Leafy Greens

Encurtido de repollo In addition to mounding this refreshing slaw on every bite of the Salvadoran Stuffed Masa Cakes , you can proudly serve it as an accompaniment to burgers or grilled chicken.

Collards are normally associated with long, slow cooking, but cutting them into thin strips reduces cooking time dramatically. The result is a bright, lively flavor that will make you realize these greens are more versatile than most people think.

Juicy scallops are rich in selenium, a mineral that protects cells from disease-causing damage in the body.

To give this salad more crunch, add blanched soybeans (edamame) or fried wonton strips.

This is a complete meal—with a main course and two sides. Also called "American bison," buffalo tastes slightly sweeter than beef. It also has significantly less fat and cholesterol. You can find buffalo at specialty foods stores (such as Whole Foods), some farmers' markets, and online at dartagnan.com. If you can't find buffalo, use lean grass-fed beef.

The steaks need to marinate overnight.

Spicing up store-bought barbecue sauce with a touch of cayenne and a splash of vinegar is an easy trick that makes a big difference. Here, pork burgers get a triple hit of flavor: The sauce gets mixed into the meat, slathered onto the cooked burgers for the last minute of grilling, and brushed on the bun. A cabbage slaw with a creamy dressing tops them off with just the right crunch.

Korean hot-pepper paste gives this Asian-inspired dish not only heat but also full, deep flavor. Rich with umami, edamame and buckwheat noodles satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

Making a fresh-tasting Asian-American meal at home is easier than you think. If you don't have Sherry in the house, you can substitute Scotch.

Just what we want on a sultry evening—tender shrimp and creamy beans are the mouthwatering core of this cool salad sparked with a lemony vinaigrette.

This raw dish is all about the best ingredients you can find. A great goat cheese and a fruity, high-quality olive oil will result in flavor that's as stunning as the presentation.

You'll find burrata cheese at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores, Italian markets, and cheese shops.

Mizuna (a Japanese salad green) is available spring through summer at specialty foods stores and Asian markets. If you can't find it, use mixed greens instead.

Why you'll make it: Because it's the simple version of the omelet, and works as well for breakfast as it does for lunch, a late dinner, even with drinks.

Why you'll make it: Because it's everything that's good at the market right now in one good-for-you salad.