Salads & Side dishes

Roasted root vegetables are a yummy mix of carrots, potatoes, and beets, all caramelized to perfection in the oven. They are warm, colorful, and full of flavor! Let’s be real, they make my house smell amazing while cooking. Plus, they’re super easy to toss together! I love pairing them with a nice dip or just munching on them straight from the bowl. Key Ingredients & Substitutions Carrots: Carrots add sweetness and color. You can use rainbow carrots for extra visual appeal. If you’re out of carrots, sweet potatoes can be a great substitute! Parsnips: These bring a unique sweet, nutty … Learn more

Get ready for some tasty Garlic Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts! These crispy little greens are tossed in yummy garlic butter and roasted to perfection. They are the perfect side dish! I love how simple it is to bring out sweet flavors in Brussels sprouts with just butter and garlic. Plus, the smell while they cook is amazing. You’ll want to make these every night! 🥦✨ Key Ingredients & Substitutions Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are the star here! If they’re out of season, frozen Brussels sprouts will work, but keep in mind they might need a bit more roasting time … Learn more

This refreshing California Roll Cucumber Salad is a fun twist on sushi. It features crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a splash of soy sauce that brings everything together! Making this salad is a breeze. I love enjoying it as a light snack or a side dish. Plus, if you ever find yourself missing sushi, this is the perfect quick fix! 🍣🥒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: Use large, firm cucumbers like English or Persian cucumbers for the best crunch. If you want, you can switch to zucchini if cucumbers aren’t available, just adjust the seasoning slightly. Avocado: A ripe avocado … Learn more

This watermelon cucumber salad is a cool and tasty treat! With juicy watermelon, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese, it’s perfect for hot days and summer picnics. I love how the sweet and salty flavors mix so well together. Just chop, toss, and enjoy! It’s super easy to make and brightens up any meal. Plus, it’s got that refreshing crunch we all crave! 🍉🥒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Watermelon: Use seedless watermelon for easy snacking. If it’s not in season, cantaloupe or honeydew can provide a nice sweet crunch as a substitute. Cucumber: For the best crunch, I prefer English … Learn more

This Fresh Green Cabbage and Cucumber Salad is super crunchy and refreshing. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s perfect for summer days or any picnic! The combo of crisp cabbage and cool cucumber is a winner. I love tossing it with a light dressing—it makes everything taste bright! It’s so easy, even I can whip it up in no time! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Green Cabbage: This main ingredient provides crunch and substance. If cabbage isn’t available, try using Napa cabbage or even a mix of leafy greens for a different texture. Cucumber: A large cucumber adds a refreshing … Learn more

This refreshing Thai cucumber salad is perfect for summer! With crisp cucumbers, vibrant herbs, and a splash of tangy dressing, it’s light and bursting with flavor. You can whip it up in no time, making it a great side for barbecues. I always keep some on hand for those hot days when I just want something cool and crunchy! 🥒✨ Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the star here! English cucumbers are great as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. You can substitute regular cucumbers, but you might want to peel them first for better texture. … Learn more

This refreshing cucumber Caprese salad is a twist on the classic! It combines cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a hot day or as a bright side dish, this salad is quick to whip up. I love how crunchy the cucumbers are—sometimes I just munch on them while preparing! 🥒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: I recommend using large cucumbers, but if they aren’t available, English cucumbers work well too. They have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which is great for salads! Cherry Tomatoes: The sweetness of cherry … Learn more

This crunchy cucumber and sweet pepper salad is a refreshing treat! With vibrant colors and a zesty dressing, it’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Chopping these veggies is so much fun, and the taste is just awesome! I like to add a sprinkle of feta cheese sometimes, just to take it up a notch. You’ll love it! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: Choose firm and crisp cucumbers, like English or Persian varieties. If you prefer a twist, try using zucchini instead for a different texture. Sweet Bell Peppers: Any color works great—red, yellow, or orange … Learn more

This bright and crunchy Greek cucumber salad is a perfect side for any meal. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, it’s packed with fresh flavors! I can’t get enough of the crunchy veggies and zesty dressing; it just screams summer! Serve it chilled and watch it disappear at your next BBQ—you might have to make extra! 😄 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: Use large cucumbers for crunch! English cucumbers are also a good option since they’re less bitter and have fewer seeds. If you’re short on cucumbers, zucchini can be an interesting substitute. Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes … Learn more

This refreshing cucumber Caprese salad is a twist on the classic! With crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, it’s light and full of flavor. Add a zesty touch with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s like summer on a plate! 🌞 I love serving it as a cool side dish at barbecues—everyone asks for seconds! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: I recommend English cucumbers for this salad as they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too but peel them for a better texture. Cherry Tomatoes: These are … Learn more