Salted slices of eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes are arranged in a spiral over caramelized shallots and baked under a blanket of fontina and Parmesan. This beautiful gratin is the ideal way to showcase the last of summer's garden bounty as an elegant side dish.

Sauteed garlic, onions, and jalapenos simmered with black beans, cumin, and coriander, then partially blended for a thick, rustic texture. A warming, Cuban-inspired soup that delivers bold spice and creamy depth in every spoonful.

Pasta in a creamy sauce made with grated cauliflower, French onion dip, Cheddar, Colby Jack, and cayenne is baked until bubbly and topped with a crunchy layer of crushed potato chips. This clever comfort food sneaks a full serving of vegetables into every cheesy, indulgent bite without anyone being the wiser.

Toasted baguette slices topped with baked crispy pancetta and a bright arugula pesto made with pine nuts, Parmesan, and fresh lemon. A savory, crunchy appetizer that balances salty pancetta with peppery, citrus-kissed greens.

Shaved Brussels sprouts are sauteed with crispy pancetta pieces and deglazed with a splash of vinegar for a bright, savory finish. This warm, quick-cooking salad makes an elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with rich mains at a dinner party.

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Mustard greens are braised low and slow for an hour and a half with onions, garlic, chicken stock, vinegar, and a meaty ham hock, then the tender pork is pulled from the bone and stirred back into the pot liquor. These deeply savor

Boiled potatoes are dressed while still hot with a punchy mayo-horseradish-Dijon dressing seasoned with celery salt and cayenne, then finished with chopped hard-boiled eggs and parsley. This bold, zesty potato salad packs more personality than the usual picnic version and pairs especially well with rich, smoky brisket.

A vibrant salad of spring greens and romaine tossed with cherry tomatoes, radishes, pecans, and goat cheese. Dressed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette with a jar-shake method.

A savory twist on Italian panna cotta infused with horseradish and Dijon mustard. A unique and sophisticated accompaniment to beef tenderloin.

Thick-sliced ripe tomatoes and English cucumber with red onion in a balsamic vinaigrette, crowned with shatteringly crispy baked pancetta. A fresh summer salad given a salty, savory crunch from its Italian bacon topping.