Cucumber

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 30 min

This is also terrific with yellow tomatoes. Garnish with thin cucumber slices and some chopped red onion, if desired.

A terrific accompaniment for kebabs.

Serve with: Warmed flatbread. Dessert: Vanilla pudding with sliced mango.

This mix of jicama, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot would also make a good side dish for scallops or shrimp. To keep the slaw crispy, add the dressing just before serving.

Offer steamed new potatoes alongside. What to drink: Chardonnay or Sancerre.

Soba noodles can be found in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets.

Bean thread noodles (also known as cellophane noodles) come in varying widths. For this recipe we like the wider (1/4-inch) noodles.

Sorbete de Gazpacho Sobre
Gelée de Manzana Many of Spain's celebrated chefs have tinkered with traditional gazpachos, transforming them into dishes worthy of the most creative kitchens. A favorite variation is gazpachos (both red and white) made into sorbets and included as part of a tasting menu. This luscious coral-colored sorbet, adapted from a recipe by chef Sergio López Domínguez, of Tragabuches restaurant, in Ronda, looks stunning served over a bed of diced apple aspic and drizzled with caramelized balsamic vinegar. López likes to sprinkle the sorbet with a garnish of finely chopped mojama, a salt-cured tuna. The blend of flavors in the dish works sensationally well, with or without the extra garnish.

Fine bulgur might seem like a specialty ingredient, but it is actually in most supermarkets under the name Near East Taboule Wheat Salad Mix — just toss away the seasoning packet.

This recipe is an accompaniment for Grilled Brined Salmon and Eggplant with Fennel Cucumber Relish.

The gazpacho needs to be started a day ahead, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Start marinating the fish at least four hours ahead so that the spice flavor comes through.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min