Cuisine: Side dish

Freekeh Salad with Apricots, Grilled Halloumi & Zucchini

Freekeh Salad with Apricots, Grilled Halloumi & Zucchini is a delicious and healthy salad that is perfect for a summer meal. Freekeh is a whole grain that is high in fiber and protein, and it has a nutty flavor that pairs well with grilled zucchini and halloumi cheese. The apricots add a touch of sweetness, and the scallions, pistachios, and parsley provide additional flavor and texture.
The salad is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. If you don't have halloumi cheese, you can substitute feta or another type of salty cheese. You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 6 - 8 Servings

Zucchini Patties

These zucchini patties are really latkes. There was a restaurant in Pasadena called Hamburger Hamlet. One of their most popular appetizers was called Zucchini Zircles, fried with Italian herbed breadcrumbs served with tangy apricot sauce, chipotle salsa and ranch dressing. The Apricot dipping sauce, is divine.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Snap Pea, Radish, Basil and Ricotta Salata Salad

This is a wonderful, crunchy salad which uses Ricotta Salata. It's one of Italy's most unusual sheep's milk cheeses. The milk curds and whey used to make this cheese are pressed and dried even before the cheese is aged, giving this pure white cheese Ricotta_salataa dense but slightly spongy texture and a salty, milky flavor -- like a dry Italian feta.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings
Summer Tomato and Corn Salad with Basil

Summer Tomato and Corn Salad with Basil

This Summer Tomato and Corn Salad with Basil is a quick summer salad, that's fresh & easy.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings
Spicy Corn Medallions

Spicy Corn Medallions

Spicy Corn Medallions is definitely my favorite way to eat corn. The spicy cayenne marries the sweetness of the corn and the tang of the lime juice. Please note – when slicing the corn into medallions, be very careful not to slice your fingers! It is easiest with a cleaver.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings
Grilled Corn with Queso Fresco, Lime & Chili

Grilled Corn with Queso Fresco, Lime & Chili

Try this classic Mexican Grilled Corn with Queso Fresco, Lime & Chili for your next backyard BBQ. Queso Fresco is a creamy, soft, and mild un-aged white Miexican cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings
Broccoli & Chickpea Salad

Broccoli & Chickpea Salad

I have to say, this Broccoli & Chickpea Salad is really delicious. It would be great to pack in your lunch and it will last a few days in the refrigerator. It's very light and extremely healthy! If only you could pack this in your kid's lunch..... 

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings
Carrot and Radish Salad

Carrot and Radish Salad

This Carrot and Radish Salad is very light, crisp, and refreshing. This salad also has the benefits of having anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Fagioli Al Uccelletto “Tuscan Baked Beans”

These are the beans I served with the Italian-Style Slow-Roasted Pork Roast with Oranges & Onions . They go perfectly with it. You can use canned beans instead of soaking the beans overnight, if you want to make it easier. These beans are a typical dish from Tuscany, particularly in the Florence area.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 2 hrs
  • Yields: 8 Servings
Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Herbs

Orzo Salad with Cherry Tomatoes & Herbs

Since the grilling season is upon us, I think it’s great to have many make-ahead side dishes up your sleeve.
This salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs is a delicious and easy-to-make summer salad. It is made with orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a simple lemon vinaigrette dressing. The salad is light and refreshing, and it is perfect for a picnic, potluck, or barbecue. Feel free to add some cheese, like feta or fresh mozzarella.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings