I love pinto beans, but I always feel the flavor can easily turn too bland. I added a little this and a little that and came out with this amazing but easy slow-cooker pinto beans recipe. -Erica Vanderpool,...
Grilling is a delightful way of preparing the season's freshest produce. The zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to the appealing assortment of vegetables.
I like to use recipes that call for fresh produce I've grown in my garden. Here's a simple way to make baked asparagus to bring out the flavor while maintaining that bright green color. -Robert Foust,...
These Asian-style green beans are a tasty addition to any meal. The flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce work so well together! -Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
I came up with this recipe when unexpected company arrived and I didn't have enough lettuce and tomatoes on hand to make a traditional salad. Everyone enjoyed it so much that it became a regular at our...
Roasting is one of my favorite ways to prepare veggies. Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these air-fryer red potatoes a distinctive but subtle taste. The dish is simple to prepare, yet elegant...
This easy green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes. You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it's ready to bake. -Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
I love both mashed potatoes and garlic, so this seemed like the perfect recipe for me. People say these potatoes rival varieties some restaurants are now serving.-Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
I started roasting veggies and serving them often with dinner. Now my children say, "Is it OK to finish the veggies?" Pinch me. -Joan Duckworth, Lee's Summit, Missouri
Instead of the ever-popular garlic mashed potatoes, this unusual recipe calls for prepared horseradish. The zippy side dish would be fantastic with roast beef. -Cynthia Gobeli, Norton, Ohio
In her Auburn, Kansas kitchen, Myra Innes cooks these rich, creamy mashed potatoes frequently. Garlic cloves are boiled and then mashed right along with the potatoes to give them extraordinary flavor.
At least 10 of us women made this old-fashioned dressing to feed over 1,500 people at our church's fall festival. Everyone thought it was wonderful. It's the best dressing I've ever made. -Patty Kierce,...
Baked cowboy beans are a perennial favorite at barbecues and potlucks. My meaty recipe uses a variety of beans and has a perfect smoky taste. -Joe Sherwood, Tryon, Nebraska
I had never made or eaten this dish before meeting my husband here in Kentucky. Now I make it at least once a week. I serve it with some homemade sweet cornbread. Delicious! -Christine Duffy, Sturgis,...
Grab all of your garden-fresh produce for this quinoa with roasted vegetables. The tangy dressing and fresh herbs really make the flavors shine in this wholesome quinoa side dish. -Sonali Ruder, New York,...
These tasty potatoes are a family favorite. They're easy to make and travel well to potlucks. We enjoy them as part of a hearty breakfast or alongside meat for supper. -Delores Billings, Koksilah, British...
With sweet, tangy and spiced flavors, these pickled beets are so good that they'll win over just about everyone in your house. Jars of colorful beets make great gifts, too! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron,...
This simple one-pan dish is a complete meal and takes little time to prepare . Whenever I served this to my family I felt they were getting a hearty meal. It became a favorite. -Helen Wentz North Fort...
This is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. -Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri
My husband is of Greek decent, so I'm always interested in Greek recipes. This dish goes together easily and cooks quickly, plus it costs less than packages rice mixes.
A sweet out-of-the-ordinary dressing makes this macaroni salad special. My aunt gave me the recipe and it has become one of my favorites. I occasionally leave out the green pepper if I know that people...
Want your kids to eat more carrots? This tender side dish has a pleasant citrus flavor and a pretty orange glaze. It's a "must" at our family gatherings. -Marilyn Hash, Enumclaw, Washington
People ask me how to freeze corn on the cob because my frozen corn tastes as good as fresh! This way it stays crisp-tender and now I can have "fresh" corn any time of the year. -Judy Oudekerk, St. Michael,...
This tart and crispy salad complements a variety of entrees, from casseroles and meats to pasta and pizza. "It's one of my favorite dishes," notes Valerie Belley from St. Louis, Missouri.
Creamy chunks of potato and crunchy bits of veggies, this traditional potato salad will gain rave reviews from your gang. It's perfect for your last family gathering of the summer. Dixie Terry, Goreville,...
Perk up your plate with this humble tomato pie. We like to use fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and herbs, but store-bought produce will work in a pinch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
One taste of this crowd-pleasing casserole brings compliments and requests for my recipe. It's been in my file for as long as I can remember. The blend of tender vegetables and rice is perfect for holiday...
This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone saying, "More, please!" -Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
When we were kids, my sister and I would prepare the freshly picked lettuce for this wilted lettuce salad recipe, rinsing it several times and carefully drying it. As we did so, we quibbled about the portions...
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini are among our favorites. That is why this zucchini stir-fry is so popular at our house. -Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South...
Feed a crowd with this authentic Arroz con Gandules recipe, which was handed down to me from my mom. It's a staple with the "familia" at all our gatherings. -Evelyn Robles, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Even those who don't care for cabbage will enjoy it make this way. This tangy, creamy, comforting side dish goes exceptionally well with pork roast. -Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Marie Hoyer of Lewistown, Montana whisks together tarragon, chives, parsley and Dijon mustard in her delightful vinaigrette. The fast-to-fix dressing will add a fresh tang to any bowl of mixed greens.
I was under doctor's orders to reduce the amount sodium I was eating, but I just couldn't part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments I came up with this potluck favorite-now everyone's...
This quick and easy side dish can be made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It's great served with chicken, pork chops or fish. -Angela McArthur, Snover, Michigan
This baked tomatoes recipe has been in our family for many years. My mother brought it with her when she came to the United States from Italy. When tomatoes are plentiful, this is a great way to serve...
Fried mashed potatoes are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The key to making this recipe is to use chilled, firm mashed potatoes. Serve these fried mashed potato balls with sour cream or...
Dried apricots add sweetness and color to this dish. Seasoned with sage and thyme, the down-home dish is sure to have guests asking for seconds at your house, too.-Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House,...