What's Giving Me Life

This salad was inspired by one I almost ordered at a restaurant in upstate New York —and then couldn’t stop thinking about after someone else at the table did. Fresh corn is charred in a hot skillet with red onion, jalapeño, and garlic, then tossed with lightly cooked zucchini, salty feta, and plenty of chives. It’s smoky, sweet, a little spicy, and one of my favorite ways to use peak-summer produce. Yield: About 7 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minute

This bright, savory vinaigrette is the kind of dressing that makes almost any salad better. Fresh lemon, shallot, garlic, mustard, and a touch of maple syrup come together in a dressing that is tangy, balanced, and easy to make in just a few minutes. It is especially good on hearty greens like kale and Brussels sprouts, but it also works beautifully on grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or simple mixed greens. Yield: About ½ cup Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 0

This is the salad I make when I need something fresh that can still hold its own alongside a cozy fall or winter meal. Shaved Brussels sprouts and thinly sliced kale create a hearty base, while crispy bacon, dried cherries, Manchego, and toasted pepitas bring a mix of salty, sweet, smoky, and crunchy flavors. Unlike delicate leafy salads, this one can be dressed ahead of time without becoming soggy, which makes it especially good for holidays, dinner parties, and meal prep. Y

When spring rolls around, this is exactly the kind of salad I crave. Crisp fennel, juicy grapefruit, tart Granny Smith apple, fresh herbs, and quick-pickled shallots come together in a salad that's bright, refreshing, and full of texture. It's simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve when friends come over. Pair it with grilled fish, roast chicken, or shrimp, and you've got one of my favorite spring meals. Yield: About 6 cups Servings: 4 Prep Time: 20

This is summer in a bowl. Sweet corn, juicy nectarines, spicy jalapeños, fresh herbs, and a good drizzle of olive oil come together to make a salad that's bright, refreshing, and just a little unexpected. It's the kind of dish that disappears at backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. And if you really want to impress people? Tear a ball of burrata over the top right before serving. Yield: About 8 cups Servings: 6-8 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 7 minutes Total Time: Ab