Food and Beverage
Fresh, Filling Springtime Salads
Last Updated on May 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) When the crisp air of spring tickles your face and sunrays splash you with warmth, you know salad season has arrived. With fresh flavors abounding this season, the options are nearly endless – just choose your favorite base, toppings and dressings and you’re set with a delicious first course or hearty meal all on its own. Not every salad requires leafy greens for the base, however. Consider this Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad, a Greek-inspired Jasmine rice dish loaded with fresh, tangy flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Made with Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice that cooks up soft and fluffy every time, this recipe offers a hint of floral, sweet flavor to keep you feeling full. In just 10 minutes, you can have sweetly aromatic Jasmine rice that’s perfect for your lifestyle needs – it’s naturally gluten free, non-GMO Project Verified and free of MSG and preservatives. Fruit salad may be nothing new, particularly when using fruits like oranges, cherries or grapes, but watermelon may be the fun new spin you need at your next cookout. The pairing of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, refreshing mint, earthy beets, nuts and fluffy rice offers a winning combination. Quick tip: Make sure the rice is fully cooled after cooking to avoid a warm, watery result. Fresh herbs, tomatoes, corn, basmati rice and a simple vinaigrette make Spring Corn and Rice Salad another delicious seasonal side that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Step out of your salad comfort zone with this refreshing solution that makes it easy to add veggies to your diet. When you’re drawing up weekly meal plans and tired of relying on traditional lettuce-based salads, consider rice salads as an alternative for enjoying chopped vegetables – plus, hearty rice can help keep you full longer. Better yet, you can make this rice salad your own by experimenting with the ingredients. Try adding shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, fresh mango, ground cumin, fresh grated ginger, grilled corn or any other springtime flavors. Remember, high quality doesn’t have to be high maintenance. Aromatic, premium long-grain Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is a no measure, no mess option that cooks up perfectly every time. Aside from being naturally gluten free, it’s also free of preservatives and MSG and is non-GMO Project Verified. It’s no stranger to versatility either – in 10 minutes, you can enjoy basmati rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture alongside other warm-weather favorites. Find more ways to enjoy spring salad season by visiting SuccessRice.com. 
Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4- 1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced, cooked golden beets
- 1 cup thinly sliced watermelon
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped, for garnish
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
- In medium bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Add rice to bowl with dressing and stir to combine. Let stand 5 minutes.
- Transfer rice to serving platter. Lay beet slices down one side of rice. Lay watermelon slices down opposite side. Top with feta, olives, red onion and mint. Garnish with walnuts.

Spring Corn and Rice Salad
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4- 1 bag Success Basmati Rice
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup minced fresh basil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
- In medium bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, basil, red onions, vinaigrette and green onions. Fold in rice, salt and pepper.
- Serve salad at room temperature or chilled.
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Food and Beverage
Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup
Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup
(Family Features) On those unpredictably chilly spring days, you may long for a warming meal. Try this Roasted Tomato Soup for an easy, savory option that pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich then find more delicious soup recipes at Culinary.net.Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6- 3 pounds tomatoes
- 1/2 onion (optional)
- 1 garlic bulb (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mesquite seasoning
- avocado oil
- 1 1/2 cups broth of choice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- grilled cheese sandwiches, for serving (optional)
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Slice tomatoes. Slice onions and garlic, if desired. Place in baking dish.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, sugar and mesquite seasoning over tomatoes. Drizzle avocado oil over top and mix well.
- Bake about 1 hour. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into pot and mix in broth and whipping cream. Bring to simmer and add salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches, if desired.
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recipes
Where Heritage Meets Health: Connecting Culture and Nutrition to Fight Diabetes
Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as chef Pati Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole.

(Feature Impact) Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.
With Hispanic adults 66% more likely to have diagnosed diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Avocados From Mexico is committed to providing culturally relevant, empowering resources. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and chef Pati Jinich, the No. 1-selling avocado brand in the U.S. is showcasing the vibrant intersection of nutritious food and rich family traditions with a special collection of recipes.
“I grew up in a Mexican household where food was our love language – but there was also stigma and very little guidance around diabetes,” Jinich said. “When my aunt, and later my mom, were diagnosed, it took time to understand what healthy eating could look like for them. That’s why this partnership means so much to me. Our culture and our food are not the problem – they’re part of the solution. Traditional ingredients like avocados can deliver both flavor and wellness, while giving families the resources mine didn’t have. That’s incredibly meaningful.”
Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole. Created to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Hispanic community, this recipe is powered by the good fats and zero-sugar goodness of Avocados From Mexico.
While honoring heritage and health, you don’t have to sacrifice the flavors your family loves. The heart of Hispanic culture – its food – can also be the key to a healthier future.
To take the 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and find more diabetes-friendly recipes, which each meet the nutritional guidelines of the ADA, visit avocadosfrommexico.com/health.
Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole
Recipe courtesy of Pati Jinich on behalf of Avocados From Mexico
Servings: 8
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/4 teaspoon dried
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- corn or safflower oil
Corn Guacamole:
- 1 jalapeno chile, roasted and chopped, or to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, skin on
- 2 large ripe Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and diced
- 3/4 cup corn kernels shaved from corn, or cooked from thawed
- 3/4 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or to taste
Tacos:
- 16 corn tortillas
- To make chicken: In bowl, mix lime juice with olive oil, salt, ground pepper and rosemary. Pour on top of chicken in container. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
- Heat medium-sized saute or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add corn or safflower oil; once hot but not smoking, add chicken. Saute until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pan; place on chopping board to cool. When cool enough to handle, slice into diagonal strips about 1/2-inch wide.
- To make corn guacamole: Place jalapeno and garlic cloves in small baking dish under broiler 6-9 minutes, or until completely cooked through, soft and skin is charred. Once cool enough to handle, peel garlic and mince along with chiles.
- Place diced avocado in mixing bowl. Add charred and minced garlic and jalapenos, gently tossing together. Incorporate corn and tomatoes. Squeeze lime juice on top and sprinkle with salt. Mix together.
- To assemble tacos: In hot skillet or comal set over medium-low heat, heat tortillas about 1 minute per side.
- Place tortillas in tortilla warmer or wrap in clean kitchen towel or cloth napkin. Serve with guacamole and chicken.
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At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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recipes
Snack Brighter: Fresh, Flavorful Noshes and Nibbles

(Feature Impact) When it comes to snacking, ease is often at the top of the wish list. Not far behind, however, are fresh flavors and real ingredients.
Snack Brighter: Fresh, Flavorful Noshes and Nibbles
That’s where NatureSweet shines by adding a little color to snack plates with its tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Fair Trade and B Corp-certified, the produce company is widely recognized for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, supporting agricultural workers and making a positive impact.
That commitment and the belief that “the more you put into something, the more you get out” shows up in flavorful recipes like these Caprese Skewers. Coated in a flavorful, fresh balsamic glaze, these light, colorful snacks make everything from after-school bites to weekend entertaining more fun.
Perfectly paired with fresh basil leaves and mozzarella, the star is Constellation tomatoes – a blended, balanced mix of classic cherry tomatoes, sweet yellow tomatoes, mini-heirloom tomatoes and orange cherry tomatoes. Easy to enjoy as a standalone sweet-and-healthy snack or as a palette-pleasing ingredient in a variety of recipes, it’s truly a tomato for every occasion.
Or if you prefer savory, hearty snacks, these Bruschetta Bagels are packed with flavor. Homemade bagels are topped with juicy Glorys cherry tomatoes – perfect for grilling, sauteing, roasting, baking or simply snacking – creamy goat cheese and a splash of balsamic to create a bite that feels indulgent but is packed with fresh ingredients.
Find more fresh recipe inspiration at NatureSweet.com.
Caprese Skewers
Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms
Prep time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 skewers
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/3 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 mozzarella balls, drained and patted dry
- 24 ounces NatureSweet Constellation tomatoes
- 24 small fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (optional)
- In small bowl, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper flakes, garlic powder and salt.
- Add mozzarella balls. Gently toss to coat. For best flavor, marinate in fridge overnight.
- To assemble skewers: Thread tomato, folded basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf and another tomato. Repeat to make 12 skewers.
- Place on serving platter. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers on serving platter.

Bruschetta Bagels
Prep time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Yield: 8 bagels
Bagels:
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water, divided
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- sesame seeds
Bruschetta:
- 2 cups NatureSweet Glorys cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup basil
Topping:
- 1 cup goat cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- To make bagels: In bowl, mix yeast, sugar and 1/2 cup lukewarm water; let rest 5 minutes.
- In separate large bowl, place flour and add yeast mixture, remaining lukewarm water and salt. Mix thoroughly with hands until homogenous mixture is obtained. Transfer to greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour.
- Once dough rises, place on flat surface and divide into eight equal parts. Form small dough balls and, using finger, make hole in center of each to form bagels. Place on baking sheet, cover with kitchen towel and let rise 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 390 F.
- In pot of hot water over medium heat, cook each bagel 5 seconds, making sure they do not stick to each other. Remove from water and drain thoroughly. Place on parchment paper-lined plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake 25 minutes.
- To make bruschetta: On cutting board, use knife to cut tomatoes in half. Transfer to bowl; add olive oil, garlic and basil then mix. Set aside.
- To make topping and serve: Cut bagels in half, place on cutting board and use knife to spread goat cheese on each bagel half. Add bruschetta and drops of balsamic vinegar then sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
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SOURCE:
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Discover more from Daily News
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