Summer 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 »

#all-seasons, #appetizer, #chilled-soup, #cucumber, #dairy-free, #garlic, #ginger, #gluten-free, #kid-friendly, #lunch, #mediterranean, #no-cook, #olive-oil, #onion, #platemehappy, #quick-meal, #recipe, #spanish-inspired, #summer, #tomato, #vegan, #vegetarian, gazpacho, healthy, soup, summer

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 »

#cherry-tomatoes, #cucumber, #cutting-board, #dairy-free, #dinner, #egg-free, #gluten-free, #high-fiber, #knife, #lemon-juice, #lunch, #mealprep, #mint, #mixing-bowl, #nut-free, #olive-oil, #parsley, #pepper, #platemehappy, #quick-meal, #quinoa, #recipe, #red-onion, #salads, #salt, #saucepan, #soy-free, #spoon, #stovetop, #summer, #to-go, #vegan, #vegetarian, delicious, fresh, herbs, lemon, make-ahead, olive-oil, potlucks

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 »

#appetizers, #asian-fusion, #chili-oil, #cucumber, #cutting-board, #dairy-free, #garlic, #gluten-free, #knife, #mixing-bowl, #no-cook, #nut-free, #platemehappy, #quick-meal, #recipe, #rice-vinegar, #salads, #salt, #sesame-oil, #soy-sauce, #spoon, #sugar, #summer, #to-go, #vegan, #vegetarian, chinese.

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

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 »

#baking, #breakfast, #brunch, #carrot, #cinnamon, #coconut-oil, #easy-baking, #greek-yogurt, #high-fiber, #honey, #kidfriendly, #makeahead, #maplesyrup, #muffin, #platemehappy, #quick-meal, #snack, #to-go, #vegetarian, All-purpose-flour, all-seasons, baking-powder, Baking-soda, cinnamon, eggs, fall, greek-yogurt, honey, maple-syrup, nutmeg, pecans, raisins, recipe, salt, spring, summer, vanilla-extract, walnuts, winter

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 »

#all-seasons, #chicken-thighs, #dinner, #garlic, #heavy-cream, #high-protein, #kids-family, #knife, #olive-oil, #parmesan-cheese, #pasta, #pepper, #platemehappy, #pot, #recipe, #salt, #skillet, #spinach, #stovetop, #weeknight-dinners, fall, spring, summer, winter

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 »