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Lighten Up: Fresh Spring Meals That Won’t Weigh You Down

Prepare your fresh spring menu with light, flavorful dishes like shrimp pearl couscous salad and chickpea couscous—perfect for easy, satisfying meals without the heaviness.

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Lighten Up: Fresh Spring Meals That Won’t Weigh You Down

(Feature Impact) Put away the heavy coats and break out the rain jackets and rubber boots – spring is here, and with it comes more than just pop-up showers and sunshine. After months of comfort foods and curling up indoors, you may be ready for lighter meals that won’t weigh you down before splashing in the puddles.

Fresh produce may first come to mind, but spring bites can also mean swapping out ingredients like regular pasta for a solution such as pearl couscous. If you’re looking to complement greens, veggies, fish or meats with light yet filling flavor, consider Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, a small, mediterranean-style pasta that always cooks right and is ready to eat in under 7 minutes once the water boils. The BPA-free boil-in-bag simplicity makes cooking easy and foolproof: no measure, no mess, no stress.

Made with high-quality semolina wheat, it features a slightly nutty flavor on its own while absorbing the flavors of salads while retaining its density and chewy texture. It’s distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger, rounder shape and less dense, firmer consistency.

Try it with your next meal in this protein-forward Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad, made using fresh herbs, citrus, seasoned shrimp and chickpeas for a jam-packed salad that screams spring. Never boring, the tender, seasoned couscous and shrimp, veggies and aromatic herbs can bring your family running to the kitchen after a day of play.

Or, for an even simpler dish that requires just 15 minutes in the kitchen, this Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad is light, bright and bursting with flavor. It brings together tender pearl couscous, crisp veggies and za’atar in every bite.

To find more light spring recipe ideas, visit SuccessRice.com.

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Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          bag Success Pearl Couscous
  • 1          pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1          tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 4          tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1          can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4       teaspoon salt
  • 1/2       English cucumber, diced
  • 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4       cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4       cup red onions, finely chopped
  • 2          tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2       cup feta, crumbled
  1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions. 
  2. In medium bowl, toss shrimp with seasoned salt.  
  3. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding pan.
  4. In another large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas and cook 8 minutes until crispy and golden, tossing often. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt. Toss to fully coat and cook 2 minutes.
  5. In large bowl, combine pearl couscous, shrimp, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, red onion, dill, lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine. Garnish with feta.
Prepare your fresh spring menu with light, flavorful dishes like shrimp pearl couscous salad and chickpea couscous—perfect for easy, satisfying meals without the heaviness.

Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1          bag Success Pearl Couscous
  • 1          can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1          cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2       cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4       cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1          tablespoon za’atar
  • 2          tablespoons olive oil
  • 1          tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon pepper
  1. Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.
  2. In large bowl, combine couscous, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and za’atar.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined.
  4. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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SOURCE:

Success Rice

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Recipe of the Week

Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes: Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

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Dive Into Healthy Eats with Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes

(Feature Impact) The warm weather season offers a perfect opportunity for a meal reset. Inspired by the vibrant flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean, the aptly named Mediterranean Diet zeroes in on nourishing foods long touted as some of the healthiest by dietitians and health organizations.

Inclusive of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and other legumes, as well as low-fat or fat-free dairy products, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts, poultry and fish – such as Genova Wild Caught Yellowfin Tuna – Mediterranean-focused dishes fit beautifully into a colorful, healthy diet. The Mediterranean Diet has also been associated with many benefits, as it includes key nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that support brain, eye and heart health. Because this way of eating also prioritizes fiber and lean protein, it also can support a healthy weight, which can fuel overall health and well-being for years to come.

Packed with protein and omega-3s, Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil is wild-caught and inspired by the flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean. Free from additives and preservatives, this convenient protein makes an easy and delicious addition to meals inspired by the region’s fresh, vibrant ingredients.

A simple, elegant Flatbread Nicoise lets tuna take center stage, melding together fresh, foolproof ingredients like baby potatoes, green beans, baby arugula, kalamata olives and red onion on top of a warm, doughy crust. Or take the taste of the Mediterranean further at lunch time with this Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad. It combines the big, bright flavors and textures of arugula, cucumber, feta, fresh dill, lemon and tuna to give your tastebuds a happy zing and keep you satisfied until dinner.

For more information, including recipes, serving suggestions and a product locator, visit GenovaSeafood.com.

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Flatbread Nicoise

Total time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 4          ounces baby potatoes, well-scrubbed
  • 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1          pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2          ounces green beans or haricot verts, trimmed
  • 1          can (5 ounces) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
  • 1 1/2    teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2       cup baby arugula
  • 1/2       cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4       cup pitted kalamata or nicoise olives, halved
  • 1/4       small red onion, thinly sliced
  1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Using mandolin, thinly slice potatoes.
  2. Drizzle 9-by-13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spread pizza dough to edges. Shingle potatoes over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
  3. Bake pizza until cooked through and crust is golden, about 25 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Bring small saucepan of salted water to boil. Add green beans and cook until bright green and crisp tender, about 3 minutes. Strain, rinse with cool water and drain well. Transfer to work surface and cut each bean into thirds on bias.
  5. Strain oil from tuna can into small bowl and whisk vinegar into oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Sprinkle slightly cooled pizza with arugula, tuna, tomatoes, olives, green beans and red onion. Drizzle with vinegar dressing then slice and serve warm.
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Mediterranean Tuna, Feta and Dill Salad

Total time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 3          cups arugula
  • 1          cup cherry tomatoes, each cut in half
  • 1/2       English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1/2       cup feta cheese chunks
  • 1/4       cup sliced red onion
  • 2          tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill, plus additional for topping (optional)
  • 2          cans (5 ounces each) Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil

Dressing:

  • 2          tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1          tablespoon fresh chopped dill
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon ground black pepper
  1. In large bowl or on platter, lay arugula. Place cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, red onion and dill over arugula. Top with tuna; reserve oil from cans.
  2. To make dressing: In small bowl, combine lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Whisk in reserved olive oil from tuna cans until mixture is well blended.
  3. Before serving, drizzle dressing over salad and top with additional chopped dill, if desired.
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SOURCE:

Genova Tuna

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Food and Beverage

Easy, Creamy Spring Goodness

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Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by Rod Washington

spring

(Family Features) For a soup that smells as divine as it tastes, warm up your home with the fresh scents and flavors of Creamy Asparagus Soup. Pair with chicken salad croissants for a simple weeknight meal without the hassle then visit Culinary.net to discover more spring soup solutions.

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Creamy Asparagus Soup

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 4-6

  • 2 asparagus bundles
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 3 cups broth of choice, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons celery salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • chicken salad croissants, for serving
  1. Chop asparagus into bite-size pieces. In large pot, place asparagus, butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1 cup broth. Cook over medium heat until asparagus gets tender.
  2. Transfer to blender with 1 cup broth and blend until smooth. Transfer back to pot and, over medium heat, mix in cream cheese, remaining broth and Parmesan cheese. Add celery salt and Italian seasoning. Cook while stirring, blending seasonings in well, then add heavy cream.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with chicken salad croissants.

 

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SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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Recipe of the Week

Creative Cupcakes to Complete Your Easter Feast

The Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes bring joy to post-Easter gatherings with a moist cake, creamy frosting, and delightful chocolate candies. The recipe, requiring a 30-minute prep and 15-minute cook time, offers a treat for chocolate lovers. For more dessert ideas, visit Culinary.net.

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Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Creative Cupcakes to Complete Your Easter Feast

(Feature Impact) Once the Easter baskets are put away and the main course is cleared from the kitchen, you can liven up the dessert table or send guests off with a thoughtful treat thanks to these Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes. Moist cake, creamy frosting and chocolate-coated candies combine for a seasonal sweet that’s sure to impress.

To find more dessert ideas that satisfy chocolate lovers – and all your loved ones – visit Culinary.net.

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Chocolate Easter Egg Cupcakes

Recipe adapted from A Classic Twist

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Cupcakes:

  • 1          cup all-purpose flour
  • 1          cup sugar
  • 1/3       cup cocoa powder
  • 1          teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2       teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1          egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2       cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2       cup hot water
  • 1/4       cup vegetable oil
  • 1          teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

  • 3          sticks unsalted butter, softened and cubed
  • 3          cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3       tablespoons milk
  • 1          teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1          pinch salt
  • 2-3       drops brown food coloring
  •             egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies
  1. To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In bowl of electric mixer, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  3. In medium bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, water, vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
  4. Mix dry ingredients on low speed 1 minute. Add wet ingredients. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape sides and bottom of bowl. Mix 1 minute on medium speed.
  5. Divide evenly among cupcake liners.
  6. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean.
  7. Cool cupcakes on wire rack.
  8. To make frosting: Using paddle attachment of electric mixer, whip butter 8 minutes on medium speed until pale and creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract and salt; mix on low speed 1 minute. Increase speed to medium and mix 6 minutes until frosting is light, creamy and fluffy. Add food coloring and whip 1 minute.
  9. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and top with egg-shaped chocolate-coated candies.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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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