Salad
Roasted Fennel and Pear Salad with Basalmic-Pear Dressing
Roasting tones down the sharpness of the fennel and enhances the sweetness of the pears in this salad. The pears also combine with balsamic vinegar to make a delicious dressing without much added fat.
Potato Salad with Corned Beef
By Patricia Murray
Grilled Lobster Salad with Avocado and Papaya
Fragrant smoke from the mesquite wood chips makes a fine counterpoint to the sweetness of the lobster in this salad. Finish the meal with lemon ice drizzled with tequila, and pass a plateful of sugar cookies.
Crunchy Chicken Salad with Shiitake Mushrooms, Spicy Sesame Dressing and Peanuts
Cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, and lots of fresh mint accent the salad. Offer chilled beer or a fruity white wine alongside.
Escarole Salad with Hazelnuts and Currants
Toasted nuts keep well in the freezer. If you make extra and save them, it'll take you just 10 minutes to prepare this salad the next time you make it.
Pipérade Salad with Olives
This colorful dish plays with the Basque sauté of red and green bell peppers. The Sherry wine vinegar gives the salad a delicious sweet-tangy edge.
"Overnight" Tabbouleh
Prepare a day ahead, and chill overnight. Look for bulgur (also called cracked wheat) in natural foods stores and supermarkets.