Category Archives: Side Dish

Tomato Citrus Salad

July 2, 2020 by pamflo

I’m struck by how delightful this tomato citrus salad is, with its distinct flavors. With the farmers markets re-opening and stocked with big, juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, this is a simple salad to assemble. The addition of avocado and crushed pistachios is optional, but adds crunch. Customize your own salad with a variation on the type of nuts or by adding fresh burrata or mozzarella cheese. Add a drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of orange juice and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Oven Roasted Tomatoes

June 4, 2020 by pamflo

Lately, I’ve been thinking about tomatoes as I water my newly planted little garden with it’s beautiful green leaves, so full of life and hope. I made this bright roasted tomato salad with small tomatoes, and topped it with balsamic vinegar and freshly grated parmesan cheese. It’s as easy as tossing whole cherry or grape tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh thyme sprigs, and roasting in a hot oven until the little gems burst open. With so few […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Shaved Asparagus Salad

May 21, 2020 by pamflo

Spring is here, and the fresh, beautiful stalks of asparagus are in season. Asparagus is a great source of vitamin C and folate. This shaved asparagus salad is fresh and super easy to prepare. I briefly steamed the asparagus prior to shaving it into thin slices with a vegetable peeler. You are welcome to shave it raw, but a little heat increases the nutrient benefits. Trim the spears by snapping one and cutting the rest to match the broken spear. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Blanch

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Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

May 14, 2020 by pamflo

Pappardelle shaped “noodles” made with zucchini are a great pasta substitute, and combined with a fresh, tangy pesto you would hardly realize that you’re not eating grains. I gave my spiralizer a short vacation and made zucchini ribbon “noodles” for this light dish. A wide vegetable peeler or a mandolin both work to create these pappardelle style noodles. To prevent the zucchini from become watery, place the ribbons in a colander and lightly salt. Let the ribbons sit for about […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Pasta/Pizza, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Whiz

Charred Broccolini with Slivered Almonds

March 12, 2020 by pamflo

This is a quick and easy vegetable dish to make! Broccolini is a cross between regular broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has smaller florets and the entire plant is edible, including the stalks and leaves. Broccolini has a more mild and subtle earthy flavor, compared to regular broccoli. It has antioxidant properties and is high in beta carotene, which helps promote healthy skin. Broccolini can be sautéed, steamed, roasted, and grilled. With a couple of tablespoons of water I first steamed […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan

January 30, 2020 by pamflo

Over the years, my cauliflower recipes have been some of the most popular. With the 2020 Super Bowl only days away, it seems timely to post a healthy recipe option and a great dish for your vegetarian guests. This is a great way to serve cauliflower, the heat caramelizes and sweetens the cauliflower when it’s roasted. Each head of cauliflower yields two to three thick slices. First cut off the inedible leaves and trim the core, leaving the stem intact. Cut thick […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

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Roasted Root Vegetables

November 21, 2019 by pamflo

Odd shaped and knobby, the root of the celery stalk is called celeriac. Although it’s not the most beautiful of the root vegetables, its subtle celery flavor is perfect for roasting. To prepare the celeriac, cut off both top and bottom ends so you have a flat base. With a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, cut vertical strips from top to bottom until you’ve removed all the skin. When exposed to the air, the creamy flesh will turn brown, but […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

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Baba Ganoush

November 14, 2019 by pamflo

Baba ganoush is a Mediterranean dip similar to hummus, but its base is roasted or grilled eggplant instead of chickpeas. Eggplant, a vegetable in the nightshade family, is high in fiber and nutrient dense. The beautiful purple globe eggplants make really good baba ganoush! It’s an easy dip to prepare with just a few ingredients, and is simple to dress up with smoked paprika, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of olive oil, as garnish. As with hummus, sesame paste or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Seeds, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Whiz

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Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

October 24, 2019 by pamflo

The local Farmers Markets in Massachusetts are rapidly coming to a close. The carrots with their beautiful green tops looked so appealing this week, that I bought them with no real recipe in mind. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin A and antioxidants. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect vegetable for roasting. This is a simple recipe for roasting carrots because all you need is a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and a handful of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Cabbage and Apple Slaw

October 17, 2019 by pamflo

This simple, classic fall slaw is filled with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots and perfectly tart apples. Skipping the mayonnaise, I dressed the slaw with olive oil, apple cider vinegar and mustard vinaigrette. I added a splash of lime juice for extra zip and it also keeps the apples from turning brown. Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, and a great source of fiber and antioxidants, is most nutrient dense when served in its raw form. This slaw pairs with many dishes like a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Borlotti Beans with Garlic and Rosemary

October 3, 2019 by pamflo

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are beautiful beige beans with flecks of red. The shell is inedible, but the beans inside have a creamy texture and a perfect nutty flavor, although they don’t maintain their bright color after cooking. Dried borlotti beans are readily available and can be soaked overnight before using. Borlotti beans are a great source of fiber, essential minerals, and a good source of plant protein. Beans served over lightly toasted bread is fun, but […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Simmer

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

September 26, 2019 by pamflo

This is a decadent recipe, with the combination of savory and sweet, and a great dish for a holiday or special occasion. Good quality thick-cut crispy bacon and pure maple syrup paired with fresh Brussels makes this recipe fantastic, even if you’re not a fan of the sprouts. Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation, because if you overcook them, your kitchen can smell like sulfur. Cook the sprouts until slightly underdone, they will still be green, a bit crunchy and slightly […]

Categories: Appetizer, Bacon, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

September 19, 2019 by pamflo

The cocktail tomatoes are a smaller version, but a tad bigger than your typical cherry or grape tomato. They have a sweet flavor from a slightly higher sugar content compared to other tomato varieties. They’re a perfect size for stuffing and in a pinch make a fun, easy appetizer. The tomatoes are plentiful at the markets now, but we are heading toward the end of tomato season in New England. Pick tomatoes that are firm to the touch and free […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake

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Tuna Poke Bowl

August 15, 2019 by pamflo

This “do it yourself” poke bowl is fresh, customizable and there’s no cooking involved! Tuna is a good source of high quality protein containing many of our essential amino acids. Ahi tuna, also know as yellow-fin is the best tuna to use for this raw dish, although fresh salmon is a good alternative. Buy the freshest fish possible, sometimes referred to as “sushi-grade”. When shopping for fish, it should smell fresh and briny like the sea, the eyes should be […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

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Baked Tomato Gratin

August 1, 2019 by pamflo

Although it seems almost sinful to cook beautifully ripe tomatoes at the height of the summer, this dish intensifies the flavor of the tomatoes. A classic gratin is usually a dish of layered vegetables topped with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. My version is a simple dish with large juicy tomato slices, a sprinkling of parmesan cheese, fresh herbs and a splash of balsamic vinegar. This dish is a perfect side for a hearty meal or a nice topping for a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

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Grilled Zucchini Salad

July 25, 2019 by pamflo

The most delightful part of this salad is the pomegranate molasses, a thick tart syrup that’s drizzled on the grilled zucchini. Pomegranate molasses is a syrup traditionally used in Middle Eastern cooking, and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make your own with sugar, lemon and pomegranate juice or is readily available at most specialty markets. Zucchini is actually a fruit, with its beautiful yellow blossoms that are edible. Usually eaten as a vegetable […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Grill

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Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

July 11, 2019 by pamflo

The delightful flavors of watermelon, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers come together to create this sweet and savory chilled soup. With the added tang of a lime and the heat of a jalapeño, this is the perfect dish for a hot and steamy summer night! This soup can be served smooth or chunky. If you want a combination of both, puree the soup completely in a blender or food processor, and then add the extra finely diced watermelon and cucumbers. If […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

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Summer Panzanella Salad

July 3, 2019 by pamflo

Panzanella is a popular Tuscan chopped salad traditionally made with really ripe tomatoes, toasted bread cubes and red onion. It sometimes includes cucumbers and is simply dressed with olive oil and vinegar. In my summer salad, cornbread croutons add a modern twist to a combination of avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers and freshly chopped basil. Slivered raw red onion adds some bite, but is optional. Dress this salad with extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar, and season it with salt and […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Toast, Toss

Creamy Cauliflower and Toasted Walnut Dip

June 27, 2019 by pamflo

Cauliflower is still all the rage. This humble head of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and comforting addition to a great entree, or center stage with other great sides. The bonus is that cauliflower is a great source of vitamin C. Earthy and rich without being heavy, this creamy cauliflower dip is great for a crowd. It is perfect served with raw veggies, crackers or as a spread for sandwiches.

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables

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Charred Sugar Snap Peas

June 6, 2019 by pamflo

Sugar snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. The peas are naturally sweet and crunchy, and you can eat the whole pod. Snap peas may be eaten raw or cooked, although you may have to remove the “string” at the seam of the pod if eating the peas raw. Snap peas are low in calories, high in fiber, iron and Vitamin C. This is a terrific light dish that’s quick to prepare. The success of this dish is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Char

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Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry

May 30, 2019 by pamflo

Joyce Chen is the chef credited with bringing northern-style Chinese cuisine to the United States. She invented the flat-bottom wok with a long handle, making it easier for the home cook to create authentic stir-fry dishes. Her daughter Helen Chen was one of my favorite chef instructors in culinary school. If you don’t own a wok, a heavy-bottomed skillet is a great substitute. Any type of fresh or dried noodle can be used in a stir-fry. I used the thick dried […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Peanuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Stir-Fry

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Side Dish

Tomato Citrus Salad

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Shaved Asparagus Salad

Zucchini Pesto Pappardelle

Charred Broccolini with Slivered Almonds

Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan

Roasted Root Vegetables

Baba Ganoush

Simple Herb Roasted Carrots

Cabbage and Apple Slaw

Borlotti Beans with Garlic and Rosemary

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Baked Stuffed Tomatoes

Tuna Poke Bowl

Baked Tomato Gratin

Grilled Zucchini Salad

Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho

Summer Panzanella Salad

Creamy Cauliflower and Toasted Walnut Dip

Charred Sugar Snap Peas

Spicy Rice Noodle Stir Fry