Move Over, Hummus–There’s A New Dip In Town! At its core, this creamy white bean dip is a simple blend of canned white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and olive oil. But when whipped together in a food processor, the beans become silky and luscious—light, but satisfying. There’s a subtle nutty creaminess from the beans, balanced with the brightness of lemon juice and zest, and just enough garlic to make it sing without overpowering. Best of all, it’s endlessly versatile. Spoon it into a…
Continue ReadingCreamy Hot-Smoked Salmon Salad with Canned Salmon
Flaky hot‑smoked salmon tossed in a tangy lemon‑dill dressing becomes an irresistibly creamy salad that feels equal parts upscale brunch and effortless weekday lunch. It’s rich, but with a balanced citrus flavor. The best part? This creamy salmon salad is ready in minutes. For another make-ahead seafood salad, you’d probably like this creamy smoked trout dip with creme fraiche—yum! Serve the smoky salmon spread in lettuce cups (the bigger, the better!) or as a dip surrounded by an assortment of crudité, crackers, or crostini. And yes, it would be delicious…
Continue ReadingOven-Roasted Shrimp Oreganata with Parmesan
Golden Brown, Garlicky, and Ready in 30 Minutes! If you’ve ever ordered shrimp oreganata at a classic Italian‑American restaurant, you know the magic: plump butterflied shrimp draped in a crunchy, oregano‑laced breadcrumb crust that sizzles in white‑wine pan juices. At home, the same dish is surprisingly weeknight‑friendly—yet special enough for a date night at home. It’s also a delicious contender for any Feast of the Seven Fishes meal, as it takes just 15 minutes to prep and can then be tucked away in the oven to finish. Your Menu Plan…
Continue ReadingCreamy Pesto Shrimp Pasta Salad with Mozzarella
Make-Ahead Pasta Salad with Shrimp & Pesto Sauce If you love fresh, vibrant flavors and a satisfying yet refreshing meal, this make-ahead Pesto Shrimp Pasta Salad is a must-try! Featuring juicy roasted tomatoes, tender shrimp, creamy mascarpone cheese, and fresh summer pesto, this dish is almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. The best part? It can be enjoyed warm or chilled (just like my zesty street-corn pasta salad!), making it your go-to recipe for all summer cookouts and gatherings! Why this recipe works Make The Most Of Your Ingredients Short,…
Continue ReadingSpicy Shrimp & Scallop Aguachile (Ceviche)
Spicy Mexican-Inspired Aguachile (“Chile Water”) Hot summer days call for something bold, refreshing, and just a bit spicy. This shrimp and scallop aguachile beautifully combines fresh succulent seafood gently “cooked” in lime juice, then bathed in a bright green cilantro marinade. It’s endlessly versatile, so use my recipe as a guideline and build upon with ingredients that speak to you. Aguachile Verde: Kind Of Like Ceviche, But Spicy 🌶️ This Mexican-inspired seafood dish is essentially a cousin to ceviche, but with a spicy kick from chili peppers like serrano or…
Continue ReadingPesto alla Trapanese (Fresh Summer Tomato Pesto)
Meet pesto alla Tranapense–the sun-kissed cousin of classic Genovese pesto and one of Sicily’s best-kept culinary secrets! This raw tomato and almond pesto pairs peak-season cherry tomatoes with basil and mint, extra virgin olive oil, and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano to create a sauce that’s equal parts bright, creamy, and aromatic. It’s an easy weeknight pasta sauce that’s ready in minutes–though side note, it’s also fantastic on pan-seared salmon, spooned over grilled chicken, or mopped up with crusty bread–and almost has me believing I’m dining al fresco in Italy. Sigh. A…
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