Salad

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

My mother always made wonderful side dishes — and made them look so easy. Indeed, they were! A few fresh vegetables, great herbs, a little mustard or vinegar, and kosher salt were all it took for her to make something taste like it came right from the garden. Here's her incredibly simple recipe for coleslaw — a step removed from traditional recipes that are typically bland and smothered in mayonnaise, this slaw is sharp and crunchy and great with salads, roast meats, and sandwiches.

This springtime dish would go nicely with sliced red and yellow tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette; offer corn muffins, too. End the dinner with wedges of chocolate mousse cake.

This salad is a cook's dream because it must be made the day before serving. If you would rather eat it on the same day it is made, cook the cracked wheat in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then drain through a fine sieve. Proceed with the recipe, but serve immediately without refrigerating.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Vibrant sweet and savory flavors characterize this sunny Mediterranean-style salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Sweet and crunchy jicama and smoky grill-roasted peppers and green onions combine in this attractive side dish.

For a nice variation, try making this one with Napa cabbage. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

The lobster and vegetables are tossed with an orange, shallot and tarragon dressing, then served over mixed green. Offer lavash crackers and white wine spritzers.

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

When you want to put on the "dog" but not the fat, try this colorful salad.

Try tucking this simple make-ahead salad into pita bread halves and adding some ruffly-edged lettuce for color.