Weeknight Dinner Planner: 5 Refreshing Meals For the End of Summer

Monday: Cold Pasta alla Norma

Basil, parsley, and fresh veggies make for a refreshing Monday meal. The heat may rise outside, but you'll be super chill!

Recipe: Try our Cold Pasta alla Norma

Tuesday: Curried Egg Salad Sandwiches

No-cook definitely doesn't mean no flavor! These sammies pack a punch with mango chutney, white wine vinegar, and curry powder.

Recipe: Try our Curried Egg Salad Sandwiches

Wednesday: Grilled-Tomato Gazpacho

Who says soup has to be hot? This tangy chilled soup will combat even the hottest end-of-summer nights.

Recipe: Try our Grilled-Tomato Gazpacho

Thursday: Nectarine Salad with Pepitas

Sweet and seasoned to perfection! Lime zest and honey make this tasty salad pop.

Recipe: Try our Nectarine Salad with Pepitas

Friday: Cold Soba Salad

Cold, but still hot — as in spicy! 

Recipe: Try our Cold Soba Salad

Shopping list

For the pasta alla norma:

Grilled Eggplant

• 1 heavy medium eggplant
• salt
• 6 tablespoons EVOO
• 1/3 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon acacia honey or light agave syrup
• 3 large cloves garlic
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup basil
• a fat handful of flat-leaf parsley
• 1 red chile, such as finger or Holland chile

Pasta

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/2 pound ricotta salata
• black pepper

For the curried egg salad:

• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
• 4 slices pumpernickel bread
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 6 sprigs watercress

For the grilled-tomato gazpacho:

• 1 lb. heirloom tomatoes
• 1 orange bell pepper
• 1 Fresno chile
• 2 shallots
• 1/2-inch-thick slice of ciabatta
• 1/3 cup EVOO
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup crushed ice
• Chopped fresh chives and cilantro leaves

For the nectarine salad with pepitas:

• 1 small shallot
• 2 tablespoons EVOO
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 nectarines
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 3 tablespoons salted roasted pepitas

For the cold soba salad:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup spicy bean sauce, such as House of Tsang
• 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 carrots
• 10 radishes
• 1 small cucumber
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 pound soba noodles
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions