My favorite side dishes!

WELCOME to a post about my favorite side dishes! These are my classic go-to's that fit perfectly next to any main dinner feature, or maybe even as a mid day snack, or EVEN as a lunch (don't get too crazy).

First, we have a long time family classic, the Yorio family Pasta Salad! This recipe & specific measurements are on my Instagram! It is so easy, so delicious, and ALWAYS a fan favorite. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, basil, garlic (I do find that freshly chopped garlic really does make the difference here), salt & pepper, tomatoes & olives, and let it marinate from about 4 hours to overnight. Make your pasta when ready, rinse it with cold water to chill it, and VOILA! Instant yum, topping with parmesan is recommended (but optional). I've also added the mini mozzarella pearls/balls before and it makes it even more delicious!

NEXT UP: Classic, simple, roasted veggies. My go-to assortment is petite potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. My go-to seasonings are also salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika! I also add cajun seasoning if I'm feeling adventurous and sometimes garlic too. I used to mix up everything in a bowl, but to save myself dishes/because I can be lazy, I just throw it all on the pan, drizzle olive oil, and then sprinkle the seasonings alllll over, toss it around, and repeat to make sure everything is coated! I always roast vegetables at 400 degrees, and the time depends on the amount and type of veg you're dealing with. I start off with 20 minutes, toss/flip them around, another 20 minutes, and then I just add additional time in increments of 5-10 minutes if necessary, just keep an eye on them! It also all depends on preference, I personally like a crispier outside to mine. CAN'T GO WRONG HERE!

Next on the docket: HOMEMADE FRIES! also known as just roasted potatoes. Typically, if I have a vegetable in another form for dinner, I always opt to throw some potatoes in the oven just because...who doesn't love potatoes...?!?!!?!!? Any shape, size, form, toss them in some seasoning (I go for salt, pepper, garlic+onion powder, and paprika), roast them at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, toss/flip, and adjust more/less time as needed! Depends on the quantity and if you want them softer or crispier! I also love throwing them in the air fryer for 400 degrees for like 10 or so minutes, super easy and convenient!

Saving the best for last, my favorite.....drum roll......BROWN SUGAR CARROTS! I don't know how this might sound from an outside POV, some may be on board, some may be scared, but seriously...these are my favorite side dish ever and very quick and easy to make!! Simply get a saucepan, throw in your desired amount of carrots, 1/4 cup of water, 2 tbsp salted butter, 3-4tbsp brown sugar (these amounts can also vary, obviously for a sweeter carrot you should add more sugar!) and I add salt + pepper. I never time these, because you'll know when they're done when you can poke a fork through. I actually started making these when I was recovering from getting my wisdom teeth removed and couldn't eat hard food, since then I've been obsesseddd!

Thank you to my loyal readers for staying tuned for this segment. TALK SOON