California Dreaming: West Coast-Inspired Healthy Eats

Bringing a taste of the West Coast home with fresh, vibrant recipes that channel California sunshine!

It’s been five years now since we packed up our life in Los Angeles and moved home to Ireland after five years of living that West Coast dream. No question about it and particularly with the current political climate- it was the right decision, especially with the kids. Being back with family, closer to home, raising the boys here- there’s nothing that could beat it for this chapter of our lives. But if I’m being honest, when we’re in the depths of a damp, grey winter, I do still find myself pining a little for the breezy, shorts and t-shirt sun-soaked lifestyle we left behind.

One thing I do hang onto, though, is the food. My life in LA was spent chasing down the best food the sprawling city had to offer. Fresh, diverse, vibrant, full of colour and life - California knows how to do food. The cooking I did out there was based on simple ingredients put together for alfresco eating. And that’s exactly what these recipes are about: little flashes of West Coast ease.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls

First up, Vietnamese Summer Rolls are the kind of thing that instantly transports me back to warm days. Vietnamese Rice paper rolls stuffed with crunchy veg, juicy prawns, and a fistful of fresh herbs- mint, basil, coriander, whatever you can get your hands on. They’re light, bright, and totally addictive, especially with a sweet, salty, punchy dipping sauce- plus they are ideal for making ahead.

Lemon & Dill Salmon with Green Goddess Dressing

For something a little heartier and lovely to serve to a crowd alfresco, Lemon & Dill Salmon with Green Goddess Dressing is the kind of platter you could happily bank for the summer and serve on repeat. Perfectly baked salmon fillets coated in lemon zest and fresh dill, served with buttery potatoes and green beans. The star of the show is a creamy, herby green goddess dressing; avocado, basil, chives, a little anchovy for depth- just the thing to slather over everything in sight. It’s fresh, light and the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve made it onto the set of the real housewives of Beverly Hills.

Mango & Coconut Cake

And of course, you can’t have California without something a bit tropical & fruity to finish. My Mango & Coconut Cake is a little slice of sunshine: rich with coconut, packed with juicy mango, but still somehow light enough that you’ll convince yourself a second slice is practically medicinal.

So while we’re more than happy to call Ireland home, a little California dreaming, Mamma’s & Pappas style, now and then never hurt anyone. And if the sunshine won’t come to us, at least we can put it on a plate.

Photography Credit: Donal Skehan

Food Styling Credit: Charlotte O’Connell