Starter

Not a mayo maker? Season your favorite brand with vinegar and hot sauce to bump up the tang and add heat.

Our homage to lahmacun, the Middle Eastern flatbread.

This is simply the most tender, succulent chicken you can eat—thanks to the yogurt marinade, which is a great tenderizer. These skewers are wonderful grilled, but broiling under high heat is delicious too. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes before using them, so that they don’t burn before the chicken is cooked.

Fill cherry tomatoes with a herby avocado filling for a light and easy summer hors d'oeuvre.

This classic New Orleans-style shrimp is dipped in buttermilk then coated in cornmeal before frying for a flavorful crunchy exterior.

Because when you call it a pizzetta, it's totally okay to have an extra slice.

As long as you don’t mess with the ratio of vinegar, sugar, and salt, you can experiment with other spices, like fennel and coriander seeds, in this brine.

The acidity in the lime juice and tequila will help the fish firm up, but if it sits too long, it will get tough.

This classic Polish soup is the ultimate in summer refreshment.

Avocado, yogurt, and a mix of caramelized and fresh scallions give this dip a creamy texture that sits between onion dip and guacamole. Pair it with pita chips, tortilla chips, or carrot sticks.

No vodka is needed for this spin on the classic pasta dish.

Literally grilled cheese. We love the squeaky texture and salty bite.

Cashews lend body, creaminess, and richness to this pea soup and also make it vegan; sub almonds if you prefer.

During summer months, find zucchini blossoms at specialty grocers or at farmers’ markets. Halved scallions can be used instead, and small shrimp can stand in for the squid.

You don’t have to book a reservation at your favorite seafood house to dig into flaky crab cakes—just make these simple ones in your broiler at home! Crab is an overlooked superfood, low in calories and high in complete protein, vitamin B12, and zinc, all key building blocks of your body and brain. Flaxseeds and hemp seeds bring in fiber and protein, so you stay full longer. If you spy reddish microgreens or fresh nasturtiums at your local farmers’ market, they will make lovely garnishes for this gourmet meal and add a spicy note.

I know, I know. This sounds crazy, right? Well, you just have to trust me on this one. The cantaloupe breaks down to form the backbone of a sweet, creamy sauce scented with pancetta and marjoram. A sleeper but a keeper, for sure.

The freshest corn is so delicious that you don’t need to bother cooking it. Simply toss the kernels with vinaigrette, tiny heirloom tomatoes, and steamed lobster. What’s not to love? It’s no question.