17 Recipes for When Flavor Calls

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This isn’t a themed collection—it’s a “because it sounded good” collection. We’ve got Smothered Chicken Thighs, Spicy Sesame Zoodles, Charleston Shrimp and Grits, and a Zinfandel-glazed Pork Loin that deserves applause. From Healthy Fried Chicken to Vegan Guacamole (balance, people), these recipes cover all moods, all cravings, and every kind of kitchen day—whether you’re in your apron or just winging it in slippers.

Spicy Sesame Zoodles

A bowl of spicy sesame zoodles with sesame seeds sits in front of green onions and a bowl of more sesame seeds.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Craving a flavorful and healthy meal? These Spicy Sesame Zoodles are the perfect solution! Zucchini noodles are tossed in a creamy sesame sauce with a kick of sriracha for a quick and satisfying dish.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Sesame Zoodles

Cheese Bread Recipe with Spinach Pesto

A freshly baked loaf of bread, topped with herbs, sliced to reveal a soft, fluffy interior flecked with green.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cheese Bread – Imagine the irresistible aroma of garlic, oregano, and melty Parmesan filling your kitchen as you pull a golden, braided loaf from the oven. With the soft, airy texture of focaccia and a zesty spinach and feta pesto inside, this bread is pure cheesy perfection!

To learn more: Cheese Bread Recipe with Spinach Pesto

Vegan Guacamole

A hand holds a tortilla chip dipping it into a bowl of guacamole. There are tortilla chips behind it.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Looking for the perfect vegan guacamole recipe? This one is quick, easy, and full of flavor! Made with minimal ingredients in just one bowl, it’s the ideal appetizer or side dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Guacamole

Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Sliced roast beef arranged on a white oval platter. The meat is slightly pink in the center and covered with a mustard-herb crust. Garnished with fresh parsley sprigs. Placed on a light marble surface.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Sweet and savory Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin transforms a simple cut of meat into something extraordinary. Rubbed with a Dijon-herb-sugar blend, it roasts to perfection, creating a caramelized crust that’s anything but ordinary—dinner just got exciting!
Get the Recipe: Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Zinfandel Reduction

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

The image shows a plate of shepherd's pie and a side salad on a white dish, set on a rustic wooden table.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie is a hearty classic that’s hard to resist. Seasoned ground beef simmers in a rich beef broth and red wine gravy, then gets crowned with creamy mashed russet and sweet potatoes. A quick broil with cheddar cheese seals the deal for a golden, comforting finish!

Get the Recipe: Cottage Pie

Kung Pao Tofu

Looking down on a plate of tofu and vegetables. There is a bowl of sauce and chopsticks beside it.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Craving takeout but want a healthier, vegan option? This Kung Pao Tofu recipe delivers all the sweet, sour, and salty flavors you love, with a hint of heat, using lightly fried tofu and a vibrant homemade sauce. Serve it with rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Garlic Confit Pasta

Looking down on a plate of pasta with tomatoes, garlic, and basil on top. There is a bowl of steamed broccoli beside it.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This Garlic Confit Pasta recipe is a quick and easy vegan dish that’s bursting with garlicky flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, including cherry tomatoes and nutritional yeast, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time! It’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Confit Pasta

Healthy Fried Chicken

Three pieces of Easy Oven Fried Chicken speckled with parsley
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving fried chicken but want a healthier option? This recipe for Easy Oven Fried Chicken delivers a crispy, flavorful coating without the extra fat from deep frying. It’s perfect for a family-friendly dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Fried Chicken

Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner

Looking down on ild rice and sweet potato skillet dinner in a skillet with a bowl of beans and sweet potatoes next to it.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner is the perfect solution for busy weeknights! This one-bowl vegan meal is ready in under 30 minutes and requires only 10 ingredients. It’s bound to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner

Smoky Hummus

Looking down on a bowl of creamy chickpea dip with black sesame seeds and olive oil over the top. It's surrounded by malt-grain crackers.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This Smoky Hummus recipe is a flavorful and quick-to-make dip that will be a crowd-pleaser. It features a delightful smoky flavor with a touch of spice from chipotle tabasco. Enjoy it with crackers or as a spread for sandwiches!
Get the Recipe: Smoky Hummus

Vegan Teriyaki Bowl

A bowl of brown rice topped with a vegan teriyaki mixture. It's surrounded by bowls of brown rice, more teriyaki mix, and steamed broccoli and mini bell peppers.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

This Vegan Teriyaki Bowl is a quick and easy plant-based dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes or less. With less than 10 ingredients, this bowl is packed with flavor and nutrients, featuring teriyaki chick’n, edamame, and colorful veggies over brown rice. It’s a simple and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Teriyaki Bowl

Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

A plate of creamy mashed potatoes topped with succulent shrimp and a rich, savory gravy. The dish is garnished with chunks of crab meat and small pieces of red bell pepper, adding color and texture to the meal. The gravy glistens, blending the flavors together.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Charleston Shrimp and Grits recipe is as true to the original Gullah method as it gets! The creamy stone-ground grits are topped with a luscious crab gravy and succulent shrimp, making for a truly spectacular dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Charleston Shrimp and Grits with Crab Gravy

Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread – Southern Luncheonette Recipes

featured image 1 for Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This isn’t your average egg salad sandwich! This recipe elevates the classic with a refreshing cucumber dill spread, perfect for a classy luncheon or light summer meal. Quick, easy, and full of Southern charm, it’s a delightful twist on a beloved favorite.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber Dill Spread – Southern Luncheonette Recipes

Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Chocpsticks on a plate with a chicken and broccoli stir-fry
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and flavorful stir-fry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry

Lemon Fish Piccata

Chicken piccata topped with lemon slices, capers, and chopped parsley in a creamy sauce.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Lemon Fish Piccata recipe is a scrumptious and quick supper that’s ready in just 30 minutes! It features tender fish fillets in a bright, lemony sauce with capers and parsley, making it a delightful and easy dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Fish Piccata

Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

A stack of vegan pumpkin brownies sit in front of more brownies in the background.
Photo credit: Namely Marly

Indulge in these rich and fudgy vegan pumpkin brownies, a delightful twist on a classic dessert. These brownies combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the rich flavor of chocolate for a truly satisfying treat. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

Smothered Chicken Thighs and Gravy

Smothered Chicken on a plate with rice
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Smothered Chicken Thighs are fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for an easy, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Chicken Thighs and Gravy

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

The Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta piled high with mushrooms, spinach and chicken.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta recipe is a rich and delicious one-pot dish that’s simple to make and ready in just 30 minutes! Made with chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and spinach, this pasta is sure to be a family favorite. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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