Summer squash linguine with fresh basil. Omit the nuts. It only takes a couple minutes to saute. Recipe calls for tarragon, but I've never used it.

Summer Squash Linguine

I would serve something of contrasting color that they might like. Carrots would be my first choice.

Hmm, thank you both. I hate carrots and squash though! lol

Olychick, that's part of the reason I suggested the summer squash. A variety of colors typically factor into my menu selections.

What about golden beets? Roasted or boiled and sliced with goat cheese and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Do you have access to good tomatoes? Insalata caprese?

I agree with tomatoes. However, would serve them raw. Cut grape tomatoes in half and put on plate immediately before serving.

If salad is out, then bread. That's it, don't try to swim upstream. Ask me how I know. I serve baked acorn squash which my dad likes. I make it with butter and maple syrup. Could use brown sugar. But if you don't like it, then forget about it. Dad likes roasted carrots which I make with a touch of honey and cumin, but if you don't like those either . . . My dad would also like the golden beets, just with butter and salt.

How about a panzanella salad? Many of the same ingredients above and not really a salad. Always a good summer choice. Gazpacho or another cold soup is a possibility.

Is rapini out of the question? sauteed with garlic, chilli and olive oil. A bit redundant color wise with the spinach, but..... Ina Garten has a nice recipe.

The manicotti has tomato sauce on it so tomatoes seem redundant.
I'm leaning towards broccoli. Or eggplant.

I vote broccoli....my spinach manicotti has a cheesy sauce. I was thinking of something red on your plate....you already have the red, you need something green!
The only way I can think you might do eggplant would be fried....don't need that with the chicken or parmigana....again too much like the manicotti>
How about Italian green beans? those big flat green beans quickly sautéed with garlic and some red bell pepper.

I agree with the broccoli or green beans. Winter squash would be great for something orange but it's out of season.

What about a broccoli mousse? Something like that with a nice, light texture if eating is problematic?

Now that is a challenge.

If you have a covered casserole dish that can go in the oven you could do a ratatouille type of mixed medley. Maybe not the 'rainbow' arrangement, but a variety of soft veggies sliced thin and arranged around a center of peeled new potatoes. Eggplant, yellow and green zucchini, a thinly sliced sweet potato, broccoli...things that will cook/steam very soft. Drizzle with a honey/lemon vinaigrette. A bit sweeter than normal. In the oven covered and cooked a bit longer, they will get really soft. The potatoes i would par-boil.

They might try something they normally would not eat. http://www.makebetterfood.com/recipes/ratatouille-a-la-remy/

I would go with the broccoli or , if they like them, I think roasted Brussel Sprouts would work well. Either than or thinly sliced and fried

Broccoli it is! The weekend menu actually has been easy because Saturday is my Dad's eightieh birthday and I am having all his favorite foods.
Cheeseburgers, cole slaw, potato salad, bacon wrapped tater tots, watermelon, Boston creme pie. We are going out for a late breakfast on Saturday and Sundays breakfast will be bacon, eggs, bread something.

Bacon wrapped tator tots.? Sounds sinful and not common in my area.

Yep, two potato dishes! However, I am leaning towards getting several orders of onions rings from a local place instead. He would like that.
He's not obese either. We only do this kind of thing for special birthdays.

I don't deep fry.

I meant sinful in the "I must have these, now" way -- are they baked instead?

Here's a link for the tater tots:http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/02/03/bacon-cheese-wrapped-tater-tots-with-tabasco/

Well now I know what appetizer I am serving at my next party!! Bacon wrapped tater tots, who knew?!! ;)