Summer

Deeply charred mustardy chicken thighs are paired with a crunchy and refreshing fennel-basil slaw for the ultimate summer chicken sandwich.

The lemony cherry filling (which can be made with fresh or frozen fruit) is topped with shortcake-inspired cream biscuits (so tender, so light!) that soak up all of those rosy-red juices.

For maximum flavor without compromising char or texture, marinate summer squash after grilling for up to one hour. Bonus: you’ll have plenty of time to get that steak just right.

Turn the iconic cacio e pepe pasta into something a little more kid-friendly by tossing in fresh corn to add a pop of sweetness to every cheesy, peppery bite.

Cooking chicken thighs skin-side down allows the skin to get extra crispy. But why stop the crunch factor there? Pair the chicken with fresh, crunchy summer vegetables.

We're flipping the script and marinating after grilling. In this case, it's swordfish steaks in a punchy red wine vinegar dressing with capers and oregano.

Squid loves the grill, getting crispy-charred along the edges and tender in the middle. For even more punch, pair it with smoky bell peppers and a lemony herb salad.

Adding an entire lemon—skin, pith, and flesh—to the sauce provides brightness and texture. Any bitterness from the pith will be offset by the sesame oil and honey. That balance makes it a super versatile condiment that pairs well with grilled or roasted vegetables and is great as a topping for stews and braises come winter.

If you don't have a grill, just heat the cast-iron skillet over medium on your stovetop. Inside or out, you’ll still have buttery clams to enjoy.

This all-green salad gets a kick from serrano, ginger, and just a hint of fish sauce. Keep the melon ice-cold for maximum contrast.

Seek out a slightly underripe cantaloupe for this salty-sweet, crunchy, and juicy summer side; firmer flesh makes it easier to slice into ribbons.

Use the biggest beans you can buy for this Greek-inspired dish—baby limas are easy to find, but gigante beans are amazing too.