It’s a holiday weekend, friends, and I’ve got a few recipes here with that in mind. Grilled chicken, ribs, a terrific salad for a party, and a most delicious raspberry sorbet. Enjoy!
Salmon Burger Lettuce Wraps with Sriracha Lime Dressing
This is a dinner I lean on when I want simple, but also light and flavorful. It relies on the convenience of frozen salmon burgers, done in a lettuce wrap with crunchy veggies, avocado, and a tangy/spicy sauce. The meal is on the lighter side, so if you have hearty eaters, throw an extra burger or two in the pan or do up a side of steamed rice.
Pounded Grilled Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado Salad
If you’re pulling out the grill this weekend, consider this recipe! It’s easy enough for everyday cooking, but is also the sort of dish I’d serve guests. As for side dishes, a loaf of crusty bread and simple green salad would do if you want to keep things simple. The fattoush salad below would also work well.
Instant Pot Chipotle Raspberry Ribs
The Instant Pot does a bang up job with ribs and this recipe is always a hit. If you are doing these for a Memorial Day gathering, consider this watermelon salad as a tasty side.
Homemade Gnocci with Nana’s Tomato Sauce
If you feel like a bit of a cooking project, try this homemade gnocchi from Maria Sinskey’s terrific cookbook The Vineyard Kitchen. If you want to simplify things, buy tomato sauce from the market or make this super simple recipe instead. Complete the meal with any grilled vegetables or a simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette on the side.
DIY Grilled Cheese Night
I’ve served grilled cheese sandwiches for a dinner party more than once. They’re excellent done on the barbecue and it’s fun to set out all the ingredients and let everyone do their own. That said, this also makes a simple weeknight meal. Just add a big plate of cut up veggies or a salad and dinner is done.
Fattoush Salad
This is a crisp salad that is great as a side or a main dish (add chicken or chickpeas). If you want to round out the meal further, do up a side of any favorite grain, such as quinoa or farro tossed with olive oil, lemon juice and zest, and whatever fresh herbs you have in your fridge (or garden). Alternatively, treat yourself to a terrific weekend lunch with this on the menu.
Blender Raspberry Sorbet
I love this sorbet so much that I really want you to make it. It’s creamy and tangy, is done entirely in a food processor, has just three ingredients, and will take you about five minutes to make. Head here to see me make it over on Instagram.
SHOPPING LIST
Pounded Chicken with Tomato, Olive, and Avocado
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/3 heaping cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
1 cup castelvetrano olives (or other favorite meaty olives)
1 small ripe avocado
2 scallions
Salmon Burger Lettuce Wraps
3 ounces dried rice stick noodles
1 heaping cup shredded carrots (use pre-shredded for ease)
1 1/2 medium ripe avocados
1 large head Romaine or butter lettuce
2 scallions
4 four-ounce frozen salmon burgers
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon sriracha
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 Persian or ½ English cucumber
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Instant Pot Chipotle Raspberry-Glazed Ribs
3 ½ pounds baby back ribs
1 chipotle chili en adobo (sold in small cans)
1 ⅓ cup frozen raspberries
¼ cup honey
¾ cup apple cider
Homemade Gnocchi with Nana’s Tomato Sauce
3 pounds large baking potatoes
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
Pinch nutmeg
2 cups all-purpose flour
Parmesan cheese for garnish
8 pounds fresh Roma tomatoes
6 large cloves garlic
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium yellow onions
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon toasted whole fennel seeds
1 cup Italian parsley leaves
1/4 cup fresh oregano or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
DIY Grilled Cheese Night
Favorite sliced bread (such as levain, pullman’s, sourdough or walnut)
Favorite sliced or grated firm cheeses (such as Cheddar, Gruyere or Havarti)
Favorite soft cheese (such as goat cheese, Brie, or feta)
Sandwich-friendly vegetables (such as roasted red peppers, leafy greens, or tomatoes)
Sliced cold cuts (such as ham, turkey or salami)
Little extras (such as sun-dried tomatoes or sliced cornichons)
Condiments (such as mustard, pesto or tapenade)
Butter or olive oil for greasing skillet
Fattoush Salad
1 whole wheat pita bread
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 small clove garlic
4 generous handfuls Little Gem or hearts of Romaine lettuce (7 packed cups)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 English cucumber, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta
Optional to make it a main dish salad: 1 lb cooked, sliced boneless skinless chicken breast or one 14-ounce can drained chick peas
Blender Raspberry Sorbet
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups frozen raspberries (one 12-ounce bag)
2 pasteurized egg whites (such as Safest Choice)
Comments