Cross meal-planning off your to-do list this week.
| Since Thursday is Independence Day (and, fun fact, my birthday!), chances are you'll be eating a little differently this week. There might be a BBQ in your future, you might give yourself a bit of leeway on what counts as dinner, or, since it's hot, you might want a salad. With these recipes, I'm covering all the bases. They're excellent cookout sides should you be hosting or going to a potluck, they're fantastic weeknight dinners, and they just happen to be salads. I'm not sure what I'll be eating on the 4th, since my husband is in charge of dinner that day, but I wouldn't be mad if it was any of these recipes, especially that super simple S'mores Pie. | | |
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| | Spicy Street Corn Salad | | Taking inspiration from elote, the classic Mexican dish of grilled (almost charred) corn smothered in cheese and spices, this irresistible snack becomes a meal when tossed with pinto beans, herbs, jalapeño, and heaps of arugula. The best part? It comes together in a snap since, in this version, the corn stays raw. | |
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| | Chickpea and Chorizo Salad | | Remember Texas caviar, aka cowboy caviar? Think of this easy-prep recipe as its more sophisticated Spanish cousin. Start by crisping chorizo in a hot skillet with a little bit of oil. Toss the chorizo and oil with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper, and sliced red onion. A sherry vinaigrette spiked with honey and smoked paprika is the finishing touch. | |
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| | Tuna and White Bean Salad | | This easy pasta salad has it all: tender cannellini beans, crunchy celery, salty olives, and meaty tuna. Each bite features a slick of delicious, Caesar-like dressing, thanks to a clever (and quick) combination of beans, mayo, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. | |
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| | Niçoise-Inspired Potato Salad | | Yes, this would be fantastic served alongside burgers or other grilled meats, but it's also an exceptionally satisfying stand-alone dish. Fingerling potatoes roast until crisp and are tossed in a dill and Dijon dressing along with blanched green beans, hard boiled eggs, olives, and tomatoes. For extra protein, add grilled chicken or seared shrimp. | |
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| | Caprese Pasta Salad | | Studded with creamy burrata and summer tomatoes, this pasta salad is ready in 30 minutes and guaranteed to please. Rich burrata adds lusciousness to every bite, but fresh mozzarella torn into bite-size pieces will do just fine. | |
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| | S'mores Pie | | It's your favorite summer dessert in pie form. A rich layer of chocolate ganache gets topped with toasted marshmallows for a perfect summer dessert. It requires just a few ingredients and only 20 minutes of prep time. And did I mention you can use a store-bought crust? | |
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