Leafy Greens

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

To serve alongside this version of a southern favorite, toss some boiled new potatoes and cherry tomatoes with melted butter and chopped parsley in a skillet. Finish with a purchased lemon meringue pie.

A sophisticated, Spanish-style salad.

If you've never tried roasted cauliflower before, this dish will be a revelation.

Dried udon noodles are found in the Asian foods section of most supermarkets; if unavailable, use linguine instead.

This is the soup everyone enjoyed in Louviers for Carnaval. Quick to make, deliciously satisfying and alluring, you will find it hits the spot on a cool late winter to spring evening.

It's best to divide this salad between two bowls; put one on the buffet table, and keep the other refrigerated until you need it later in the party. Make the pickled onions at least one day ahead.

"To celebrate my birthday, my husband took me to Assaggio, one of my favorite restaurants here," writes Christy Wall of Portland, Oregon. "As I always do, I ordered the bow-tie pasta with wild mushrooms, butternut squash, spinach, garlic and olive oil."

The contrast of textures and flavors—crunchy pine nuts, creamy goat cheese, acidic tomatoes, and spicy arugula—adds complexity to this simple salad. It makes a great side dish to steak or chicken or a light lunch for two.

"I often don't have the energy to cook a big meal, but I keep my dinners from being boring by preparing interesting fresh salads," says Terry Kirts of Indianapolis Indiana. "I really like this particular recipe because the salad is so easy to make and the dressing keeps for days."