Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Nicole Triebe
July 4th DIY Burger Bar for Entertaining
Create an unforgettable summer gathering with a gourmet burger bar, where guests customize their perfect burger experience. If there’s one thing that instantly says Fourth of July, it’s gathering outside with great food, cold drinks, and the smell of burgers sizzling on the grill. But instead of serving a traditional cookout spread, why not turn your holiday meal into an interactive Build Your Own 4th of July Gourmet Burger Bar?
Watermelon Arugula Salad with Pistachios and Feta
This Watermelon Arugula Salad is the ultimate refreshing summer side dish, made with juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, sweet blueberries, salty feta, crunchy pistachios, and comes together in just 15 minutes! There’s something about summer salads that instantly feels like sunshine on a plate.
Chewy Birthday Cake Cookie Recipe with White Chocolate Chips
Whip up easy birthday cake cookies for a delightful treat that tastes just like cake batter, perfect for any celebration. There’s something about birthday cake flavor that instantly brings me back to my time in culinary school—those long days in the pastry kitchen where we tested vanilla variations, played with textures, and learned that the smallest tweaks (like adding cornstarch or balancing sugars) make all the difference.
Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with Pesto Chicken
A bright and flavorful Italian pasta salad loaded with pesto-coated pasta, juicy bruschetta tomatoes, savory pepperoni, tangy feta, and peppery arugula. Tossed with tender pesto chicken, this easy dish is perfect for summer entertaining, meal prep, or a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. There’s something about a really good pasta salad that just feels like summer in a bowl.
Easy Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta (Creamy & Weeknight friendly)
A creamy, vibrant pesto goat cheese pasta that comes together in just 25 minutes. Twirly cavatappi is tossed with prepared pesto, tangy goat cheese, and a splash of pasta water for a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce—then finished with peppery arugula and toasted pine nuts for the perfect balance of fresh, rich, and satisfying. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or an effortless dish to impress guests.
10-Minute Pea Shoot Pesto
Whip up a quick and tasty pea pesto in only 10 minutes. Ideal for adding a fresh touch to your meals this spring. There’s something about spring in Chicago that makes me want to put everything green into a blender. After a long winter, those first tender greens feel like a reset—and pea shoots are one of my absolute favorites to work with. They’re delicate, slightly sweet, and have that unmistakable fresh pea flavor that instantly elevates a dish.
The Best Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
These gluten free banana chocolate chip muffins are soft, moist, and loaded with rich chocolate in every bite. Made with ripe bananas and simple pantry ingredients, they bake up fluffy and bakery-style—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep. There’s something about banana muffins that instantly feels like home—warm, comforting, and just a little nostalgic.
Homemade Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe for Spring Rolls
Elevate your spring rolls with a delicious peanut sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors will make this your go-to recipe. There is something about a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that instantly elevates a plate of fresh spring rolls. It’s rich, tangy, a little sweet, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. Honestly, this delicious peanut sauce is one of those recipes I learned to perfect during my time in culinary school—where balancing flavors wasn’t just encouraged, it was expected.
Easy M&M Easter Bunny Cookies with Chocolate Chips
Learn to create adorable Easter bunny cookies packed with chocolate and M&Ms, perfect for Easter baskets or brunch. There’s something about baking for spring that just feels lighter, brighter, and honestly… more fun. And if there’s one thing I learned during my time in culinary school, it’s that cookies don’t have to be complicated to be absolutely unforgettable—they just need the right balance of fat, sugar, and technique. These M&M Easter Bunny Cookies with chocolate chips are exactly that.
Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P.F. Changs Copycat)
Make quick and delicious Chinese chicken lettuce wraps at home. Enjoy fresh veggies and bold flavors for dinner or lunch.
Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins
Enjoy bakery-style blueberry sour cream muffins at home. Discover the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. There’s something about a bakery-style muffin that just hits differently—the tall domed tops, the sparkly sugar crust, and that impossibly soft, tender crumb. These Blueberry Sour Cream Muffins are exactly that. They feel like something you’d grab from your favorite neighborhood bakery… except you’re pulling them warm out of your own oven (arguably better). And honestly?
This bright and flavorful caper tuna salad is a fresh twist on a classic. Packed with crunchy vegetables, briny capers, and a creamy lemony dressing, it’s perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or easy entertaining spreads. There’s something so comforting—and honestly, nostalgic—about a really delicious tuna salad. But this caper tuna salad? It’s a total upgrade. It’s fresh, vibrant, a little briny, and layered with texture in a way that feels both elevated and incredibly easy.
How to Build an Epic Mezze Board (Greek Charcuterie)
Elevate your gatherings with a vibrant mezze board, perfect for relaxed entertaining and sharing delicious flavors. There’s something about a mezze board that instantly makes a gathering feel elevated yet completely relaxed at the same time. This gorgeous platter is abundant, colorful, and meant for grazing—which, in my opinion, is always the best kind of entertaining.
Easy Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes You Can Pull Off
Make Mother’s Day special with a brunch that highlights thoughtful presentation and delicious dishes without the stress. Mother’s Day brunch has always held a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s because, during my time in culinary school, we were taught that brunch is where technique meets hospitality. It’s not just about perfectly scrambled eggs or laminated pastry — it’s about pacing, presentation, and creating a relaxed experience.
Learn to create flavorful Greek feta meatballs that combine turkey, feta, and fresh herbs for an exquisite dish. Some recipes immediately remind me of my time in culinary school—the kind where a handful of simple ingredients turn into something incredibly vibrant and flavorful. These Greek feta turkey meatballs with lemon are one of those dishes. They’re bright, juicy, and packed with Mediterranean flavor thanks to fresh herbs, warm spices, salty feta, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Milanese Sauce: The Secret to Perfect Saltimbocca
Try this incredible recipe for Saltimbocca Milanese, featuring a flavorful Milanese sauce that brings comfort to any meal. There’s something so comforting about the golden crunch of a perfectly fried cutlet — that delicate balance between crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
Pesto Butter: Elevate Your Everyday Dishes
This pesto butter is one of my favorite ways to elevate everyday dishes. It’s rich, fragrant with basil, slightly sweet from honey, and finished with just enough flaky sea salt to make all the flavors pop. Spread it onto warm bread, melt it over roasted vegetables, or toss it with pasta. Trust me—this butter disappears quickly. Even better? It takes just minutes to make but tastes like something you’d find at a restaurant.
Butter Board Creations for Saint Patrick’s Day
Learn how to make a colorful butter board for Saint Patrick’s Day featuring pesto, pistachios, and fresh herbs for a delicious spread. If there’s one thing I love when entertaining, it’s serving something that looks impressive but is secretly effortless to make. First it was the charcuterie board, and now the next “charcuterie board”! Butter boards have now become one of my favorite entertaining trends.
Pasta with Peas and Ham for a Cozy Dinner
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta — especially when it’s studded with sweet green peas and savory cubes of ham. This pasta with peas and ham is the kind of dinner I turn to when I want something cozy yet elevated. It feels nostalgic and weeknight-friendly, yet the lemon zest and freshly cracked pepper give it that restaurant-worthy finish. In culinary school, we were taught that simple dishes demand precision.
Make this delicious springtime asparagus arugula salad with creamy goat cheese and a refreshing lemon vinaigrette. Quick and easy, perfect for any occasion. There is something about early spring produce that instantly brightens my mood — and shaved asparagus salad is always one of the first dishes I make when those thick, vibrant green spears hit the market. Not only is it fresh and elegant, but it’s also incredibly simple.
Elevate your appetizer game with feta red pepper dip, a vibrant blend of roasted peppers and feta cheese ready in 40 minutes. There is something magical that happens when roasted red peppers meet warm, melty feta. The edges caramelize, the garlic turns sweet and buttery, and suddenly your kitchen smells like you’ve been cooking all day — even though this dip comes together in just 40 minutes.
Greek Salmon Bowls for a Healthy Mediterranean Meal
Create colorful, nutritious Greek Salmon Bowls that are quick and satisfying for any occasion. If you’ve been around Windy City Dinner Fairy for a while, you know I have a soft spot for Mediterranean flavors. There’s just something about lemon, olive oil, oregano, and briny olives that feels both vibrant and comforting at the same time. And while I’ve made countless Greek-inspired chicken bowls over the years, this Greek Salmon Bowl might be my new favorite.
Ham and Gruyere Quiche: Easy and Elegant Dish
Make your kitchen smell incredible with this easy ham and Gruyère quiche, great for brunch and reheating throughout the week. There’s something so effortlessly elegant about pulling a golden, puffed quiche out of the oven. It feels fancy — and yet, it’s one of the easiest dishes to make. This Ham and Gruyère Quiche is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor thanks to salty ham, nutty Gruyère, and fresh spinach. Even better? We use cottage cheese for an extra boost of protein and creaminess.
Healthy and Delicious Greek Chicken Bowls (Easy Meal Prep!)
Hearty and delicious Greek Chicken Bowls are loaded with juicy chicken, roasted chickpeas and fresh veggies! Perfect for a healthy dinner! There is something about a big, colorful bowl layered with Mediterranean flavors that just feels like sunshine on a plate. And honestly? Greek chicken bowls are one of those recipes I make on repeat — especially when I want something healthy, vibrant, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The magic here is in the marinade.
Sweet Potato Pancakes Gluten Free Recipe
Try these sweet potato pancakes gluten-free for a delightful breakfast. Fluffy, warm, and perfect with maple syrup. If there’s one thing I love as much as a savory dinner spread, it’s a warm, golden stack of pancakes on a slow weekend morning. And these vegan sweet potato pancakes? They’re soft, fluffy, warmly spiced, and just sweet enough to feel special without being over the top.
Elotes corn dip is the perfect party appetizer. Bold, creamy, and spicy, it pairs beautifully with tortilla chips and more. If there’s one flavor combination that instantly transports me to summer patio nights and festive gatherings, it’s elote — that irresistible Mexican street corn slathered in creamy sauce, chili-lime seasoning, tangy lime and salty cheese.
Sous Vide Steak Cooking Made Easy for Everyone
Unlock the secret to perfectly cooked steak with sous vide cooking. Enjoy tender steak infused with flavor and precision. If there’s one cooking method that completely changed my steak game, it’s sous vide. The first time I sliced into a sous-vide ribeye and saw that flawless, edge-to-edge rosy-pink center? I was hooked. No gray band. No guesswork. Just buttery, restaurant-level perfection. As a busy mom with a running toddler, my sous vide has been a lifesaver so many times.
Kale and Cannellini Bean Salad: Fresh and Hearty
Transform your lunches with a kale and cannellini bean salad, a make-ahead dish that is colorful, nutritious, and satisfying. There’s something about a big, vibrant bowl of kale and cannellini bean salad that feels both nourishing and elegant at the same time. This is one of those recipes I make on repeat — especially when I want something hearty enough for lunch, yet beautiful enough to set out for friends. And if you know me, you know I love a colorful spread with lots of texture and contrast.
Korean Beef Rice Bowl Recipe for Busy Nights
Make dinner easy with this Korean beef rice bowl recipe; quick, flavorful, and ready in under thirty minutes. If there’s one dinner I can always count on when the week gets busy, it’s these Easy Korean Ground Beef Rice Bowls. They’re bold, savory, slightly sweet, and packed with colorful veggies — and most importantly, they come together and are on your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Coconut Water Mocktail: Quick and Easy Recipe
Experience a tropical escape with a coconut water mocktail that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. If there’s one thing I always keep stocked in my fridge—especially during Chicago’s humid summer days—it’s coconut water. It’s light, hydrating, and instantly makes any drink feel like a mini vacation. And when you pair it with pineapple and creamy coconut milk? Well, suddenly you’re not just hydrating… you’re on a beach somewhere.
Blt Chopped Salad Made Easy at Home
Transform your classic BLT into a Blt chopped salad for a light and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion. There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic BLT—the smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce are a combination that never goes out of style. However, when you transform those flavors into a chopped BLT salad with a creamy blue cheese cottage cheese dressing, it suddenly feels fresh, elevated, and perfect for everything from weekday lunches to elegant entertaining.
Garlic Parmesan Croutons That Transform Your Salads
Elevate your dishes with homemade Garlic Parmesan croutons. Simple ingredients create a flavorful and crunchy addition to any meal. These homemade Parmesan croutons are golden, crispy, and packed with rich olive oil, savory garlic, and nutty Parmesan flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make and instantly elevate any salad, soup, or pasta dish.
Asparagus and Goat Cheese Quiche: A Spring Favorite
Bring spring to your table with asparagus and goat cheese quiche, a rich yet balanced dish that everyone will love. There’s something about a beautiful homemade quiche that instantly makes any morning feel special. For me, asparagus goat cheese quiche always feels like the official welcome to spring—even when Chicago is still deciding whether it’s winter or not. The first time I made this, I had picked up a bundle of asparagus at the store because it looked too fresh to pass up.
Crepes Nutella Banana: Perfect for Weekend Brunch
Treat yourself to crepes Nutella banana, a simple yet indulgent dish that combines rich Nutella and warm caramelized bananas. There’s just something about homemade crepes that instantly feels special. Maybe it’s the thin, lacy edges. Maybe it’s the dramatic pan swirl moment. Or maybe it’s because once Nutella and caramelized bananas are involved, everyone suddenly gathers in the kitchen.
Chocolate Zucchini Muffins for a Healthy Treat
Bake up a batch of Chocolate Zucchini Muffins that are deeply chocolatey, moist, and a fun way to enjoy vegetables. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at an overachieving zucchini on the counter and a bag of carrots in the crisper, wondering how they accidentally became dessert… same.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Try this easy asparagus orzo salad packed with flavors. Ideal for warm-weather dining or casual meals with friends. If there’s one salad I reach for the moment spring produce starts popping up at the market, it’s this Asparagus Orzo Salad. It’s bright, fresh, and just hearty enough to feel like a meal—yet light enough that you’ll happily go back for seconds.
Transform your weeknight dinners with lemon ricotta pasta. Enjoy a 30-minute meal with fresh flavors and comforting ingredients. There are nights when I want dinner to feel special without feeling like a project. You know the ones—when the kitchen light is cozy, the windows are cracked just enough for fresh air, and all I’m craving is something creamy, lemony, and comforting. That’s exactly where this Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach comes in.
Try Rigatoni with sausage and tomatoes for a delicious weekday dinner. Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights! There are certain dinners that just work. They’re comforting but not heavy, simple but still impressive, and flexible enough that you can make them on a random Tuesday or serve them to friends with a bottle of red and zero stress. This rigatoni with sausage and tomatoes is exactly that kind of recipe.
Asparagus Goat Cheese Crostini with Prosciutto
Elegant yet easy prosciutto crostini with asparagus, goat cheese, and fig jam—perfect for spring entertaining, brunch, or effortless appetizer spreads. If there’s one appetizer I reach for again and again when I want something that looks fancy but is secretly easy, it’s crostini. And this prosciutto crostini with asparagus and goat cheese? It’s the kind of bite that disappears fast—usually before I’ve even finished refilling the wine glasses.
Green Goddess Dressing Dip: Versatile and Delicious
This Green Goddess dressing dip is easy to prepare and full of fresh herbs, making it perfect for any gathering. If there’s one sauce I always come back to—especially once spring herbs start taking over my fridge—it’s a classic Green Goddess dressing. This version leans extra creamy, incredibly fresh, and just herbaceous enough to feel special without being fussy. Even better?
Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
Enjoy the delicious taste of buffalo turkey meatballs without the guilt. A perfect baked alternative to fried wings! If there’s one flavor profile that never fails—especially when you’re entertaining—it’s buffalo. That spicy, tangy, buttery goodness always disappears fast, no matter the occasion. And while buffalo wings are iconic, these Buffalo Turkey Meatballs are my go-to when I want something just as craveable, but easier to serve and a little less messy.
Orange Curd Recipe for Brightening Desserts
Elevate your desserts with an irresistible orange curd recipe. A simple way to enjoy bright citrus flavors at home. If there’s one recipe that instantly makes a kitchen feel brighter—both literally and figuratively—it’s homemade orange curd. Every time I make this, I’m reminded how something so simple can feel incredibly luxurious. The color alone is pure sunshine, and that first spoonful? Smooth, buttery, and bursting with fresh orange flavor.
These soft and chewy red velvet chocolate chip cookies have all the flavors of red velvet cake in cookie form! Their beautiful red color makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day! Every time I make these cookies, they remind me why I love baking so much. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a tray of vibrant red velvet cookies out of the oven and watching people’s reactions when they realize they’re not just chocolate cookies—they’re something special.
Football Brownies: A Game Day Must-Have Treat
Make game day sweet with football brownies! Easy to prepare and fun to decorate, these treats are a must for any party. When it comes to game day desserts, I’m a firm believer in keeping things fun, festive, and stress-free—especially when there are already a dozen savory dishes fighting for oven space. That’s exactly why these football brownies have become one of my go-to Super Bowl treats year after year.
Easy and Delicious
Make dinner simple with one-pan coconut lime chicken. This comforting dish is packed with unique flavors and easy to cook. There are nights when I want something that feels bright, cozy, and restaurant-worthy, but I also want to be done cooking—and cleaning—fast. This one-pan coconut lime chicken checks every box. The creamy sauce isn’t heavy and it’s packed with flavor from fresh lime, ginger, garlic, and a splash of umami-rich sauces.
Impress your family with pesto shrimp fettuccine. This quick and flavorful dish is ready in under 30 minutes! If there’s one kind of dinner I’ll never get tired of, it’s a simple pasta that tastes like it came from a cozy little Italian restaurant. This Easy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Tomatoes checks all the boxes: fast, fresh, and packed with flavor—yet still totally weeknight-friendly. It’s the kind of recipe I reach for when I want something comforting but not heavy, impressive but not fussy.
Remoulade Sauce Made Easy in Just Minutes
This creamy homemade Remoulade Sauce is tangy, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor. Made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, horseradish, and warm spices, it’s the perfect dipping sauce or spread for seafood, sandwiches, fries, and more. If there’s one sauce I always come back to when I want something bold, creamy, and a little bit nostalgic, it’s homemade remoulade sauce.
Healthy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful
Elevate your meals with this healthy tzatziki sauce recipe, combining freshness and creaminess for the perfect dip or dressing. This healthy tzatziki sauce is one of those recipes I make without even thinking about it anymore. It’s creamy, bright, and refreshing—and with the addition of both lemon juice and lemon zest, it has that extra layer of freshness that makes every bite pop. It’s the kind of sauce that somehow makes even a basic dinner feel finished and intentional.
Easter Dirt Cups: A Delightful No-Bake Dessert
Make Easter special with delicious dirt cups. This cute dessert features chocolate pudding, Oreo soil, and robin’s egg nests. If there is one dessert that instantly takes me back to childhood and still feels worthy of an Easter table today, it’s dirt cups. However, this version? She’s all grown up.
Best Super Bowl Appetizers for a Crowd (Recipes Everyone Loves)
Looking for the best Super Bowl appetizers for a crowd? These crowd-pleasing game day recipes are perfect for feeding hungry fans. Super Bowl Sunday is basically a national holiday in our house—and when you’re feeding a crowd, the food needs to be just as exciting as the game. From cheesy, scoopable dips to finger foods that disappear before halftime, the best Super Bowl appetizers are easy to share, big on flavor, and totally stress-free for the host.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Nicole
Contact Nicole, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack