A fresh take for the great outdoors. Picnic season is here, and blankets and baskets are emerging from hibernation. The big question is, what’s going in those baskets this summer? Chicken salad is a time-honored favorite, but if the usual path approach to making it is starting to feel more… Read More

Hi guys! Monique here, founder of the food and wellness blog, Ambitious Kitchen. As a full-time food blogger I find that being busy is a blessing. Whenever I’m the busiest I know I’m doing a mix of all of the things I love — developing delicious… Read More

These flatbread pizzas are great for a unique weeknight supper—the vinegary-sweet chutney zips up the chunky tomato sauce and melds beautifully with the salty cheese. If you have trouble finding queso fresco substitute some crumbled feta cheese. Ambitious Kitchen created this recipe from an ingredient list submitted by Angela S.,… Read More

If you don’t have a rotisserie or leftover chicken, poach boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Shred and use to fill these fresh spring rolls, which are perfect to add to a holiday appetizer buffet or to serve with a Chinese stir-fry. Read More

Using red quinoa adds a dramatic element to this luscious fried “rice.” Feel free to substitute regular quinoa. Read More

Give any kind of greens a test run in these delicious quesadillas. Spinach is the quickest to wilt and the easiest to find, but baby kale leaves or chopped escarole would add a little zip. Either cook the filled tortillas in a grill pan or pop them into a Panini… Read More

This simple, creamy chowder can be garnished in a lot of ways—try chopped fresh chives, toasted pumpkin seeds, or toasted cornbread croutons. Read More

Either julienne raw beets for this beautiful quick salad, or look for cooked beets in the produce section or even jarred pickled beets—a surprising sweet-tart counterpoint to the sweet berries and pungent blue cheese. Read More

Give a flavored balsamic vinegar a try—pomegranate or cranberry would be delicious with the richness of the pastry and chicken. Pricking the pastry dough well with a fork keeps it from puffing up too much, so you can top each flaky piece with the chicken and shallot mixture. Read More

Head over to your favorite local wood-fired pizzeria to purchase baked crusts. They often will sell untopped baked dough as focaccia, brushed with olive oil and seasoned with coarse salt and maybe crumbled dried rosemary. These bubbly, charred crusts are perfect for simply dressed pizzas, like this classic Margherita—sweet Italian… Read More

Ribollita, a traditional stew-like Tuscan soup, often uses day-old bread to add body and thicken the broth. This version uses coarsely mashed white beans, which add more fiber and a creamy texture. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of thinly sliced fresh basil or pungent Romano… Read More

Boost ooey, gooey grilled cheese into a dinner-ready main dish by adding saucy cooked chicken to the filling. Using two heavy skillets creates a homemade sandwich press, ensuring crisply golden sandwiches with fully melted cheese. A combination of cheeses is especially delicious—experiment with easy melters like Swiss, Colby, Havarti, Muenster,… Read More

Premium quality chicken marinated with all natural chicken broth and sea salt. This ensures a juicy flavorful chicken with less sodium and no phosphates. Available in select stores. Ingredients: water, sea salt, and chicken broth. Read More

A satisfying pasta salad is only minutes from the table with rotisserie chicken on hand. Change up the type of pasta you use (try orecchiete—little ears, farfalle—butterflies , or fusilli—twists), depending on your pantry. Read More

Check for any variety of artisan flatbreads in either the deli or bakery of the grocery store—they’re perfect for making interesting sandwiches that are portable for lunches or ready in seconds for a simple supper with a cup of soup. Look for savory bean spreads in the deli case, too. Read More