Lettuce

White corn, cilantro and jalapeño chili give the classic Caesar a Texas accent.

If you can't find Cabrales cheese, substitute Roquefort or Danish blue cheese.

A pretty and refreshing composed salad that can be made using only one skillet.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

(Fresh Pea Soup)

The seafood is cooked in lime juice and fish sauce, making this oil-free salad perfect for a low-fat lunch.

Called pho in Vietnam, this unusual soup is a wonderful party centerpiece dish for an informal gathering. Start out by supplying everyone with a large soup bowl and a ladle. Place the soup tureen in the middle of the table. Have each guest take a generous helping of noodles first, then some meat and broth. Each serving is topped off with shredded lettuce, sliced green onion and a squeeze of lemon juice.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Celery leaves are an underutilized green. Look for the freshest celery possible, which has the most leaves—many grocers trim the leaves as the celery gets older.

Components of this salad can be prepared one day ahead, then tossed together at the last minute. Offer white wine spritzers and iced tea with lunch. Colorful ornamental kale can be found at some supermarkets and specialty foods stores.

The combination of herbs, the rice noodles, and the garlicky lime sauce mark this pasta salad as Vietnamese.