salad Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

summer quinoa salad

Summer Quinoa Salad with Mango, Chick Peas and Red Onions

Posted by | Recipes | 8 Comments

This Summer Quinoa Salad is a healthy and easy to make dish that’s full of summer’s best ingredients. Dressed in a lemon-lime vinaigrette, it’s a fresh and flavorful salad that’s perfect for lunch, a side dish or even a meatless dinner!

Summer’s here and even while quarantining with family, outdoor dining is a welcome change from the months indoors. Having dishes that don’t need to be refrigerated is a bonus in hot weather which makes my Summer Quinoa Salad a perfect choice to serve.

People always ask me what are my favorite dishes to make. My answer: appetizers and side dishes.… Read more

Roasted Shrimp and Vegetable Salad with Parmesan Crisps

Posted by | Recipes | 19 Comments

Roasted Shrimp and Vegetable Salad with Parmesan Crisps – Homemade Parmigiano Reggiano crisps elevate this roasted vegetable salad for your holiday feasts.

Do you ever have an occasion that you just want to “wow” your guests (or family) with a dish but don’t feel confident in the kitchen to get too crazy? You know what I mean: recipes like lobster thermidor or an elaborate French recipe with a million complicated ingredients.

Then this easy, adaptable and flavorful dish is going to do the trick. You already know that I am a BIG fan of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. I have talked about how to determine what actually qualifies as Parmigiano Reggiano versus Parmesan. Read more

Tequila Marinated Chicken Salad with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

Posted by | Foods, Recipes | 20 Comments

It may be the end of August but vegetables are still fresh and crisp making for the ideal salad on these warm days. Creating new versions every day can be challenging but not when you have flavorful salad dressings from Litehouse brands. If you are from Idaho, you may have heard of the Hawkins family who owned the Hurschell’s Lighthouse restaurant more than 50 years ago. Since then, their Litehouse salad dressings have won over both adults and kids nationwide with their robust taste and multitude of uses.

Jalapeno Ranch Chicken Salad

Litehouse dressings are found in the refrigerated section of your grocery stores. Each variety is in a glass bottle, keeping the dressing cold and ultra fresh tasting.… Read more

Red White Blue Sweet and Spicy Spinach Salad

Posted by | Housewares, Recipes | 17 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I am so happy to have a long weekend to just relax. A little cooking, a lot of sleeping and even some reading sounds like a perfect way to spend the tranquil days.

sweet and spicy spinach salad July 4th

 

Then, once rejuvenated, it’s time to have some fun with family and friends. BBQ, picnics, lots of laughter and music and hanging out on the deck sound just about ideal to me. Monday’s celebration includes that previously mentioned BBQ. For this gathering, I have been charged with making a salad. Doesn’t sound too exciting, but I have lots of ideas. 

sweet and spicy spinach salad July 4th

Since it is the 4th of July, I need to amp it up a bit.… Read more

Inspiring Kitchen Veggie Patties

Veggie Burger 101

Posted by | Foods, healthy eating, Vegetarian | No Comments

Ordering a veggie burger at a restaurant is always a bit of a risk. You are never quite sure what you are going to get in the end. Will it be more beans than vegetables? Bland tasting?  Unappetizing in appearance? Have you ever seen an appetizing looking black bean burger???? Or what about buying them at your local grocery store? Do they really look like the picture on the box? Well, I have just tried a new brand, Veggie Patch, and their Mediterranean Patties. And all I can say is, Yum! They are made up of Mediterranean spices, spinach and chickpeas.… Read more

Healthy Salad Dressings Do Exist!

Posted by | healthy eating, Salad, Uncategorized, Vegetarian | One Comment

On really busy days, I love to make a quick, healthy salad for lunch that is filled with flavor and textures. I am also someone who creates meals based on what I find in my refrigerator and cabinets. A little crunch (nuts, veggies), fruity sweetness (apples, grapes, berries), savory onion (shallot, red, Vidalia) and salty Parmesan cheese satisfies my taste buds. The final touch to that salad is always the dressing. But, finding one that is low in fat, healthy, natural and full of flavor is hard to come by. Lately though, I have been experimenting with balsamic vinegars. So, when Mange Fresh Fruit Vinegars offered to send me a sample of their fruit vinegars, I was intrigued. … Read more