegetables. I met the owner, David Kendrick, the next morning and found him delightful. Would you ask him for the recipe?" This gazpacho has a chunkier texture than most (almost like a salsa). To chop the vegetables in a processor, cut them into quarters and process in batches, using on/off turns.

The word chutney comes from the Hindustani chatni, which means "strong spices." The sweet juiciness of golden pineapples — much more intensely flavored than ordinary pineapples — balances the spices with the lusciousness that only tropical foods possess. But you can substitute regular pineapple if you cannot find the golden variety, and the chutney will still be complementary. Serve it with Jerked Pork Chops or any grilled meat.

Gulisa's Ajika This lively condiment goes nicely with grilled meats and fish as well as with pork stew.