When it comes to summertime, there are always a few things that you can find in abundance that are so much better than they are the rest of the year. Tomatoes, zucchini, and cucumbers are some of those things. Cucumber salad is a perfect side dish to have during these summer months.

Thai Cucumber Salad is light and refreshing. It’s so easy to prepare but it’s a delightful salad that’s a perfect complement to your favorite Asian meal. It’s simple and easy with just a few ingredients. But the flavors, oh the flavors, they’re vibrant and amazing.

chicken and broccoli noodle casserole

It’s in the 90’s this week, here in Orange County, CA, and yet, I’m making a creamy, comforting Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole. That’s weird, right? It’s too hot! But when I have a craving, not even a heat wave will stop me. And what I’ve been craving, is a rich, decadent, filling casserole that combines meat, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.

There is absolutely nothing like these Moroccan Beef and Lamb meatballs. Seriously, they take amazing to a whole new level. They are tender, succulent, full of spices, and a complete game changer when it comes to meatballs.

This recipe is an absolute favorite in our house. And I’m not exaggerating. Every time I make a batch, I triple the recipe and freeze some. They’re perfect to whip out for a quick meal and they’re so tasty that it’s perfect having some to reheat quickly.

green bean summer salad 675x484 1

We are counting down the last few days of school until we are in full summer swing! And summer means lazy days by the pool and little effort in the kitchen. This Summer Green Bean Salad Recipe is the perfect dish for those hot days, when you want a simple dish that’s light and healthy.

baela salad

If you’ve never had (or even heard of) Balela Salad before, let me fill you in. Balela is a Middle-Eastern garbanzo and black bean salad, tossed with a tangy, herbed vinaigrette. I typically make this delicious salad anytime I’m cooking for vegans or vegetarians. The beans offer a nice dose of protein, and are wonderfully filling.

This Memorial Day Weekend and you’re probably on the lookout for some great potluck recipes. You don’t have to look any further than this amazing Watermelon Blueberry Mint Salad with Feta.

Don’t be tempted to use the traditional fruit tray, this is a much better option for this Memorial Day or any other summer day. This salad is wonderfully refreshing. It’s both sweet and savory. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, coming together in about 15 minutes.

The fruit is what really gives this salad an amazing base. Watermelon is a sweet and simple treat that is juicy and delicious. It hits the sweet spot of satisfying your sweet tooth without adding lots of added and unhealthy sugars to your day. It’s low in points and perfect for the base of this salad.

chinese garlic green beans

Admittedly, when I’m indulging in Chinese takeout, the last thing I think about ordering is vegetables. The exception to this train of thought is Chinese-style Garlic Green Beans. The flavor is out of this world – who knew a green bean could taste so incredible!?

mongolian beef

Forget the fast food! This healthier and lighter Mongolian Beef Recipe delivers all the flavor but with a lot less fat, calories, and sodium. Instead of picking up dinner from my local Chinese restaurant, I just whip up this easy dish instead!

I don’t know about you, but I’m running out of steam. It’s the last few weeks of the school year, and I’m done (so are the kids and the teachers!).

What that really means is that I need fast and easy weeknight dinners that are tasty, everyone likes, healthy and Weight Watchers friendly. No biggie.

And what’s even better than all the above requirements? Something that doesn’t make a lot of dishes! This One Pan Crispy Parmesan Chicken is absolutely delightful. You can have a home cooked meal without a lot of effort.

roasted brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes

Brussels sprouts. It seems that most people either love them or hate them. I fall into the “love them” category, and I’m grateful that my kids do too! There are many ways to prepare them, but my absolute favorite method is roasting. It brings out the most delicious flavor, and I just cannot get enough of them!

moroccan beet salad

In Morocco, beets are used regularly in salads because they are available year round there. A good friend of mine, who I consider to be an amazing cook, and who is also of Moroccan heritage, once served this beet salad at a dinner she had invited us to.