Pimento Cheese Chicken Breast

Pimento cheese is a southern party staple, usually paired with crackers or spread between slices of white bread. Here, the dip takes new shape in the form of a satisfying square meal. This version—made with avocado mayo, cream cheese, cheddar, and diced red peppers—sits below garlicky steamed spinach and smoky grilled chicken. Creamed zucchini rounds out the dish.

These two sides are rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Cauliflower florets are steamed and puréed with butter, cream, garlic, and herbs until smooth, then sprinkled with scallions. The broccoli florets are topped with a white cheddar cheese sauce that’s amped up with smoked black pepper and chives.