Let’s Eat!

Recipes you’ll wish you doubled

Salad, Dinner, Lunch Elise Smith Salad, Dinner, Lunch Elise Smith

Beet + Citrus Salad with Fennel + Pomegranate

Happy citrus season to all who celebrate! This little stunner salad was inspired for my love of all the gorgeous oranges in season right now. This super easy showstopper is the perfect thing to make for a fancy night in and packed with citrusy, sweet zesty flavor! Trust me, you’re going to want to show this one off!

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Lunch, Salad, Dinner Elise Smith Lunch, Salad, Dinner Elise Smith

Winter Farro Salad

This is my most requested fall/winter catering recipes and a total crowd-pleaser! Inspired by one of my favorite salads of all time, the famous Charlie Bird farro salad, this is my winter-take with juicy pomegranate, fresh mint, toasted hazelnut, creamy feta and apple cider vinaigrette.

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Lunch, Dinner, Salad Elise Smith Lunch, Dinner, Salad Elise Smith

CPK Inspired BBQ Chicken Salad

If you also grew up going to California Pizza Kitchen, then you know how incredible this salad is! This is just one of those nostalgic cravings that hit me hard the other day and I knew I had to make it: chopped romaine, fresh corn and tomatoes, tangy bbq glazed chicken, cilantro ranch and crunchy tortilla chips. Is your mouth watering yet or just me? Even better, this one is dairy-free friendly, gluten-free and lightened up a bit!

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About Elise

What Would Ina Do?

Hi! I’m Elise, the personal chef and recipe developer behind Coppedge Kitchen.

Raised on the Barefoot Contessa, I fell in love with cooking for others, and in 2020, followed my signature mantra (What would Ina do?). I left my job in finance, went to culinary school, and began cooking for private clients in my hometown of Dallas, which taught me the real key ingredients— understanding what’s worth cooking on repeat, and how to simplify without sacrificing flavor or health.

My philosophy is simple: do your best to cook with what’s in season, don’t overcomplicate it, and lean into flavor. People crave the kind of recipes that feel effortless but impressive. Like that one dress in your closet that’s guaranteed to make you feel amazing and get compliments on. That, but for dinner!

That’s the heart of Coppedge Kitchen: approachable, show-stopping dinners that build confidence in the kitchen, and bring ease to even your busiest nights. Whether I’m cooking for you or you’re cooking with me, you’ll walk away with something worth sharing, and even passing down.