Lunch
2842 recipes found
Sweet and Spicy Melon Salad
This salad is all about contrast: sweet, juicy melon (honeydew or anything similar), a sharp lime dressing with garlic and shallots, and a good hit of spice from serrano and red pepper. It’s finished with roasted peanuts for crunch and lots of fresh basil to keep it bright and herbaceous. The flavors are bold, tangy and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for another bite. It’s great as a side, but also can be lunch and pairs well with a hot day, crispy tofu, noodles and pork, grilled meats or any light sandwich or lettuce wrap.
One-Pot Paneer Pilaf
Meaty hunks of seared paneer let this pilaf hold its own as a satisfying vegetarian meal. Frozen cauliflower and peas keep the prep work to a minimum while frizzled onions, toasted tomato paste and aromatic garam masala add layers of flavor to this one-pot meal. To ensure distinct, fluffy grains, thoroughly rinse the rice and let it soak briefly while you prep other ingredients. For the best flavor and texture, look for an aged and parboiled basmati rice but regular basmati will work, too.
Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Sloppy Joes
You can always count on this updated version of a school cafeteria classic to get dinner on the table during a busy week. These dump-it-and-forget-it chicken sloppy Joes make the perfect make-ahead meal to prepare in a slow cooker. They rely on canned chipotles in adobo sauce for an exciting flavor upgrade: The slightly sweet, tomato-scented beef mixture is now balanced with smoky, spicy chipotles and made lighter with ground chicken. When it comes to the spice level, these chicken sloppy Joes pack a pleasantly spicy kick, but can easily be adapted to any palate. (For a milder version, simply use less chipotle.) Enjoy over warm burger buns, sloppy but delicious.
Slow Cooker Senate Bean Soup
This ultrasimple bean soup has been on the menu at the U.S. Senate Dining Room and served to senators and their staff for more than 100 years. Even as politics have changed, this soup has remained basically the same: navy beans simmered to creamy tenderness with ham hocks, butter and onion. Fittingly, there is no consensus on where exactly the soup came from: Some say it dates back to the early 20th century, when Senator Fred Dubois of Idaho passed a resolution making it a menu staple. This slow-cooker version has updated the classic slightly, with the addition of carrots and smoked paprika. If you’d like more vegetables (how modern!), stir in about 8 ounces of chopped kale before serving. As a nod to Idaho, this version contains a single russet potato, which gets mashed at the end of cooking and thickens the soup beautifully.
Slow Cooker Chicken Vesuvio Soup
In this no-fuss recipe, chicken Vesuvio undergoes a brothy makeover: Imagine the elements and flavors of the beloved Chicago dish concentrated in a pot, with chicken, oregano, thyme, garlic, lemon, wine and more. The result is a herby, lemony and garlicky chicken soup made substantial with the addition of potatoes and sweet peas. Once the potatoes are chopped into chunks, the ingredients combine in a slow cooker. Once the chicken breast is fork-tender and easy to pull apart, frozen peas are added to the mix for an inviting sweet flavor alongside a shower of freshly chopped parsley. For the best flavor, taste before serving and season generously with salt and pepper until every spoonful is perfectly salted.
Slow Cooker Chicken Jook (Rice Porridge)
Inspired by the Cantonese tradition of eating jook for breakfast, this savory rice porridge (also known as congee) can be thrown together at night so it is ready by morning. Smacked ginger adds a touch of fragrance and heat to this comforting and unassuming dish. This version features chicken for flavor and richness, but feel free to experiment with other proteins like pork or fish, or keep it extra-mild and vegetarian by using water. The rice breaks down completely in this hands-off method, resulting in a thick and silky bowl of comfort, warm and ready to be dressed with any number of toppings.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup
A summer soup is not an oxymoron. Take this lively lentil soup, rich and aromatic from both fresh and cooked tomatoes, and basil. Adding fresh tomatoes and basil at both the beginning and end of cooking ensures you get both their mellow, sweet side as well as their fresh, zingy side. The tomato paste and cream lend their sturdy flavors in a way that’s reminiscent of vodka sauce, while the lentils almost melt away into the background. The slow cooker is actually a great warm-weather tool, because it doesn’t heat up your kitchen the way the oven does, and it uses very little energy. This soup holds very well on warm before you add the finishing ingredients, making the timing flexible and weeknight-friendly.
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This Beloved Levantine Vegetable Dish Is Creamy, Crunchy, and Comforting
The beauty of this dish lies in both its adaptability and forgiving nature: There's almost nothing you can do that will mess up the timeless, delicious combination of silky smooth fried eggplant with creamy, tangy yogurt, crunchy fried pita, and toasted pine nuts.
Tomato Salad With Dates
A simple yet striking dish, this tomato salad manages to make peak-season tomatoes taste even more special. It’s all about bold contrasts: Sweet dates and caramelized cherry tomatoes meet the deep umami of fish sauce in a very quick skillet sauce, mingling to form a fragrant dressing that soaks into layers of thickly sliced fresh tomatoes, while fresh lime and basil bring balance and fragrance. The key is patience, as you’ve got to let the sauce cool before dressing the sliced tomatoes so their fresh texture isn’t disturbed, then wait a moment before eating so the flavors meld without losing their vibrancy.
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This Viral Sandwich Looked So Good, We Had to Recreate It
A crispy fried zucchini sandwich with lemon-infused ricotta, basil-almond pesto, and briny tapenade that's perfect for peak zucchini season.
Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salad With Corn Chips
This superquick corn and black bean salad is enlivened with crackly corn chips, in the spirit of salads like fattoush, panzanella and crispy noodle salad. When corn is at its peak, its subtly sweet raw kernels are plump and juicy, and the perfect addition to salads. Corn pairs beautifully with earthy black beans and this sprightly cumin-lime vinaigrette. The corn, black beans, cilantro and vinaigrette can mingle up to 4 hours ahead, so this make-ahead dish is perfect for a picnic, potluck, cookout, or simply dinner. For best results, toss in the corn chips and avocado just before serving.
Chickpea Spinach Salad With Curry Yogurt Dressing
Highly transportable and sunny, this no-cook salad is perfect for outdoor meals or potlucks — but it’s also evergreen enough to be a desk lunch any time of year. Stained and seasoned with curry powder, the chickpea salad’s bold flavor is brightened with fresh herbs, scallions and a splash of vinegar. Mashing a portion of the chickpeas offers a pleasant variance in texture and helps thicken the sauce; a little yogurt brings everything together. You can throw this salad together quickly for an impromptu meal, or even make it a whole day ahead, as it gets better with time. As it sits, the spinach softens and shrinks slightly; if you prefer a fresh, crunchy bite, then toss in the spinach at the last moment before serving.
Quick Caesar Potato Salad
Caesar dressing meets picnic potato salad in this speedy potluck side dish. The dressing comes together quickly — in the time it takes the water to boil — and with plenty of brightness from mustard and lemon juice, it’s the perfect partner to starchy, creamy potatoes. Anchovy is used sparingly here, and provides that distinct Caesar tang, but if you prefer, you can leave it out. While traditional Caesar dressing calls for an egg yolk, this recipe uses mayonnaise instead, to give the dressing body and to make this a picnic and potluck-friendly dish. Finally, like most potato salads, this one gets even better as it sits. For best results, make it a few hours before serving and let the flavors develop in the fridge.
Smashed Scallion Burgers
When you notice an abundance of fresh scallions in markets and stores, it’s time to make this springy makeover of the irresistible Oklahoma-style burger. Topping each patty with a copious pile of thin-sliced scallions then searing them in the skillet delivers a smoky, savory burger that feels like a treat any day of the week. The scallion prep might feel a little fussy, but splitting the scallions into segments then thinly slicing them lengthwise ensures they nestle perfectly into the meat. Initially, each scallion pile fills up the skillet, but each mound will significantly reduce in volume once the burger is smashed and flipped. The crispy charred allium bits poking out the sides bring a wonderful textural boost that contrasts with the juicy patties. Watch Carolina Gelen make this dish in this video.
Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
This chicken takes a cue from piccata then heads in a decidedly summery direction: A quick pan sauce of butter, shallots, tomatoes, capers and a splash of red wine vinegar turns rich, juicy, and bright — just the thing to spoon over the top. A handful of fresh basil at the end wilts gently in the heat of the sauce. No lemon here, but the vibes are still tangy, savory, and buttery. There’s plenty of sauce, so pair with bread or rice to help soak it all up.
Tomato and Bulgur Salad With Herbs
This earthy but bright salad comes together very quickly in just one bowl, and makes a wonderful side to a barbecue spread or as a light lunch with some soft cheese or a spoonful of hummus. Be sure to use the best tomatoes you can find; any assortment of your favorites will do. The pomegranate molasses is well worth sourcing for this dish, but if you can’t find it, you can simply up the amount of vinegar and maple syrup for a similar tart and sweet flavor.
Kale Caesar Pasta Salad
Caesar salad meets pasta salad in this comfort food mash-up. Crisp and sturdy kale leaves hold their own alongside al dente pasta when tossed in a thick and creamy Caesar-inspired, mayonnaise-based dressing. Crunchy, lemony breadcrumbs and salty Parmesan shavings are added just before serving, for extra texture and flavor. Served cold, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead entertaining or meal prep. For those looking for extra protein, cooked chicken or crispy chickpeas are welcome additions. Of course, feel free to swap in romaine lettuce and croutons, if preferred.
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This One-Skillet Jordanian Dish Is the Best Way to Use Your Summer Tomatoes
This simple yet deeply flavorful Jordanian stewed tomato dish is made with garlic, chiles, and olive oil. Cooked in one skillet, it's perfect for using up ripe summer tomatoes and scooping up with warm pita.
Jammy Zucchini
You might associate zucchini with meh flavor, or with “zoodles” (which are decidedly not the same as pasta, though some folks may try to convince you otherwise). But when you cook it in a hot pan with olive oil and garlic, as in this method from my book “Big Vegan Flavor” (Avery Books, 2024), zucchini can be exquisite — meltingly tender, jammy and unctuous. Serve over Whipped Tofu Ricotta, garnish with mint and serve with toasted bread for dipping; or fold into a pasta or potato salad. (Watch Nisha make this recipe on YouTube.)
Whipped Tofu Ricotta
With the same luxe creaminess and savory notes of ricotta, my signature tofu ricotta from my book “Big Vegan Flavor” (Avery Books, 2024) works smashingly well in any recipe that calls for ricotta. For a slightly looser texture, use firm tofu. Use this ricotta to add big flavor to any and all stuffed pastas, like lasagna. It’s also great as a sandwich spread or spread onto pizza dough. Dollop leftovers onto grain bowls or salads for a creamy element. For an easy spicy variation, stir in a few teaspoons of Calabrian chile paste. (Watch Nisha make this recipe on YouTube.)
Feta-Ranch Wedge Salad
A towering wedge salad is fun to look at, but the height and shape make it impractical for a couple reasons: Toppings tumble right off and dressings can’t permeate it properly. This recipe fixes all that by calling for thinly sliced wedges that are stacked on their sides. The toppings stay put, and the dressing can work its way into all the little nooks and crannies. This salad looks impressive, it tastes delicious and it’s actually quite no-fuss: You can make the dressing days ahead of time, and swap in whatever herbs, spices, seasonings you have and crave. The only tricky aspect is emulsifying your feta. The key is time: Scrape the sides as needed and keep blending. With some coaxing, it always gets there.
Seven Layer Salad
As its name implies, this colorful retro salad is composed of seven distinct layers, including vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, shredded cheese and a creamy dressing. The salad is not tossed, but gets mixed upon serving, allowing for a beautiful presentation and a dish that works well when made in advance. This recipe includes the ingredients and layers typically seen in a seven layer salad, but feel free to swap in your own favorites, using some crunchy cucumber or bell pepper in place of the peas, or avocado in place of the hard-boiled eggs. You can also have fun with the layering, as long as you keep the lettuce and tomato far from the dressing so the salad stays fresh and crisp. The optional red onion is technically an extra layer, but its sharpness works really well with the richness of the dressing, bacon and cheese.
Heirloom Tomato Salad With Ricotta and Chile Oil
Come tomato season, there is no wrong way to make a tomato salad, but this one from my book “Big Vegan Flavor” (Avery Books, 2024) is exceptional. Dollops of creamy ricotta gently swaddle meaty wedges of heirloom tomatoes, while shallots and garlic add a piquant bite. Everything gets drizzled with a mild chile oil and finished with the tomato’s best friends: fresh basil, balsamic vinegar and flaky sea salt. It’s so simple (and fantastic), there’s no excuse to not make it once tomatoes roll into season. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that this salad served with grilled bread is one of life’s finest summer pleasures. Bonus: The human body can better absorb the lycopene in tomatoes when it’s paired with a healthy fat, such as olive oil. So enjoy the heck out of that chile oil. (Watch Nisha make this recipe on YouTube.)
Tomato, Olive and Feta Salad with Tinned Fish
Simple, no-cook dishes are ideal for hot summer days when you want something filling but not too heavy. Inspired by both a Greek salad and one typical throughout Spain, with tomatoes, tuna and onions, this salad hits all the marks: Tangy and creamy from a touch of feta, acidic and refreshing from the tomatoes, with a bite from the onions and added brine from the olives. The tinned fish you use, be it tuna, salmon, trout or sardines, can be swapped, depending on your pantry and preferences. Play with the olives, too: Ones soaking in a spicy brine add a kick, while lemon-garlic ones add brightness. Serve with bread or potato chips.