When we were young mothers, I asked my best friend if she had a recipe for an easy ambrosia salad that I could take to a cookout later that evening. She shared this recipe with me and it's become a must-have...
Boiled potatoes were transformed into the perfect pot of mashed potatoes with just a little seasoning and lots of sour cream. -Caroline Sperry, Allentown, Michigan
"When I come home from work, I start cooking rice for this meatless casserole right away," mentions Kathy Prado of Fort Worth, Texas. "The rest is a breeze, because it's just opening cans and mixing. That's...
Colorful gelatin salad adds a spot of brightness to any table. It blends well with this holiday feast. We children didn't know if it should be a salad or dessert, with its smooth texture and delicate flavor.-Fae...
THIS SIDE DISH is compatible with any meat entree you serve. One of my friends gave me this recipe many years ago. I made a few changes, and it has been a family favorite for a long time. This secret of...
Mom always said "eat your carrots, help your eyes." Rich in beta carotene, carrots not only support health but also taste amazing when roasted and tossed with Parmesan. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. -Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon
My husband is the No. 1 fan of this south-of-the-border potato salad. The leftovers make an awesome late-night snack, straight from the fridge. -Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
What are all those specks and spices in your Italian dressing? You probably have them in your pantry. Create your own signature blend to toss with pasta, greens and fresh spring vegetables. -Lorraine Caland,...
In Duluth, Georgia, Anne-Lise Botting whips up a seasoned butter to spice up corn-on-the-cob. "Flavored with garlic and chili powders, the butter is the perfect complement to fresh corn," she says.
I first served this at an Easter dinner. Delicious! My guests suggested I use even more shallots. It's so easy, nutritious and always a hit! -Rosemary Schirm, Avondale, Pennsylvania
This satisfying side dish resembles an old-fashioned spoon bread with zip. My family and friends agree this recipe really dresses up plain corn. It's a convenient dish to transport to a potluck. - Laura...
As a newlywed, I used to agonize over meal preparation. Now I enjoy trying new recipes, and some - like this tasty side dish - turn out to be very popular with my family. These croquettes are crisp and...
This recipe is popular on both sides of the border. It came from a friend in Alaska, then traveled with me to old Mexico, where I lived for 5 years, and is now a potluck favorite in my Arkansas community....
Juicy cranberries and crunchy pine nuts easily dress up rice in this special side dish. The subtle flavors make it an appropriate accompaniment to many entrees.
As an alternative to green bean casserole, serve up a saucy Italian side dish sporting festive red and green colors. Also try this sauce with asparagus, broccoli or Brussels sprouts. -Taste of Home Test...
While the entree cooks, fix a speedy stovetop side dish of Spicy Carrots. "After my sister brought the carrots to a family gathering, my husband begged me to asked for the recipe," recalls Dawn Flanigan...
My mother came from Ireland as a teen and brought this homey recipe with her. I find that it's a fantastic way to get my family to eat cooked cabbage-it is hidden in Grandma's potatoes! -Marie Pagel, Lena,...
These creamy, buttery mashed potatoes use simple ingredients. The tricks are to use Yukon Gold potatoes and then to warm the cream and butter before adding them to the potatoes. -Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee,...
A kid-pleaser and the perfect comfort food, this gooey orzo casserole is a complete meal in one. For an extra homey touch, I make mine in my favorite hand-me-down casserole dish from my Grandma Laverne....
Although this is a wonderful way to use leftover carrots and cranberry sauce, I often find myself making it specifically for Thanksgiving dinner. -Mary Ann Gilbert, Cincinnati, Ohio
The original version of this recipe was given to me by a Mexican friend, but I've modified the spices to suit my family's tastes. It's become a favorite at our house-see if it doesn't do the same at yours!...
Every family seems to have their own favorite dressing recipe that becomes a tradition, and this is ours. It came from Grandma, who passed it down to my mother. Now our children have carried it into their...
When you're in the mood for Mexican food, reach for this recipe. The tomato, corn and bean mixture can also be refrigerated and eaten as a relish without the rice.
I created these mashed sweet potatoes shortly after my firstborn began eating solid food. She loved them then and still does today, as does her little sister. The recipe is a staple in our home year-round,...
Fresh vegetables need little more than sauting in oil and tossing with basil to enhance their flavor. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables.
This fruit salad is a tradition on my Christmas table. It goes together quickly, which is a plus on such a busy day. -Rousheen Arel Wolf, Delta Junction, Alaska
Don't shy away from trying this deliciously different dish featuring brussels sprouts and apples. Even folks who aren't fond of brussels sprouts won't be able to resist it!
The tantalizing aroma of this savory side dish baking in the oven is sure to whet your appetite. Mom scoops the pulp out of zucchini halves and mixes it with tomato, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs and parsley....
Drizzled with a tangy dressing, this appealing salad makes a colorful and tasty alternative to the usual tossed salad. Plus, you can assemble it in minutes. -Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri
Our family cherishes a tradition of sweet potatoes with apples and raisins. If I suggest something different, they say "Oh NO, Beema, that's part of the love." -Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Corn au gratin is an essential part of any family get-together, and it's even better when paired with tomatoes in this delicious dish. —Holly Jones, Kennesaw, Georgia
I sampled this recipe at a 25th anniversary party and was told it was a family favorite, courtesy of a Polish grandmother. I shared the recipe with my sister-in-law's family and she told me her five-year-old...
When you roast green beans and tomatoes, their flavors really shine through. The vibrant colors light up a table. What a perfect side dish for the holidays! -Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Although it looks like a grain, couscous is actually a type of pasta. The couscous pellets cook very quickly due to their small size. You'll find it near the Middle Eastern or Mediterranean foods.
The delightful combination of ingredients in this dish makes a perfect accompaniment for beef, poultry or pork. It's very flavorful and hearty.-Shirley Goehring, Lodi, California
Soy sauce and peanut butter flavor these crisp-tender beans. "They're a nice change from the usual green bean salads and casseroles," says Robin Joss from Ashburn, Virginia. "With a sesame seed crunch,...
Our striking "flag" salad drew plenty of attention at our Independence Day party. The shimmering stripes are formed with distinctive gelatin layers. It makes you want to salute before spooning some up!...
I grew up on grits and have fixed them various ways. I decided to put a new twist on them with this recipe, and my husband says it's a keeper. Even the leftovers are good.-Barbara Moorhead, Gaffney, South...
"MOTHER called this her secret recipe, and to this day, I'm not quite sure I have all the ingredients she used in it. But it still tastes great, so who knows-maybe I acquired some of her 'touch'. After...
Light and fluffy, this blend of rice and quinoa has a fun texture, and carrots, onion and broccoli give it pops of flavor. -Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland
My twins wouldn't eat anything that even resembled a vegetable, but they ate seconds and sometimes thirds of this fabulous spinach. I received the recipe from a friend several years ago, and it's been...
I created this recipe myself. The cheddar cheese and bread crumb topping makes it a pretty casserole for a holiday dinner. You can easily double the amounts if you're having a larger group.