Watercress

Coarse kosher salt — or any other coarse salt — will add texture and enhance the flavor of the meat. Serve with: Oven-roasted new potatoes, thin green beans, and a crusty baguette.

Although raw asparagus might seem unusual to those who have only eaten asparagus cooked, it is delicious. The slightly different flavor is highlighted in the following salad.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Excellent served cold in summer, the soup also makes a soothing hot starter during the colder months.

Salade de Cresson et Endive Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 10 min

The contrasting colors of these two beets are especially attractive in this dish but you may substitute any others.

This updated classic adds dashes of red — and depth of flavor — to the usual apple, celery, and walnut mix. Make the salad ahead and refrigerate, then add the watercress and pecans right before serving.

Champagne is the perfect accompaniment for this delicate appetizer.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

A Dijon mustard vinaigrette brings all the flavors together. If you can't find basmati rice, white long-grain rice is fine.

This recipe is a wonderful way to prepare tofu as a main course; all it needs is a side of rice.

Here's a tangy dressing that is great on sliced tomatoes, mixed greens, hard-boiled eggs, or cold steamed potatoes.

An elegant, portable entrée. Baby greens with vinaigrette would round out the menu nicely. What to drink: A lightly oaked Chardonnay.