Light, crisp, and full of contrast, this refreshing salad from Andrea Nguyen brings together everything we love about Vietnamese home cooking—bright flavors, clean textures, and a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. Thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots are gently salted to draw out excess moisture, creating a crunchy, almost translucent base that soaks...Read More

Bright, tangy, and irresistibly fresh, this Creamy Cilantro Dressing is the perfect way to wake up salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. The cilantro stems bring bold herbal flavor, while yogurt and olive oil create a smooth, velvety texture. A hint of white balsamic adds brightness, and a touch of agave balances it all. Quick...Read More

This vibrant Banana Blossom Salad with Asian Pears and Chicken is a signature dish from Straits Restaurant in Santana Row. Popular across Southeast Asia, banana blossom salads are known for their crisp, refreshing textures and layers of flavor. In this variation, tender strips of chicken mingle with sweet Asian pears, fragrant Thai basil, Vietnamese coriander,...Read More

“Now don’t say, ‘I’m not going to make this, it’s broccoli!’ Who wants a broccoli salad? Well, as it turns out—lots of people! This Bodacious Broccoli Salad has long been one of our customer favorites at Gayle’s Bakery. Tangy and creamy, it’s packed with sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a touch of sweetness...Read More

This Mixed Greens Salad with Asian Pears is crisp, elegant, and full of flavor—perfect for fall when Asian pears are at their peak. Juicy pear cubes add a refreshing sweetness that balances the creamy tang of blue cheese and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Tossed with a light vinaigrette made from Dijon mustard, apple cider...Read More

This elegant salad balances bold and delicate flavors in every bite. Peppery arugula, tender mizuna, and crisp sprouts form a lively base, while juicy apples and toasted hazelnuts add sweetness and crunch. Soft-boiled quail eggs, with their creamy yolks and subtle nutty flavor, echo the hazelnuts and lend richness that feels almost decadent. Lightly dressed...Read More

Crisp, tangy, and just a little sweet, this creamy apple slaw is a refreshing twist on a classic. Shredded tart apples mingle with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and golden raisins, all tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing with a hint of whole-grain mustard and celery seed. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or alongside roast...Read More

Bright, tangy, and subtly sweet, this apple balsamic dressing brings a lively balance of flavors to any salad. A mix of cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider creates a fruity-tart base that’s rounded out with honey mustard and fresh thyme. The result is a versatile vinaigrette that pairs beautifully with sharp, nutty greens like...Read More

Nut oils add elegance and depth to even the simplest salads, and hazelnut oil is no exception. Its rich, toasty flavor pairs beautifully with balsamic vinegar, shallots, and fresh thyme in this vinaigrette, creating a dressing that feels both sophisticated and versatile. This recipe highlights the quality and consistency of oils like those from the...Read More

This elegant spinach salad is a celebration of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Juicy red pears and tangy cheese are balanced with crisp applewood-smoked bacon, crunchy maple-glazed pecans, and a bright vinaigrette made with real maple syrup and spicy brown mustard. It’s perfect as a special side dish or, with the addition of eggs, a...Read More