Side Dish Recipes

Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Pesto

This is so easy, it hardly qualifies as a recipe.  It is so tasty, however, that I thought I should mention it!   These tomatoes are a novel twist on the traditional tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad and are another wonderful use for Asiago Pesto Spread.  You may certainly substitute your favorite pesto, purchased or…

Balsamic Dijon Grilled Vegetables

In my book, grilled veggies are fabulous for so many reasons.  First and foremost, they taste great.  But also, they are easy to prepare and need nothing more than a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper.  However, they can be fancied up with any number of marinades and herbs.  Vegetables can be grilled in…

Kale and Boursin-Stuffed Grilled Portobellos

Mushrooms were never something I ate a lot of growing up, but my husband has always adored them.  Since marrying him a few years back (almost 18 to be precise!), I have grown to appreciate the flavor and texture of a wide variety of mushrooms.  They are so meaty and satisfying, and their earthy flavor…

Sautéed Minted Peas

A few fresh ingredients make sweet peas shine in this versatile side dish that takes less than five minutes to prepare.     Fresh peas in the summer are such a treat. Tossed into salads and pasta dishes, they offer a hint of sweetness and color. Yet they are perfect all by themselves too. This…

Curried Couscous Salad (with Gluten-Free Options)

This versatile, flavor-packed salad can be made in advance and pairs beautifully with a wide range of proteins. It’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a vegetarian meal, and an easy adaptation provides an excellent gluten-free alternative.         Curried couscous salad has been one of my go-to summer entertaining recipes for…

BLT Ranch Pasta Salad

Classic flavors come together with ease in this BLT pasta salad that’s equally perfect for family meals, packed lunches, and casual entertaining. Add grilled or rotisserie chicken for a well-rounded meal.   To celebrate my older son’s 14th birthday, we had a group of his friends over for a cookout. He chose hamburgers and hot…

Summer Sauté

In the warmer months, many of the green vegetables are so tender, they need only a quick sauté to bring out their best flavor.  I love this combination and will often keep it simple, sautéing in olive oil with a bit of salt and pepper.  In a few extra minutes and with minimal ingredients, however,…

Classic Creamy Cole Slaw–with Options

I just love this cole slaw piled high on a pulled-pork sandwich–almost any sandwich, actually–or served alongside delicious vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet pickles, and just about anything off the grill. Soaking the cabbage in ice-cold water for about an hour after chopping but before mixing with the dressing will add an extra level of crispness to this…

Quinoa Salad with Dried Cranberries and Pistachios

I always think I could have a lot of fun cooking in the kitchen with Amee from  Amee’s Savory Dish.  Her culinary style is appealing, approachable, and doable…not to mention delicious.  I am so pleased to welcome the multi-talented Amee Livingston and her amazing quinoa salad to The Fountain Avenue Kitchen… Amee is a southern…

Kale, Leek and Gorgonzola Swirls

These mouth-watering bites look complicated but are easy to make–and a sure-fire hit!   This recipe was passed along by Beth Rice, an avid cook and reader of The Fountain Avenue Kitchen. It first caught my attention because I love kale. When I saw gorgonzola in the recipe, I was sold! Another reason I wanted…

Grilled Romaine and Prosciutto Salad with Greeked-Out Gorgonzola

I don’t cook a lot of red meat, but flank steak is one meal that I enjoy for both is ease of preparation and great flavor.  Plus, it’s inexpensive compared to many other cuts of beef and I like what I can do with the leftovers.  When I first served this grilled romaine salad with…

Maple Dijon Roasted Root Vegetables

Ever since I devised the recipe for Apple-Pecan Spring Greens with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette, we have eaten that salad a lot!  I initially made it to mimic a restaurant salad that my dad really enjoyed and have become quite a fan, myself.  The addition of Spiced Pecans makes me really swoon! When a friend told me…

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