Looking for a quick and tasty side dish for your next gathering? Try this dish for a departure from the usual sides. It is extremely quick, incredibly tasty, always a big hit and it only gets better the next day. Additionally, the ingredients are mostly shelf stable, which makes them wonderful items to keep in your pantry for a side dish on a moments notice.

1⁄4 cup soy sauce
3 Tbs. toasted sesame oil, Trader Joe’s has a good one
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1 1⁄2 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. chili garlic sauce*
1 lb. linguine
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut in match-stick strips

Combine the first five ingredients in a jar, shake to combine and set aside. This can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, which only enhances the flavors. Just remember to bring the sauce to room temperature before continuing.

When ready, cook the linguine, according to the package directions. Then, drain and briefly rinse under cool water to stop the cooking. Do not overcook the linguine, it should have a bit of bite to it. Then, transfer to a bowl and add the room temperature dressing. Hold some back to add just before serving, if needed. Finally, add the scallions and the red pepper strips, toss well to combine, sprinkle with a few more scallion pieces and serve, either at room temperature or chilled.

*Chili garlic sauce is available at Asian markets or in the international section of most supermarket.

Summer is in full swing and I thought I would share some of my favorite, go to, salads. These are usually done in the morning, so you can enjoy the day. And, I actually prefer making it early because the flavors improve with a few hours of marinating. Whether you serve these as a stand alone lunch or as a side for a barbecue, it matters not…either way, they will be a hit.

Also, feel free to be creative and flexible with the vegetables. A little more of this or less of that, is not going to matter. My only caution is, do not go lightly on the herbs, they make a huge difference in the final dish. Additionally, a final squeeze of lemon or lime juice (whichever is used in the recipe) is always a welcome addition.