light lunch | Cooking Chez Moi

Sardine Tartines

This recipe was made for those who typically do not like sardines (including myself) because sardines have some major health benefits....

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Sep 15, 2021

Cherry Tomato Savory Tart

As I have previously highlighted, the French love to make savory ‘tarts’ in the summer to serve at barbecues and picnics. This is because...

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Aug 3, 2021

Potato Salad, Tzatziki-Style

My husband loves ‘American’ potato salad, but a lot of mayonnaise is needed to make a good potato salad really creamy. I adapted this...

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Jun 20, 2021

Fresh Corn and Black Bean Salad

While the French are not big fans of corn on the cob, this delicious recipe is the first thing I make when fresh corn is in season and...

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Jun 7, 2021

White and Green Bean Salad

This easy, bean salad is hearty enough to serve as a light meal or first course or as a tasty side to fish or meat. The salad is vegan,...

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Jun 7, 2021

Turmeric Couscous and Roasted Vegetables

This yummy, colorful, vegan couscous salad is perfect for sharing at a barbecue or picnic or for serving as a light lunch or dinner. The...

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May 1, 2021

Roasted Vegetable Clafoutis

You already might know the fruit-studded, dessert version of the French clafoutis (clah-foo-tee), but the savory form of the dish is also...

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Mar 25, 2021

Leeks with Vinaigrette and Eggs Mimosa

Many traditional French bistros offer poireaux vinaigrette (boiled or broiled leeks with a vinaigrette dressing) as a starter course....

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Feb 24, 2021

Seared Scallops over Melted Saffron Leeks

This lovely French scallop recipe actually comes from my friend Veronique at Cuisine Elegante. I first made it during one of her virtual...

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Jan 4, 2021

Six-Vegetable Potage (Thick Soup)

Variations of this typical French vegetable soup can be found on bistro menus (and our dining room table) throughout winter in France. At...

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Oct 15, 2020

Warm Spinach, Mushroom and Bacon Salad

This simple warm salad recipe with a French bistro-style vinaigrette makes for a lovely starter course or tasty lunch. Easy to assemble...

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Sep 23, 2020

Summer Vegetable and Goat Cheese Tian

You have probably heard of ratatouille, but have you met its near cousin, the tian? A tian, or tian Provençale, is actually the name of...

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Aug 28, 2020

Heirloom Tomato Tart with Herbs and Eggs

'Les tartes’ are found on tables across France in the summer (see my August in France post). Easy to make and celebrating summer produce,...

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Aug 18, 2020

Linguine, Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil and Brie

This yummy vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for a summer dinner or lunch or as a side dish to go with what you have grilled up. The...

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Aug 17, 2020

Crispy Burrata, Tomatoes and Basil Oil

A summer staple here in France is tomates mozza, a very simple, rustic tomato and mozzarella salad. I don’t know when or how this trend...

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Jul 22, 2020

Summery Shells and Shrimp Salad

Cold, make-ahead salads with lots of fresh vegetables are great for hot summer days and nights. This is a favorite of ours and our...

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Jul 8, 2020

Deep-Dish French Quiche

My dad asked me for a quiche recipe to make for my mom on Mother’s Day and with Mother’s Day in France this coming Sunday, I thought I...

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Jun 3, 2020

Californian Chicken Salad Sandwich

Under lockdown, I found myself making a lot of sandwiches for us. Mayonnaise is not good for our arteries so with an overripe avocado and...

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May 29, 2020

Chicken and Rice Spring Salad

Asparagus, peas, scallions, lemon… some all-stars when Spring comes around here in France! I love this fresh salad that highlights spring...

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May 22, 2020

Herb-y Couscous Salad with Shrimp (or without!)

This is a favorite of ours because it is light, refreshing, healthy, quick, versatile and a bunch of other positive adjectives I’ll leave...

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May 11, 2020