Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Tender Bibb lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sliced onions, and briny olives are drizzled with a creamy mayo-vinegar-olive oil vinaigrette brightened with fresh parsley. This simple, old-fashioned salad is the perfect cool counterpoint to a bowl of rich, spiced chili.

Bone-in chicken breasts and thighs are seared golden, then simmered in a bold sauce of ponzu, sambal, brown sugar, fish sauce, crushed tomatoes, lemongrass, and galangal, and served over fragrant cilantro basmati rice. This Southeast Asian-inspired braise delivers layers of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavor in a deeply comforting one-pot dinner.

Browned and sliced turkey sausages combined with sauteed fennel, apple, caraway seeds, and tangy sauerkraut. A hearty, warming one-pan supper that hits the spot when cold nights call for something substantial.

Grilled shrimp, corn, jalapeño, and scallions are chopped and tossed with cucumber, red onion, lime, smoked paprika, and diced avocado into a chunky, smoky salsa. This substantial, protein-packed salsa blurs the line between dip and salad, offering a fresh, grilled twist on traditional salsa that steals the show at any cookout.

Ground turkey browned and simmered with pinto, kidney, and black beans, tomatoes, green chiles, and chicken broth until hearty and thick. A leaner, protein-packed chili that is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

This is a mid-week can't miss meal features a Valerie fave ingredient, chicken thighs, and transforms them into the most delectable Chicken Parm you'll ever eat.

Slow-cooked beef chuck with Italian peppers piled onto rolls and topped with a tangy giardiniera aioli. A hearty, hands-off sandwich that feeds a game day crowd.

A vibrant Italian green sauce made from parsley, capers, anchovies, garlic, and lemon zest pulsed together with olive oil. A bright, herbaceous condiment that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken.

Salami layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, bound with eggs, and baked in crescent roll dough until puffed and golden. A rich, meaty Italian pie rooted in family tradition that is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a hearty snack.

Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup are churned in an ice cream machine until smooth, then scooped into hollowed-out frozen lemon halves and garnished with sugared lemon zest. This palate-cleansing sorbet served in its own natural cup makes a beautiful, refreshing finale to a rich French-inspired meal.