Easy

For this juicy, herbaceous salad, feel free to combine different varieties of cucumbers and tomatoes, which are at peak season around the same time.

Bigger picnic? Simply roast two birds at the same time.

This healthy spinach recipe is a light version of dip (thanks, yogurt!).

"I like the fact that just three or four main ingredients can make a smashing result," says van Boven about this sweet and crunchy salad.

You can also try this recipe with chives, dill, oregano, or parsley.

Mild, crunchy green papaya is not the same as underripe papaya. Look for it at Asian or Mexican groceries.

Rice flour gives these cookies a very fine texture, an also results in a gluten-free dessert. Letting the dough rest allows the flour to absorb moisture, making it less crumbly and easier to handle.

Parcooking in vinegar water helps set the starches so the potatoes get crisp, rather than floury, when roasted.

A sophisticated--and infinitely easier--take on sour cream and onion dip. Pair it with lamb, grilled chicken, or fish.

Top these Tex-Mex-inspired burgers with some melted Monterey Jack and a spoonful of fresh salsa.

Cooking fish shouldn't be intimidating! Follow columnist Carla Lalli Music's no-recipe rules, and getting that perfectly crisp underside is easy

There's probably no one perfect hotel bar cocktail, but this one comes pretty damn close. (No wonder: The New York hotel is co-owned by Daniel Humm and Will Guidara of the restaurant Eleven Madison Park; EMP's Leo Robitschek oversees the drinks.)

Although the recipe calls for chicken, you can serve this nutrient-dense cabbage slaw with any protein you like.

The only thing better than pimiento cheese dip? Melted pimiento cheese dip, laced with chopped pickles for a little zip.

Serve the shrimp on toast to soak up the delicious pickling liquid.

Precooking the cauliflower in seasoned poaching liquid infuses it with flavor; roasting makes it crisp.

The pleasantly earthy flavor of black rice pairs well with the bright acidity of this vinaigrette. If you can't find it, use wild rice instead.

This herbaceous aioli is also terrific spooned over simply prepared vegetables, such as boiled new potatoes or roasted ramps.

A drizzle of this herb pesto will complement virtually any savory dish, and it takes only minutes to make.