Lunch Archives - Plate Me Happy

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 reminds me of the first picnic I hosted in my tiny backyard. I wanted something light, nutritious, and colorful, and my friend suggested trying quinoa. I tossed in what I had on hand, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, and the result was such a hit that it became my signature summer dish. It’s

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 »

#appetizers, #baking-sheet, #cauliflower, #dairy-free, #dinner, #gluten-free, #knife, #low-carb, #low-sugar, #nut-free, #olive-oil, #oven, #pastry-brush, #pepper, #platemehappy, #potlucks-parties, #quick-meal, #salt, #soy-free, #summer, #to-go, #vegan, #vegetarian

Family-Friendly Homemade Ground Beef Tacos – Quick 20-Min Weeknight Dinner

Taco night was always the most excited affair growing up, every family member got to build their own masterpiece right at the table. I’d watch my mom carefully arrange fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, melty cheese, and warm shells, and the joy in our home was tangible. Now, as a parent, I carry that tradition forward

Family-Friendly Homemade Ground Beef Tacos – Quick 20-Min Weeknight Dinner Read Post »

#all-seasons, #cheddar-cheese, #cutting-board, #ground-beef, #kids-family, #knife, #lettuce, #onion, #pepper, #platemehappy, #recipe, #salt, #skillet, #stovetop, #taco-seasoning, #taco-shells, #tomato, #weeknight-dinners, spring, summer, taco

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta with Butter & Parmesan — Easy Italian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner

When my kids ask for “creamy pasta night,” I know I’m in for an evening of calm and connection. This Alfredo pasta holds a special place in our family’s routine. It’s one of the first meals I mastered from scratch amid the chaos of early motherhood. I love how simple ingredients: garlic, butter, Parmesan, and

Creamy Garlic Alfredo Pasta with Butter & Parmesan — Easy Italian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner Read Post »

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One-Pot Pantry Chili with Canned Beans & Ground Beef – Quick Family Dinner

On one particularly cold evening, I realized I hadn’t done any grocery shopping and dinner options looked bleak. That’s when I turned to my pantry and decided to throw together this chili using all staples I already had. What started as an emergency fix quickly became a beloved family recipe. The aroma of simmering onions,

One-Pot Pantry Chili with Canned Beans & Ground Beef – Quick Family Dinner Read Post »

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