Salads & Side dishes

This Mexican Macaroni Salad is a fun twist on the classic. Packed with macaroni, colorful veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s sure to brighten up any meal! Trust me, the pop of flavors from lime and cilantro makes it extra special. I love serving it at picnics because everyone asks for the recipe—talk about a crowd pleaser! 😄 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Elbow Macaroni: This pasta shape is perfect for holding the creamy dressing. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to use gluten-free pasta or whole grain pasta for added fiber. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the base of … Learn more

This Easy Frito Corn Salad is a crunchy, tasty side dish featuring sweet corn, colorful veggies, and, of course, Fritos for that perfect crunch! It’s so simple to whip up, you’ll want it at every BBQ! Honestly, who can resist a salad that has corn chips in it? I love bringing this to gatherings; it’s always a hit! Just mix it up, chill, and enjoy the smiles at your next meal! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Corn: Fresh corn is great for sweetness, but frozen corn works just as well! If you’re in a pinch, canned corn can also be used; … Learn more

This autumn salad is a tasty mix of crisp greens, sweet apples, and crunchy nuts, all topped with a yummy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s the perfect dish to welcome the fall season! I love how the vinaigrette brings out the freshness of the ingredients. Plus, it makes a great side or a light meal. You might even find it hard to stop at just one serving! 🍏 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Kale: Curly kale adds a nice texture and holds up well in salads. However, you can swap it for baby spinach or arugula if you prefer a milder flavor. … Learn more

This Pecan Crunch Grape Salad is a refreshing mix of juicy grapes and crunchy pecans. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and perfect for any gathering! Honestly, who knew salad could taste so good? I love how easy it is to throw together, and it always gets gobbled up. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some fruit! 🍇 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Grapes: This recipe uses both green and red seedless grapes for a nice color contrast. If you can’t find one, feel free to use just one type—you’ll still get that sweet, juicy flavor! Pecans: Toasted pecans add … Learn more

This Snickers Apple Salad is a fun and tasty treat! It’s made with fresh apples, creamy whipped topping, and yummy Snickers bars chopped up for a sweet crunch. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a party in a bowl, this is it! I love serving it at get-togethers, and it disappears fast. Who can resist chocolate and apples together? 🍏🍫 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Apples: Using a mix of tart green apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet red apples (like Fuji or Gala) offers a great contrast in flavor. If you have only one kind, that works … Learn more

This fresh vegetarian black bean taco salad is packed with colorful veggies, tasty beans, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s like a party in a bowl! Serve it with your favorite salsa or creamy dressing for a fun twist. I love how easy it is to throw together; great for lunch or a quick dinner! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Black Beans: They are the star of this salad, adding protein and fiber. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with kidney beans or chickpeas. Canned is super easy – just rinse them to remove excess sodium. Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives … Learn more

This vibrant salad is packed with fresh, crunchy veggies and seasonal favorites like apples, walnuts, and roasted squash. It’s like autumn on a plate! Plus, it’s super simple to put together. I love tossing it with a light dressing for a tasty and healthy meal that makes me feel good. Perfect for any fall gathering! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Kale: Kale is the base of the salad and adds great texture. If you dislike kale, spinach or arugula work well, too! They are softer and have a milder flavor. Quinoa: Quinoa packs a protein punch, but you can swap it … Learn more

This light and refreshing salad mixes juicy pineapple with crunchy cucumber. It’s perfect for summer barbecues and keeps you cool on hot days! I love how quick it is to whip up! Just chop, toss, and enjoy. It’s a colorful addition to any meal, and the sweet and crunchy combo makes it a winner! 🥒🍍 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a sweet, tangy flavor. You can use canned pineapple in juice if fresh isn’t available, but make sure to drain it well. I personally love using fresh for the best taste! Cucumber: I prefer English cucumbers for … Learn more

This crisp salad is made with fresh cucumbers, colorful heirloom tomatoes, and zesty red onions. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a warm day! Honestly, this salad is so easy to whip up—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner! Pair it with grilled chicken for a lovely meal. Yum! Key Ingredients & Substitutions Cucumbers: Use large, firm cucumbers for the best crunch. If you can’t find them, English cucumbers are a great substitute because they have fewer seeds and thin skin. I personally love the variety and taste of Persian cucumbers too! Heirloom Tomatoes: These tomatoes come in various … Learn more

This berry watermelon fruit salad is a light and refreshing treat! It combines juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, and blueberries for a colorful and tasty mix. Perfect for warm days, it’s like summer in a bowl! I love serving it at picnics or just for a quick snack at home. Who can resist that combo of freshness and flavor? 🍉💖 Key Ingredients & Substitutions Watermelon: This is the star ingredient! Use seedless watermelon for a hassle-free experience. If you can’t find watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew can work in a pinch. They won’t have the same taste, but they will add a … Learn more