Radish

A simple lemon and oil dressing-which works with just about any fresh vegetable-turns some of your garden's finest into a light summer pasta salad. Serve it in lettuce cups for a nice presentation.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This pretty and refreshing soup - flavored with curry, cumin, ginger and garlic-is quick to prepare: Just put everything in the blender and puree it.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Imported or domestic tuna packed in olive oil is a staple in my pantry. I make quick tomato sauces with it, use it on sandwiches, and especially in salads. This is a great main-dish salad, with tender tuna and crunchy, spicy radishes. Serve it on top of lettuce with crusty bread on the side for a substantial no-cook meal.

A lightened version of a first course that traditionally precedes choucroute garnie.

If you make the components of this hors d'oeuvre ahead, stir together the filling ingredients just before serving the first batch. Keep the remaining filling chilled, covered, and spoon it into the remaining cucumber cups as platters need replenishing.

A quintessential California pairing. Brush slices of sourdough bread with olive oil and grill (about two minutes per side) to serve alongside. What to drink: A crisp, dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc.

Serve with: Spinach salad topped with toasted almonds, and sesame breadsticks.

Grated black radish salad is exquisite too. Try it with the most common black radish in the U.S. (Raphanus sativus), which is round and has a similar flavor and texture to Raphanus sativus niger.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Once the soup is processed, the addition of extra yogurt adds a creamy texture. The diced cucumber and radishes add a crunchy texture. If hothouse cucumbers are not available, substitute the firm garden variety and double the amount called for. Peel cucumbers and halve lengthwise, then seed.

We've taken the French tradition of eating radishes with salt and butter (which tames the vegetable's bite) just a step farther. Serve the beurre blanc and salt in small individual dishes so guests can dip as they like. This fresh, springtime hors d'oeuvre would be well matched with steak or grilled fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.