Peanut sadeko, a Nepalese appetizer that satisfies like an entree and tastes like a snack, combines the resounding crunch peanuts and dry roasted edamame with bold, pungent, and savory spices. Whenever the craving strikes, it hits all the right notes for instant gratification.

Taco jalapeño poppers are a party waiting to happen. This easy plant-based recipe has bold flavor and fun in every bite!

Easy, cheesy, sweet, and savory, this homemade vegan brie with raspberry balsamic chutney topping has it all going on. Guaranteed to wow at holiday gatherings, it's practically a party all by itself, no matter what time of year you serve it!

Saturated with rich, umami flavor, it’s like a roasted tomato puree, voluptuous “cheese” sauce, and the creamiest hummus possible all wrapped up in one spreadable, dip-able package. Just a touch of red pepper flake lends a faint, piquant bite, exactly the way a good slice ought to. The only thing missing is perhaps a paper-thin, crunchy crust, but just stock up on your favorite crackers, and it’s a done deal.

Lighter and fresher than the typical dip, crisp cucumbers added textural contrast so often missing from hummus. Zesty lemon and dill brightened the flavor profile considerably, imparting an unmistakably summery flavor, even if made in the heart of winter.

Buttery, subtly sweet, and robustly nutty, pecans add a whole new level of decadence to everyone's favorite Tex-Mex appetizer. Creamy and thick enough to generously coat chips, it's rich enough to satisfy any craving. Plus, it's ready in mere minutes, so you can always have queso on hand for gatherings big or small.

Combine macaroni and cheese with macaroni salad to create the best summer side dish EVER! You'll want save this recipe for years to come.

Imagine if baked ziti went on a vacation to Mexico and came back with a fresh new lease on life. Emboldened with spicy enchilada sauce, this unconventional addition allows you full license to scoop out the entire stratified marvel in one satisfying serving.

Bearing all of the vibrant flavors and key components of your standard fried falafel, my falafel-inspired salad is considerably lighter on the stomach, and easier on an over-scheduled day. No cooking required, just mix and enjoy. Best of all, this assembly is just as tasty warm as it is cold, so it’s perfect packed lunch fodder.

Slow roasted cherry tomatoes explode with rich, sweet, umami flavor across the landscape of chilled carnaroli rice. Artichokes blend beautifully with the subtly nutty, grassy olive oil coating every luscious bite. Infused with fresh herbs and zesty lemon peel, it's bright, vibrant, complex, luxurious, and yet still approachable and comforting all at once.

Warming, well-seasoned but not spicy, the golden curry dressing brightens a riot of textures, from the crunch of toasted cashews to the toothsome grains of rice, crisp carrot strings to the tender green peas and chewy dried fruit. It's a daring, seemingly discordant combination, a diverse set of distinctive characters, that somehow manage to work together in delicious harmony.

Smoky, caramelized, crunchy yet tender, this meatless version of burnt ends uses vegan hot dogs to recreate that same crave-worthy taste sensation. Darkly lacquered with spices and sugar, they only need a brief trip through the oven to reach barbequed perfection.

Crisp stalks of thinly sliced celery are richly coated with a sweet and spicy peanut dresssing for an irresistable combination of flavors and textures. Chewy raisins and crisp, toasted nuts complete the picture, elevating the humble green vegetable into a truly craveable taste sensation.

Wasabi and peaches may sound like odd bedfellows, but once you’ve tried them together, the suggestion doesn’t sound so crazy. Bright, assertive spice takes the lead, flaming out quickly to the round, soothing sweetness that only a truly superlative fresh peach can provide. A subtle floral quality can be found in the very best fruits, adding another dimension to this duo.

Like any strong master plan, the following suggestions are just that; a guide, not a formula recipe, meant to inspire your own bean salad adventures. Mix and match your favorites, incorporate new ideas, color outside the lines!

Meltingly tender pinto beans cooked simply with a pinch of spice, this essential staple goes well with any down home meal, Texan or not. Make it as a side or the main event; you won't be disappointed either way.

Contrary to my usual approach of going heavy on the vegetables, this wicked red brew is a real meat-lover’s delight, made with vegan sensibilities of course. It also happens to be the easiest, quickest chili I’ve ever slapped together, thanks to the convenience of ready-to-eat spicy Andouille-style “sausages.” Not even beans are invited to this party this time, creating a rich, ultra-meaty chili that I’d like to think would make a pure-bred Texan proud. Packing in the heat with every fiery bite, it’s impossible to feel one degree of winter chill with this fortifying stew on your side.

Cold sesame noodles were meant for hot days. This simple formula will never disappoint for a quick, hearty, and healthy meal.

Juicy summer fruit join cubes of tangy sourdough bread for a light, fresh, and fast seasonal treat. Adapt and customize your blend to feature what's ripe in your local markets.

Bursting with fresh berries and citrus, this easy cake packs a serious punch of flavor that's perfect for any summertime party.