Meals for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
Cilantro Lime Crema
Level up basic chicken, fish, potatoes, and virtually anything Tex-Mex with a dollop of this simple sauce. Five ingredients and countless ways to enjoy. That’s this recipe in a nutshell. It’s like a little magic wand that can be waved to perk up plain chicken, fish, a simple baked potato, and so much more. And…
Baked Potato Wedges
A versatile side dish that complements nearly any protein, Baked Potato Wedges are an economical addition to the weekly dinner rotation. A special trick makes them extra crisp. They’re not exactly French fries, but these simple baked wedges are always a hit in our house. I often fall back on this tasty side dish…
BLT Pasta Salad with Avocado
In recent weeks, I’ve heard from many readers who offered kind praise for my Mexican Street Corn Salad recipe. Many noted the big flavor punch delivered by the small amount of lime juice that’s added to the mayo. The bright, fresh taste it delivers happens to be my favorite part of the salad, too. In the following…
Peanut Butter Popsicles
Four easy ingredients create a refreshing, protein-rich treat that the whole family will love. Perfect for healthy snacks and dessert๏ผand they will pass for breakfast! Hot days call for cold treats. Weโve made our fair share of ice cream runs this summer (major thanks to Pennyโs and Lancaster Sweet Shoppe ๐…
Classic Gazpacho (A toppings bar makes it a meal๏ผor a party!)
A selection of toppings turns this classic summer soup into a filling meal. Simple advance prep makes it ideal for casual entertaining and easy weeknight meals alike, and the flavor improves over time! While living in Spain for six months many years ago, I was told that when the weather gets hot, even a…
Grilled Shishito Peppers (with stovetop option)
Serve these sweet and (almost always!) mild Japanese peppers as a quick, easy, and surprisingly popular appetizer or side dish. Have you ever heard of chili peppers that are mildโฆmost of the time? Such is the case with the shishito pepper, a small, slender sweet pepper that originated in Asia. A year or two ago,…
Summer Breeze Chicken Salad
This fresh-tasting chicken salad offers a uniquely delicious way to savor sweet, seasonal peaches. The combination may seem unexpected, but once you try, I’m betting you’ll be sold! Some people are hard to forget. Take the gem of a teacher who totally gets your toddler. When my older son first went off to preschool he…
Slow Roasted Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
With their concentrated savory-sweet flavor, these little bites will transform many a meal, and Iโve included a list of ways we enjoy them. A great way to make use of a bounty of cherry and grape tomatoes, the roasted tomatoes can even be frozen for later use. If you told me that someone secretly…
Grilled Caesar Salads… with easy options for a complete meal and a bonus recipe for watercress
Grilled Caesar salads are a summertime classic and can be a quick, well-rounded meal. This bright-tasting dressing is easy to prepareโno need for a blender or food processorโand is egg and anchovy free. Anchovy fans may absolutely serve them alongside, of course, and I’ve included my favorite ways to turn the salad into a complete…
Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls
Inspired by a menu item at a local cafe, these satisfying breakfast bowls can be prepped in advance and assembled when ready to eat with seasonal fruit of choice. Move over granola (if only briefly)… we’re replacing crunchy with chewy. Traditional breakfast parfaits involve layers of fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, and crisp granola–and what’s…
Zucchini Noodles in Rustic Tomato Sauce
This easy, saucy, one-pan meal is plant-based but will satisfy meat eaters too. Use prepared zucchini noodles or spiralize them yourself, and feel free to enjoy the simple sauce with regular pasta as well. ย Kitchen cabinets are like closets. One never seems to have enough of them. Since space is at a premium, I…
Greek Pasta Salad
Bursting with flavor and easy to transform into a complete meal, this versatile pasta salad is equally perfect for busy weeknights and casual entertaining. When I was pondering what to say about this light-but-satisfying, Mediterranean-style salad, four simple words came to mind: low effort, high reward. It’s a bowlful of flavor that everyone seems…
