Give slaw a refreshing and surprising twist with sweet pears and the heat of chili peppers. This recipe calls for jalapeño, which are easy to find, but Fresno chilis make a lovely alternative if you can get them.
Sweet cabbage is an often under-rated vegetable that can pair well with a wide variety of foods. This dish gets its primary kick from ginger, which adds a delightful zip to the subtle vegetables.
Mild chicken and sweet-tart apples are the perfect base for showcasing the favorite flavors of Asian dressings. The flavor is given further rich complexity with fresh herbs.
Poached fruit is a wonderful, light dessert all on its own. To make it a little more decadent, top it with a bit of crunchy granola or, for a lovely “sometimes” treat, a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
A little chopped cilantro and lime juice added to the dressing is a delicious alteration to this slaw. You can either eat this quite fresh for maximum crispness or make it up to a day ahead for thorough marination of the flavors.
If steak isn’t your thing, try substituting shrimp or extra-firm tofu. Or just use extra veggies and noodles. Remember that when assembling the rolls, arranging the ingredients in neat parallel lines gives the best visual effect when you cut them in half to serve.
Cold soup, savory smoothie—gazpacho originated in Spanish cooking and makes a lovely light side on a hot day. Watermelon brings a sweet, seasonal twist to the dish in mid-summer.