One of the smartest approaches to feeding a group of stubborn people with different preferences—your family, for example—is to make something that’s easy to build or deconstruct to your liking. (tacos are the reigning champions in this field.)
Last week, I received an email from a reader saying that it’s been Nicoise salad all summer for your family, which is a great meal to choose from; Let everyone take what they want from the platter of canned tuna, green beans, boiled eggs, tomatoes, olives, etc. Elegant!
Below, you’ll find a roasted salmon-focused version of the Niçoise salad, as well as a dumpling salad that can be separated into parts for anyone who doesn’t opt for the whole package. The tajine chicken, BBQ tofu and creamy lemon paste are simply delicious.
1. Grilled Chicken Tajine
This easy recipe from Rick Martinez harnesses the electric flavors of tajin, the beloved chili-lime spice, and uses them to bring the chicken to life. You can serve it as is or sandwiched on a bun.
2. Grilled Salmon Nicoise Salad
This recipe comes from Lidey Heuck, who essentially makes a one-pan meal with salmon, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, and green beans and then serves it with lettuce and dressing for a Niçoise salad. She can skip the hard-boiled eggs on a weeknight; the dish will still feel like an homage to one of the salad greats.
4. Creamy Lemon Pasta
Pasta with lemon sauce is one of the most delicious simple dinners you can prepare. This recipe by Yasmin Fahr is creamy and tangy thanks to the yogurt she uses in the sauce.
5. Folami BBQ Tofu
This rich red tofu recipe, which Nicole Taylor adapted from Folami Prescott-Adams, a community psychologist, is perfect for celebrating June 19th with a crowd. But it’s also great for any weeknight when you want a helping of crispy, flavorful tofu.