Salads & Side dishes

This Zesty Southwest Chicken Salad is packed with flavor! It’s a colorful mix of grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing that brings everything together. Honestly, I can’t resist adding extra lime juice for that extra kick! It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner and always makes me feel fresh and happy. Key Ingredients & Substitutions Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this salad because they cook quickly and are easy to cube. If you want a faster option, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly too! Romaine Lettuce: Romaine has a crunchy texture that holds up … Read more

This vegan quinoa salad is a colorful mix of fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing. It’s light, healthy, and super easy to make! Perfect for lunch or a side dish, it’s like a party in a bowl! I love packing leftovers for lunch; they never taste boring. You’ll feel great enjoying this tasty treat! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Quinoa: This super grain is the star! It has a nutty flavor and is packed with protein. If you’re out of quinoa, try using couscous or bulgur for a different texture. Beans: Kidney beans and chickpeas provide great protein and fiber. … Read more

This Mexican Corn Coleslaw is a refreshing twist on the classic. Packed with sweet corn, crunchy cabbage, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s sure to brighten any meal! I love how easy it is to make this slaw. It’s perfect for tacos or just as a side dish. Plus, who wouldn’t love a crunchy, colorful salad that makes taste buds dance? 🌽🥗 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cabbage: I love using a mix of green and purple cabbage for that pop of color! If you’re in a pinch, bagged coleslaw mix works well. Just check it doesn’t have dressing mixed in. … Read more

This colorful salad is a fun mix of crunchy broccoli, sweet blueberries, and hearty chickpeas. It’s fresh, healthy, and perfect for any meal! I love how the blueberries add a burst of sweetness that surprises my taste buds. Plus, it’s quick to make—just toss everything together, and you’re ready to eat! 🥗 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give this salad a crunchy texture. If fresh isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using. I recommend using smaller florets for easier eating! Blueberries: These sweet little berries add a … Read more

This Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad is a colorful mix of fresh veggies and fluffy quinoa topped with a creamy peanut dressing. It’s healthy, tasty, and super easy to whip up! I love how the crunch from the veggies and the nutty dressing come together. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, so I can enjoy it all week without getting bored. Yum! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Quinoa: Quinoa is the star of this salad! Rinsing it removes the natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. If you’re looking for an alternative, try farro or bulgur for a different texture and … Read more

This crunchy broccoli salad is a winner! Packed with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish. I love how this salad feels like a treat without all the carbs! Plus, it’s easy to whip up. Just chop, mix, and enjoy—perfect for any busy day. Key Ingredients & Substitutions Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is key for a crunchy texture. If it’s not in season, you can use frozen broccoli florets; just thaw and drain well. Trying other veggies like cauliflower can work, too, if you want a change! Bacon: I love … Read more

This hearty Fall Harvest Steak Salad is packed with flavors! Juicy steak meets fresh greens, crunchy apples, and sweet roasted butternut squash. Perfect for a cozy meal! It feels like autumn in every bite. I love drizzling a little balsamic dressing on top for that extra zing. It’s a great way to enjoy the season’s best ingredients! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Steak: Flank steak is a great choice due to its flavor, but sirloin works just as well. If you’re looking for a lean option, try using chicken breast or grilled tofu for a meatless version. Butternut Squash: This adds … Read more

This quick cucumber snack is refreshing and full of creamy ranch goodness. Just slice the cucumbers, mix in the ranch, and you’re ready to munch! It’s perfect for when you’re hungry but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. I love serving it at parties—it’s always a hit, and way easier than cooking up a feast! 😄 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: For crunch, choose firm, medium cucumbers. If you want a different flavor, try English cucumbers or even Persian cucumbers. They’re sweeter and have fewer seeds! Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Either will give your dip a creamy … Read more

This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is a fun mix of sweet and spicy! The juicy pineapple paired with zesty jalapeños makes it a perfect topping for grilled meats or just plain old nachos! I love how this chutney adds a kick to any dish. Just a spoonful goes a long way! And honestly, it’s a great way to impress your friends at a BBQ. Who knew chutney could be this tasty? 😄 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Pineapple: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor and sweetness for this chutney. If you can’t find fresh, canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) can … Read more

This lemon tzatziki potato salad is a bright and refreshing dish, perfect for any gathering! Creamy yogurt, fresh cucumbers, and zesty lemon mix with tender potatoes for a delightful twist. Making this salad is so easy! I love preparing it ahead of time for barbecues. Trust me, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds—or thirds—when it’s this tasty! 🥔🍋 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes because they have a smooth skin and creamy texture. You can substitute with larger potatoes if that’s all you have—just cut them into smaller pieces. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt … Read more