Harvest Kale Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing and Roasted Salmon

Q: What do witches put on their bagels? A: Scream cheese. Q: What do zombies call kids on skateboards? A: Meals On Wheels. Q: What do sea monsters eat for lunch? A: Fish and ships. Q: What do any of the above cheesy Halloween jokes have to do with this fantastic dish? A: Well, nothingContinueContinue reading “Harvest Kale Salad with Maple Tahini Dressing and Roasted Salmon”

Lebanese Lamb Kufta Kebabs and Tabbouleh Salad

I grew up with a Lebanese Mother who loved to cook.  Her Lebanese feast ranks #1 on my “If I was stranded on a deserted island with one meal, what meal would it be?” list. So, with that in mind, go grab plenty of parsley and lamb and let’s get crackin’ on a few keyContinueContinue reading “Lebanese Lamb Kufta Kebabs and Tabbouleh Salad”

Kale Salad with Breadcrumb Croutons

  I’m guilty of it. I’ll readily admit. I’m guilty of eating kale multiple days a week. I love it in my Fall Quinoa and Kale Salad, Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Almonds, and Pecorino, and Kale and Corn Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette.  All incredibly tasty, satisfying, and hearty. But just because kaleContinueContinue reading “Kale Salad with Breadcrumb Croutons”

Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken

I’m writing this at 2pm on Friday of Labor Day weekend. We’ve all mailed it in at this point, right? We’re done doing “actual’ work. So, in the spirit of Labor Day, I give you this fantastic dish. Ideal for a lazy summer weekend afternoon. Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken.  Vibrantly flavored, full of crispContinueContinue reading “Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken”

Asparagus, Egg and Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

  I have to give you an excuse for going over a month between blog posts.  Would you believe I spent the last month in French Polynesia, retracing the last years of impressionist painter Paul Gauguin?  I wouldn’t either. (I’ll save that for next year.) How about the fact that my good friend, chef MarioContinueContinue reading “Asparagus, Egg and Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette”

Roasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta Salad

  I’ve got roasted garlic and tomatoes, and I’ve got feta cheese, and I’ve got arugula, and I’ve got artichokes, and I’ve got a deliciously lemony dressing.  And, you may partake with me on one condition; that you listen to (read) my short rant about Spring weather in Chicago.  Those of you not dealing withContinueContinue reading “Roasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta Salad”

Arugula and Cauliflower Salad with Farro, Feta and Avocado

  Stuck in a salad rut?  Well, not anymore. This one has a fantastic variety of delicious and beautiful attributes.  Time to bust that salad rut!  (That sounds kinda weird, but I’m gonna roll with it.) Charred cauliflower is a fun and unique salad ingredient.  When combined with the nutty farro, a hearty quality isContinueContinue reading “Arugula and Cauliflower Salad with Farro, Feta and Avocado”

Fall Quinoa and Kale Salad

  Take a look at this salad.  Tell me that doesn’t look beautiful and delicious.  But don’t actually tell me that, or type me that, or whatever … because you know it’s not true.  You know this baby looks fantastic.  What you may not know is the little trick I used to make it tasteContinueContinue reading “Fall Quinoa and Kale Salad”

Mexican Couscous Salad

  Here’s a simple one for ya.  No excuse for ya not to make this salad.  (I’m going to type “ya” in this post. Ya got it?) This salad is easy to prepare and even easier to gobble up.  Just combine the ingredients then toss and serve. I make this one constantly during the summerContinueContinue reading “Mexican Couscous Salad”

Chicken Salad with Grapes, Almonds, and Tarragon Dressing

  Chicken salad is so subjective.  Everyone thinks of something a little different when they hear those two words. Everyone has their favorite way to prepare it.  I wouldn’t dare claim this recipe as “the best” or “the greatest.”  I’ll be political here.  What I will tell you?  This is the way I like itContinueContinue reading “Chicken Salad with Grapes, Almonds, and Tarragon Dressing”