Want in? Good. The Love & Lemons Cooking Club is running its monthly challenge.
One winner. A prize. Easy entry.
It’s a silly, simple way to nod to this community. Every month, I pick a recipe. You cook it. You drop a comment on the post. I spin a wheel—well, I randomize a selector—and someone walks away with loot.
I actually enjoy watching thousands of you tackle the same dish. There’s a weird warmth to that shared kitchen time. July kicks off today with Italian Pasta Salad. Hop on in if you can.
What you get
The jackpot? A $100 gift card to Whole Foods.
When July ends, I pull one name at random. I’ll probably share a few of your photos too. This month, it’s that gift card.
There’s a catch that feels good. For every single entry, we donate $1 to No Kid Hungry. You cook. Kids eat. Simple trade-off.
July’s dish
The Italian Pasta Salad is the July star.
I’ve been obsessing over packable lunches lately. This recipe keeps pulling me back. It’s bold. Zesty. Packed with fresh vegetables, those pillowy mozzarella balls, and the best parts: briny olives and pepperoncini. My homemade dressing holds it all together.
Take it to a cookout. Pack it for a picnic. Use it for meal prep. Your call.
Adapt it if you need to. Use gluten-free pasta to go GF. Want it vegan? Ditch the cheese or swap in crumbled vegan feta. Add cooked white beans for texture if you like.
Get the full recipe here.
Last month’s flashback
Last month? Cowboy Caviar. We ate that to celebrate summer starts.
You all took it places. 4th of July barbies. Father’s Day dinners. A Knicks watch party. A ladies’ lunch. Camping trips. You got creative too.
Heidi made lettuce wraps with crushed chips on top.
Rebekah put it in a taco salad with tofu. Yum.
Adrienne swapped onions for radishes. Crunch factor: up.
Anna used rice vinegar. Kimberly chose apple cider. Lucy ditched the tomatoes and tossed in cucumbers.
Thanks to everyone who showed up last time. Here’s what your tables looked like.
And a shoutout to last month’s winner: Charlie. You won.
How to play in July
It’s straightforward.
- Make the Italian Pasta Salad sometime in July.
- Comment on the blog post. Deadline is July 31.
- Email a photo to
cookingclub@loveandlemons.comfor an extra shot at winning. - Post your photo on Instagram. Tag @loveandlemons. Use the hashtag #loveandlemonscookingclub. Another bonus entry for that one.
Happy cooking. 🍝
Will you make it? Probably not. But it tastes good while you’re doing it.
