Grandma Vera's fideo soup

Reader and 2014 recipe contest winner Karl Flores recommends serving Grandma Vera's fideo soup with rolled cheese tacos for dipping. The perfect side dishes are wedges of fresh watermelon, homemade spicy carrots and a cold beer.

Tamale pancake with barbecue chicken

Chef John Ledbetter's tamale pancake with barbecue chicken is almost like deconstructed tamale served with guacamole, cilantro cream and tortilla strips. The whole corn kernels in the pancake offer an excellent texture and the flavors in the dish marry beautifully together.

Mediterranean "Hum-adillas"

California Bountiful's favorite dietitian tells us she invented this family favorite when she had only a few minutes to throw together a satisfying meal: "Everyone was a bit surprised by how delicious it was!"

Chilled avocado cucumber soup

Creamy, zesty and cool, this soup is so simple to make, you don't even need to measure the ingredients. The flavors work well together even when the ingredients vary a bit in amounts.

Stacked avocado herb salad

A variety of flavors, colors and textures is layered into each individual salad. Truffle oil and smoked salt add depth.

Cauliflower horseradish gratin

Carmel chef Brandon Miller shares a popular recipe that uses cauliflower stems and florets.

Hagenburger family's famous made-to-order party pasta

Some advanced preparation will yield a delicious go-to dinner or quick party fare any night of the week. Guests choose their own vegetables for customized (and healthy!) fun.

Mediterranean spread with cannellini beans

This versatile spread inspires creativity. Or, as dietitian Timaree Hagenburger put it, "Imagine all the ways you can serve it!"

Sourdough pancakes with fried Brussels sprouts

San Francisco chef Lucas Knox says these sourdough pancakes pair well with sweet items as well as savory ones, like Brussels sprouts.

Fish tacos with avocado and mango slaw

Take this Mexican mainstay to the next level, thanks to Chef Ben Mattman! He adds fresh produce and a chipotle crema to the classic fish taco recipe to create a light, yet zesty meal.