Sally Pasley Vargas

L ooking for what ideas about what to cook this holiday weekend? The Globe Food team can help. And be sure to tell us in the comments: What's your go-to for a summer cookout?

Serves 6 This spectacularly refreshing, ultra-creamy, strawberry dessert should be in your back pocket for those nights when company's coming and it's just too hot to fuss with dessert.

Serves 6 Author Susana Villasuso explains in her new book, ‘Sobremesa: Tasty Mexican Recipes for Every Day' (Interlink Publishing), that the literal translation of sobremesa is ‘on the table.'

Serves 4 A crispy crust made with store-bought puff pastry turns tomatoes and ricotta into a beautiful tart worthy of a celebration, or a front-row seat for the Paris Olympics on your screen.

Recipe for Caprese Salad 2.0

Serves 8 Creamy, spicy coleslaw with a nice punch from cilantro and jalapenos goes well with burgers, grilled fish, pulled pork sandwiches, tacos, or fried chicken.

Serves 4 Take advantage of cucumbers and green beans, which are at their peak and full of flavor, in this cool noodle salad where they add crunch in a tangle of earthy soba (buckwheat) noodles.

Makes one 9-inch round The contrast of sweet, juicy flesh and tart skins makes plums ideal in baked goods. They shine in this olive oil cake.

Serves 6 Bushels of local vegetables vie for our attention at farmers' markets: green beans, summer squash, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn.

Makes 9 During those first few days of school, whether they were good or challenging, any kid will make a beeline for a tray of tempting, homemade muffins waiting on the kitchen counter.