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A Southern Soul: Easy Recipes & Stressfree Entertaining Ideas

I’m Donya, the life behind A Southern Soul. I share recipes that are easy to make and full of flavor using simple ingredients. You'll find meal plans for family dinners along with inspiration for entertaining.

Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake
Featured Post

Nobody Will Believe You Made This Cake

Hello Reader! This cake looks like it came from a bakery. It did not. You made it. In one pan. Golden biscuit mounds, juicy macerated strawberries, a rich cream cheese topping. My new Strawberry Shortcake Sheet Cake is the Mother's Day dessert your table needs. This Dessert Will Make You Famous Try This Recipe Pin for Later More Strawberry Recipes You'll Love... Fresh Strawberry Quick Bread No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Cups 5-Ingredient Strawberry Margaritas Quick Strawberry Jam...

Hey Reader! I am not thinking about macros when I pull a golden, crispy chicken out of a cast-iron skillet. I am thinking about dinner, and who's is sitting around my table. Southern cooking has always been protein-rich. It is just built that way. Chicken thighs, slow-cooked pork, and a good beef roast. Real food that fuels you without making dinner feel like a chore. I put together 20 of my most-made recipes for exactly this season. They are easy, they are full of flavor, and every single...

Hey Reader! When I think of comfort food, this Crock Pot Beef Roast is one of the first recipes I think of. It’s the kind of meal I turn to on busy days or Sunday supper when I still want something hearty and homemade on the table. The slow cooker does all the work, and by suppertime, I’ve got tender roast beef with rich gravy that my family always looks forward to. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like home. Easy Crock Pot Beef Roast Try This Recipe Pin for Later Make it a full meal...

Hey Reader! Y'all have been cooking up a storm, and the reviews are in—here are your favorite recipes in April. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen thinking you no idea what to make for dinner, go ahead and give these recipes a try. April's Favorite Recipes Balsamic Chicken Thighs The marinade comes together fast, the grill does all the heavy lifting, and the honey balsamic glaze is something special! Try This Recipe Pin for Later Caprese Pasta Salad Combine all the classic...

Hey Reader! This year Cinco de Mayo falls on a Taco Tuesday! If there was ever anything to celebrate, I feel that this totally qualifies. This collection of Mexican-inspired recipes has just what you need to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! From salsa to fajitas, sides, and desserts, each recipe is easy and perfect for a small family dinner or a party with friends. Delicious Cinco de Mayo Recipes Crock Pot Taco Meat Throw everything in a slow cooker, let it simmer low and slow, and end up with beef...

Hey Reader! There’s no more joyful way to spend an afternoon than baking. With fresh seasonal bread, pound cakes, Southern classics, and a viral internet-favorite, these easy dessert recipes include something for everyone. Our Best Quick Dessert Recipes Million Dollar Pound Cake This classic recipe not only looks impressive but also tastes amazing and, believe it or not, is very simple to make with just seven ingredients. Try This Recipe Pin for Later Fresh Strawberry Bread Fresh, sweet...

Balsamic Chicken Thighs

Hi Reader! It's been hot here — the kind of Southern summer hot where you want dinner fast and the cleanup even faster. This balsamic chicken is what I turn to. A simple 8-ingredient marinade, then the grill does the rest. You get golden, charred edges and tender, juicy chicken with a warm balsamic glaze drizzled right on top. Mix the marinade the night before, and dinner is practically done! Grilled Balsamic Chicken Thighs That Come Out Juicy Every Time Try This Recipe Pin for Later Round...

Hey Reader! Spring is in the air, and the change of seasons calls for a little mealtime refresh. This collection of spring dinner ideas is full of easy-to-make meals with fresh ingredients, color, and flavor—perfect for this time of year! Spring Dinner Ideas Baked Ranch Chicken A one-pan dinner of savory onions and crispy, juicy, chicken thighs that are full of flavor and easy to prep! Try This Recipe Pin for Later BBQ Chicken Salad Ideal for busy weeknights or a light lunch, this...

Hey Reader! Y'all, the grill is calling, and I already know what's on the menu. Grilled Barbecued Hot Dogs are my go-to this weekend — cross-hatch scored so every inch catches that smoky, tangy homemade BBQ sauce. Load them up with creamy coleslaw or a scoop of pimento cheese, and you are set. Fire Up The Grill Get The Recipe I've Got The Sides... Hot Dog Sauce Chili Sweet Heat Pickles Mom's Macaroni Salad Crock Pot Baked Beans The Perfect Lazy Weekend Dish Mediterranean Pasta Salad Easy...

Hey Reader! From potlucks and picnics to weeknight dinners and make-ahead lunches, pasta salads are a staple in my kitchen all year long. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re craving something creamy and classic or bold with a little Southern flair, this collection has a recipe for every table and every gathering. Everyone Loves Pasta Salad! Caprese Pasta Salad Perfect as a simple family side dish or when feeding a crowd, this...