This elegant appetizer was first created for a party—and it was such a hit that it has become a recurring favorite at gatherings ever since. The vibrant colors of ruby beets, creamy green avocado, and delicate microgreens make a striking presentation, especially when layered in a ring mold for height and drama. The flavors are...Read More

It’s officially fig season — and we couldn’t be happier. This salad combines the sweetness of fresh figs, the creamy richness of Gorgonzola, and the peppery kick of arugula, resulting in a stunning dish that will elevate any light lunch or summer gathering. With its easy preparation and make-ahead potential, it’s an ideal choice for...Read More

Inspired by the flavors of the Southwest and rooted in traditional “three sisters” ingredients—corn, beans, and squash—this vibrant chopped salad is hearty, fresh, and endlessly adaptable. Originally conceived as a succotash side dish, it evolved into a colorful raw salad when the crisp vegetables proved irresistible before cooking. With sweet peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a...Read More

Peppery arugula, tender butter lettuce, and the vibrant sweetness of ripe nectarines and raspberries come together in this salad that celebrates the very best of summer. The contrast of juicy fruit with crisp greens is lifted by the crunch of toasted walnuts, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. A light raspberry vinaigrette—fruity...Read More

This refreshing spinach salad is a spring and summer classic — light, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Sweet, juicy strawberries pair beautifully with tender spinach leaves, while slivered almonds add a nutty crunch. What makes this dish especially memorable is the homemade sesame-poppy seed dressing. Sweet, tangy, and nutty, it ties everything together in a...Read More

Late summer on the Central Coast brings the best of the season — fresh, sweet corn, fragrant basil, and vine-ripened cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor! This vibrant salad celebrates the season’s peak flavors in the simplest way possible and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for picnics, backyard barbecues, or any warm-weather gathering.  INGREDIENTS:...Read More

This quinoa salad is simple, delicious, and packed with plant-based protein. It's an easy dinner idea you can make ahead and refrigerate, ready in under 30 minutes. Healthier than potato or macaroni salad, it offers a nutritious alternative to summer side dishes.Read More

This vibrant couscous salad combines sweet and savory flavors for a refreshing side dish that works beautifully year-round. Tender pearl couscous is tossed with chewy dried apricots, fresh mint, and crunchy pistachios, then finished with a light golden balsamic dressing. The result is a salad that’s slightly sweet, tangy, and nutty—perfect alongside grilled chicken, lamb,...Read More

This bright and flavorful chicken salad brings a touch of the tropics to the table. Tender chicken is tossed with juicy pineapple, crisp celery, and crunchy water chestnuts, then dressed in a creamy curry-honey sauce. Perfect for a spring luncheon, bridal shower, or afternoon tea, it looks especially pretty served in a butter lettuce “leaf...Read More

This may seem like an unlikely pairing, but sweet strawberries and earthy spinach are a natural match. The key is simplicity—let the flavors shine. A light balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together, with the option of adding toasted sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce for a subtle Asian twist. Use your sharpest knife to...Read More