Tag

summer recipe

Browsing
30 Minutes or Less

Simple Tomato Salad

By
overhead image of tomato salad on a serving platter with olive oil and fresh basil on the side.

Fresh, easy, and totally delicious tomato salad! Made with a handful of simple ingredients, this summer salad comes together in just 5 minutes. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onion finished off with a sweet balsamic glaze – YUM!

olive oil being poured over tomato salad.

What You’ll Need to Make Tomato Salad

Tomatoes – Use any variety of tomato you’d like in this recipe! I used heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges. However, I’ve also made this salad with cherry tomatoes and it was just as incredible.

Fresh Basil – Tomatoes and fresh basil are the perfect pair! Grab a small handful of fresh basil leaves, and stack them on top of each other. Then, gently roll the leaves (like you would a cigar), and run a knife through the basil creating thin basil “ribbons.” Or, if that’s too much work for you, simply grab a handful of basil and gently tear it, then toss into your salad!

Red Onion – Or really any kind of onion! A sweet yellow onion would also taste delicious, it’s totally up to you.

Balsamic – A touch of acidity brings out the fresh flavors in this easy plant-based salad recipe. I LOVE a sweet, yet savory balsamic glaze, but a drizzle of regular balsamic vinegar will also do the trick!

super close-up image of tomato salad with fresh basil on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Toss your tomato salad together, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This rest time will allow the tomatoes to marinate in all of their delicious flavor. And remember, the longer your salad sits, the more flavorful it’ll be!
  • Have fun with this recipe, and don’t be afraid to make it your own! Add or remove anything you’d like. This salad is super simple, and should remain uncomplicated.
close-up image of tomato salad on a serving platter.

Delicious Additions

Any or all of the following would make delicious additions to your tomato salad!

  • Fresh Cucumber
  • Chickpeas
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Mozzarella Cheese

This side dish is vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

Simple Tomato Salad
Pin
Print

Simple Tomato Salad

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: SidesDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Fresh, easy, and totally delicious tomato salad! Made with a handful of simple ingredients, this summer salad comes together in just 5 minutes. Fresh tomatoes, basil, and red onion finished off with a sweet balsamic glaze – YUM!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tomatoes (I recommend cherry, grape, and/or heirloom tomatoes), sliced

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or balsamic glaze

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Arrange the sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and red onion on a large platter or in a large bowl.
  • Top with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. 

Did you make this recipe?

Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

Like this recipe?

Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

View Post
By
Desserts

Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)

By
overhead image of peach crisp in a pie dish with ice cream on top and milk on the side.

A delicious peach crisp loaded with fresh fruit, and an easy crump topping. Loaded with simple, good-for-you ingredients, a dessert so healthy you could even eat it for breakfast! Perfectly sweet, best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM.

peach crisp in a pie dish with vanilla ice cream on top.

What You’ll Need To Make Peach Crisp

Peaches – Use fresh, not frozen peaches for this easy crisp recipe! Slice each peach in half, remove the pit, then slice them into 1/4-inch pieces. Either leave the skin on or peel them before slicing, it’s up to you!

Corn Starch – Corn starch, arrowroot starch, or tapioca starch will all work in the filling of this recipe. A tablespoon of either thickening agent will help the filling stick together.

Rolled Oats – Any type of rolled oats will work! The only oats you should avoid are steel-cut and/or Irish oats. Or, for a paleo version of this recipe, replace the oats with extra almond flour and chopped nuts!

peach crisp in a bowl with vanilla ice cream on top.

Tips and Tricks

  • Let the peach crisp cool for 5-10 minutes before serving! This’ll give the filling enough time to set, and prevent those peach juice from running out when served. Also, don’t forget to serve it with a big ole’ scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – it’s simply the BEST!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Paleo: For a paleo fruit crisp, use arrowroot starch instead of corn starch in the filling, and replace the rolled oats with an extra 1/4 cup almond flour plus 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is already gluten-free! However, to ensure no traces of gluten in your peach crisp, be sure to use a gluten-free certified corn starch as well as gluten-free certified rolled oats.

Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)
Pin
Print

Easy Peach Crisp (One-Bowl!)

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

A delicious fruit crisp loaded with fresh peaches, and an easy crump topping. Loaded with simple, good-for-you ingredients, a dessert so healthy you could even eat it for breakfast! Perfectly sweet, best served warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – YUM.

Ingredients

  • For the filling:

  • 4-5 peaches, pitted, pitted, cut into 1/4-inch slices

  • 1 tablespoon corn starch

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • small pinch cinnamon

  • For the crumb topping:

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup almond flour

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

  • pinch of salt

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, solid

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add all filling ingredients to a bowl and toss to coat peaches, then transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  • Add all crisp ingredient to a bowl and mix together until combined.
  • Sprinkle topping over filling and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Recipe Video

Did you make this recipe?

Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

Like this recipe?

Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

Mom’s BEST Watergate Salad

By
two glasses of watergate salad with cherries on top

My Mom’s famous watergate salad recipe will blow your mind! A pistachio whipped cream base, with plenty of chopped fruit and mini marshmallows. I grew up on this best EVER no-bake dessert, my favorite for summer parties or barbecues!

overhead image of watergate salad in a glass with a cherry on top

What You’ll Need To Make Watergate Salad

Pistachio Pudding Mix – Any brand of pistachio pudding mix will taste delicious in this pistachio-flavored dessert! Use whatever you can find, whether that’s instant, low-sugar, etc.

Whipped Cream – For a dairy-free version, sub regular whipped cream for coconut whipped cream in this no-bake dessert recipe. I went the dairy-free route this time and used a tub of So Delicious Coconut Whipped Cream in my watergate salad. This is the only tweak I made from my Mom’s original recipe!

Fruit Cocktail – I think the fruit cocktail is my favorite part of this entire recipe. Chunks of peaches, pears, grapes, pineapple, and cherries swirled into the pistachio whipped cream base. My sister and I used to fight over who got the most cherries in their serving of watergate salad growing up. If ya ask me, those fruit cocktail cans never have enough maraschino cherries in ’em!

Crushed Pineapple – Crushed pineapple, sometimes labeled as “pineapple tidbits,” give this dessert its perfect texture. Smooth, creamy, light, and fluffy with just a little something to bite down on! If you can’t find crushed pineapple, you can finely chop up a can of cut pineapple instead.

Mini Marshmallows – My Mom always made her watergate salad with these rainbow mini marshmallows, but I couldn’t find any near me so I used the classic white mini marshmallows instead. The rainbow kind contribute a bit more fruity flavor, but the classic kind are just as delicious! Feel free to use whichever you prefer, or have on-hand.

one glass of watergate salad with chopped pistachios and a cherry on top.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan – Make this watergate salad vegan by using a tub of coconut whipped cream, and vegan mini marshmallows. I tested this recipe with these Dandie’s Vegan Marshmallows and couldn’t even taste the difference!

Mom's FAMOUS Watergate Salad
Pin
Print

Mom’s FAMOUS Watergate Salad

5 from 3 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

My Mom’s famous watergate salad recipe will blow your mind! A pistachio whipped cream base, with plenty of chopped fruit and mini marshmallows. I grew up on this best EVER no-bake dessert, my favorite for summer parties or barbecues!

Ingredients

  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box pistachio pudding mix

  • 1 (9 ounce) tub whipped cream, or coconut whipped cream to make it dairy-free

  • 1 (15 ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained

  • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions

  • Mix together pistachio pudding mix and whipped cream in a large bowl until fully combined.
  • Add in drained fruit cocktail, crushed pineapple, and mini marshmallows. Leave to set in fridge for at least one hour, then serve cold.

Recipe Video

Did you make this recipe?

Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

Like this recipe?

Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

Marshmallow Fruit Dip (just 4 ingredients!)

By
fresh strawberry in marshmallow fruit dip.

A perfectly sweet, light, and fluffy marshmallow fruit dip! Comes together in a few simple steps with only four ingredients. This fruit dip is both gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect recipe for potlucks and/or summer parties!

overhead image of marshmallow fruit dip in a bowl with berries and sliced pears.

What You’ll Need To Make Marshmallow Fruit Dip

Egg Whites – Use your favorite method to separate four egg whites from their yolks. I use this method to separate my eggs, which takes some practice but doesn’t require any special kitchen tools. And don’t discard your egg yolks! Instead, save and add them to your morning scramble for extra vitamins and minerals.

Sugar – Either cane sugar or white sugar will work in this recipe. I used unbleached cane sugar, for the simple fact that it’s less processed than white sugar. However, feel free to use whichever sugar you have on-hand. And for a paleo option, check out the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below!

Cream of Tartar – I know what you’re thinking …cream-of-what?? Cream of tartar is a white powder, found in either the baking or spice aisle of most grocery stores. It’s a stabilizer that gives this marshmallow fruit dip it’s ultra-fluffy texture. Sure, you can make this recipe without it, but your egg whites won’t whip up as nicely.

Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla extract makes this fruit tip taste just like homemade marshmallow fluff! While you can certainly leave the vanilla out, it does add a nice hint of extra delicious flavor.

strawberry being dipped into marshmallow fruit dip.

Serve This Marshmallow Fruit Dip With…

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Sliced Apples
  • Pears
  • Grapes
  • Pineapple
  • Melon
  • or whatever fruit you have on-hand!
marshmallow fruit dip on a fresh strawberry, on a fork.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Sugar-Free: For a sugar-free dessert recipe, replace the regular sugar with your favorite granular sugar substitute. I recommend either granular monk fruit sweetener, or swerve.

Make it Paleo: Use coconut sugar for a paleo marshmallow fruit dip! If taking this option, your dip will appear a caramel/brown color, rather than the white you see in these photos.

Marshmallow Fruit Dip (just 4 ingredients!)
Pin
Print

Marshmallow Fruit Dip (just 4 ingredients!)

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

A perfectly sweet, light, and fluffy marshmallow fruit dip! Comes together in a few simple steps with only four ingredients. This fruit dip is both gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect recipe for potlucks and/or summer parties!

Ingredients

  • 4 large egg whites

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • fresh fruit, for serving

Directions

  • Place the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tarter in a large bowl.
  • Bring 2-inches of water in a saucepan to a simmer, then place the bowl on top of the saucepan. Do not let the bowl touch the water.
  • Whisk egg white mixture constantly for 3-4 minutes, or until thin, smooth, and sugar has completely dissolved. If you have a kitchen thermometer, check that the temperature has reached 160° Fahrenheit.
  • Remove bowl from saucepan, add in vanilla extract, then while still hot beat with a hand or stand mixer until super light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Serve marshmallow dip alongside fresh fruit.

Recipe Video

Did you make this recipe?

Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

Like this recipe?

Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

2-Ingredient Pineapple Ice Cream

By
overhead image of pineapple ice cream in a loaf pan

Fresh, creamy, and irresistibly delicious pineapple ice cream! Made with just two ingredients, and in under 5 minutes. This non-dairy frozen dessert is the BEST healthy summertime treat.

hand holding a cone of pineapple ice cream

What You’ll Need To Make Pineapple Ice Cream

Frozen Pineapple Chunks – Either cut, then freeze a fresh pineapple yourself, or buy already frozen pineapple chunks. For tips on how to cut a pineapple, check out my step-by-step blog post here. But if you’re looking to save some time, buy two bags of frozen pineapple chunks from the frozen aisle at your local grocery store.

Coconut Milk – Thick and creamy full-fat coconut milk tastes best in this pineapple ice cream! However, you can certainly use a light coconut milk instead, or really any kind of milk you’d like. And if you don’t have milk, use a couple tablespoons of water. The liquid is introduced at the very end of this recipe and should be used sparingly, just until you achieve a thick and creamy consistency.

Food Processor or High-Speed Blender – While food processors work best to make this non-dairy frozen dessert, a high-speed blender will work as well. I made my pineapple ice cream with this (super cheap!) Hamilton Beach food processor. But I’ve also tried this recipe in my Vitamix, and it worked as well – just required more stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender.

overhead image of pineapple ice cream in a loaf pan

Tips and Tricks

  • Start with 1/4 cup of coconut milk, then slowly add in more to blend. The frozen pineapple mixture will start out icy and crumbly, but slowly turn smooth and creamy as more liquid is introduced. It’s important to start small here, as to not risk “watering down” your ice cream!
  • Swirl in some toasted coconut or fresh pineapple chunks! Right after blending, transfer the pineapple ice cream to an airtight container and stir in any mix-ins you’d like. Or, serve this healthy dessert with your favorite ice cream toppings!
  • Depending on how solid you’d like your ice cream, either serve it right away or freeze for a few hours before eating. How solid it is may also depend on how warm it is outside. During the summer months, I certainly have to freeze this for at least an hour before scooping and serving!

This Pineapple Ice Cream Is…

2-Ingredient Pineapple Ice Cream

2 from 3 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: Dessert, SnacksDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

Fresh, creamy, and irresistibly delicious pineapple ice cream! Made with just two ingredients, and in under 5 minutes. This pineapple ice cream is the BEST healthy summertime treat.

Ingredients

  • 4-5 cups frozen pineapple chunks, about 2 10-ounce bags

  • 1/4-1/2 cup coconut milk

Directions

  • Add frozen pineapple chunks to food processor and pulse until crumbly.
  • Slowly add in coconut milk, starting with ¼ cup and adding more as necessary, and pulse until smooth.
  • Either serve immediately, or transfer pineapple ice cream to a parchment-lined loaf pan and freeze for 2-3 hours.
  • To serve, remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping and enjoying.

Recipe Video

Did you make this recipe?

Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

Like this recipe?

Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

View Post
By