Napa Farmhouse 1885™: Five Fast & Fantastic Spring Side Dishes

Wow! My schedule has become super crazy. I am on the board of directors for four nonprofits, am the president of one and the treasurer of another, have my consulting business, my blogs and, since late January, have been creating and filling the position of volunteer coordinator for our local animal shelter. This means that most nights I don't have a moment to breathe much less prepare dinner. So I keep a list of fast and easy side dishes that pair perfectly with a protein. Grill a steak, broil some fish or, even easier, pair with a purchased rotisserie chicken. Dinner is served!

Broccoli Salad
1 head broccoli
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise (or veganaise)
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp agave syrup or honey
1 tsp aglio, olio, peperoncino or red pepper flakes
sea salt
freshly cracked black pepper
1 tbsp Italian parsley

Stem broccoli, break into florets and chop into bite sized pieces. Place in a steamer pot and steam for just a few minutes...until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. (ensure you keep it very crunchy). Add broccoli, raisins, and onion to a medium sized bowl. In a small bowl, add the mayo, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, agave syrup or honey, aglio (or red pepper flakes), a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper. Mix well. Pour 1/2 of dressing over broccoli mixture and stir to combine. Taste and add additional dressing as desired. Taste again and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve as is or, if you have time, Refrigerate for 4 hours. When ready to serve, garnish with parsley.

Purple Cabbage Slaw
3 cups red cabbage, shredded
1 red delicious apple, cored and diced
2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp honey
pinch sea salt
pinch black pepper
1/4 cup chopped pistachios, optional

Add cabbage and apple to large bowl. In a jar with tight-fitting lid (I use mason jars for my vinaigrettes) add vinegar, e.v.o.o., honey, salt, and pepper. Screw on the lid and shake vigorously until combined. Drizzle half of vinaigrette over cabbage mixture. Stir to combine. Add more vinaigrette to your liking.

This slaw keeps in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Three more fast and fresh recipes to try:

italian green beans with tomatoes & pesto
spicy green beans in asian chili sauce
white bean and garlic scape dip

It is "Quickest Side Dishes Ever" week at Food Network's Sensational Sides roundup. Do you have a favorite quick recipe to share? Please list (or link) in the comments below. And be sure to check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network.