Green Bean Salad with Corn, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

If you can’t find ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, substitute small wedges of ripe beefsteak tomatoes.

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (3 to 4 ears)
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
• 1 small red onion, cut in half through the root end, root trimmed, and cut lengthwise into very thin slices
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar; more to taste
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and blanch for 1 min. Scoop out the corn with a strainer; set aside. Season the water with a generous amount of salt, let it return to a boil, add the beans, and cook until just tender, about 3 min. Drain the beans and spread them on a baking sheet to cool.

Meanwhile, put the onion in a small bowl filled with ice water (which will crisp it and mellow its flavor). Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Put the paste in a small bowl (or keep it in the mortar) and whisk in the vinegar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then whisk in the olive oil.

Garlic cloves mashed to a paste add a tasty kick. I use a large granite mortar and pestle to pound the cloves to a paste, but you can also use the flat part of a chef’s knife to mash the garlic. A pinch of kosher salt helps the process along.

Vinaigrettes with a bright edge tie the salad together. To stand up to vegetables—especially raw vegetables—your vinaigrette should be relatively assertive, and that means using a bright acid. Try combining fresh citrus juices and different vinegars.

Just before serving, drain the onions. Put the beans, corn, onions, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the vinaigrette. Taste again and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve right away.

Spaghetti with Spicy Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes & Herbed Breadcrumbs

Fresh mint adds a bright, unexpected twist to this light, summery pasta.

• 1/3 cup plus 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• Heaping 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
• 1 lb. raw shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and cut crosswise into quarters
• 1/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (made from a baguette or other artisan bread)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 lb. dried thin spaghetti
• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints), halved

In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the parsley, the chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

In a small sauté pan, heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Mix the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley, the mint, a grinding of pepper, and a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs.

Heat the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Put the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 5 minutes.

While the spaghetti cooks, add the shrimp and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes start to soften and the shrimp is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Return the pasta and 2 Tbs. of the reserved water to the pot. Add the shrimp mixture and toss over medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through and the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add more of the pasta water as necessary to keep the dish moist. Season to taste with salt and pepper, transfer to warm shallow bowls, and top each serving with the breadcrumbs.

Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Hot Green Peppers

Couscous is a fine pellet made from semolina flour, each golden grain a bit larger than the head of a pin. Some chefs call it “Moroccan pasta” because it is made with the same durum wheat used to make pasta. Here, cooked couscous is combined with roasted green peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The resulting salad is similar to Middle Eastern tabouleh and perfect for a summer picnic.

• 1-1/2 cups couscous
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 green bell peppers, roasted and diced 
• 2 cups coarsely chopped cherry tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 hot green or red chili pepper (jalapeño or serrano), minced 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or coriander leaves
• 5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 4 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. sweet paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper

Wash the couscous in cold water and drain immediately. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Heat water in the bottom of a soup pot fitted with a steamer. The steamer should fit snugly into the pot, and the bottom of the steamer should not touch the water. Line the steamer with 3 layers of cheesecloth that cover both the bottom and the sides of the steamer and go up over the top. Add the couscous to the steamer and steam for 20 minutes, fluffing the grains halfway through the cooking.

Remove the couscous from the steamer and put it into a baking pan. Combine the water and salt. Sprinkle the couscous with the salt water. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Place the steamer back in the soup pot and return the couscous to the cheesecloth-lined steamer. Steam slowly for 15 minutes. Remove the steamer and the couscous. Let the couscous cool completely.

The couscous can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance.

Place the couscous in a bowl and add the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, chili pepper, parsley, and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the couscous and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

Grilled Bread Salad With Basil and Cherry Tomatoes

A trip to the grill gives the makings of a classic Italian bread salad—a good crusty loaf of bread, ripe summer tomatoes, and basil—a little smokiness and crisp texture. Because this salad can sit out at room temperature for an hour or two, it’s the perfect side for a picnic or barbecue. If you can’t find bocconcini, substitute a large fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch pieces.

• 1 medium loaf (about 1/2 pound) rustic
• white bread (like ciabatta), cut length-wise into 1-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
• 12 large basil leaves, torn into small pieces
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
• 8 oz . bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), halved

Prepare a medium-high fire on a gas or charcoal grill. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Using a pastry brush, dab both sides of the bread slices with 2 Tbs. oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Grill the bread until it browns and gets good grill marks, about 2 minutes. Grill the other side until browned, about 2 minutes, and transfer to a large cutting board to cool. Rub the cut sides of the garlic over the bread and discard the garlic. Put the cherry tomatoes and scallions in a large serving bowl with the basil. Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the red-wine vinegar, pour over the bread mixture, and toss well. Let the salad sit for up to 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, fold in the bocconcini and season with salt to taste.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomato–Ginger Sauce

In this recipe, fresh ginger flavors the sauce, and ground ginger and other warm spices are rubbed on the fish to make a flavorful, crisp crust. Be sure to buy whole coriander seeds and grind them in a food processor or spice grinder; pre-ground coriander will be too fine.

• 1/4 cup coriander seeds, ground medium-fine
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• 2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. canola oil
• 4 center-cut salmon fillets (about 6 oz. each), skin removed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro

In a small bowl, combine the coriander, ground ginger, and cayenne and mix with 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. of the oil to make a paste. Pat the paste on both sides of the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a 12-inch heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the fillets and cook until the bottom is well browned and the bottom half of the fish becomes opaque, 3 to 4 min. Turn the fish and cook until browned on the second side and just cooked through, another 3 to 4 min. Transfer to a warm platter.

Pour off all but a film of fat from the pan. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add the tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until slightly softened, about 2 min. Remove from the heat, toss in the ginger, and pour the tomatoes over the fish.

Put the pan over high heat. Add the wine and boil until reduced by half. Add the broth; boil until reduced by half again. Off the heat, swirl in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the salmon and tomatoes, sprinkle with the cilantro, and serve immediately.

Green Bean Salad with Corn, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

If you can’t find ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, substitute small wedges of ripe beefsteak tomatoes.

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (3 to 4 ears)
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
• 1 small red onion, cut in half through the root end, root trimmed, and cut lengthwise into very thin slices
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar; more to taste
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and blanch for 1 min. Scoop out the corn with a strainer; set aside. Season the water with a generous amount of salt, let it return to a boil, add the beans, and cook until just tender, about 3 min. Drain the beans and spread them on a baking sheet to cool.

Meanwhile, put the onion in a small bowl filled with ice water (which will crisp it and mellow its flavor). Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Put the paste in a small bowl (or keep it in the mortar) and whisk in the vinegar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then whisk in the olive oil.

Garlic cloves mashed to a paste add a tasty kick. I use a large granite mortar and pestle to pound the cloves to a paste, but you can also use the flat part of a chef’s knife to mash the garlic. A pinch of kosher salt helps the process along.

Vinaigrettes with a bright edge tie the salad together. To stand up to vegetables—especially raw vegetables—your vinaigrette should be relatively assertive, and that means using a bright acid. Try combining fresh citrus juices and different vinegars.

Just before serving, drain the onions. Put the beans, corn, onions, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the vinaigrette. Taste again and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve right away.

Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes, Arugula & Basil Dressing

• 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 2 strips lemon zest about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, white pith removed
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 lb. fresh slender green beans, trimmed (long ones snapped in half)
• 2 cups arugula, rinsed and spun dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 3/4 lb; preferably a mix of red, orange, and yellow), halved
• 1-1/2 cups (10 oz.) 1-inch-diameter fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

Fill an 8-quart stockpot three-quarters full of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Put the basil and lemon zest in a metal sieve, immerse it in the boiling water, and blanch for 5 seconds. Remove, tapping the sieve over the sink to shake off excess water. Turn off the burner but leave the water in the pot with the cover on.

Roughly chop the lemon zest. Put the basil and lemon zest in a blender and pulse a few times. With the blender running, pour the olive oil through the lid’s fill hole and purée until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Transfer to a small bowl or liquid measuring cup and cover. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.

Return the water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 Tbs. salt and the beans. Cook until the beans are crisp-tender or fully tender, depending on your preference, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spread the beans on a large rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate to cool completely. If making more than an hour ahead, cover and refrigerate.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled beans with the arugula, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss with the basil oil and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and more lemon juice.

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Late-Summer Vegetables & Pan Sauce

We consider this dish late-summer comfort food. The chicken thighs cook up moist and tender and are more flavorful than chicken breasts, and the aromatic herbs and roasted vegetables make it a meal you'll want to savor.

• 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (2-1/2 to 3 lb.)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb. green beans, stem ends trimmed (2 cups)
• 10 oz. cherry or grape tomatoes (2 cups)
• One-half large sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) or red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup pitted Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• 2 large cloves garlic, sliced about 1/8 inch thick
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp. unsalted butter (optional)
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced into 1/2-inch strips

Position two racks near the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Heat a 10- to 11-inch heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Pour 1 Tbs. of the oil into the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in the pan and cook until the skin is golden brown, about 7 min. Turn the chicken over. If a lot of fat has accumulated, carefully spoon it off and discard.

While the chicken browns, toss the beans, tomatoes, onion, olives, and garlic in a large bowl with the remaining 2 Tbs. oil. Season with 3/4 tsp. salt and several grinds of pepper and spread the vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet.

Put the skillet of chicken and the baking sheet with the vegetables in the oven, with the chicken on the higher rack. Roast the chicken until a thermometer inserted in the center of a thigh registers 170°F, 18 to 20 min. Continue to roast the vegetables until very soft and beginning to brown, 8 to 12 min. more.

Meanwhile, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a plate. Spoon off and discard as much fat as possible from the chicken juices, add the wine, set over high heat, and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup sauce, 4 to 6 min.; it should be syrupy and concentrated in flavor. Swirl in the butter, if using.

Remove the vegetables from the oven and toss them with the basil. Divide the vegetables among four plates. Arrange one or two chicken thighs on the vegetables and drizzle with the pan sauce. Serve immediately.

Couscous Salad with Tomatoes and Hot Green Peppers

Couscous is a fine pellet made from semolina flour, each golden grain a bit larger than the head of a pin. Some chefs call it “Moroccan pasta” because it is made with the same durum wheat used to make pasta. Here, cooked couscous is combined with roasted green peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The resulting salad is similar to Middle Eastern tabouleh and perfect for a summer picnic.

• 1-1/2 cups couscous
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 green bell peppers, roasted and diced 
• 2 cups coarsely chopped cherry tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 hot green or red chili pepper (jalapeño or serrano), minced 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or coriander leaves
• 5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 4 Tbs. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp. sweet paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper

Wash the couscous in cold water and drain immediately. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Heat water in the bottom of a soup pot fitted with a steamer. The steamer should fit snugly into the pot, and the bottom of the steamer should not touch the water. Line the steamer with 3 layers of cheesecloth that cover both the bottom and the sides of the steamer and go up over the top. Add the couscous to the steamer and steam for 20 minutes, fluffing the grains halfway through the cooking.

Remove the couscous from the steamer and put it into a baking pan. Combine the water and salt. Sprinkle the couscous with the salt water. Lift and rake the grains with your fingertips to separate them. Let rest 10 minutes.

Place the steamer back in the soup pot and return the couscous to the cheesecloth-lined steamer. Steam slowly for 15 minutes. Remove the steamer and the couscous. Let the couscous cool completely.

The couscous can be prepared to this point up to 2 days in advance.

Place the couscous in a bowl and add the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, chili pepper, parsley, and cilantro.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the couscous and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

Green Bean Salad with Corn, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

If you can’t find ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes, substitute small wedges of ripe beefsteak tomatoes.

• 3 cups fresh corn kernels (3 to 4 ears)
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half diagonally
• 1 small red onion, cut in half through the root end, root trimmed, and cut lengthwise into very thin slices
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar; more to taste
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
• Freshly ground black pepper

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the corn kernels and blanch for 1 min. Scoop out the corn with a strainer; set aside. Season the water with a generous amount of salt, let it return to a boil, add the beans, and cook until just tender, about 3 min. Drain the beans and spread them on a baking sheet to cool.

Meanwhile, put the onion in a small bowl filled with ice water (which will crisp it and mellow its flavor). Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef’s knife, mash the garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt. Put the paste in a small bowl (or keep it in the mortar) and whisk in the vinegar. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then whisk in the olive oil.

Garlic cloves mashed to a paste add a tasty kick. I use a large granite mortar and pestle to pound the cloves to a paste, but you can also use the flat part of a chef’s knife to mash the garlic. A pinch of kosher salt helps the process along.

Vinaigrettes with a bright edge tie the salad together. To stand up to vegetables—especially raw vegetables—your vinaigrette should be relatively assertive, and that means using a bright acid. Try combining fresh citrus juices and different vinegars.

Just before serving, drain the onions. Put the beans, corn, onions, cherry tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss with the vinaigrette. Taste again and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve right away.

Spaghetti with Spicy Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes & Herbed Breadcrumbs

Fresh mint adds a bright, unexpected twist to this light, summery pasta.

• 1/3 cup plus 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• Heaping 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
• 1 lb. raw shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and cut crosswise into quarters
• 1/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (made from a baguette or other artisan bread)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 lb. dried thin spaghetti
• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints), halved

In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the parsley, the chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

In a small sauté pan, heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Mix the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley, the mint, a grinding of pepper, and a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs.

Heat the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Put the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 5 minutes.

While the spaghetti cooks, add the shrimp and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes start to soften and the shrimp is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Return the pasta and 2 Tbs. of the reserved water to the pot. Add the shrimp mixture and toss over medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through and the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add more of the pasta water as necessary to keep the dish moist. Season to taste with salt and pepper, transfer to warm shallow bowls, and top each serving with the breadcrumbs.

Spaghetti with Spicy Shrimp, Cherry Tomatoes & Herbed Breadcrumbs

Fresh mint adds a bright, unexpected twist to this light, summery pasta.

• 1/3 cup plus 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbs. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh chives
• Heaping 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• Pinch cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
• 1 lb. raw shrimp (21 to 25 per lb.), peeled, deveined, and cut crosswise into quarters
• 1/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (made from a baguette or other artisan bread)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh mint
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
• 1 lb. dried thin spaghetti
• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints), halved

In a large bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the olive oil, 2 tsp. of the parsley, the chives, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic and marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat.

In a small sauté pan, heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool. Mix the remaining 1 Tbs. parsley, the mint, a grinding of pepper, and a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs.

Heat the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Put the spaghetti in the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 5 minutes.

While the spaghetti cooks, add the shrimp and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes start to soften and the shrimp is nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta-cooking water and drain the spaghetti. Return the pasta and 2 Tbs. of the reserved water to the pot. Add the shrimp mixture and toss over medium heat until the shrimp is cooked through and the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add more of the pasta water as necessary to keep the dish moist. Season to taste with salt and pepper, transfer to warm shallow bowls, and top each serving with the breadcrumbs.

Pizza with Cherry Tomato and Basil Salad

Hot pizza and cool salad makes this an "everything-in-one" pizza.

• 1 lb. pizza dough
• 1-1/2 cups coarsely grated smoked mozzarella cheese (or Scamorza)
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 oz. yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 oz. red cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

Thirty minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 500°F. Place a pizza stone on the bottom rack of the oven and heat for at least 30 minutes.

On a floured surface, divide the dough into 2 pieces and form into balls. Roll 1 piece of dough into a 10- to 11-inch circle, 3/8 inch thick. Transfer to a heavily floured pizza peel. Top with half of the smoked mozzarella cheese, distributing evenly. Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone and bake until golden and crisp, 8 to 12 minutes.

In the meantime, whisk together the oil, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl to make a vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Add the yellow and red cherry tomatoes and toss together.

When the pizza is done, place on a platter. Top with half each of the tomatoes, vinaigrette, and basil. Serve immediately.

Make a second pizza with the remaining ingredients.

Grilled Bread Salad With Basil and Cherry Tomatoes

A trip to the grill gives the makings of a classic Italian bread salad—a good crusty loaf of bread, ripe summer tomatoes, and basil—a little smokiness and crisp texture. Because this salad can sit out at room temperature for an hour or two, it’s the perfect side for a picnic or barbecue. If you can’t find bocconcini, substitute a large fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch pieces.

• 1 medium loaf (about 1/2 pound) rustic
• white bread (like ciabatta), cut length-wise into 1-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
• 12 large basil leaves, torn into small pieces
• 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
• 8 oz . bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), halved

Prepare a medium-high fire on a gas or charcoal grill. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Using a pastry brush, dab both sides of the bread slices with 2 Tbs. oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Grill the bread until it browns and gets good grill marks, about 2 minutes. Grill the other side until browned, about 2 minutes, and transfer to a large cutting board to cool. Rub the cut sides of the garlic over the bread and discard the garlic. Put the cherry tomatoes and scallions in a large serving bowl with the basil. Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the red-wine vinegar, pour over the bread mixture, and toss well. Let the salad sit for up to 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, fold in the bocconcini and season with salt to taste.

Cracker-Thin Pizza with Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta, and Basil

This single-serving version of pizza Margherita uses both fresh mozzarella and creamy ricotta cheese, plus ripe cherry tomatoes, all topping a super-thin crust.

• 4 oz. Make-Ahead Pizza Dough (1/8 of the full recipe; a dough ball about the size of a peach)
• 1/4 cup Easy Pizza Sauce 
• 1 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut or broken into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 oz. fresh whole-milk ricotta
• 2 oz. ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 large fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

 

At
least 30 minutes before baking, position a rack in the bottom third of the oven
and if using a pizza stone, set it on the rack. (If you don’t have a stone, use
a heavy-duty 13x18-inch baking sheet lightly oiled with olive oil.) Heat the
oven to 550°F. If using a pizza stone, dust a peel with unbleached all-purpose
flour.

While
the oven heats, generously flour the dough and then stretch and tuck it under
itself, giving it quarter turns as you form a ball of dough with a smooth top.
Let rest on the work surface, covered with plastic wrap, for at least 30
minutes and up to 1 hour. Meanwhile, prep all the toppings as directed in the
ingredient list before you begin shaping your dough.

Once
the dough has rested, very lightly flour your work surface and lay your dough
ball in the center of the floured area. Flour your hands and then, using your
palms and fingertips, press and stretch the dough into a rough circle about 12
inches in diameter and 1/16-inch thick. Or use a floured rolling pin to roll
the dough into a circle; if sticky spots occur, flour your fingertips (or your
rolling pin) and continue stretching the dough. Flip the dough occasionally so
it doesn’t stick to the work surface, and use a dough scraper to detach the
dough from the work surface if it does stick. If the dough continually
contracts, let it rest, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature for 10
to 15 minutes before resuming the stretching process. It’s OK if your dough
isn’t a perfect circle. Transfer the stretched dough to the prepared pizza peel
or baking sheet.

Using
the back of a large spoon, spread the tomato sauce onto the stretched dough,
leaving about a 1/2-inch border. Distribute the mozzarella, small dollops of the ricotta, and the cherry tomatoes evenly across the pizza.

If
using a baking sheet, put it on the rack. If using a pizza stone, shake the peel
a bit to make sure the pizza isn’t stuck and then slide the pizza off the peel
and onto the heated stone (Aim for the back of the stone and place the end of
the peel there). Bake, turning the pizza with a peel or tongs if one side
browns faster than the other, until the crust is nicely browned and crisp and
the cheese is bubbly, about 5 to 7 minutes on a pizza stone, or 10 to 12
minutes on a baking sheet. Transfer the pizza to a cutting board, scatter the basil over the pizza, and let stand
for 1 to 2 minutes before cutting it with a pizza wheel, kitchen shears, or a
chef’s knife.

Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes, Arugula & Basil Dressing

• 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 2 strips lemon zest about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, white pith removed
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 lb. fresh slender green beans, trimmed (long ones snapped in half)
• 2 cups arugula, rinsed and spun dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 3/4 lb; preferably a mix of red, orange, and yellow), halved
• 1-1/2 cups (10 oz.) 1-inch-diameter fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

Fill an 8-quart stockpot three-quarters full of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Put the basil and lemon zest in a metal sieve, immerse it in the boiling water, and blanch for 5 seconds. Remove, tapping the sieve over the sink to shake off excess water. Turn off the burner but leave the water in the pot with the cover on.

Roughly chop the lemon zest. Put the basil and lemon zest in a blender and pulse a few times. With the blender running, pour the olive oil through the lid’s fill hole and purée until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Transfer to a small bowl or liquid measuring cup and cover. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.

Return the water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 Tbs. salt and the beans. Cook until the beans are crisp-tender or fully tender, depending on your preference, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spread the beans on a large rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate to cool completely. If making more than an hour ahead, cover and refrigerate.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled beans with the arugula, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss with the basil oil and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and more lemon juice.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Cherry Tomato–Ginger Sauce

In this recipe, fresh ginger flavors the sauce, and ground ginger and other warm spices are rubbed on the fish to make a flavorful, crisp crust. Be sure to buy whole coriander seeds and grind them in a food processor or spice grinder; pre-ground coriander will be too fine.

• 1/4 cup coriander seeds, ground medium-fine
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• 2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. canola oil
• 4 center-cut salmon fillets (about 6 oz. each), skin removed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro

In a small bowl, combine the coriander, ground ginger, and cayenne and mix with 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. of the oil to make a paste. Pat the paste on both sides of the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper.

Heat a 12-inch heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the fillets and cook until the bottom is well browned and the bottom half of the fish becomes opaque, 3 to 4 min. Turn the fish and cook until browned on the second side and just cooked through, another 3 to 4 min. Transfer to a warm platter.

Pour off all but a film of fat from the pan. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 15 seconds. Add the tomatoes, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until slightly softened, about 2 min. Remove from the heat, toss in the ginger, and pour the tomatoes over the fish.

Put the pan over high heat. Add the wine and boil until reduced by half. Add the broth; boil until reduced by half again. Off the heat, swirl in the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the salmon and tomatoes, sprinkle with the cilantro, and serve immediately.

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Late-Summer Vegetables & Pan Sauce

We consider this dish late-summer comfort food. The chicken thighs cook up moist and tender and are more flavorful than chicken breasts, and the aromatic herbs and roasted vegetables make it a meal you'll want to savor.

• 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (2-1/2 to 3 lb.)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb. green beans, stem ends trimmed (2 cups)
• 10 oz. cherry or grape tomatoes (2 cups)
• One-half large sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla) or red onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 cup pitted Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• 2 large cloves garlic, sliced about 1/8 inch thick
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp. unsalted butter (optional)
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, sliced into 1/2-inch strips

Position two racks near the center of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Heat a 10- to 11-inch heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Generously season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Pour 1 Tbs. of the oil into the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down in the pan and cook until the skin is golden brown, about 7 min. Turn the chicken over. If a lot of fat has accumulated, carefully spoon it off and discard.

While the chicken browns, toss the beans, tomatoes, onion, olives, and garlic in a large bowl with the remaining 2 Tbs. oil. Season with 3/4 tsp. salt and several grinds of pepper and spread the vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet.

Put the skillet of chicken and the baking sheet with the vegetables in the oven, with the chicken on the higher rack. Roast the chicken until a thermometer inserted in the center of a thigh registers 170°F, 18 to 20 min. Continue to roast the vegetables until very soft and beginning to brown, 8 to 12 min. more.

Meanwhile, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a plate. Spoon off and discard as much fat as possible from the chicken juices, add the wine, set over high heat, and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup sauce, 4 to 6 min.; it should be syrupy and concentrated in flavor. Swirl in the butter, if using.

Remove the vegetables from the oven and toss them with the basil. Divide the vegetables among four plates. Arrange one or two chicken thighs on the vegetables and drizzle with the pan sauce. Serve immediately.

Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes, Arugula & Basil Dressing

• 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
• 2 strips lemon zest about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch wide, white pith removed
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 lb. fresh slender green beans, trimmed (long ones snapped in half)
• 2 cups arugula, rinsed and spun dry
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 3/4 lb; preferably a mix of red, orange, and yellow), halved
• 1-1/2 cups (10 oz.) 1-inch-diameter fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper

Fill an 8-quart stockpot three-quarters full of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Put the basil and lemon zest in a metal sieve, immerse it in the boiling water, and blanch for 5 seconds. Remove, tapping the sieve over the sink to shake off excess water. Turn off the burner but leave the water in the pot with the cover on.

Roughly chop the lemon zest. Put the basil and lemon zest in a blender and pulse a few times. With the blender running, pour the olive oil through the lid’s fill hole and purée until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Transfer to a small bowl or liquid measuring cup and cover. Refrigerate until ready to assemble the salad.

Return the water to a boil over high heat. Add 2 Tbs. salt and the beans. Cook until the beans are crisp-tender or fully tender, depending on your preference, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spread the beans on a large rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate to cool completely. If making more than an hour ahead, cover and refrigerate.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled beans with the arugula, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss with the basil oil and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper and more lemon juice.

Pizza with Cherry Tomato and Basil Salad

Hot pizza and cool salad makes this an "everything-in-one" pizza.

• 1 lb. pizza dough
• 1-1/2 cups coarsely grated smoked mozzarella cheese (or Scamorza)
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 oz. yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
• 6 oz. red cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips

Thirty minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 500°F. Place a pizza stone on the bottom rack of the oven and heat for at least 30 minutes.

On a floured surface, divide the dough into 2 pieces and form into balls. Roll 1 piece of dough into a 10- to 11-inch circle, 3/8 inch thick. Transfer to a heavily floured pizza peel. Top with half of the smoked mozzarella cheese, distributing evenly. Slide the pizza onto the pizza stone and bake until golden and crisp, 8 to 12 minutes.

In the meantime, whisk together the oil, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl to make a vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Add the yellow and red cherry tomatoes and toss together.

When the pizza is done, place on a platter. Top with half each of the tomatoes, vinaigrette, and basil. Serve immediately.

Make a second pizza with the remaining ingredients.