Light, bright, and beautifully balanced, this refreshing Vietnamese Spicy Cabbage and Chicken Salad recipe from Andrea Nguyen captures everything that makes her cooking and recipes so irresistible—simplicity, texture, and vibrant, clean flavors. Shredded poached chicken mingles with ribbons of crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs, all tied together with a lively dressing of rice...Read More

Inspired by his years behind his sushi bar in Capitola, Chef Andrew Cohen shares three of his favorite Japanese-style dressings—each one simple, balanced, and bursting with bright, clean flavor. These versatile recipes begin with Amazu, a sweet-and-tangy blend of rice vinegar, dashi, and sugar that forms the foundation for countless Japanese salads and marinades. From...Read More

A timeless French classic with a California twist, this Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Seared Ahi is Chef Owen Snyder’s vibrant ode to fresh, seasonal ingredients. Crisp green beans, tender new potatoes, and ripe plum tomatoes mingle with briny olives, hard-cooked eggs, and delicate slices of perfectly seared ahi tuna. A lively Dijon and red wine...Read More

A celebration of summer’s sunniest flavors, this vibrant salad from Chef Rebecca King balances sweetness, salt, and herbaceous freshness in every bite. Juicy cubes of melon and crisp cucumber ribbons create a cool, hydrating base that’s perfectly complemented by tangy crumbles of feta and smoky bits of bacon. The real magic comes from the lemon...Read More

Fragrant and jewel-toned, this Moroccan Date and Orange Salad is a vibrant celebration of North African flavors—where sweet fruit, citrus, and delicate aromatics mingle in perfect harmony. Tender Bibb lettuce forms the base for a colorful layering of crisp carrots, juicy orange segments, and soft, honeyed dates. Toasted almonds add crunch, while a bright, floral...Read More

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