Spring Archives - Plate Me Happy

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 »

Refreshing Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad with Optional Chili Oil — Easy Summer Side Dish

Every summer, my friend Mei hosts the most memorable backyard dinners. Simple, comfortable evenings filled with laughter, light music, and delicious food. No matter what else she serves, her chopped cucumber salad always steals the show. She once told me, “On hot days, this salad is a must!” Its crisp cucumber pieces, garlicky punch, and

Refreshing Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad with Optional Chili Oil — Easy Summer Side Dish Read Post »

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Mini Moist Carrot Muffins for Kids – Naturally Sweet, Lunchbox Size, No-Fail Baking

When my children were little, snack time was always a blend of fun and stealth. You know, the kind where they think they’re getting a treat, but I’m slipping in something wholesome. These mini carrot muffins were born out of one such mission. I used an ice cream scoop to portion perfectly sized muffins, knowing

Mini Moist Carrot Muffins for Kids – Naturally Sweet, Lunchbox Size, No-Fail Baking Read Post »

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Moist Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast – Quick Healthy Weeknight Recipe

I remember the first time I made this lemon pepper chicken on a chaotic weeknight when work was running late, and the kids were starving. I wanted something quick, wholesome, and flavorful, nothing too fussy but something that still felt special. Seeing those juicy, golden chicken breasts come off the pan and hearing everyone say

Moist Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast – Quick Healthy Weeknight Recipe Read Post »

#chicken, #dinner, #garlic, #gluten-free, #high-protein, #lemon, #low-carb, #pepper, #platemehappy, #quick-meal, #stovetop, all-seasons, fall, meat-thermometer, recipe, salt, skillet, spring, summer, tongs, winter

Creamy Garlic Chicken Thigh Pasta with Spinach – Easy One-Pan Italian-Inspired Dinner

When life felt rushed, I learned that a simple dinner could do more than just fill our stomachs—it could gently reset our day. That’s how my creamy garlic chicken thigh pasta became more than a meal. I remember coming home on a busy evening, my mind racing, and being soothed by the gentle sizzle of

Creamy Garlic Chicken Thigh Pasta with Spinach – Easy One-Pan Italian-Inspired Dinner Read Post »

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Classic Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Cheese — Family-Friendly One-Dish Dinner

Growing up, dinnertime was the heart of our home, and my dad’s stuffed bell peppers always took center stage. He didn’t just cook, he created art on every plate with intuitive seasoning and unwavering care. I vividly remember standing beside him as he filled each pepper, his hands steady, his face glowing with quiet pride.

Classic Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Cheese — Family-Friendly One-Dish Dinner Read Post »

#all-seasons, #baking-dish, #bell-peppers, #dinner, #garlic, #ground-beef, #kids-family, #mealprep, #mixing-bowl, #mozzarella-cheese, #onion, #oregano, #oven, #pepper, #platemehappy, #recipe, #rice, #salt, #skillet, #tomato-sauce, fall, spring, summer, winter

Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Leftover Rice – Quick One-Pan Family Dinner

Chicken fried rice has always been my go-to comfort food. It’s the dish I turn to when I want something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. I remember the first time I made it: leftover rice from takeout, a couple of chicken breasts, and whatever vegetables I had in the fridge. It was a simple

Easy Chicken Fried Rice with Leftover Rice – Quick One-Pan Family Dinner Read Post »

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

Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Sweet & Savory One-Pan Dinner with Rice & Broccoli

Growing up, my mom had a way of turning even the busiest weeknights into something special. After long days at work, she’d whip up dishes that were quick, nourishing, and full of flavor. One of our favorites was her honey garlic chicken thighs: tender, juicy, and glazed with a sweet-savory sauce that made every bite

Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Sweet & Savory One-Pan Dinner with Rice & Broccoli Read Post »

#all-seasons, #broccoli, #chicken-thighs, #dinner, #garlic, #gluten-free, #high-protein, #honey, #kids-family, #mixing-bowl, #olive-oil, #pepper, #platemehappy, #recipe, #rice, #salt, #saucepan, #skillet, #soy-sauce, #stovetop, #weeknight-dinners, rice-cooker

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 »

#cheese, #comfort-food, #dinner, #high-calorie, #italian, #kids-family, #parmesan-cheese, #pasta, #quick-meal, #stovetop, #weeknight-dinners, alfredo, all-seasons, Butter, cream, creamy, fall, fettuccine, Garlic, italian, italian-inspired, luscious, Parmesan, parsley, pasta, pepper, platemehappy, pot, recipe, salt, saucepan, spring, strainer, summer, winter