No-Cook

Toss this delicious pesto with 1 1/2 pounds of your favorite pasta, or spread it on slices of Italian bread.

Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 45 min

Serve with: Black bean salad from the deli and salad toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, grated Monterey Jack cheese, and salsa. Dessert: Double-dip dulce de leche and chocolate ice cream cones.

This uncooked soup isn't for the timid — raw garlic, ginger, and shallot impart strong flavors. Unless you can get freshly made vegetable juice from your local juice bar, you will need an electric juicer to make the tomato or carrot juice. Active time: 1 hr Start to finish: 2 hr

I've always loved coleslaws, using them as side dishes for everything from oyster rolls to whole grilled fish. Far from the chopped green cabbage with flecks of carrot from our school cafeteria days, the slaw can be quite elegant.

This salad, or some approximation of it, was on [the Rainbow Room's] menu and my mother loved it and made her own version at home regularly. I do, too. Its ingredients list may sound odd, but this is a combination that not only works but becomes addictive. Don't be alarmed at the amount of vinegar: the astringency of the dressing, against the fulsome oiliness of the nuts and, in turn, nutty sweetness of the carrots, is the whole point.

French Dressing for Green Salads, Combination Salads, and Marinades The basic French dressing of France is very simple indeed — oil, wine vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mustard, herbs, and garlic are optional. Although dressing will keep for a day or two, it is usually best when freshly made.

This creamy, garlicky tahini sauce also pairs wonderfully with lamb. Serve it as a dipping sauce, or as a spread on cold lamb sandwiches.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Crispy Pork with Avocado Salsa and Tomato Salsa .

The jalapeño-flavored butter is also good with chicken or fish, or even corn on the cob.

Serve this zesty salad alongside grilled chili-rubbed chicken or steak, or grilled fish tacos.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 10 min

A dash of curry powder transforms this cool fruit soup into a sweetly savory first course.