Posts in side
Fall Harvest Salad

This Fall Harvest Salad is my go-to when the weather turns cold but I want to eat healthy! Loaded with Fall flavors and delicious goodies, you'll definitely want to try this one either on its own for lunch or as a side for a larger meal! Don't forget to make that honey cider dijon dressing - it ties the whole thing together PERFECTLY!

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Lemon Arugula Salad

This simple arugula salad recipe is fast, fresh and easy! Toasted pine nuts and saved parmesan perfectly round out this dish with peppery arugula and bright lemon! The perfect side dish for any meal!

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Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look a LITTLE different. But that doesn't mean we can't celebrate and enjoy! In this video I share three new recipes for a smaller crowd! Starting with my citrus and sage roast turkey breast. A simple Italian side dish of roasted fennel. And a unique and light dessert idea of cranberry granita! These recipes can help create a delicious dinner experience regardless of who is (or isn't) around the table this year! I hope you'll give them a shot and add them to your traditional fair. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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Zucchini & Peppers with Breadcrumbs

This is a quick and easy Summer side dish that I do by combining two other recipes from different parts of life! The zucchini comes from my old college roomie; the peppers from Senza Cucina in Bayville NJ! These go great as an appetizer or alongside some grilled or roasted meat! They're not bad cold or reheated the next day either as a lunch or snack!

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Peach Caprese Salad

It has been SO HOT here in New Jersey, the thought of cooking anything at all is awful. This is the time of year when salads rein supreme in my house! But we don't sad, sorry salads. We do fun, delicious, this is totally a meal on its own salads! Including this delicious peach caprese! While most of the U.S. looks to Georgia for peaches, we grow some really nice ones here in Jersey too! And they've been gorgeous! So what better way to use 'em up than to add them to your favorite Summer side dish! Sliced tomatoes, peaches, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh basil are all you need to make this perfect Summer plate.

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Mediterranean Orzo Salad

This light and fresh Summer salad is quick and easy to make and can be tailored to any diet! Orzo, which are small pasta, cook up in just 4-5 minutes. Tossed with fresh Summer vegetables, extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice and you have lunch on the table! Top you salad with grilled shrimp or chicken (thanks to the folks at Traeger Grills for helping us out!), or swap in feta cheese for a vegetarian version. Vegan? Toss on some grilled tofu instead, or just add in beans like ceci. Gluten free? Swap the orzo for rice or quinoa! You get the idea.

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Garlicky Greens

Dark, leafy greens are the #1 thing Americans are missing in their diet! And I get it, not everyone likes their naturally bitter flavor. But this preparation helps soften and sweeten them, making a perfect side dish for rich, roasted meats (Hello Easter!). Sautéed garlic in oil helps reduce the bitter flavor and makes the tough leaves easier to chew and digest! Don't get me wrong, you can absolutely eat them raw, but it's not for everyone! Want more ways to layer in flavor? Try adding dried fruits like raisins or craisins, splash a little balsamic vinegar in with them, use a microplane to add in some lemon zest, and of course, a little grated parmesan doesn't hurt either!

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Focaccia Bread

See how easy it is to make this classic Italian focaccia bread! This one is better know in Italy as focaccia al rosmarino because of its rosemary topping! In Italy there are MANY types and flavors of focaccia, but this is the classic version that we have come to know and love here in the U.S.! It's so simple to make focaccia at home, you'll never buy it out again!

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Caprese Salad

Fast, fresh and easy - this is how we make Caprese Salad in the Di Falco house! To start, we always do a chopped caprese salad - a bit different from the traditional slices you'll see served in Italy. We also make it a cucumber caprese salad - mostly because, that's how we like it! Finally, I use some balsamic to dress the salad because, let's be honest, I could drink the stuff!

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Mashed Turnips

As always I'm sharing some of my favorite (and friends and family favorites) recipes for Thanksgiving dinner! This dish is a GREAT alternate to mashed potatoes! Low calorie and low carb, mashed turnips make a great substitute. Adding in a few carrots helps sweeten the dish and of course, a few pats of butter never hurt! Want to make them vegan? Use olive or coconut oil instead. And of course you can add in whatever kind of milk you normally use in your house!

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Applesauce

Overdid it with the apple picking? Not to worry! Here's a quick, easy, sugar free recipe to preserve all that Fall bounty! Homemade applesauce is great with roast meats, in baked goods and even all on its own!!

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Panzanella Salad

This simple salad makes great use of leftover or stale bread. As in all things Italian - nothing goes to waste! Soaked in good olive oil and white balsamic - along with the juices from fresh tomatoes and onion - the salad is PACKED with flavor! Let it sit up to overnight to maximize the flavor!

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Asparagus Bundles

Food's first sign of Spring is here! Asparagus are coming to markets and they are LOADED with healthy vitamins & nutrients! Not only that, they make the perfect Spring brunch side dish! 

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Charred Brussels Sprouts

Check out this awesome recipe for these small and mighty greens! Charred brussel sprouts, tossed with pecans, dried cranberries and goat cheese in a maple balsamic vinaigrette! This is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish OR anytime you want to get in those greens!

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Grammy's Green Bean Salad

Necessity is the mother of all invention. And when my grandfather had tons of green beans from the garden, my grandmother had to come up with something to DO with them. This green bean salad recipe is her solution. 

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Red, White & Blue Potato Salad

We're celebrating the Red, White & Blue with this star spangled salad! Baby red, white and blue potatoes get roasted off with some fresh dill and rosemary. Then dressed in a light mixture of mustard, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs and olive oil! If heavy, milky potato salad is not your jam - this version definitely will be! The perfect side dish for ANY July 4th cook out or BBQ! Enjoy!

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Beet Salad

Fast, fresh and easy! This beet salad is my Mom's go-to summer side dish! Her tip? Make a BIG batch of beets and keep 'em in the fridge to toss into juices, soups and salads all week long! Yum!

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Summer Salad Duo

Watch how to make this bright & beautiful summer salad duo! No cooking involved! The perfect dish for a hot summer day! Serve alongside your favorite meal, as an appetizer, or alone! Healthy and delicious; you can't go wrong with this flavorful pair!

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