Dairy Free

Ciabatta, a long, flat Italian bread, is ideal for this recipe, but you could also use a rustic round loaf; instead of splitting it horizontally, cut 6 1 1/4-inch-thick slices. You can refrigerate leftover chimichurri in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

If using prepared horseradish, reduce the amount of lemon juice to 1 tablespoon.

You can use store-bought mayonnaise, if you like; skip step 1.

Fill a tiered platter with just as much seafood as it can hold comfortably; refrigerate the rest until you are ready to replenish the platter.

Serve this dal as a dip with pita chips or as a side dish with grilled meats or fish.

Select plantains that are firm and green.

You can serve this chunky salsa in seashells as an hors d’oeuvre with cocktails, but it would also be ideal as a dip for Fried Plantain Chips (recipe follows).

Cut the avocados just before serving to keep them from discoloring.