Fusilli is tossed in an oregano-honey-Parmesan vinaigrette with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, olives, fresh mozzarella, salami, and torn basil. This Italian deli-inspired pasta salad is a beach party essential that travels well and tastes even better after the flavors meld.

Green beans are dredged in flour, dipped in egg wash, coated in a crunchy panko-fried onion mixture, and baked at 400°F until golden and crispy. These oven-baked veggie fries are a clever way to get kids excited about green beans on a busy weeknight.

Spiralized zucchini noodles are briefly sauteed in garlic oil and tossed with dried ciabatta cubes, salted ripe tomatoes, shallot, fresh basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette. This lighter spin on the Tuscan bread salad swaps out heavy pasta for fresh zoodles while keeping all the classic panzanella charm.

Baby spinach is wilted in nutty browned butter with garlic and shallots, then brightened with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This simple, elegant side comes together in minutes but delivers rich, toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cedar plank salmon.

A classic Roman misticanza of mixed bitter greens including chicory, escarole, endive, frisee, and radicchio is tossed with fresh herbs and radishes in a shallot-red wine vinaigrette. This sophisticated salad provides an elegant, palate-cleansing start to a special birthday dinner.

White rice is toasted before simmering in chicken stock with lime peel, then finished with fresh lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and green onions for a fragrant, fluffy side. This bright and herby rice is the perfect base for soaking up saucy tinga and spicy black beans.

Small red potatoes are boiled until tender, then pan-fried in butter until their surfaces turn shatteringly golden, and tossed with fresh parsley, chives, and cracked pepper. These crispy-outside, creamy-inside potatoes are a classic French bistro side that pairs beautifully with the bold espresso rib-eye.

A yeasted dough made with a blend of bread and all-purpose flour is dimpled by hand and topped with sliced onion, briny green olives, rosemary sprigs, and flaky sea salt, then baked at 425°F until golden. This pillowy, aromatic focaccia serves as a beautiful edible centerpiece and bread course for the birthday celebration.

Chicken drumsticks are marinated in a sticky-sweet sauce of orange juice, ketchup, marmalade, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, then baked at 400°F until caramelized and cooked through. These glossy, kid-friendly drumsticks are the kind of hands-on, lick-your-fingers meal that makes weeknight dinners fun.

Tender butter lettuce is tossed with crisp radishes, Persian cucumber, and fresh chives in a bright lemon-Dijon-shallot vinaigrette. This light, refreshing salad offers a clean counterpoint to the richer game night snacks, with a punny name that keeps the betting theme alive.