Spicy Salami Sandwich With Olive Tapenade and Goat Cheese

For this sandwich, a rich homemade tapenade is spread into an herby focaccia roll, then followed by some spicy salami, peppery arugula, a roasted red bell pepper, and a sprinkling of crumbled goat cheese. Although the ingredients in this sandwich are all very strongly flavored, each remains distinct with every bite.

Make-Ahead Marinated Mushrooms with Kale, Shaved Carrots and Parmesan

The beauty of marinated mushrooms is you can't really go wrong; you can marinate them in pretty much whatever you have on hand. If you have fresh herbs, definitely throw those in there, and minced shallots would work great, too. This is ideal for a lunch box because the mushroom marinade doubles as your salad dressing, and because this salad is all about sturdy vegetables, nothing will wilt before lunchtime.

Creamy White Beans With 'Nduja, Kale, and Gremolata Breadcrumbs

Fiery 'nduja spices up creamy white beans and earthy kale, for an easy, hearty weeknight meal.

Make-Ahead Chickpea Salad With Cumin and Celery

A simple salad of chickpeas dressed in a light vinaigrette flavored with cumin, shallots, and olive oil. Crunchy celery and parsley finish it off. This is the kind of salad that gets better as it sits—Make it one night and pack it for lunch at the office or on a picnic the next day.

Broccoli Rabe and Antipasti Panini With Olive Salad

[Photographs: Robyn Lee] This vegan sandwich is based on a muffuletta, but it wasn't as simple as removing the meat and cheese and shoving in vegetables in its place. Juicy, garlicky broccoli rabe braised in a dry white wine provide...

Mediterranean Flavors: White Bean Spread with Za'atar

Just because I like my white bean spread simple doesn't mean I like it boring. My favorite seasoning is za'atar, a blend of dried herbs (usually thyme, sometimes with others), sesame seeds, and spices like sumac.

Make-Ahead Roasted Squash and Kale Salad With Spiced Nuts, Cranberries, and Maple

This salad combines sweet roasted butternut squash with roasted kale in a vinaigrette flavored with maple syrup and sherry vinegar, along with some spiced pecans for crunch and dried cranberries for a nice chewy texture.

Make-Ahead Quinoa Salad With Cucumber, Tomato, and Herbs

Loosely based on Middle Eastern tabbouleh salad, this easy make-ahead salad combines grape tomatoes (sweet and ripe any time of year) with cucumber, parsley, mint, and quinoa for a bright and refreshing make-ahead salad that's hearty enough to serve as a light meal.

Italian Sausage with Cannellini Beans and Pickled Peppers

Nutty, chewy beans, savory chicken sausage on boldly flavored, pickled peppers: they're a perfect match.

Easy Make-Ahead Carrot and Chickpea Salad With Dill and Pumpkin Seeds

This easy, make-ahead chickpea salad combines chickpeas with grated carrots, pumpkin seeds, and plenty of dill. It's the ideal food for a packed lunch, whether it's at school, the office, or on the road.