Mexican Black Beans are delicious and SUPER flavorful, but only take 15 minutes to make! It is my absolute favorite side dish for Mexican food. It’s just a can of beans cooked up with sauteed onion and garlic, plus the right spices. It’s simple but tastes like it took a lot longer to make! Perfect…
You absolutely need a great Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe! It’s a kitchen staple that you will find yourself making for so many different meals. My favorite balsamic vinaigrette is creamy, tangy, and sweet. It is the perfect dressing to top any salad, but don’t sleep on using it as a simple dip to upgrade a vegetable…
I grew up HATING coleslaw, but I’m convinced that I had just never had a decent batch. This easy Coleslaw recipe is creamy, crunchy, and ZIPPY from the lemon! A tasty side dish that you can make in 10 minutes on a weeknight. It calls for bagged angel hair cabbage (read: minimal chopping). Perfect side…
This 15-minute Hummus recipe has knock-your-socks-off flavor! Nutty, garlicky, lemony bliss. I have discovered the secret for hummus with the perfect creamy texture that does NOT require the annoying step of picking out chickpea skins. It’s a miracle! Make this as an appetizer or as a staple condiment, you will find yourself putting it on…
French Carrot Salad is a humble little side dish that will absolutely steal the show. I fell in love with it in Paris 10 years ago, where the French serve it with just about everything. I don’t know why this isn’t a thing in America: crisp, sweet, freshly grated carrots tossed with a super easy…
Creamed Spinach is your new favorite side dish. What it lacks in looks, it makes up for in dreamy, creamy, bright flavor. It is the perfect plate unifier; it brings together all the other elements of your meal, especially between your mashed potatoes and perfectly seared steak. But it also ties together your Thanksgiving plate…
I think half the reason people don’t eat butternut squash is fear of cutting it. (It me) Well, fear be gone! Cutting a squash is simpler than it looks. I’m going to show you how a real deal (charlatan) chef does it, with all the best tricks to make it as easy as possible. The next time…
Making restaurant quality, authentic Mexican Rice is so much easier than you think. And SO much better. You will be judging future Mexican restaurants on their rice after making this, no joke. It has a secret ingredient that is key. It’s the perfect side for entrees like Chicken Tacos, Carne Asada, Chicken Fajitas, or even…
A classic Italian pasta salad, made with cheese-filled tortellini, tons of pepperoni, Parmesan, olives, cherry tomatoes, and more. A very simple balsamic dressing pulls it all together. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, family gatherings, and lunch all week! Originally published May 4, 2017. We went camping last weekend. I always forget how much I love camping!…
Ambrosia Salad is an Easter classic! I doubled up the mandarin oranges because there are never enough, right? This dreamy creamy fruit salad is kind of hard to stop eating. Originally published April 5, 2017. Today Charlotte was taking a survey of everyone in the house. Not to brag or anything, but Charlotte just turned 6…
Everyone needs a recipe for the best Broccoli Salad! This one is stuffed with bacon, cranberry, cheese, sunflower seeds, and tangy homemade dressing. It is easy to make and is a huge crowd pleaser. The perfect side dish to bring to your summer barbecue, or even to serve at Thanksgiving! Originally published September 5, 2020. I…
These Roasted Carrots with Dill are the life of the party when it comes to side dishes! They pair perfectly with grilled or roasted meats and fish or shake things up by tossing them with a vibrant green salad for a veggie-packed punch. Even better, they require minimal ingredients and come together in about 30…
Who wants to spend all day weeping over their cutting board?? Cutting an onion doesn’t have to be torture. I’m going to show you how a real deal (charlatan) chef does it, with all the best tricks to keep the tears away. The next time you make Pico de Gallo, French Onion Dip, or Spaghetti,…
I can’t get enough of this Roti recipe! Roti is a super easy and delicious Indian flatbread. It is amazing when served with curry, totally perfect for sopping up extra sauce! I have all the tips you need to make sure this Indian bread turns out super soft. I will show you just how to…
This Sesame Noodles recipe is my new favorite summer dinner! And guys it’s SO EASY. The sesame peanut sauce is blended up in no time and absolutely to-die-for. Swirl it in with some fresh cold spaghetti noodles and dinner is done! I added a thousand vegetables to make it a whole meal. I could put…
This easy Thai Cucumber Salad recipe is light and refreshing! It is the perfect relish to go alongside Chicken Satay and Peanut Sauce. Quickly pickled cucumbers, shallots, peppers, and cilantro come together to make the perfect summer side dish for anything coming off the grill, whether it be Thai food or your regular grill menu!…
Everybody needs a killer Fruit Salad, and this one is my favorite! You might not think you need a recipe (don’t you just…cut up some fruit?) But, as usual, I have insanely specific opinions about what fruit combo makes for the BEST Fruit Salad (and which ones ruin it). Also tips for sizing your dice,…
If you have ever obsessed over the cheese fries from Shake Shack, this easy homemade Cheese Sauce recipe is for you! A combination of fresh onions, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese bring the flavor, while heavy cream and American cheese make it rich and smooth. I am obsessed and have been putting it on everything! The…
This is the Best Mac and Cheese recipe ever! I’m not kidding guys.When I put this in my mouth the first time, I literally stopped to shout hallelujah. Okay not really, but I’m telling you it is SO CREAMY AND SO CHEESY and so worth it. Originally published August 24, 2016. Award Winning Gourmet Mac and Cheese I…
Do you know how to cook rice on the stove? It’s actually SO easy to make rice in a pot. I promise you don’t need a fancy rice cooker appliance! If you’re tired of burned, mushy, bland rice, we are going to fix that today! I will show you step by step exactly how I…
These green beans are super easy and have tons of flavor! How can you go wrong with butter (and maybe browning it a little?) and lemon and Dijon? You can even make this ahead of time if you plan to serve it for Thanksgiving dinner. Originally published October 29, 2018. My best friend Sarah’s little boy…
I have tried several recipes for Cilantro Lime Rice–they all tasted the same as regular rice, with maybe some vague limey notions. I don’t ever want the lime in my life to be vague. This recipe, also known as Arroz Verde (Green Rice) brings the zip! We start with aromatic basmati rice, add a couple…
This 30-minute no-brainer side dish is perfect to throw together right before the potluck! Bacon, lettuce, and tomato have never been so right together. Add some grilled or rotisserie chicken to make it a quick dinner. Originally published July 30, 2015. I’ve never claimed to be the most attentive driver, but lately it’s getting out of hand. My…
Have you ever had traditional Red Beans and Rice? It’s a southern staple! I tried Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice for the first time a while back, but these beans are even better. They are so creamy and flavorful, with the perfect smoky Cajun spice! Originally posted August 31, 2018. I took the kids off…
Listen, I have a rough history with salad in general. I’m a meat-and-potatoes-girl at heart. But this Green Goddess Salad makes my heart sing in a way I didn’t even know was possible! It’s packed with fresh herbs, crunchy greens, and an unbelievably creamy (and vividly green) dressing. It’s especially transcendent when you add crushed…
