• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Privacy Policy

Cooks Recipe Collection logo

Side Dishes

Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad

June 29, 2019 By Patti Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad

Today’s post is from Heather at Whole Food Studio, where beginners in the kitchen can find clean eating simple meal ideas. She shares cooking tips along with a little history, should you also need a dinner conversation starter.

Whenever you grab an herb for garnish, is parsley the one you think of first?

Parsley is a powerhouse miracle worker with either tight and curly, or rugged and flat, leaves.

Flat Leaf Parsley and Curly Leaf Parsley

Flat Leaf Parsley and Curly Leaf Parsley

Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, the herb freshens the look and taste of a dish and adds texture.

And don’t forget to use the stems! Toss them in a homemade bouillon.
Add to hot water for a refreshing cup of steeped, pale-green mint and parsley tea. It’s a spectacular combination.

Chop parsley stems and mix with cream cheese and shaved parmesan cheese. Then pile this cheese mix high inside small portobello mushroom caps.

Bake until golden brown . . .

Delicious!

If you can’t go a day without parsley, then it could be time to try this Mediterranean-inspired Quinoa salad.

Quinoa

Quinoa

Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah, is an organic grain once eaten thousands of years ago by the Inca. Today quinoa is a superfood, belonging to the same family as spinach and Swiss chard. The grain is hardy and grows in high altitudes, making it ideal if you happen to live in the Andes.

Quinoa’s small round grains grow in three interesting colors; red, white and black. I used ‘Antique White,’ but you can see how others easily create a fabulous looking salad. Imagine if you had all three; you could mix them for a tri-color effect!

What I like most about this salad is how easy it is to make and delicious to eat – even the next day. But don’t even consider another herb as a substitute. Without parsley, this salad is not the same.

3 Top Quinoa Salad Tips:

Is your quinoa pre-rinsed?

Check whether your quinoa has been pre-rinsed before you start cooking.

Here’s one super quick way to know: packaged quinoa is more likely to be pre-rinsed than loose quinoa bought in bulk. I’ve had the unpleasant experience of tasting a very bitter quinoa dish which put me off this grain for many years.

Much later I discovered the cause was from saponins. The natural protective coating on each grain deters animals and birds out in the wild from taking a nibble.

The good news is, saponins are removed with water.

If you are still unsure, place your grains in a fine sieve and rinse under running water for 2 minutes. The water will foam up like soap suds if any saponins are present.

Let your quinoa drain and dry in the sieve for at least 30 minutes, before dry roasting in a frying pan over medium heat.

Once the grains are golden brown, cook your quinoa in water, according to directions on the package.

Yes, dry roasting is another step, but I think the results are worth every extra minute. These small grains have an extraordinary depth of flavor, not to mention the smell, that dry roasting brings out. I’m quite sure you’ll find it difficult to skip this step the next time you work with quinoa.

Quinoa Roasting in a Pan

Quinoa Roasting in a Pan

Prepare your salad at least 30 minutes before dining:

I recommend preparing your salad at least 30 minutes before dining.

You’ll give the tang of lime zest a chance to blend with the natural saltiness of feta and olives. Include the earthiness of quinoa and you’ll be transported to a new taste experience.

I often start with zesting lime over the feta giving the essential oil a little longer to soak into the cheese.

Tip for cutting quinoa salad recipe half:

If you’re cooking for one or two, I recommend you still cook one cup of quinoa but then halve the remaining ingredients in this recipe.

You’ll make a smaller salad but have extra quinoa for later. There’s nothing else like a quick quinoa garnish for an extra rugged, healthy salad.
It keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge and on days I don’t feel like meat, I’ll also add quinoa to stuffed cabbage rolls or zucchini lasagna.

You’ll have a naturally gluten-free, low glycemic index dish that is high in plant protein.

Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad is the perfect side dish for meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables.

I hope you are inspired to try something a little out of the ordinary.

Leftover Quinoa Salad Idea:

Leftover Quinoa Salad Idea

Do you have some leftover Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad? Here is an idea to change it up a bit.

Ingredients:

1/3 c. thinly sliced raw red cabbage
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil (optional)
Parsley to garnish (optional)

Toss raw red cabbage with the Mediterranean-inspired salad for an extra pop of color and crunch.

Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.

Garnish with a little chopped parsley and serve with a small platter of nuts, dried fruit, cheese, and crackers.

Equipment Used for this Recipe:

  • Medium Skillet
  • Medium Saucepan with Lid
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • 8” Chef’s Knife
  • Citrus Zester
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Salad Bowl and Servers
  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad
Print Recipe

Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad

This quick and easy side dish pairs the bold Mediterranean flavors of lime, Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley against the subtle yet earthy backdrop of quinoa. With natural salty flavors, this dish pops with balance.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Servings: 8 -10
Author: Heather from WholeFoodStudio.com

Ingredients

  • 1 c. quinoa preferably dry roasted first
  • 2 limes zest, and juice
  • 4 oz. Feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 oz. Kalamata olives pitted and chopped (if you don’t have scales, that’s between 10 – 11 large olives)
  • 1 T. olive brine more or less, according to your taste
  • ¼ c. fresh parsley stems removed and chopped (Reserve the stems for your next stock or compost)
  • Optional: Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat dry quinoa in a frying pan until fragrant and golden brown.
  • Cook quinoa according to package directions. (Mine said: bring 2 cups water to a boil, add 1 c quinoa and reduce heat to LOW.
  • Simmer with lid ON for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.)
  • Fluff quinoa with a fork and allow the grains to cool.
  • Stir in lime zest, lime juice, Feta cheese, chopped olives, brine, and fresh parsley until thoroughly combined.
  • Season with black pepper, to taste.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Top off with an extra chopped olive or two and a quick zest of lime just before serving.
  • Cover and store any leftovers in the fridge.

Notes

For best results, you’ll want to make this dish in advance and give the flavors a chance to blend.
Quinoa: Dry roasting quinoa before cooking in water brings out more of the earthy flavors. Add grains to a medium sized frypan and gently shake over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.Cook quinoa according to the directions on the package.
Olive brine: If you prefer milder salads, leave out the brine and taste before adding any.
Feta cheese: If you find the sheep milk in Feta cheese too strong, look for one made with a blend such as goat or cow milk.
It will crumble into much smaller pieces, but you should enjoy the flavor more.

Resources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/saponin

Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad

Filed Under: Salads, Side Dishes

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

June 30, 2017 By Patti 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines comfort food with adding veggies to your family’s diet

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines the hominess of your favorite comfort food, while still adding veggies to your family’s diet. This casserole is so easy to make and your family and friends will love the cheesy goodness.

It is the perfect side dish for a family dinner, or take it to a pot luck or covered dish dinner to share with your friends. This is a family favorite around our house and we rarely have leftovers. I hope you enjoy this comforting casserole as much as we do.

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines comfort food with adding veggies to your family’s diet
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines comfort food with adding veggies to your family’s diet.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time1 hr 10 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Patti from CooksRecipeCollection.com

Ingredients

  • 3 medium eggplants peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  • Boil cubed eggplant for about 25 minutes. The eggplant will be tender, but not mushy.
  • While eggplant is boiling combine milk, butter and cheddar cheese in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cheese is almost completely melted.
  • Drain eggplant and spread evenly in a 2 quart casserole dish. Pour cheddar cheese sauce over eggplant.
  • Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese, and then sprinkle with panko bread crumbs.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes until mozzarella cheese is melted and top is golden brown.

Recommended for this recipe:

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines comfort food with adding veggies to your family’s diet

Filed Under: Eggplant, Main Course, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian Tagged With: casserole, cheese, eggplant, side dish, vegetables, Vegetarian

Easy Sauteed Garlic Spinach Recipe

January 17, 2017 By Patti 7 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

This sautéed garlic spinach is such a quick and healthy side for a weekday dinner; and tasty enough to be served with an elegant entrée.

Sauteed Garlic Spinach Recipe

I’m always looking for new and tasty ways to increase the healthy foods to my family’s diet. Adding a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, is always my goal. Spinach has so many health benefits, that I try to include it in our diet as much as possible.

This sautéed spinach with garlic is such a quick and healthy side for a weekday dinner, and tasty enough to be served with an elegant entrée. I hope you enjoy this quick and easy side dish too!

Recommended for this recipe:

Try these other side dish recipes:

  • Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
  • Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
  • Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sauteed Garlic Spinach - This sautéed garlic spinach is such a quick and healthy side for a weekday dinner; and tasty enough to be served with an elegant entrée.
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Sautéed Garlic Spinach

This sautéed garlic spinach is such a quick and healthy side for a weekday dinner; and tasty enough to be served with an elegant entrée.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time8 mins
Total Time13 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Author: Patti from CooksRecipeCollection.com

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced
  • 1 bunch fresh spinach (bagged fresh spinach can be substituted)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Wash spinach thoroughly and remove stems. Set spinach leaves aside on paper towels to dry.
  • Slice garlic cloves thin. It is important that the slices are relatively evenly sliced, to ensure even cooking.
  • Heat olive oil in large sauté pan, over medium heat. Add garlic slices and cook until lightly browned. This will take about 5 minutes.
  • Add spinach and cook until leaves are wilted, stir frequently. This will take about 2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Pin this Sauteed Garlic Spinach Recipe for later!

Sauteed Garlic Spinach

Filed Under: Ingredient, Side Dishes, Spinach, Vegetables Tagged With: Quick and Easy, side dish, spinach, vegetables, Vegetarian

Southern Mashed Potato Pancakes

October 29, 2013 By Patti 20 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Southern mashed potato pancakes, made with leftover mashed potatoes. This versatile recipe can be prepared for breakfast (as a replacement for hash browns), as an appetizer, side dish or a snack.

Mashed Potato Pancakes

My southern grandmother, who grew up in Plains, GA (home of President Jimmy Carter), would always make these southern style mashed potato pancakes with our leftover mashed potatoes. Like any good southern cook who was raised in the great depression, she didn’t allow food to go to waste. Many of grandma’s traditional southern recipes were economical, only used a few ingredients, and are both quick and easy to prepare.

Do you typically have leftover mashed potatoes after Thanksgiving dinner? I typically make way too much to ensure there is plenty for everyone. If you’re anything like me, this is the recipe for you! Instead of just heating up those mashed potatoes again, why not reinvent them into these delicious pillows of comfort?

This versatile recipe can be prepared for breakfast (as a replacement for hash browns), as an appetizer, side dish or a snack. Around grandma’s house, they were usually made shortly after dinner for an evening snack and never lasted very long.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I have over the years!

Types of Potato Pancakes

Potatoes are a part of many food cultures since they are both inexpensive and easy to store. Because of this potato pancakes also appear in many cultures throughout Europe and beyond, with each country having its unique versions of this traditional food, like different spices or additional vegetables. Here are a few examples:

German Potato Pancakes

German Potato Pancakes (as do most around the world) start with grated potatoes and add eggs and flour as to bind them into pancakes. They are traditionally served with either sour cream for a savory option or with applesauce for a sweeter version.

Jewish Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

Latkes are also made with grated potatoes and onions, eggs, and flour (or matzo meal). Traditionally, they are served as part of the Hanukkah celebration, along with other fried foods. The oil that the Latkes are fried in represents the miracle of a small amount of oil that kept the Temple’s lamp lit for eight days.

Southern Mashed Potato Pancakes

Southern Style Mashed Potato Pancakes are different from others by starting with a base mashed potatoes. Adding eggs and flour to the mashed potatoes allow you to form a patty, that is then pan-fried.

Hash Browns

Hash Browns were thought to have originated in New York as a Northen American breakfast staple. They start with grated potatoes and onion that are fried without added binders, which differentiates them from potato pancakes.

Potato Pancake Toppings and Add-Ins

My grandmother’s version of mashed potato pancakes is both delicious and perfect comfort food, featuring only a few ingredients. They are crispy on the outside; light and fluffy inside. This versatile recipe can be served with a variety of toppings and even taken to a higher level with add-ins.

  • Sour Cream – This is a very traditional potato pancake topping for a savory patty.
  • Applesauce – Another traditional topping, when you want a sweeter option.
  • Hot Sauce – A great option if you want to spice things up a bit.
  • Cheese and/or green onions – These are both make great toppings or add-ins. Add to mashed potato, egg, flour mixture before frying, or simply sprinkled on top of your finished masterpiece.
  • Loaded – If you want to kick these potato pancakes to the next level; top with sour cream, cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon pieces.

Recommended for this recipe:

Try these other Appetizer Recipes:

  • Classic Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
  • Easy Cedar Planked Salmon Dip
  • Fresh Garlic and Herb Dipping Oil
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Southern Mashed Potato Pancakes

Southern mashed potato pancakes are made with leftover mashed potatoes. This versatile recipe can be prepared for breakfast (as a replacement for hash browns), as an appetizer, side dish or a snack.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time25 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Patti

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat about 1/4 inch olive oil in a frying pan to medium heat.
  • Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. This will be the consistency of thick pancake batter.
  • Drop batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown. I prefer smaller pancakes and use about 1/4 cup batter per pancake.
  • Remove from oil and place on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  • Serve warm with sour cream and/or apple sauce.

Pin this Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe for later!

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Filed Under: Appetizers, Side Dishes Tagged With: Vegetarian

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

August 11, 2013 By Patti 5 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

 

One of my favorite pub snacks are sweet potato fries. This savory snack or side dish is the perfect accompaniment to a cool beer and a hearty sandwich.

Why not reduce the guilt and enjoy this healthier, baked version at home? They are easy to make and so satisfying!

Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Print Recipe

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries are one of my favorite pub snacks, baked instead of fried for a healthy twist. Enjoy!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Author: Patti from Cooks Recipe Collection

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 medium sized sweet potatoes)
  • 1 egg white
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 2 teaspoons ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
  • Combine paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
  • Peel potatoes, then cut into 1/2 inch thick strips. Place the potatoes in a large bowl.
  • Pour lightly beaten egg white over potato strips and toss to coat well on all sides.
  • Sprinkle spice mixture over potatoes and toss again to coat evenly.
  • Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • Lay potato strips on baking sheet in a single layer, without touching each other.
  • Spray tops of potatoes with cooking spray and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Recommended for this recipe:

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Filed Under: Potatoes, Side Dishes, Sweet Potatoes Tagged With: baked fries, healthy, side dishes, snacks, sweet potatoes

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach and Cheese Casserole)

February 25, 2009 By Patti Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 large Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
3 T. Olive Oil
2 pounds Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed
2 Eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Dried Parsley (or 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley)
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/4 cup Olive Oil
8 sheets Filo Dough

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Heat 3 Tablespoons olive oil  in a large skillet, add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, but not browned.
  3. Drain thawed spinach, then to pan with onions and garlic. Combine ingredients and cook until moisture is removed, about 5 minutes.
  4. Allow mixture to cool.
  5. Combine eggs, ricotta cheese, feta cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the cooled spinach mixture, and stir to combine.
  6. Oil bottom and sides of a 9 inch baking dish.
  7. Place one layer of phyllo dough in pan, brush oil on phyllo with a pastry brush. Add 3 more layers of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil after they are added. The phyllo will hang off the edge of your pan on 2 sides.
  8. Add the spinach mixture to the baking dish.
  9. Layer the 4 remaining phyllo sheets to the dish, brushing each layer with oil after it is added.
  10. Fold the phyllo dough that has been hanging over the edge of the pan to the top of the Spanakopita. Brush top with remaining oil.
  11. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.
  12. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Filed Under: Greek, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Tagged With: casserole, cheese, Greek, recipe, recipes, spanakopita, spinach

Oven Roasted Rosemary Red Potatoes

February 2, 2009 By Patti Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes (washed and cut into wedges)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (washed and leaves removed)
3 T. olive oil
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Combine rosemary leaves, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Coat potatoes well with olive oil in a mixing bowl. Add seasonings to the bowl and coat well.
  4. Spread potatoes evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
  5. Serve.

Filed Under: Potatoes, Side Dishes Tagged With: baked french fries, potato, potatoes, recipe, recipes, red potatoes, roasted potatoes, rosemary, side dish

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

January 31, 2009 By Patti 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

 

Make these mashed potatoes with cream cheese a staple of your holiday get together or a side dish for a family dinner. This recipe makes your mashed potatoes extra creamy and rich with the addition of cream cheese. They are easy to make and will stand out as a favorite on your dinner table.

 

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Print Recipe

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Mashed potatoes are a staple for a holiday get together or a side for a family dinner. This recipe makes the mashed potatoes extra creamy and rich by adding cream cheese. They are easy to make and will stand out as a favorite on your dinner table.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time55 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Author: Patti from CooksRecipeCollection.com

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 pounds potatoes
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

  • Peel and cut potatoes into 1 inch cubes.
  • Add potatoes and and 1 tablespoon salt in a medium pot, cover with cold water by 2 inches, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 35 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine potatoes, cream cheese, butter, and milk in a mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until combined.
  • Season with salt and pepper, and beat to desired consistency.

 

Filed Under: Potatoes, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving Tagged With: cream cheese, mashed potatoes, potatoes, recipe, recipes

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Recent Posts

Honey-Pecan Rolls Recipe

Bread Cookbook Review With Honey-Pecan Rolls Recipe

Unique Mother's Day Gifts for the Foodie

Unique Mother’s Day Gifts for the Foodie

Maple Walnut Scones

Easy Maple Walnut Scones Recipe with Maple Glaze

Uno's Deep Dish Pizza Cooking Class Review

Uno’s Deep Dish Pizza Cooking Class Review

Top Shared Posts

Sauteed Garlic Spinach - This sautéed garlic spinach is such a quick and healthy side for a weekday dinner; and tasty enough to be served with an elegant entrée.

Easy Sauteed Garlic Spinach Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Crepes

Spinach and Ricotta Crepes

Coffee Cake Cupcakes

Coffee Cake Cupcakes

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Southern Mashed Potato Pancakes

Copyright © 2023 · Cooks Recipe Collection