serves 4 Also known as bean thread noodles or glass noodles, cellophane noodles are made from mung bean flour and are used throughout Asia in soups, stir-fries, and salads. For a striking color accent, add some grated carrot to the salad. For more substance, add some…

serves 4 Baked marinated lemon-pepper tofu is available in natural food stores. If unavailable, you can make your own or omit the tofu entirely for a lovely and elegant green bean salad. Gomasio is a blend of toasted sesame seeds and sea salt and is available in…

serves 4 This fruity, flavorful rice salad is great for a lunch or casual supper. It’s also a good addition to a party buffet. Next time you cook up some rice, make extra so you can put this salad together even faster. 1¼ cups quick-cooking brown rice ½ cup mango…

serves 4 The vibrant colors of spinach and mango combine in this dazzling sesame-dressed salad that is as beautiful as it is delicious. 1 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste) 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon…

serves 4 The licorice flavor of the fennel and the slight bitterness of radicchio play nicely against the sweet-tart dressing flavored with orange. 1 pound penne pasta 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons…

serves 4 If you’ve never tried quinoa, this is the salad to make if you want a tasty treat. Nutty, flavorful, and loaded with nutrients, quinoa is a delicious and underappreciated grain that shines when enhanced with this light lemony dressing, complemented by roasted…

serves 4 This flavorful salad goes together quickly. Sure, you could use bottled peanut sauce in a pinch, but it’s easy to make your own with handy pantry ingredients. Don’t be afraid to vary the vegetables according to what’s on hand and your own preference. For…

serves 4 Japanese soba noodles are hearty yet delicate noodles made from buckwheat. They are available in Asian markets and natural food stores. 1 (10-ounce) package soba (buckwheat) noodles ¼ cup toasted sesame oil 1 red bell pepper, cut into julienne strips 4 napa…

serves 4 Texture and flavor contrasts abound in this Southwestern-inspired salad. The buttery avocado helps to smooth the heat of the serrano chile in the dressing. 12 ounces penne pasta 1 serrano chile, seeded 1 large clove garlic 2 ripe Hass avocados 3 tablespoons…

serves 4 Polenta strips make an unusual alternative to croutons in this delicious salad that combines the mellow sweetness of pears with the crunch of toasted pecans. Prepared polenta is available in the produce section of many supermarkets. It is sold in a log-shaped…

serves 4 This salad features the diminutive rice-shaped pasta called orzo enhanced by lusty Kalamata olives and crunchy toasted pine nuts. 1½ cups orzo 1 large clove garlic 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon dried marjoram ¼ cup…

serves 4 This colorful and delicious salad is one you’ll make again and again. It is especially quick to assemble if you begin with rice that has been cooked ahead. 1 cup raw quick-cooking brown rice, or 3 cups cooked 1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1…