Eat, Read, Go: Scoop It Up Kale Couscous Salad, "Sounds Like Love," and São Miguel Island

EDITOR’S NOTE

Happy Saturday. I can’t explain this logic — or, perhaps more accurately, lack thereof — but by the time summer officially begins, I feel like it’s already halfway over. That said, I plan to dive into my summer 2025 bucket list this weekend. That includes:

• Whipping up these four-ingredient, impossibly good Espresso Martini Pops (pro tip: if you also refuse to buy Popsicle molds, paper or plastic cups will do the trick).

• Figuring out how to wear what I’ve finally accepted is the year’s most inescapable fashion trend.

• Embracing Lemon Drop Nails, which are apparently about to be everywhere — and are the closest I’ll get to the Amalfi Coast this year.

• Buying a beach cover-up that’s actually chic (read: doesn’t look like a potato sack), which is a surprisingly tricky feat.

• Digging out the colorful, braided rope bracelets I made at summer camp — since paracord is having the fashion moment I never expected. 

• Trying the viral Tomato Flight, which will undoubtedly become my go-to summer snack (it might be one of the most ingenious things I’ve seen yet).

Finally, while this technically isn’t a bucket-list item, I’ll also investigate the royal family’s “new style icon.” Because, after seeing the pictures, I need to know everything.

— Melissa Goldberg / Senior Editor / Washington, DC

Prepare to Make This Easy, Protein-Packed Salad Your Entire Summer Personality

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We know, we know: You’ve been burned by “exciting” summer salads before. But this Scoop It Up Kale Couscous Salad from Ambitious Kitchen actually delivers. A happy jumble of flavors and textures, the protein-packed bowl of goodness is loaded with finely chopped kale, tender chickpeas, pebbly pearl couscous, salty feta crumbles, tangy pickled red onions, plump Castelvetrano olives, and a zippy lemon vinaigrette. Scoop it up, as the name suggests, with pita chips, tortilla chips, or even a boring old spoon — and either way, you’ll feel like you’ve got your life together. Even if you’re eating it over the sink.

The Time Commitment: Just 30 minutes. Plus, if you double the recipe, you won’t have to worry about lunch for a couple of days.

Key Tips: This dish is endlessly adaptable. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but also plays well with salmon, chicken, or any protein you’ve got on hand. No couscous? Use orzo or quinoa instead. Not a fan of parsley? Cilantro or basil are fine substitutes. And, for extra crunch, add a handful of pistachios or sunflower seeds.

Other Takes:  For more summer salads that you’ll happily eat week after week, try…

• This wildly unfussy Couscous Halloumi Salad, featuring fresh corn, crunchy pine nuts, and — most important — irresistibly crisp cubes of cheese. 

• Poolside Sesame Slaw, which, to be clear, does not require a pool — just an obsession with crunchy, colorful vegetables tossed in a crave-worthy miso-sesame dressing.

• Warm Zucchini Feta Salad. The base of this Mediterranean-inspired dish is delightfully small ditalini, so really it’s more pasta than salad. But, honestly, when it tastes this good, who cares?

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

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If you also firmly believe that Music and Lyrics never got the attention it deserved, allow us to introduce you to Ashley Poston’s Sounds Like Love. The romance novel follows burnt-out songwriter Joni Lark, who returns to her sleepy North Carolina hometown in hopes of curing a serious case of writer’s block. But just as she’s navigating messy family-and-friend drama, a melody pops into her head — one that also happens to be stuck in the head of a Hozier-coded, man-bun-wearing musician. Bewildered by their unexpected telepathic connection, the two agree to finish the song together and definitely not fall for each other along the way. We asked Poston a few questions. Here’s what she had to say…

Q: What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?

Poston: Behooved by M. Stevenson. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones.

Q: What’s a corner of the internet you recently discovered?

Poston: I recently discovered this thing called a “chaos garden,” where you just fling wildflower seeds around a flower bed. I am obsessed.

Q: What’s the last social media post you sent to your friends?

Poston: Probably something from Effin’ Birds.

These Dreamy Portuguese Islands Are Giving Hawaii a Run for Its Money

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Every summer, we expect the Azores to reach Positano or Santorini status. Luckily, that hasn’t happened...at least, for now. Meaning, if you haven’t made it to the stunning Portuguese archipelago, there’s no better time — which is why we’re revisiting one of our favorite destinations this weekend. Located almost halfway between the US and continental Portugal, each of the nine major islands is filled with dramatic volcanic landscapes, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls — earning the apt nickname the “Hawaii of Europe.” That’s particularly true of São Miguel, the largest and most populous island, where you can expect terracotta-topped buildings, black sand beaches, endless scenic viewpoints, and relaxing hot springs. Oh, and did we mention it’s just a five-hour flight from the East Coast?

🛏 While you could make São Miguel’s capital, Ponta Delgada, your base (check out the Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico), some of the best stays are in the villages and towns around the island. That includes Octant Furnas, a design-focused hotel with cozy rooms (think: teal walls and brown leather accents), both indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a spacious spa, and a highly-rated restaurant.

🌋 São Miguel’s scenic beaches and coves aren’t the only places where you should take a dip. Located in the valley of a volcano, the town of Furnas is particularly popular for hot spring hopping. Start at Poça da Dona Beija (home to six natural thermal pools), then head to Terra Nostra Park, known for its botanical garden and iron-rich thermal baths. (Don’t be alarmed by the reddish-brown color — it’s a result of the minerals.) While you’re there, stop at the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel to try cozido, a traditional meat and vegetable stew that’s cooked underground by volcanic rock and heat.

🏞️ Nearly everywhere in São Miguel is Instagram-worthy, but few spots top Sete Cidades. (OK, Lagoa do Fogo may be a close second.) The giant volcanic crater spans three miles and includes twin lakes — Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde — which are separated by a small bridge and, according to Azorean legend, were “formed from the tears of a shepherd and princess who shared a forbidden love.” Soak up the stunning scenery while on one of many hiking trails, like the 7.5-mile loop along the caldera rim. And for the best lookout spots, make sure to visit the Vista do Rei and Boca do Inferno viewpoints.

🍴 Fun fact: The oldest tea plantation in Europe is located in São Miguel. So skip your morning coffee and swing by the 142-year-old Gorreana Tea Factory to see the still-functioning tea production and, yes, sample some blends. When you’re ready for lunch, stop at Bar da Caloura, a local favorite that serves homemade sangria and freshly caught seafood with a side of swoon-worthy ocean views. And for dinner, make a reservation at Tasquinha Vieira, where the small menu frequently changes — but always features expertly prepared local cuisine.

The world’s most vulnerable children are facing a new, human-made challenge: a wave of cuts to critical global aid. UNICEF is doing everything in its power to fill the gaps — from rushing vaccines and emergency supplies to working to protect access to safe water and education. But they can’t do it alone. The non-profit is looking for supporters to help keep funding the programs that keep children healthy, educated, protected, and respected. Learn more.*

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We asked you to vote on an etiquette question you’d like answered. The winner was:

Q: I’m having a no-kids wedding — and I’m getting major pushback from relatives, with some refusing to attend completely. What’s the best way to hold my ground, without coming across as insensitive?

“I would say [your response] depends on if anyone is financially contributing to the wedding. If that’s the case, [there might be a sense of obligation]. But if there isn’t one, and you and your fiancé don’t want children attending, simply, calmly, and without wavering, say: ‘We’ll miss you, but we understand you can’t attend.’ 

… That’s all you can do. [Guests will] come up with a million reasons [why you should make an exception]: ‘We do everything as a family’ or ‘We can’t afford a babysitter’ … [In the event of the latter, you could also] consider providing a list of licensed babysitters or asking another trustworthy person — like a respected neighbor — to offer their services … There’s also cultural differences to think about. In some families, everyone comes to the wedding no matter what. So if [that applies to you] or you’re marrying into a culture that’s different from yours, it’s important to sit down [with your partner ahead of time] to talk about expectations and set boundaries.”

Unleash your competitive side with today’s games and puzzles. Choose from an anagram word search, digital jigsaw puzzle, or crossword (with a twist). Better yet: Try them all.