Lunch Archives - Plate Me Happy

A fresh carrot ribbon salad served in a simple white ceramic bowl, very thin, narrow carrot ribbons cut into short lengths, thin cucumber ribbons shaved with a peeler, also short and realistic, naturally curled and layered together, lightly coated in a glossy lemon-ginger olive oil dressing with visible sheen, finely chopped parsley and dill scattered throughout, vibrant but natural orange and green tones, minimal ingredients, not overcrowded, imperfect home-style plating, ribbons look hand-shaved, not wide, not endless, dish-forward composition filling most of the frame, a soft summer kitchen towel in muted linen tones placed loosely in the background for subtle color, neutral surface, soft natural daylight, gentle shadows, modern cozy aesthetic, realistic editorial food photography, no utensils, no hands, no steam, no text, no props besides the towel, no people, shallow depth of field,

Retinol Carrot Ribbon Salad with Lemon-Ginger Dressing (Fresh, Crunchy & Nourishing)

I recently saw Jessica Alba post an Instagram video about her newest obsession: a “retinol carrot salad.” I smiled and immediately turned to my husband and said, “Hey… that’s basically my famous carrot ribbon salad!” Carrot salads have always been one of those simple dishes I come back to again and again. They’re fresh, crunchy, […]

Retinol Carrot Ribbon Salad with Lemon-Ginger Dressing (Fresh, Crunchy & Nourishing) Read Post »

carrot salad, gut friendly foods, healthy side dish, ribbon vegetable salad, skin supporting foods, summer salads

A cozy bowl of creamy pumpkin soup made with canned pumpkin, garnished with a drizzle of cream and toasted pumpkin seeds, placed on a rustic wooden table with a soft autumn-themed kitchen cloth, surrounded by small pumpkins and fall leaves, warm natural lighting, no utensils, focus on the dish, not the background, soft shadows, #platemehappy

The Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin — Cozy, Comforting, and Easy to Make

When we think about autumn, the first thing that always comes to mind is pumpkin everything: from pumpkin spice lattes to family pumpkin pies, from carving jack-o’-lanterns to decorating the house with tiny ornamental pumpkins. For our family, fall isn’t complete without our favorite comfort food: a warm, creamy bowl of pumpkin soup. It’s cozy, nourishing,

The Best Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin — Cozy, Comforting, and Easy to Make Read Post »

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Comforting Seaweed and Tofu Soup, Vegetarian & Immune-Boosting Recipe Inspired by Asian Home Cooking

When I was growing up, chicken soup was the go-to remedy whenever I wasn’t feeling well. The soothing warmth, simple flavor, and nourishment always made me feel cared for. Years later, a close friend shared her version of comfort food — a gentle seaweed and tofu soup that her family made whenever someone was under

Comforting Seaweed and Tofu Soup, Vegetarian & Immune-Boosting Recipe Inspired by Asian Home Cooking Read Post »

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Quick and Easy Chicken Pad Thai – Authentic, Flavorful, and Perfect for Families

Pad Thai has always been one of my family’s favorite dishes, and for years, we used to order takeout whenever the craving hit. But between the cost and the wait, I wanted to try making it at home. A close Thai friend shared her recipe with me, and over time, I adjusted it to fit

Quick and Easy Chicken Pad Thai – Authentic, Flavorful, and Perfect for Families Read Post »

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Chilled Ginger-Garlic Gazpacho for Hot Summer Nights — Creamy, Veggie-Packed, No-Cook Soup

I always thought soup had to be warm. Something to cozy up with on cold days. But that belief changed the summer I was traveling through Europe. I had my first taste of gazpacho — cool, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Now, it’s one of our family’s go-to dishes during hot summer days. I especially

Chilled Ginger-Garlic Gazpacho for Hot Summer Nights — Creamy, Veggie-Packed, No-Cook Soup Read Post »

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Ultra-Creamy Classic Potato Salad with Mustard & Celery—Family BBQ Favorite

Growing up, summer gatherings at our house were always special. My mom had a gift for making the table look like something out of a magazine, with fresh flowers, colorful napkins, and little touches that made everyone feel welcome. And right in the center of that table was her big bowl of potato salad. The

Ultra-Creamy Classic Potato Salad with Mustard & Celery—Family BBQ Favorite Read Post »

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Ultra-Creamy Classic Pasta Salad with Veggies — Perfect Make-Ahead Summer Side Dish

I’ve always believed that the heart of a family gathering starts at the table. And for us, that table centerpiece was often my aunt’s creamy pasta salad. She served it at every summer barbecue, festooned with colorful veggies, and I’d watch the bowl empty by the day’s end. That memory inspired me to create my

Ultra-Creamy Classic Pasta Salad with Veggies — Perfect Make-Ahead Summer Side Dish Read Post »

Make-Ahead Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs & Lemon Dressing

This salad always takes me back to the very first picnic I hosted in my tiny backyard. I wanted something light, fresh, and nourishing that everyone would enjoy — and my friend suggested trying quinoa. I had never used it much before, but I tossed it together with what I had on hand: juicy cherry

Make-Ahead Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Fresh Herbs & Lemon Dressing Read Post »

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Simple Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Salt & Pepper – Easy Weeknight Dinner or Party Side

Growing up, my mom always found creative ways to make vegetables feel special on the dinner table. One summer, she surprised us with thick slices of cauliflower simply seasoned and roasted until golden. They were meant as a side, but everyone treated them like the main star! This cauliflower steak recipe is my nod to

Simple Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Salt & Pepper – Easy Weeknight Dinner or Party Side Read Post »

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Creamy Butter Chicken – Easy, Restaurant-Style Indian Curry for Family Dinners

This recipe brings back memories of rainy weekends when I wanted something warm and cozy to serve the whole family. I used to order butter chicken from our local Indian restaurant, but my kids always found it a bit too spicy. So I set out to make a version we could all enjoy together —

Creamy Butter Chicken – Easy, Restaurant-Style Indian Curry for Family Dinners Read Post »

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