Roasted Beets are simple to prepare and delicious in salads. I first became obsessed with roasted beets about nine years ago when I ordered the most amazing beet salad at a local restaurant (Farmer’s Table) that used home grown vegetables. It was right around the time when farm-to-table restaurants started to pop up everywhere. The…
Side Dishes
Healthy Light Side Dishes featuring whole ingredients
Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Homemade Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice is so much better than takeout – you have to try this recipe! Fried rice is such a common dish in our household that I wouldn’t even think to post a recipe for it on my blog, except for the fact that it’s so good and one of those dishes…
Healthy Christmas Holiday Salad Recipes
Lighten up your holiday menu with these colorful Healthy Christmas Holiday Salads. Your guests will welcome some healthier options. Christmas is just around the corner so if you’re planning your holiday menu, take a look at these Healthy Christmas Holiday Salad recipes. They’re full of festive, vibrant colors, and they’re clean and healthy. Your guests will thank you for providing some…
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Herbed Thanksgiving Stuffing
This Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Herbed Thanksgiving Stuffing is simple and elegant, and will please the pickiest eaters. If you’re entertaining guests with food allergies or intolerances this holiday season, this stuffing recipe should satisfy all your guests. I remember the first gluten-free Thanksgiving I made several years ago. Everything on the menu was naturally gluten-free except…
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Truffle Oil Recipe
These Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Truffle Oil are a special treat when you’re looking to dress up your mashed potatoes. Cauliflower is the secret ingredient to making these mashed potatoes lower in carbohydrates and a little bit healthier. I’ve made these special Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Truffle Oil for special occasions as a treat. Using…
Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping is decadent – a real treat for the holiday season. Roasted sweet potatoes and sweet spices ensure lots of flavor, and the praline topping takes this sweet potato casserole over the top. I grew up eating sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallows on top. Although I have fond…
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce
Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce is an easy, healthy and delicious vegetable dish for everyday meals. I had this dish in Cantonese restaurants many times before I realized how easy it was to prepare at home. This week, I prepared a meal for one of our church families, including this side dish. Little did I…
Vegetarian Fried Rice Recipe
Vegetable Fried Rice is a simple, delicious meal that reheats well and serves a crowd. I’ve been making fried rice for more than 30 years, so I know how to make really good fried rice, if I say so myself. Fried rice is a crowd pleaser and reheats easily, so when my kids are home…
Dominican Republic Green Salad Recipe
Dominican Republic Green Salad is a simple, everyday salad that is the perfect accompaniment to any meal of the day. Today, I am going to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip with 50 other people from my church, including the twins and my youngest son. I’ve never been on a mission trip, nor have…
Corn Tomato Avocado Salsa Salad Recipe
This Corn Tomato Avocado Salsa Salad is perfect for warm weather entertaining. Serve it as a dip for an appetizer, salsa on top of grilled chicken or fish, or as a salad. Casual summer dinners, barbecues and get togethers call for easy recipes that can be thrown together quickly with fresh in-season ingredients. I love…
Georgian Lobio Kidney Bean Salad Recipe
Georgian Lobio Kidney Bean Salad is a popular Georgian dish that makes a delicious and colorful side dish. Recently, I hosted a birthday dinner for our Georgian friend and served this lobia kidney bean salad, and several other traditional Georgian dishes for a surprise. Georgian cuisine is unique and nothing like I’ve tasted before. Fragrant…
Georgian Beet Green Pkhali Recipe
Georgian Beet Green Pkhali are a traditional dish made with finely chopped beet greens, walnuts, garlic and herbs. Spinach Pkhali was one of the first Georgian dishes I tried when our Georgian friend invited us out for Georgian New Year a number of years ago. That evening remains fixed in my memory as everything we…
Mexican Corn Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Mexican Corn Tomato Feta Salad combines the flavors of Mexican street corn into a delicious summer salad, perfect for entertaining and picnics. Fresh corn and tomatoes are two of my favorite summer vegetables that are plentiful at the farmer’s market and supermarkets this time of year. While I love corn on the cob and caprese salad,…
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice Recipe
Cilantro Lime Brown Rice is a versatile whole grain side dish. Enjoy it with beans, with chili ladled on top, chicken carnitas, in burritos, or stirred into black bean soup. My boys love Chipotle Mexican Grill. It’s a restaurant chain that serves semi-fast Mexican food made largely with sustainable ingredients. They try to source antibiotic…
Mexican Corn Quinoa Salad Recipe
This Mexican Corn Quinoa Salad is a festive warm weather salad, perfect for a crowd. I love fresh corn, and although I enjoy it on the cob, I find it makes a great side dish when used in salads. I think warm weather is finally here to stay, so I have been trying to take…
Quinoa Kale Tomato Corn Salad Recipe {Video}
Quinoa Kale Tomato Corn Salad is light, healthy, and delicious. I love salads that can be enjoyed as main course salads when I’m looking for a satisfying, but light lunch or dinner. Quinoa is a versatile grain (it’s actually a seed) that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It can be eaten in…
Fresh Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
Fresh Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Pasta Salad is easy to make, healthy and perfect for barbecues and picnics. I love casual entertaining, especially when fresh local produce is in season. Our local farmer’s market has expanded over the years, and fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella are readily available. There’s also a stand that sells excellent fresh…
Chipotle Black Bean Tomato Corn Avocado Salad
This Chipotle Black Bean Tomato Corn Avocado Salad can be enjoyed as a dip or salad. It’s perfect for entertaining during warmer months. We’re hosting a celebration in a few weeks, and this salad is going to be on the menu. It’s great for a crowd, and fits right in during grilling season. This post is…
Grilled Asparagus with Mint Feta Pesto Recipe
Grilled Asparagus with Mint Feta Pesto is a delicious way to dress up fresh asparagus. The pesto is bright and vibrant from the mint, and salty and tangy from the feta and Parmesan cheese. I’m a lover of condiments. If you could only see all the little jars of sauces and bottles of hot sauces…
Bacon Cauliflower Garlic Fried Rice Recipe {Low Carb}
Bacon Cauliflower Garlic Fried Rice is delicious served with a tangy Asian tomato ginger salad and fried egg for a healthy, low-carb breakfast. One of my best friends growing up was Filipino and I fondly remember the garlic fried rice her mom made for breakfast. I prefer savory breakfasts over sweet, so this bacon cauliflower garlic fried…
Poblano Ranch Sauce Recipe
Poblano Ranch Sauce gets a little heat from roasted poblano pepper. Fresh parsley, chives and dill add fresh flavor to this sauce which can be used as a spread, dip or dressing. I’ve been obsessed with tacos lately, including all the different sauces that Torchy’s Tacos in Texas serves with its tacos. Tacos are one…