Coast-to-Canyon Comfort: Cioppino, Tri-Tip & Other West Coast Favorites

Friendsgiving feels right at home out West, where food is generous and unfussy and comfort comes with a little sense of place. From California’s coastlines to New Mexico’s mesas, these dishes bring warmth to the table without feeling heavy or formal. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just bringing a dish to share these recipes capture West Coast ease — relaxed plates big flavor no fuss.

1) San Francisco Cioppino

Sam The Cooking Guy keeps this cioppino classic and unfussy with a tomato garlic broth that lets the seafood shine. He adds the fish at the end so it stays tender and ladles it up with plenty of sourdough for dunking. It feels celebratory without tipping into fancy. See the full recipe here.

2) Santa Maria Tri-Tip

The official Santa Maria Valley recipe goes straight for the region’s signature cut with a peppery rub and a slow grill over steady heat. The crust turns smoky and crisp while the middle stays juicy then you slice against the grain for tender bites. It’s a mains-for-a-crowd that tastes like the Central Coast. See the full recipe here.

3) Santa Maria Pinquito Beans

Debby at A Feast For The Eyes cooks true pinquito beans until creamy with a touch of smoke and spice. They’re the classic side for tri-tip yet hearty enough to hold their own on a potluck plate. They reheat beautifully which makes them game-day friendly. See the full recipe here.

4) Cedar-Plank Salmon

Riptidefish keeps cedar-plank salmon simple so the woodsy perfume and gentle smoke do the work. The fish stays moist and flaky and a squeeze of lemon finishes it clean. It reads rustic and elegant on the same platter. See the full recipe here.

5) New Mexico Red Chile Posole

Bowl Me Over builds a deep red chile base then simmers pork and hominy until everything is cozy and spoonable. Fresh toppings like cabbage lime and radish add crunch and brightness. It’s hearty but not heavy which makes it perfect for sharing. See the full recipe here.

6) Willamette Valley Salad

Your Homebased Mom leans into Pacific Northwest harvest with hazelnuts blue cheese and leafy greens in a tangy vinaigrette. The crunch and bite balance richer mains and the salad travels well. Add pear slices if you want a touch of fall sweetness. See the full recipe here.

7) Marionberry Pie

Bakes by Brown Sugar gives the PNW’s signature berry a jammy tart filling under a buttery crumble. Warm slices with vanilla ice cream taste like pure nostalgia. Expect instant requests for seconds. See the full recipe here.

8) Brown Butter Fig Tart

KCRW’s Good Food features a brown butter fig tart that feels straight out of an LA bakery case — elegant but totally doable. The brown butter brings toastiness while ripe figs keep it bright and not too heavy for the end of a big meal. It slices clean and travels well which makes it an easy bring-and-share dessert. See the full recipe here.

These dishes bring a little warmth and a lot of ease to the table — the kind of cooking made for gathering with people you love.

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