Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

July 18, 2024 by Kimberly

Dive into summer with this zesty Mediterranean pasta salad! Packed with bold flavors, it’s a refreshing twist that’s perfect for any picnic or potluck.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

1 hr + 15 min

SERVES

8 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Whisk your taste buds away to the sunny Mediterranean with this vibrant pasta salad! It’s bursting with bold flavors and is the perfect quick and healthy dish for any occasion. Ideal for those looking for a delicious, fuss-free meal!

This pasta salad shines at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings. Serve it as a hearty side with grilled meats or enjoy it as a light main course with crusty bread. It’s also great as a next-day lunch, so consider doubling the recipe!

Keep the pasta salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It beautifully holds its flavor and texture for up to three days, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Mediterranean Pasta Salad

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 1 hour + 15 min
  • Yield: 8

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • large pot
  • large salad bowl
  • whisk
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • small pan
  • colander

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 500 grams penne pasta
  • 150 grams Kalamata olives
  • 180 gram dried tomatoes in oil
  • 60 grams capers
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • 15 grams fresh parsley or basil
DRESSING
  • 4 tbsp olive oil (you can use the oil from the dried tomatoes)
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 tsp rosemary
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing in the salad bowl. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and salt with a whisk until smooth. Set the bowl aside.
  3. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  4. While the pasta cooks, halve the olives and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Pluck the parsley leaves from the stems and finely chop them. Drain and rinse the capers.
  5. Toast the pine nuts in a small pan without adding oil until golden brown.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the bowl with the dressing, mixing well.
  7. Add the tomatoes, olives, capers, pine nuts, and parsley and combine thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it cool and marinate for about 1 hour or overnight.
  • Passive Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 15 min

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Vanilla Oil

Vanilla Oil

Vanilla Oil

Vanilla Oil

July 16, 2024 by Kimberly

Explore the charm of homemade vanilla oil! Perfect for enhancing your dishes with a sweet, subtle twist. Easy, delightful, and irresistibly aromatic.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

25 min

SERVES

1 cup / 250 ml

DIET

vegan

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Step into the delightful world of homemade vanilla oil! This easy DIY is your ticket to elevating everyday dishes with a gourmet touch and a whisper of sweetness.

Drizzle vanilla oil over fresh pastries, blend it into your morning oatmeal, or enhance your smoothies with its sweet notes. It’s especially perfect for a luxurious addition to pancakes and French toast on weekend mornings. And my Blueberry Lemon Curd Dutch Baby goes perfectly with it. Just drizzle a bit over the warm dish and enjoy!

Store your vanilla oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its aromatic qualities. Use a tightly sealed glass container for optimal freshness and flavor retention.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Vanilla Oil
Vanilla Oil
Vanilla Oil
Vanilla Oil

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Vanilla Oil

Vanilla Oil


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 15 min
  • Yield: 250 ml / 1 cup

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • medium-sized saucepan
  • whisk
  • a bowl which the medium saucepan fits into
  • medium-sized bowl
  • fine sieve
  • sealable container (oil bottle)
  • ice cubes

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 vanilla pod
  • 250 milliliters sunflower oil

Instructions

  1. Score the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds and put them into the pot as well as the vanilla pod. Pour in the oil.
  2. Heat it over medium heat to a temperature of about 101°-104°C (213°-219°F), and maintain this temperature for the next 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure the temperature remains steady and nothing gets burned.
  3. Prepare a bowl large enough to fit a medium-sized pot, and fill it with cold water and a handful of ice cubes. Also, hang a fine sieve strainer over one medium-sized bowl.
  4. Now, place the pot in the ice water and stir to cool the oil quickly. Once the oil is almost cold, remove the pot from the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes to infuse. Pour the oil into the prepared fine sieve to catch the coarse particles.
  5. Once all the oil has passed through the sieve, transfer the collected amount of oil into a sealable container or directly into an oil bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

The calorie information may vary depending on the product used, country and region.

  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min

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Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit

Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit

Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit

Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit

July 15, 2024 by Kimberly

Discover the creamy magic of whipped ricotta paired with sweet tomato confit. An easy, delightful dish that brings a touch of gourmet to your everyday meals!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

45 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Bring a little gourmet to your table with this simple whipped ricotta and sweet tomato confit. It’s the perfect combination of creamy and rich flavors to elevate any meal!

Serve this creamy ricotta on a rustic slice of toasted bread or as a dip with crispy crackers. It’s perfect for impressing guests during a summer evening or adding a fancy touch to your family dinner. The sweet tomato confit complements the smooth ricotta beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.

Keep leftover whipped ricotta and tomato confit in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit
Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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.tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-935cabee { position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 56.3%; } .tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-935cabee iframe { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; } clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit

Whipped Ricotta & Tomato Confit


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 45 min
  • Yield: 4

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • baking dish
  • food processor
  • frying pan

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • a few slices of your favorite baguette or ciabatta
WHIPPED RICOTTA
  • 250 grams ricotta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • zest of half a lemon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
TOMATO CONFIT
  • 500 grams cocktail tomatoes
  • 50 milliliters olive oil
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  • a few basil leaves
  • salt & pepper to taste
 

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 175°C / 347°F.
  2. Wash the tomatoes, quarter them, and place them in an oven-safe dish. Peel and slice the garlic, and add it to the tomatoes. Cut the basil into fine strips and add it to the tomatoes as well. Next, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, chili, salt, and pepper, stir well, and bake in the oven for 45 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the ricotta cream. For this, blend the ricotta with lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Spread the mixture on a flat plate and store in the refrigerator until further use.
  4. Slice the baguette and lightly butter each piece. Toast the slices in a pan on both sides until crispy. Tip: I also like to use the liquid that forms in the dish with the tomatoes. Dip one side of the bread into it and then toast it in the pan. Set the baguette aside until further use.
  5. Take the tomatoes out of the oven, let them cool slightly, and get the ricotta from the refrigerator. Place the tomatoes and their juice on the ricotta, and optionally drizzle with some honey. Serve with the baguette and enjoy 🙂
  • Passive Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min

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Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil

July 9, 2024 by Kimberly

Dive into the delicate, floral notes of lavender oil! This unique ingredient adds a touch of elegance to your dishes, making every meal a sophisticated experience.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

55 min

SERVES

1 cup / 250 ml

DIET

vegan

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Welcome to the aromatic world of lavender oil! Infusing your meals with the essence of lavender transforms simple dishes into gourmet experiences that captivate your senses.

Serve your lavender-infused dishes as a refined finish to any meal you like. Whether drizzled over a fresh salad or blended into a creamy dessert sauce, lavender oil elevates your culinary creations. Pair it with light proteins like chicken or fish, or let it enhance the flavor of seasonal vegetables.

Keep your lavender oil in a cool, dark place to maintain its potent flavor and aroma for about a week. A well-sealed bottle ensures that the delicate essence of lavender remains pristine for your next culinary adventure.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
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Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 55 min
  • Yield: 250 ml / 1 cup

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • blender
  • medium-sized saucepan
  • whisk
  • a bowl which the medium saucepan fits into
  • 2 medium-sized bowls
  • 2 fine sieves
  • sealable container (oil bottle)
  • ice cubes
  • coffee filter

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 9 lavender blossoms
  • 250 milliliters unrefined cold-pressed sunflower oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the lavender blossoms of the stems and put the blossoms into the blender. Pour in the oil. Blend on the highest setting until there are only tiny pieces of the lavender left.
  2. Pour the mixture from the blender into a medium-sized pot and heat it over medium heat to a temperature of about 100°-101°C (212°-213°F), and maintain this temperature for the next 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure the temperature remains steady and nothing gets burned.
  3. Prepare a bowl large enough to fit a medium-sized pot, and fill it with cold water and a handful of ice cubes. Also, hang a fine sieve strainer over one medium-sized bowl and another fine sieve strainer, with a coffee filter inside it, over another medium-sized bowl.
  4. Now, place the pot in the ice water and stir to cool the oil quickly. Once the oil is almost cold, remove the pot from the water and pour the oil into the prepared fine sieve to catch the coarse particles.
  5. Then, pour the oil into the second sieve, which is equipped with a coffee filter, to catch the remaining finer particles.
  6. Allow the oil to drip through for about 40 minutes or maybe less depending on how many remaining particles are in the coffee filter. Once all the oil has passed through the coffee filter, transfer the collected amount of oil into a sealable container or directly into an oil bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Use the oil to enrich these homemade scones. Simply make a frosting from 125g (1 cup) powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of the lavender oil and coat your scones with it. Enjoy these pieces of happiness 🙂

  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Passive Time: 40 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min

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Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad

Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad

Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad

Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad

July 4, 2024 by Kimberly

Crunch into crispy rice paper paired with a vibrant salad of mango, avocado, and cashews. A dish that’s as fun to eat as it is colorful!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

25 min

SERVES

16 cups

DIET

vegan

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Experience a crunch like no other with this unique dish that combines crispy fried rice paper with a lush mango avocado cashew salad. It’s a textural delight that’s bursting with freshness and flavor.

Serve this crispy delight as a stunning appetizer or a light, refreshing meal. The crackle of the rice paper perfectly complements the soft, rich textures of avocado and mango, with cashews adding a satisfying crunch. It’s a dish best enjoyed immediately to secure the crispy rice paper and the cool, fresh salad. Alternatively for making it ahead, you can serve the salad and the deep-fried rice paper individually.

The crispy rice paper should be enjoyed right after frying to maintain its texture. However, the mango avocado cashew salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container and is best eaten within a day to keep the flavors vibrant and fresh.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad
Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
.tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-fb71a836 { position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 56.3%; } .tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-fb71a836 iframe { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; } clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad

Crispy Rice Paper with Mango Avocado Cashew Salad


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: about 16 small cups

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • small frying pan or pot
  • scissors
  • paper towels
  • salad bowl
  • small bowl

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
CUPS
  • 4 small rice paper
  • 200 milliliters deep-frying fat
DRESSING
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1/4 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
SALAD
  • 300 grams red cabbage
  • 1 ripe mango
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 40 grams cashew nuts
TOPPINGS
  • cress or sprouts
  • white sesame
  • spring onion

Instructions

  1. Heat about 1 cm of frying oil to 180°C / 356°F in a small frying pan. Carefully cut the rice paper into quarters using scissors, and fry each quarter in the hot oil for 5 seconds until it puffs up and turns fluffy white. Remove from the pan and let it drain on paper towels. Note: The paper is only pliable for a short time after being removed from the oil.
  2. For the salad, finely shred the red cabbage and place it in a salad bowl. Peel the mango and avocado and cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces, adding them to the salad bowl as well. Finally, add the cashews.
  3. For the dressing, mix avocado oil, lime juice, grated garlic and ginger, sesame oil, and soy sauce in a small bowl and pour it over the salad. Mix everything well.
  4. Slice the green part of the spring onion into fine strips and set aside.
  5. If serving immediately, lay out the fried rice papers, fill each with 1-2 tablespoons of salad, and top each with white sesame seeds, cress, and the sliced spring onions. If not serving immediately, I recommend preparing both components separately.

Notes

The calorie information may vary depending on the product used, country and region.

  • Cook Time: 25 min

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Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

July 1, 2024 by Kimberly

Freshen up your meal with a vibrant green herb salad! Crunchy, zesty, and bursting with flavor, it’s a refreshing twist that’ll make your tastebuds dance.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

20 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Elevate your salad game with this green herb salad, a lush blend of romaine and butter lettuce mixed with sweet peas and tangy pickled onions, all dressed in a light, herb-infused yogurt dressing. It’s a garden-fresh delight that captures the essence of spring in every bite.

This salad shines brightest when served fresh. Toss the crisp lettuces with the peas and pickled onions just before serving and sprinkle generously with dill, chives, and tarragon for that extra burst of freshness. It’s perfect alongside a grilled fish or as a standalone dish that’s both fulfilling and light.

Best enjoyed immediately, however, if you have leftovers, keep them separate in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad stays fresh for about two days, but it’s ideal to add the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions
Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
.tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-1ddd40b1 { position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 56.3%; } .tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-1ddd40b1 iframe { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; } clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions

Green Herb Salad with Peas & Pickled Onions


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Description

GOOD TO HAVE ON HAND

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large salad bowl
  • medium-sized bowl
  • small bowl
  • measuring spoons

 


Ingredients

Units Scale
SALAD
  • 1 butter lettuce
  • 1 romaine lettuce
  • 100 grams frozen peas
  • 1 red onion
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh dill
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh chives
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh tarragon
DRESSING
  • 150 grams yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut romaine and butter lettuce into bite-sized pieces, wash thoroughly, and spin dry. Place in a large salad bowl.
  2. Also wash chives, dill, and tarragon, dry, and finely chop. Add to the salad in the bowl.
  3. Fill a small bowl with frozen peas and pour hot water over them to cover and then set aside.
  4. In the meantime, in a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, peeled and pressed garlic cloves, and Dijon mustard together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Drain the peas in a sieve and rinse with cold water. Let them drain and then add them to the salad bowl. Peel the red onion and slice it into very fine strips.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and top with the sliced red onions. Enjoy the salad immediately.

Notes

The calorie information may vary depending on the product used, country and region.

  • Cook Time: 20 min

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