“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

 

 

"Hot days, messy fries, good vibes"

 

 

 

 

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@spicyfusionkitchen Sloppy Joe Loaded Fries 🤤 One of those recipes that comes together so quickly, it's perfect to use up leftover mince in or if you want a light meal during summer. Traditionally, Sloppy Joe is served in a burger bun and yes it gets messy. The base of the Sloppy Joe recipe can be used the classic way. Also, I like my food a bit spicy, so I did adapt the flavours to my taste buds. @McCain UK @McCain South Africa @Robertsons Herbs & Spices @All Gold South Africa @Steers SA @Rhodes Quality @Lancewood.co.za #sloppyjoe #loadedfries #food #easyrecipe #foodtiktok ♬ Summer Vibes - GRLN

 

 

"Me 🫱🏼‍🫲🏽 Hot Honey - locked in for life."

 

 

 

Lately, I’ve developed a full-blown obsession with Hot Honey, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. It all started after I made my Nashville Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks (click here for the recipe), and since then I’ve been dreaming up new ways to use that sweet-heat combo. These Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Burgers were the natural next step, delivering crispy chicken, sticky glaze and serious flavour in every bite.

 

One element that really brings balance to these burgers is the dressing. Any light, creamy dressing works well, but I genuinely think Homemade Ranch Dressing is the perfect match here. I’ve shared this recipe before (click here for the recipe), and it adds that cool, herby contrast that ties all the flavours together beautifully without overpowering the burger. 

 

Now, let’s talk Slaw, because texture matters. You can use a ready-made slaw mix if you’re short on time, but I kept it simple by using what I had in the fridge, by finely shredding lettuce, cabbage and carrots. Tossed with a quick slaw dressing (healthy recipe coming soon), it added the perfect crisp bite to the burgers.

 

I’ll be honest, I was really unwell when I made these, and I genuinely think I may have had a new strain of Covid at the time. Even so, I still needed to shoot this half prepped recipe, which was a challenge. Cooking, plating and shooting through it was one thing, but editing the content afterwards was quite an interesting, seeing how unwell me did what she had to do.

 

Now, because I was feeling so rough the day I actually made this, I was knocked out right after cleaning up, I didn't even taste it. My mum ended up freezing the remaining unfried chicken and sauce, while storing the homemade ranch dressing and slaw in airtight containers in the fridge. Some days later, we got to enjoy these burgers and they were delicious. It really highlighted how well this recipe can be prepped in advance.

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@spicyfusionkitchen Nashville Hot Honey Chicken Burgers 🤤🌶️🍯 My obsession with all things "Hot Honey" continues and I'm not mad about it. This recipe is super easy, and can be prepped in advance. Also, it's delicious and is perfect for Ramadan, when you want a light yet filling meal. Served with Homemade Ranch Dressing (recipe shared previously) and coleslaw. Full Recipe - www.spicyfusionkitchen.com 🔗 #nashvillehotchicken #hothoney #burger #easyrecipe #foodtiktok ♬ Love and Life (Vocals Only) - Salma Mesallam

 

  "This frittata was truly egg-cellent"