“Warning: may cause sudden fork attacks and zero self-control.”

I absolutely love side dishes and I think I’ll always be in my “side era”. No matter what the main is, I’m always the one piling my plate with all the sides first. I’m constantly on the lookout for new ones to try, tweak, and share, and this Creamy Avocado Salad instantly earned its place on that list. 

 

I first tasted this creamy avo salad at a Braai (BBQ), and it was one of those moments where you keep going back for “just one more spoonful”. Aunty Tahera was kind enough to share the recipe with me because I couldn’t stop raving about it. There’s just something special about those family-style dishes that are shared with love and laughter. This recipe already had heart; I simply had to bring it into my own kitchen.

 

Of course, I couldn’t resist tweaking it slightly to add my own spin. I adjusted the dressing to keep it extra creamy while still zesty, and played around with the texture of the avocado to get that perfect bite. 

 

This creamy avocado salad makes an ideal side for braais and BBQs, complementing everything from grilled meats and chicken to seafood or vegetarian dishes. Best of all, it comes together quickly, perfect for when you need a last-minute side that still wows. I’ve enjoyed it alongside roast chicken, but having it with my mango chicken burgers (recipe coming soon) was by far my favourite pairing.

 

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@spicyfusionkitchen Creamy Avocado Salad 🤤🥑 I'm just a girl who loves her sides ❤️ I tasted this at a Braai, and aunty Tahera was kind enough to share the recipe with me, so i could recreate it and share it with you all ❤️😁 @Lancewood.co.za @Robertsons Herbs & Spices @Woolworths SA #avocado #salad #sidedish #easyrecipe #foodtiktok ♬ Rock Star - Hannah Montana

 

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@spicyfusionkitchen "Not your average slaw. She's sweet and spicy" - Chipotle Sweet Potato Coleslaw 🍠🤤 I'm in my side dish era and this summer heat is calling all the crisp sides that just fits any main meal. The Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce gives the slaw dressing a nice smokiness. Full Recipe - www.spicyfusionkitchen.com #chipotle #salad #sidedish #food #foodtiktok ♬ LOCO MEXICANO - Areggy & ODK Beats

 

 

"Yes, the name is long. 

No, the salad won’t last long."

 

"My purple onions are living their best Sumac life" 

 

 

If there’s one thing I love in the kitchen, it’s a recipe that makes me feel like I’ve done a lot when really, I’ve done almost nothing. Enter Sumac Onions, the ultimate “fake it till you make it” side dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a bowl of flavour-packed, Middle Eastern-inspired onions that taste incredible. 

 

 

Let’s talk flavour, because these onions aren’t just onions, they’re onions with attitude. Thanks to the sumac, adding a tangy flavour to the onions. The fresh parsley adds a bright lift, while a squeeze of lemon juice gives a citrusy zing that cuts through richer dishes. 

 

The sumac adds a Middle Eastern flair, a nod to its roots in Turkish, Lebanese, Syrian, and Persian cuisine, where it has long been used to brighten grilled meats, rice, and salads. Tossing these simple ingredients together gives you a fusion kachumar, a play on a South-Asian side salad, that’s tangy, fresh, and surprisingly lifting.

 

The first time I made it, I paired it with comforting dhaal, then tried it alongside biryani, and wow, what a combo! The freshness of parsley and the zing of sumac onions balanced the rich, spiced dishes perfectly. I also served them with my mum’s chicken and vegetable skewers, tucked into naan with a dollop of yoghurt chutney. Recently you may have seen it added to the Viral Döner Kebab Wraps I made (recipe here). Quick, easy, and ridiculously versatile, these Sumac Onions elevate almost any meal the ultimate easy topping for pitas and wraps.

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@spicyfusionkitchen Sumac onions 🤤💜🧅 Perfect in wraps, pitas, rice or protein bowls. I made these with the Viral Döner (check previous post) and falafel wraps. Also doubles up as a fusion kachoomar (South-Asian side salad) when paired with dhal and biryani. Full Recipe On www.spicyfusionkitchen.com 🔗 #salad #turkish #food #easyrecipe #foodtiktok ♬ SAMRA / سمرة - Saint Levant & Babylone

"All about eating your retinol..."

 

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@spicyfusionkitchen Viral Eat Your Retinol Salad ✨ - Miso Carrot Salad 🥕🤤 Miso is optional, I've made this salad with and without. I've also started adding cucumber and purple cabbage to it, which I highly recommend 🤤🥒💜 #sidedish #salad #carrotsalad #food #foodtiktok ♬ Ya Lalali (Acapella) - Kawtar