Editors’ Picks: Our Favourite Western Living Recipes of 2024

An editor’s gotta eat, right? We’re lucky to have an endless source of inspiration in our very own food section of the mag. Here are some of the most memorable meals featured in Western Living this past year.

Our Editors’ Favourite Western Living Recipes of 2024

Radish, Navy Bean and Pickled Strawberry Salad

I would not describe myself as a “salad gal.” Yesterday I brought two different carbs for lunch. But this radish, navy bean and pickled strawberry salad from recipe developer Lawren Moneta has me reconsidering my allegiances. She initially pulled this together for us for a Mother’s Day Brunch story, but this hearty dish could work just as well as a side for a summer barbeque, or even a great work lunch, should I dare to leave my famous Pasta-Rice Surprise at home. Creamy, starchy navy beans give it a little oomph—no wilty lettuce leaves to worry about here—and the pickled strawberries bring the perfect sweet-tart punch. Double dressing (a radish-top pesto and a lemon vinaigrette) add layers of flavour, and the raw pumpkin seeds and crisp radishes infuse every forkful with some crunch. I’m seeing salad days galore in my future. —Stacey McLachlan, senior editor

Citrus Possets

A few of us popped into the photo shoot for our summer garden party, and the great reward for providing hands to hold dishes and toast glasses is, of course, eating the food that our food stylist Lawren Moneta prepares for the shoot. It was all fantastic—while I’m famously not a great lover of spuds, I couldn’t stop eating the crispy crushed potatoes she’d made to accompany the dilly salmon—but Julie Van Rosendaal’s recipe for citrus possets was the real showstopper. It’s a ridiculously simple recipe—just three ingredients—but packed with flavour, and on a sunny summer afternoon, and I can’t think of anything more satisfying than this little dish of lemon-lime sunshine. —Anicka Quin, VP content

Lemony Portuguese Tarts

If you know me, you know I’m a pastry die-hard (and yes, I firmly believe pastries qualify as a full meal). But when they’re quick and easy to make? I’m all in. Enter these citrusy tarts: perfect for Mother’s Day brunch (mid-mimosa refill, of course) or any day of the year. The secret? Ready-rolled puff pastry. In under 25 minutes, you’re living your best pastry life—and honestly, that might just be the key to eternal happiness. Or maybe that’s just me?—Kerri Donaldson, assistant editor

Caramelized Onion Shortbread

Though I adore baking pastries, I don’t have too much of a sweet tooth—so when I laid eyes on recipe developer Lawren Moneta’s gorgeous caramelized onion shortbread cookies, I knew they were for me. Topped with an array of seeds for crunch, and just enough thyme to make them taste of turkey-dinner nostalgia, these cookies are just as fabulous on their own as they are paired with your favourite cheese (mine is Humboldt Fog) or dipped into soup. Plus, if you bring them to a cookie party you’ll get crowds of people excited to “cut” the sweet with something savoury. Tasty treats and belle of the ball? Yes please.—Dani Wright, managing editor