This week’s menu runs the gamut from easy peasy Grilled Cheese Night to more involved Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce (takes more time, but worth the effort!). And don’t skip the watermelon juice. It’s the ideal summer refresher.

SALMON BURGER LETTUCE WRAPS WITH SRIRACHA LIME DRESSING

We’ve been making these for family dinner of late and everyone is a fan. It’s an inventive way to enjoy the convenience of frozen salmon burgers, done in a lettuce wrap with crunchy veggies, avocado, and a tangy/spicy sauce. The meal is on the lighter side, so if you have hearty eaters, throw an extra burger or two in the pan or do up a side of steamed rice.

POUNDED CHICKEN WITH TOMATO, OLIVE, AND AVOCADO SALAD

Grilled chicken paillard topped with tomato, olive, and avocado salad on a white plate with a fork and knife

This is one tasty and very healthy summer supper. It’s light and easy enough for everyday cooking, but is also the sort of dish I’d serve guests. As for side dishes, a loaf of crusty bread and simple green salad would do if you want to keep things simple. The Watermelon Wedge Salad below would also work on the side.

PESTO PORTABELLO MUSHROOM BURGERS

Much as I love a classic burger, portabello mushrooms on the grill are pretty tasty, too. Just add a swipe of pesto, roasted peppers, and a slice of cheese.

HOMEMADE GNOCCHI WITH NANA’S TOMATO SAUCE

If you feel like a bit of a cooking project, try this homemade gnocchi from Maria Sinskey’s terrific cookbook The Vineyard Kitchen. If you want to simplify things, buy tomato sauce from the market or make this super simple recipe instead. Complete the meal with any grilled vegetables or a simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette on the side.

DIY GRILLED CHEESE NIGHT

Minimal cooking involved! You gather and set out all the ingredients, everyone else assembles their own just they way they like it. Kick up the fun faction and do up these sandos on the grill. Just add a big plate of cut up veggies or a salad and dinner is done.

FATTOUSH SALAD

This is a crisp summer salad that is great as a side or a main dish (add chicken or chickpeas). If you want to round out the meal further, do up a side of any favorite grain, such as quinoa or farro tossed with olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and whatever fresh herbs you have in your fridge (or garden). Alternatively, treat yourself to a terrific weekend lunch with this on the menu.

BLENDER WATERMELON JUICE

I love to blend up fresh watermelon and stow a little pitcher in the fridge for a refreshing pick-me-up. The juice doubles as a great mixer come cocktail hour as well. When you get a really good, sweet watermelon, this is the thing to make!

SHOPPING LIST

Pounded Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/3 heaping cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
1 cup castelvetrano olives (or other favorite meaty olives)
1 small ripe avocado
2 scallions

Salmon Burger Lettuce Wraps

3 ounces dried rice stick noodles
1 heaping cup shredded carrots (use pre-shredded for ease)
1 1/2 medium ripe avocados
1 large head Romaine or butter lettuce
2 scallions
4 four-ounce frozen salmon burgers
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 Persian or ½ English cucumber
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Pesto Portobello Mushroom Burgers
4 large portabello mushrooms
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
4 generous slices Mozzarella cheese
1 loaf focaccia bread
Prepared basil pesto
2 small red or yellow roasted bell peppers
1 large handful baby arugula or spinach

Homemade Gnocchi with Nana’s Tomato Sauce
3 pounds large baking potatoes
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
Pinch nutmeg
2 cups all-purpose flour
Parmesan cheese for garnish
8 pounds fresh Roma tomatoes
6 large cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium yellow onions
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon toasted whole fennel seeds
1 cup Italian parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh oregano or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

DIY Grilled Cheese Night

Favorite sliced bread (such as levain, pullman’s, sourdough or walnut)
Favorite sliced or grated firm cheeses (such as Cheddar, Gruyere or Havarti)
Favorite soft cheese (such as goat cheese, Brie, or feta)
Sandwich-friendly vegetables (such as roasted red peppers, leafy greens, or tomatoes)
Sliced cold cuts (such as ham, turkey or salami)
Little extras (such as sun-dried tomatoes or sliced cornichons)
Condiments (such as mustard, pesto or tapenade)
Butter or olive oil for greasing skillet

Fattoush Salad
1 whole wheat pita bread
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 small clove garlic
4 generous handfuls Little Gem or hearts of Romaine lettuce (7 packed cups)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 English cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta
Optional to make it a main dish salad: 1 lb cooked, sliced boneless skinless chicken breast or one 14-ounce can drained chick peas

Blender Watermelon Juice
4 cups cubed watermelon
2-3 teaspoons fresh lime juice (optional)

Weeknight Rescue//Summer 2022//Salmon Lettuce Wraps, Pounded Grilled Chicken, Portabello Burgers, Grilled Cheese Night, Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce