Roasted Spicy Sweet Potatoes with Red Onion and Feta Cheese
A savory and healthy swap for your Thanksgiving sweet potato side
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Dish
- 2 large orange-fleshed sweet potatoes cubed and unpeeled
- 2 small red onions diced
- 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
Spicy Seasoning
- 2 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground fennel
- 1 tbsp Greek oregano
- 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper use less or more to your liking
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
Directions
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Preheat oven to 450F.
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Cut sweet potatoes into cubes about 1 inch square.
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Peel red onions and cut into pieces slightly over 1 inch square.
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Put sweet potatoes and onions into a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil (or slightly more if you need it to get all the veggies coated with olive oil).
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Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick spray or line with tinfoil. Spread the vegetables out on the baking sheet (use two baking sheets if they’re even slightly crowded.)
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Roast about 15 minutes, then flip them over with a turner, roast 15 minutes more, then flip them over again.
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Roast 10-20 minutes more, or until the sweet potatoes and onions are both nicely browned and sweet potatoes are soft. (They don’t get very crisp, but there should be some browning on the edges.)Total roasting time will be 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, your pan, and the oven.
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Season with salt and fresh-ground black pepper as desired, sprinkle with crumbled Feta, and serve hot!
Lemony Cabbage With Walnuts and Parmesan
A decadent side dish!
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage--red or. white
- 5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 large lemon
- crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions
-
Heat oven to 375 degrees.
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Discard the core of the cabbage and any outer damaged leaves. Cut the rest of the cabbage into wedges.
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Toss the cabbage wedges with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Place cabbage on a large baking sheet covered with tinfoil.
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Roast for about 15-20 minutes, until browned and soft. Use a spatula or thongs to flip each piece over and roast for 15 more minutes, until the other sides of the cabbage wedges are brown and soft.
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Meanwhile, while cabbage roasts, place nuts on a piece of tinfoil and roast them next to the cabbage for 4 to 5 minutes. Coarsely chop them.
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Place nuts into a bowl and add the zest of the lemon and all of the garlic. Add remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to walnuts, the juice from the lemon, a few pinches of salt and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Let rest while cabbage finishes cooking.
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The moment the cabbage comes out of the oven, spoon the walnut dressing over the wedges and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Roasted Zucchini Slices With Parmesan Cheese
A delicious side dish
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini squash
- 1/4 -1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat oven to Convection Roast 325 degrees or Bake 350 degrees.
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Slice the zucchini squash. Place slices on a cookie sheet lined with tinfoil.
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Drizzle oil all over the tops of the zucchini and brush it around to cover each slice. Season with salt and pepper.
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Evenly distribute the parmesan cheese all over the tops of the zucchini slices.
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Cook zucchini for about 30 minutes. Then sprinkle a little more parmesan on the slices and return to oven.
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Roast or bake in oven for about 10-15 minutes more until zucchini is soft and slightly brown. Enjoy!
Summery Bruschetta Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat dry orzo can use any small whole wheat pasta
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes chopped and drained; can use almost any kind of tomato!
- 2 tbsp. red onion diced small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large ball burrata cheese sliced into small pieces
Directions
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Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water. When ready, drain and set aside.
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Prepare tomatoes by chopping them and draining out the extra liquid in a strainer. Place prepared tomatoes in serving bowl.
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Add all other ingredients to tomatoes except pasta. Stir to combine.
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When pasta is drained and cooled, add it to tomato mixture and stir to combine. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve at room temperature. Enjoy!
Quinoa with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic
A delicious side dish for dinner or lunch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried quinoa
- 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 onion sliced thin
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach chopped
- 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees (I used convection roast).
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Place grape tomatoes, garlic and sliced onion on a cookie sheet with raised sides. Toss with 1 T. olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Roast in 425 degree oven for about 30-45 minutes until soft and slightly browned. Set aside.
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While vegetables are roasting, toast the pine nuts in a medium pan for a few minutes until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, toast dry quinoa over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly browned. (Toasting the quinoa adds a nice flavor but is an optional step.)
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Add the water or broth to the pan with the quinoa and raise heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 20-30 minutes. When it's done, leave it covered and set aside.
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When roasted vegetables are done, combine quinoa, tomatoes, garlic, onions, spinach and goat cheese in serving bowl. Toss. Top with toasted pine nuts. Season with salt, pepper and an additional tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Serve hot, room temperature or cold.
Zucchini Tots
Yummy little vegetable tots that even picky eaters will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- 1 egg
- 1/4 onion minced
- 1/4 cup grated asiago cheese
- 1/3 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning I used Goya seasoning salt
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
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Grate the zucchini using a hand grater or a food processor. Squeeze out all of the liquid very well.
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Combine grated zucchini with all other ingredients in a large bowl. Stir well.
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Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Take about 1 tablespoon of zucchini and mold into an oval shape. Place on cookie sheet.
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Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tomato Appetizer with Crusty Bread
Simplicity is the key with this delicious throw-together appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes chopped small
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 mini whole wheat french bread
- garlic salt
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Slice bread into thin slices. Place on a lined cookie sheet.
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Pour 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil into a small bowl. Brush onto the tops of all bread slices. Sprinkle with garlic salt.
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Bake in oven about 15 minutes until bread is toasted. Set aside.
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While bread is cooking, dice tomatoes into small pieces. Place in a colander and shake out the excess liquid and seeds.
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Put tomatoes in serving bowl. Add olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Set aside and keep at room temperature until serving. Or place in refrigerator and be sure to take out about 30 minutes before serving.
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To serve, just put a spoon in the tomato mixture, serve the crusty bread on the side and let people top the bread with the tomatoes as they eat it!
Farro with Broccoli and Romano Cheese
A delicious whole grain side dish!
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro uncooked
- 1 pound raw broccoli florets chopped
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to taste
- 1 lemon
- 4 ounces pecorino romano cheese grated
Directions
-
Chop the broccoli florets.
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In a large pot, bring salted water to boil. When boiling, add broccoli florets and blanch for about 5 minutes until slightly soft. Remove broccoli with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Add the raw farro to the broccoli water and simmer for about 30 minutes until farro is tender.
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While farro is cooking, shake out all of the excess water from the broccoli in a colander. Chop broccoli into smaller bite-size pieces.
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Heat about 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in large saute pan. When pan is hot, add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
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Add chopped broccoli to pan, along with the zest of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for about 20 minutes until broccoli is tender and brown.
-
When farro is done cooking, drain in colander. Place cooked farro in serving bowl. Cover with aluminum foil and set aside.
-
Add broccoli and all of the oil and garlic bits to the serving bowl with the farro. Add the juice of 1 lemon, lots of black pepper, the romano cheese and 2 additional tablespoons of olive oil. Toss well.
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Taste and add more salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes as needed. Serve at room temperature.
Balsamic Farro Salad With Grilled Vegetables and Kale
A delicious and healthy side dish that will please any crowd!
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Salad:
- 3 tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups kale leaves chopped
- 1 large head broccoli chopped
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 ounces farro
Directions
-
To make dressing, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic and oil.
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Stir in fresh herbs.
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Season with salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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Place broccoli, zucchini and onion on cookie sheet lined with tinfoil. Toss with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
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Roast in oven for about 45 minutes or until vegetables are soft and brown.
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While vegetables are roasting, make farro according to package directions.
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Place tomatoes and kale in large serving bowl.
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When farro is ready, drain it and add it to the serving bowl with tomatoes and kale. Toss to wilt kale.
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When roasted vegetables are done, add them to the serving bowl.
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Toss farro, tomatoes, kale, and roasted vegetables with dressing. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
This salad can be made and prepared about an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Substitute spinach for the kale if you prefer.
Feel free to substitute any type of roasted vegetables that you like!
Roasted Cabbage
Healthy, inexpensive, simple and fantastic! What could be better?
Ingredients
- 1 head red or white cabbage
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-
Wash cabbage. Cut into large chunks and discard core.
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Slice chunks into large slices.
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Place on rimmed cookie sheet. Toss with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Roast in oven for about 30-45 minutes, stirring often, until cabbage is browned and soft.
Herbed Quinoa
A light and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Quinoa
- 1 1/2 cup dried quinoa
- 2 3/4 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 3/4 cup fresh flat leaf Italian parsley leaves chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
In medium saucepan, add quinoa, lemon juice and chicken stock.
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Boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce heat, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes.
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Whisk all dressing ingredients together, and season dressing with salt and pepper.
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Pour dressing over cooked quinoa.
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Serve at room temperature.
Roasted Kale Chips
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of green kale
- 1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Rinse kale and remove leaves from thick spine. Discard spines. Dry kale leaves with a paper towel and tear kale into large pieces. Toss in a large bowl with olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange kale leaves in single layers on 2 baking sheets. Bake in oven until moisture is evaporated from the kale and it is crispy like a potato chip, about 30-40 minutes.
Apple Pie Oatmeal and Yogurt Topper
A gamechanger for your breakfast oatmeal or yogurt
Ingredients
- 1 apple diced small
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
Directions
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Heat a pan on medium heat. Add butter and melt.
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Stir in apples and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly brown.
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Add spices and water. Cook about 3-5 minutes more until water is absorbed.
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Stir in lemon juice. Use as a topper for oatmeal or yogurt!
Recipe Notes
Use this topping for yogurt and oatmeal, along with a handful of chopped nuts.
Chocolate Banana Delight Smoothie
A fantastic way to start the day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 cup water you can also just use 2 cups of almond milk and not use water
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs or cacao powder do not use regular Hershey's baking cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1 1/2 bananas they can also be frozen to make the smoothie colder
- 2 large handfuls organic power greens or kale or spinach
- 1 carrot
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper this increases the absorption rate of the turmeric
Directions
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Place all ingredients in the blender, starting with the liquids. Blend and drink!
Delicious Grain-Free Pancakes
Quick and healthy for an everyday breakfast!
Ingredients
- 2 eggs whisked
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoons all-natural almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
-
Mash banana well with a fork or your hands and place in a bowl.
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Add whisked eggs, almond butter and cinnamon to the bowl.
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Whisk or stir well until fully blended.
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Heat a skillet on the stovetop. Spray the heated pan with non-stick cooking spray or add butter if you prefer.
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Drop about 1/4 cup of the batter in sections in the pan to make pancakes. Let cook for about 2-3 minutes until brown on bottom. Then flip and cook about 1 minute more. Remove from pan and place on plate. Repeat until batter is gone.
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Top with fresh fruit and yogurt, kefir, jam or a little maple syrup.
Healthy Blueberry Muffins
These healthy muffins are surprisingly moist and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups 100% stone ground whole wheat pastry flour spooned and leveled
- 1 cup old-fashioned thick rolled oats not instant
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal or ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup 2% plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice from the orange you zested
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries wild blueberries are extra healthy!
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. (I used convection bake at 350 degrees.)
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In a food processor, process the flour, oats, flaxseed meal, walnuts, baking powder, baking soda and salt until finely ground.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, brown sugar, butter, applesauce, orange zest, orange juice, egg and vanilla.
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Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just incorporated (do not overmix). Fold in the blueberries.
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Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each cup about 1/2-2/3 full.
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Bake about 22 minutes on center rack, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw rolled oats not instant or quick cook
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries you can use dried cranberries, raisins, dried cherries, dried blueberries or a mix of any or all of these
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons raw honey or manuka honey
- 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
-
Place walnuts and almonds in a baggie and pound with a mallet so they are in chunks. You can also use a food processor to do this.
-
Place nuts, oats, cranberries, chocolate chips and flaxseed in a large bowl and stir to combine.
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Add honey and maple syrup.
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Stir to combine. Use your hands also to really cover all the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until everything is well combined.
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Add cinnamon and salt and stir to combine.
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Pour granola into a jelly roll pan and spread around evenly.
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Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until nicely browned. Stir a couple of times during cooking to evenly brown.
-
Let cool 10 minutes. Store in airtight container.
Quick and Healthy Pancakes
These healthy pancakes taste great and will fill you up!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup thick rolled oats do not use quick cooking oats
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon milk or non-dairy milk
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
-
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
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Preheat a pan. When heated, spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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Place two large spoonfuls of pancake batter in the pan to create two pancakes.
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Cook for about 4 minutes until set and then flip. Cook another 4 minutes on the other side.
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Top with fresh fruit and a dollop of yogurt.
Delicious Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 1/3 c thick rolled oats do not use instant oats
- 1/3 c water, milk or non-dairy milk
- 1/3 c plain greek yogurt
- 1/3 c blueberries fresh or frozen
- dash cinnamon
- 1-2 tbsp chia seed, ground flaxseed or hemp seed
- 2 tbsp raw almonds and walnuts chopped
Directions
-
Place all ingredients except nuts into a mason jar or container.
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Stir until combined.
-
Cover and place in refrigerator over night.
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In morning, top with nuts and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Can be eaten cold or heated in microwave.
Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Cookies with Chocolate Chips
Packed with a variety of deliciousness
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups thick rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 4 tbsp butter melted and cooled
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1/4 cup light muscovado sugar can substitute with light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Directions
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
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In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, butter, egg, vanilla, and sugars. Whisk until blended.
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Pour the liquid mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until combined. The dough will be wet and sticky.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips, raisins, and walnuts. Place in the refrigerator and let chill for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet. Remove the dough from the refrigerator.
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With a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and arrange on the baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space around each. With your fingers, gently flatten each cookie to be about 3/4-inch thick.
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Bake until the cookies are golden and firm around the edges and set on top, about 12-15 minutes.
Healthier Chocolate Chip Cookies
Crispy and sweet!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-natural almond butter or any nut butter you may prefer
- 2 tbsp. real maple syrup
- 3 tbsp. coconut sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup thick-rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or any chocolate chip you prefer
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 325 degrees convection oven bake or just 350 degrees bake. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond butter, syrup, sugar, egg and vanilla until blended.
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Add flour, oats, baking soda, salt and chocolate chips. Stir together until blended.
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Place tablespoon-size scoops of the batter on the cookie sheet. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until slightly brown.
Super-Moist Banana Walnut or Wild Blueberry Poundcake
This little vegan dessert can be made a variety of ways!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup avocado or canola oil
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond milk or oat milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 ripe or overripe bananas or 1/2 cup frozen blueberries or wild blueberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts optional with blueberry version
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees or 325 convection bake.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, syrup, milk and vanilla extract.
-
Sift the flour and baking powder together and add to the wet ingredients.
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Mix with a spatula until JUST mixed. Do not over mix.
-
Add either the mashed bananas or the frozen blueberries, depending which flavor cake you want to make.
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Stir until JUST mixed.
-
Spray the loaf pan with cooking spray. Add in the batter and smooth out on top.
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If you are making the banana version, arrange the walnuts on top of the cake.
-
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the cake comes out clean.
Flourless Almond Butter Brownies
Decadent and delicious
Ingredients
- 1 cup` almond butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Grease a small 8"x 8" pan with cooking spray.
-
Mix all ingredients except chocolate chunks in a bowl until smooth.
-
Fold in chocolate chunks and pour batter into pan.
-
Bake for about 25 minutes until brownies are lightly browned.
Zucchini Snack Cake
Slightly sweet and yummy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tbsp. cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 small zucchini grated and water squeezed out
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces
- powdered sugar
Directions
-
Spray an 8"x8" square cake pan with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
-
Sift together flours, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon into a small bowl.
-
In another large bowl, beat eggs, oil, applesauce and sugar until smooth. Add in flour mixture and beat well until nicely blended.
-
Stir nuts and zucchini into the mixture. Pour batter into cake pan.
-
Bake for about 30 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool.
-
Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar when cool.
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
Taste like chocolate cake!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour I use Bob's Red Mill brand
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips + some extra for topping
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed banana
- 2 large eggs whisked
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond or peanut butter
- 1 small zucchini shredded
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 2 tbsp. melted coconut oil
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.
-
Place all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir together until combined.
-
In another large bowl, combine all wet ingredients. Whisk together until nicely blended.
-
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir everything together until combined.
-
FiIll each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way full. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top of each muffin cup.
-
Bake in oven for about 25-35 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Try not to overcook! Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before removing muffins from pan.
Banana N'ice Cream
Dairy-free, guilt-free and totally delicious
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups frozen bananas
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 5 tbsp unsweetened plain almond milk
- 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips plus a few to sprinkle on top when it's done!
Directions
-
Place all ingredients in the blender.
-
Blend and puree until you get the consistency of ice cream. This may take a little time and you may need to stir the ingredients a few times and move them around to push them into the blades of the blender. Keep doing it and don't give up.
-
Serve in two bowls with a few extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top.
Recipe Notes
You can mix in all kinds of things to make other varieties:
-nut butter
-cocoa powder
-nutella
-any kind of frozen fruit
Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Yum Bars
These yummy cookie bars really hit the spot!
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats not instant or quick-cooking
- 1 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2-1 cup ripe or overripe bananas mashed
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper or foil. Spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, add the egg, bananas, sugars, butter and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer on medium-high until well combined, about 4 minutes. The mixture will have pieces of banana and be slightly runny.
-
Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Beat with hand mixer on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.
-
Scrape down sides of bowl. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine.
-
Place mixture into baking pan and spread into a smooth, flat layer using a spatula.
-
Bake for about 25 minutes. Cool for about 30 minutes in pan and then slice into bars.
4-Ingredient Banana "Cookies"
Simple and healthy cookies you'll go bananas for!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats not instant
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Mash bananas until they are like mush.
-
Add oats, flaxseed meal and chocolate chips and stir together well.
-
Drop tablespoons of batter on a lined cookie sheet. There should be about 12 cookies.
-
Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.
Recipe Notes
As an option, you can turn these into 5-ingredient cookies and add in 1/4 cup almond or peanut butter!
Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Bites
Ingredients
- 1/4 c . good quality dark or semisweet chocolate chips , melted
- 1/8 c . all-natural almond or peanut butter
- 2 ripe bananas
- sea salt (optional)
- crushed nuts (optional)
Directions
-
Peel bananas and slice into 1/4" pieces.
-
Top each banana slice with almond or peanut butter.
-
Place bananas on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil and freeze for 30 minutes.
-
During the last 5 minutes of freeze time, place chocolate chips in a small glass bowl and microwave for about 45 seconds to 1 minute until melted. Stir chocolate until smooth.
-
Remove bananas from freezer and dip half of each banana slice in chocolate.
-
Sprinkle with sea salt. Roll in crushed nuts if you desire!
-
Place slices back on cookie sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes.
-
Store in freezer.
Trail Mix Cookies
These cookies are packed with healthy ingredients and deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup whole wheat flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- ¼ cup all-natural almond butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons raw, unprocessed honey
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup almonds
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Directions
-
Place almonds in a plastic bag and pound with a mallet until broken up into small chunks. Set aside.
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Whisk together flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
-
In another bowl, beat butter, almond butter, brown sugar and honey until smooth.
-
Add egg and vanilla and beat until combined.
-
Combine with flour mixture and stir until just combined.
-
Mix in almonds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and cranberries.
-
Roll dough into balls, about 2 T. in size, and place about 1" apart on greased baking sheets.
-
Flatten each cookie slightly.
-
Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Add some chocolate chips if you'd like!
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Greek Salad, Mini Roasted Potatoes and Tahini Sauce
A delectable combination!
Ingredients
Chicken Shawarma
- 1.5 lbs thinly-cut raw chicken breast cut into small pieces
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp turmeric
- 3/4 tsp coriander
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- dash ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Mini Roasted Potato Chunks
- 1.5 lb. bag of small red potatoes washed and chopped into little chunks with skin on*
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp Mediterranean Seasoning Blend
Greek Salad
- 1 5 oz. bag organic mixed greens
- 1 cucumber diced
- 4 small tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- freshly ground pepper
Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Potato Preparation
-
Preheat oven to 400 roast preferably or bake if you do not have a roast setting.
-
Place diced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with tin foil.
-
Toss well with seasoning and oil.
-
Roast in oven for about 45 minutes until potatoes are very brown and crispy. Turn a few times while cooking.
Chicken Preparation
-
Sprinkle a little salt on cut chicken and place in a bowl.
-
Add peppers and onion and all other seasonings through olive oil to chicken. Stir well.
-
Let marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to all day.
-
Bring chicken to room temperature.
-
When potatoes are getting close to being done, heat a cast iron skillet or other large pan to medium-high.
-
Spray pan with cooking spray. Add 1/2 batch of marinated chicken, peppers and onion.
-
Cook until chicken is brown, about 15 minutes*. Be sure to brown both sides of chicken.
-
Place cooked chicken on one section of the serving platter you plan to use and cover with tinfoil.
-
Repeat with other half of the chicken and peppers.
Salad Preparation
-
While chicken and potatoes are cooking, mix all salad vegetable ingredients together in a bowl and top with cheese.
-
Whisk salad dressing ingredients together and set dressing aside.
Tahini Sauce Preparation
-
Whisk all ingredients together and set aside.
Assembling the Platter for the Bowls
-
I like to assemble the bowl elements on a platter so everyone can take what they want. (see photo)
-
Dress the salad and toss it. Place it on it's own section of the platter next to the chicken.
-
Place potatoes in their own section of the platter.
-
Drizzle the whole platter with tahini sauce or leave it in a little bowl on the platter so everyone can take what they want.
Recipe Notes
*I used the small blade on my Vidalia Chop Wizard to dice the potatoes.
*When browning chicken in a skillet, let it sit for a while on each side so that it gets a chance to brown. In other words, don't stir it or flip it too quickly.
Turkey Tacos with Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce
The best tacos--hands down!
Ingredients
Tacos
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey breast
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder I used Trader Joe's Chili Lime Seasoning Blend
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese I used thick-cut
- romaine lettuce and tomatoes chopped for toppings
Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 big bunch of fresh cilantro lower stems removed and discarded
- 1-2 limes juiced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Directions
Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce
-
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Tacos
-
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground turkey and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the turkey is browned, about 5-10 minutes.
-
Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt. Stir well to combine. Add 3/4 cup water. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly around the chicken, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
-
Meanwhile, while the meat is simmering, line a sheet pan with tinfoil. Brush the corn tortillas on both sides with olive oil. Place in the oven and bake one side for 6 minutes.
-
Flip each tortilla and top with the cheese. Bake another 4-5 minutes, until cheese is melted and tortilla is hot and a bit crispy.
-
To assemble, top each tortilla with ground turkey, some chopped romaine and tomato slices and a big dollop of Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce.
Roasted Vegetable, Avocado and Brown Rice Bowl with Carrot Ginger Dressing
Vegetarian never tasted so good!
Ingredients
- 1 8-10 oz. bag brussels sprouts chopped
- 1 bunch thin asparagus
- 1 red onion sliced
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 avocado sliced
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown rice you can use quinoa instead
- sesame seeds
- Trader Joe's Everyday Seasoning or any seasoning you like!
- extra virgin olive oil
Carrot Ginger Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 large carrots peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger or ginger paste in a tube
Directions
-
Preheat oven to convection roast 325 degrees or to bake or roast 350 degrees.
-
Place raw rice in a pot with 1 cup water and a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bring water to boil. When water boils, reduce heat to simmer and place lid on rice. Cook until water is evaporated and rice is soft, about 30 minutes. Turn off heat and leave lid on pot until ready to use.
-
Line a rimmed cookie sheet with tin foil. Place brussels sprouts, onion and asparagus on the cookie sheet. Toss with about 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with Trader Joe's Everyday Seasoning or any seasoning you like! Cook for about 30-45 minutes until brown and soft.
-
Prep bowls. Put about 2 cups spinach, 1/2 of a sliced avocado, some green onions and cucumber slices in each bowl and set aside.
-
Make dressing by putting all dressing ingredients in a blender and puree. Set aside.
-
When rice and roasted vegetables are done, add to each bowl. Top with lots of dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
You can use any roasted vegetable you like in this bowl. Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower would all work well. You can also use any lettuce you'd like in place of the baby spinach. And feel free to add meat or beans if you'd like. It is quite a versatile dish!
Flavorful Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Turmeric Rice
This chicken is bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast cutlets I prefer thin chicken cutlets, but regular boneless chicken breasts can work as well.
- 2 vidalia onions
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Spice Mix
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp Trader Joe's Chili Lime Seasoning Blend you can also use chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp powdered mustard
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
Turmeric Rice
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 tsp turmeric
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
-
Slice the onions and place the separated slices in the bottom of a rectangular pyrex dish.
-
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the onions and toss. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
-
Bake onions for about 20-30 minutes while you prepare the rest of the dish.
-
Make the rice by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil.
-
When boiling, add 1 cup of brown rice and the turmeric. Stir.
-
Bring water to a boil again. Then turn down heat and cover the pot. Simmer the rice until all water is absorbed and the rice is soft. About 30-40 minutes.
-
While rice is cooking, make the seasoning mix by placing all spices in a bowl and stirring well.
-
Prepare raw chicken by trimming it. Season both sides of each breast with the seasoning mix. Use all of the seasoning.
-
Heat a saute pan over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When oil is heated, add the chicken.
-
Brown each side of the chicken for 5 minutes per side.
-
After onions have cooked for about 20-30 minutes, remove pan from oven. Place chicken on top of onions and cover pyrex with tinfoil.
-
Return pan to oven and cook about 20 minutes for cutlets, and maybe more like 30 minutes for thicker breasts. Remove from oven when chicken is cooked through.
-
Serve chicken with the rice and enjoy!
Roasted Vegetable and Black Bean Tacos with Pickled Onions and Creamy Sauce
Nothing short of delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 9 oz. bag shredded brussels sprouts
- 1/2 small red cabbage head sliced thin and chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 15 oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
Pickled Onions
- 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp. cold water
- 1/4 tsp. sugar
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1/2 red onion sliced thin
Homemade Creamy Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. plain oat milk
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-
Start by making the pickled onions. Stir together the vinegar, water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a bowl. Add the sliced onions. Let sit at room temperature while you prepare everything else.
-
Make the sauce by whisking all of the ingredients together. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.
-
Place shredded brussels sprouts and cabbage on a large cookie sheet with sides. Toss with extra virgin olive oil and season with kosher salt and pepper.
-
Roast in oven for about 25 minutes or until soft and brown. Stir a couple of times during cooking.
-
After 25 minutes, push all of the vegetables to one side of the cookie sheet. Add the beans to the other side of the cookie sheet to warm them and cook for 5 more minutes.
-
Also cover the stack of tortillas with tinfoil and place them in the oven for the 5 minutes while the beans cook.
-
Remove vegetables, beans and tortillas and prepare to assemble the tacos. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime all over the vegetables and beans.
-
Assemble the 8 tacos on a large tray and serve them open face.. On each taco, place roasted vegetables, beans, pickled onions, 2 avocado slices, cilantro, a sprinkling of cheese and a swirl of sauce.
-
Enjoy!
Baked Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry with Udon Noodles
Ingredients
Tofu
- 1 block extra firm organic tofu
Udon Noodle Sitr Fry
- 1 tbsp. canola oil
- 1/2 large onion sliced
- 1 large carrot diced
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
- 3 cups shredded white cabbage
- 1 cup broccoli crowns chopped
- 8 oz. dried udon noodles
- 2 stalks green onions sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce you can also use 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce + 1/4 cup coconut aminos to help lower the total sodium content of the dish without sacrificing flavor
- 4 tsp. rice vinegar
- 2 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 tbsp. fresh ginger minced (I like to buy it in the tube)
- 2 tsp. Asian chili garlic sauce
Directions
Tofu
-
Remove tofu from package. Begin to drain it and dry it out by placing the block of tofu on top of a few folded paper towels. Also put some folded paper towels on top of it. Then place it on a cookie sheet and put a HEAVY pot on top of the tofu. Let it drain for at least 15 minutes.
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
-
Take drained tofu and cut it into cubes. Dry the cookie sheet and line it with tinfoil or parchment paper. Spray the tinfoil or paper with cooking spray so the tofu won't stick to it. Place cut tofu on the cookie sheet.
-
Bake in oven for about 30 minutes until the tofu is slightly browned, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time. Set tofu aside to add to stir fry later.
Stir Fry
-
Make udon noodles according to package directions. When done, drain and set aside.
-
Make the sauce by combing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisking well. Set aside.
-
When tofu and noodles are done, heat a wok over medium high heat.
-
Add canola oil to the pan. Begin to stir fry the vegetables starting with the carrots, onion, cabbage and broccoli. After about 5 minutes, add the green onion and spinach. Cook about 3 minutes.
-
When vegetables are at the softness you like (don't make them soggy--keep them crisp), add the noodles and the sauce and stir well to combine everything. Then add the tofu and remove from heat.
-
Top with sesame seeds and cilantro. Enjoy!
Red Lentil Dal
Soft and flavorful
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry red lentils
- 3 cups water
- 3 plum tomatoes
- 2 tsp. canola, grapeseed or olive oil
- 1/2 cup white or yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp. ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp. fenugreek seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 lime juiced
- 8 sprigs fresh cilantro
- 1 big handful fresh baby spinach chopped
Directions
-
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Score the peel of the tomatoes with an "X". Place the tomatoes in the boiling water and blanch for a minute. Remove the tomatoes and let cool.
-
Rinse lentils under cold water and drain. Place rinsed lentils in the same empty pot that you used for the tomatoes. Add 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until lentils are soft and mushy.
-
While the lentils are cooking, heat the oil in a large sauce pan. Add the onions and cook for about 5-10 minutes until translucent and slightly browned. Mix the mashed garlic with a sprinkle of kosher salt and mash the combination into a garlic paste using a spoon or fork. Add the garlic to the onions and cook for about 1 minute.
-
Add sesame seeds, cumin, fennel, mustard and fenugreek. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes. Add bay leaf, and turmeric. Stir to combine.
-
Add lentils AND lentil cooking water to the onion mixture. Add the salt. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
-
While lentils are cooking, peel the tomatoes and discard the skin. Mash the tomato pulp with your hands. After the lentils have cooked for 10 minutes, add the tomatoes, lime juice and spinach. Stir until combined and spinach is soft.
-
Taste to see if more salt is needed. Add cilantro. Serve with brown rice or whole wheat naan.
Barbecue Chicken and Quinoa Bowls with Honey Mustard Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw quinoa you can also use brown rice
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts
- 1 red onion sliced
- 2 large heads broccoli florets stalks removed and broccoli chopped
- 1 small red cabbage sliced
- 1 12 oz. bag brussels sprouts trimmed and quartered
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. grapeseed oil
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp. onion salt
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- barbecue sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp. dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 1/2 lemon juiced
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees or 350 convection roast.
-
Place cabbage and onion in a bowl and toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Then place them on a cookie sheet lined with tinfoil.
-
Place broccoli and brussels sprouts in a bowl and toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Then place them on a second cookie sheet lined with tinfoil.
-
Put the vegetables in the oven and roast for about 45 minutes until soft and slightly browned.
-
While the vegetables are cooking, slice raw chicken into little pieces. Place in a bowl and toss with olive oil, onion salt and garlic powder. Set aside.
-
Cook quinoa according to package directions. Set cooked quinoa aside.
-
Combine all Honey Mustard Sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Set aside.
-
When vegetables are nearly done cooking, heat up a cast iron pan. Add grapeseed oil.
-
Cook chicken until nice and brown, about 15 minutes.
-
Remove vegetables from oven.
-
Assemble bowls with chicken, quinoa and vegetables. Top with a little swirl of barbecue sauce and honey mustard sauce.
Cast Iron Skillet Salmon
just like from a restaurant!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. wild Sockeye salmon fillets wild is always best!
Spice Rub
- 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
Directions
-
Rub salmon filets with a drizzle of olive oil.
-
Mix all rub ingredients together. Rub all over top of salmon. Best to let sit for about an hour in refrigerator, but not totally necessary.
-
Heat a cast iron skillet. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil so the bottom of the pan is well coated.
-
Place salmon fillets top down in skillet. Leave them alone and do not touch for about 5 minutes so that a nice, brown topping can form.
-
When the salmon top looks cooked after about 5 minutes, flip salmon over and cook other side for 3-5 minutes until salmon is done.
Mexican Taco Bake
A one-pot casserole bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. ground turkey, chicken or beef
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced (or 1 tbsp. garlic paste in the tube)
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper or more to your liking!
- 2 1/2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and chopped (optional!)
- 1 lime or lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped (or 2 tbsp. cilantro paste in the tube)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado diced
- optional topping: plain greek yogurt
- tortilla chips
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
-
Heat olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet. Add the onion and pepper and ground meat. Cook for about 10 minutes until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
-
Add the jalapeno, fresh garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute.
-
Add in the enchilada sauce and the cooked rice or quinoa. Stir until combined. Cook for 5 minutes.
-
Stir in lime or lemon juice and cilantro. Sprinkle with cheese.
-
Remove pan from stovetop and place uncovered in oven. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Remove from oven. Top with avocado and a handful of smashed tortilla chips. Serve with greek yogurt and more tortilla chips for dipping!
Recipe Notes
You can make this dish spicier by adding more cayenne pepper and more jalapeno peppers.
This dish is SOOOO good leftover when you heat it up and eat it with tortilla chips to dip.
Roasted Vegetable and Barley Bowl with Tahini Sauce
A rich and healthy complete meal
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetable and Barley Bowl
- 1 unpeeled sweet potato diced with skin on
- 1/2 head red cabbage chopped
- (1) 9 oz. bag shredded brussels sprouts
- (1) 4 oz.container sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 cup raw pearled barley
- 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
- Spike Original Seasoning or any all-purpose seasoning or any seasonings you like!
Tahini Sauce
- 1 big squeeze garlic stir-in paste I've been loving this lately! You can use 1 clove garlic minced instead.
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 handful fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley chopped
Directions
-
Preheat oven to Roast 375 degrees.
-
Combine barley with 2 cups water. Let water boil and then simmer barley for about an hour until cooked and soft. Cover and set aside. If using quick-cook barley, cooking time will be reduced. Refer to package directions.
-
Place diced sweet potatoes and cabbage on a cookie sheet. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and season. (I used Spike Original Seasoning and pepper) Toss to coat. Roast in oven until soft and brown, about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Place brussels sprouts and mushrooms on a cookie sheet. Toss with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and season. (I used Spike Original Seasoning and pepper)
-
After cabbage and sweet potatoes have been cooking for about 20 .minutes, add the cookie sheet with the mushrooms and brussels sprouts to the oven. Cook about 30 minutes, until soft and browned and crispy, stirring occasionally.
-
While vegetables are cooking, make tahini sauce. Place all ingredients in a bowl except parsley. Whisk everything together until a smooth sauce is formed. Stir in parsley. Set aside.
-
When vegetables are done, assemble bowls. Place barley and vegetables in bowls and top with sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
A homemade version of chicken nuggets that's not just for kids!
Ingredients
- 2 large organic boneless chicken breasts cut into chicken nugget size
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tbsp whole wheat seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- cooking spray
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- 3 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
Directions
-
Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees for 8 minutes.
-
While air fryer is preheating, cut the chicken into small bite size pieces.
-
Place olive oil in one shallow bowl.
-
Mix together both breadcrumbs and the grated parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl.
-
Place cut up raw chicken in olive oil bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss the chicken so it is coated with the seasoning and olive oil.
-
Dip a few chicken pieces at a time in the breadcrumb mixture so the pieces are covered with breadcrumbs. Set the pieces aside on a plate or cookie sheet.
-
After the air fryer is preheated, place half the chicken pieces in the air fryer tray. Spray the pieces with a little cooking spray. Cook the batch at 400 degrees for 6 minutes.
-
Flip the chicken pieces over and cook again at 400 degrees for 4 minutes.
-
Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and place on the serving dish. Cover with tinfoil.
-
Repeat the same cooking method with the second batch of chicken.
-
Serve with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
-
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl and serve with the chicken.
Apricot Chicken
Sweet and tangy!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts I prefer thin cut breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/3 slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
-
Spray a 9"x 13" baking dish (not glass) with cooking spray. Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bake 10 minutes.
-
Toast almonds in small pan until lightly browned and set aside.
-
Cook apricot preserves, soy sauce, mustard, butter and remaining salt and pepper over moderate heat in saucepan, stirring until preserves melt.
-
Remove chicken from oven and pour sauce over chicken. Bake about 10-20 minutes more or until chicken is cooked through. Thin cutlets take less time than thicker breasts.
-
Broil 3 minutes. Top with almonds.
Stuffed Peppers
A delicious one-pot meal for family dinner or company!
Ingredients
- 5 large bell peppers any variety of colors you like
- 1 onion diced small
- 1 large carrot diced small
- 1 zucchini diced small
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
- 3/4 cup quinoa
- 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 small package crumbled feta cheese
- 1 lb. ground turkey breast
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-
In large skillet, heat EVOO over medium high heat. Brown ground turkey until no longer pink. Add zucchini, carrot and onion. Cook until tender and slightly browned, about 12-15 minutes more.
-
In the meantime, combine 3/4 cup raw quinoa and 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and lightly simmer for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Leave covered and set aside.
-
Add garlic to pan with vegetables and cook 1 minute. Season vegetables with lemon pepper, thyme, Italian seasoning and oregano and cook 1 minute more.
-
Reduce heat to medium low. Add about ¾ of the can of tomato sauce and spinach to pan. Cook 5 minutes until spinach is reduced and tender. Remove pan from heat and stir in crumbled feta cheese.
-
Add cooked quinoa to the pan with the turkey and vegetables. Stir to combine all ingredients. Let cool a few minutes.
-
Prepare peppers by washing them and removing the stem. Slice off the very top of the pepper, keeping the pepper in tact like a bowl. Remove seeds and membranes from inside of pepper with your hands or a knife, being careful not to cut through the pepper. Place peppers in a large glass bowl with a little water in the bottom and cover with a wet paper towel. Steam peppers in the microwave for about 4 minutes until they are slightly soft.
-
Remove peppers from microwave and drain them on a paper towel. Fill each pepper with the quinoa mixture. Use lots of filling so the pepper is overstuffed.
-
Place peppers in a large covered ovenproof dish. Top the peppers with the remaining tomato sauce. If there is extra filling, just place it in the covered dish in between the peppers.
-
Cook the peppers in the covered dish in oven for about 45 minutes. Remove lid and cook 15 minutes more.
Chicken and Wild Mushroom Bake with Asiago Cheese
This earthy and delicious dinner is easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1/2 sweet onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound shiitake mushrooms stems discarded and tops chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning or chicken seasoning I used Lesley Elizabeth Rosemary Basil Seasoned Sea Salt
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup black rice
- 1 pound chicken breast sliced thin into small pieces
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped
- 2/3 cup shredded asiago cheese
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
-
Melt butter and 2 teaspoons olive oil in large ovenproof skillet with sides. Add the onion and cook for about 5-8 minutes until soft and brown. Season with the salt and pepper. Add garlic and mushrooms and cook for about 10 minutes until mushrooms start to brown. Add thyme and cook for 1 minute.
-
Pour in 2 cups of broth and rice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover and simmer for about 1 hour until rice is soft. Check the rice a few times during cooking to see if it is getting soft. Add a little more broth or water at a time as needed during the cooking if the rice is gets too dry or the liquid evaporates before the rice is finished cooking. You will most likely end up using all 4 cups of the broth. Once it is soft and fully cooked, you can remove from the heat.
-
While the rice is cooking, pour 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil on the sliced chicken. Season with chicken seasoning. Heat up a cast-iron pan or regular frying pan on the stovetop. Cook the chicken for about 15 minutes until brown and cooked through. Set aside.
-
When rice is done cooking, stir the spinach and chicken into the ovenproof skillet with the rice. Top with the cheese. Bake in oven uncovered for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to substitute any kind of mushroom you'd like if you don't like shiitakes.
Make-Ahead Turkey Bolognese
Although this doesn't have to be made ahead, doing so really makes the flavors sing!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small white onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 1 pound raw ground turkey breast
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes with basil
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoom Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon half & half
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- grated parmesan
Directions
-
Heat a large sauce pan on medium heat. Add olive oil.
-
Saute garlic for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. Add onion and carrot and saute for 10 minutes until soft and lightly brown.
-
Add ground turkey and break up into small pieces. Cook for about 10 minutes until no longer pink.
-
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, half and half, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for about 45 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
-
Let cool. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. Reheat and serve topped with grated parmesan over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
Vegetarian Mexican Quinoa Stew
Hearty and fulfilling!
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 3 carrots diced
- 1 small red bell pepper diced
- 1 cup organic frozen corn
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and diced small
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz. can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper add more if you like heat!
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 2 limes juiced
Optional Toppings: diced avocado, cilantro, plain Greek yogurt, cheese, diced green onions
Directions
-
Heat up a medium soup pot over medium heat. Add olive oil.
-
Add onion, celery, carrot, red pepper, garlic, jalapeno and corn. Saute until soft, about 10 minutes.
-
Add broth, tomatoes, beans, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, cilantro and quinoa. Bring to a boil.
-
Lower heat to a simmer and cover pot. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
-
Sitr in the lime juice. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
-
Using an immersion blender, puree a little bit of the stew to add a thick texture. You can also do this by putting a few cups of cooled stew into a blender, puree and then add back to the stew.
-
Enjoy topped with diced avocado and any other toppings you'd like!
Homemade Greek Pizza
This healthy, delicious pizza rivals any you can get in a restaurant.
Ingredients
- 1 12" Flatzza sprouted grain pizza crust or any whole wheat pizza crust Flattza can be found at Sunset, Whole Foods and Mariano's
- 1 cup Rao's homemade pizza sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1/2 large red onion thinly sliced
- 3 Roma tomatoes thinly sliced
- 1 bunch fresh organic spinach rinsed, leaves chopped and stems discarded
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes can be eliminated or increased to your liking
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded asiago cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
-
Brush the pizza crust with about 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
-
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan on the stove top. Add the onions and cook until browned, about 15 minutes. Then add the balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the vinegar has thickened.
-
While the onion is cooking, steam the spinach in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes. Let cool and squeeze out excess liquid.
-
Top the crust with the tomato sauce. Season the sauce with the oregano and red pepper flakes.
-
Top the pizza with the balsamic onions, steamed spinach and sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle the cheeses on top.
-
Place pizza directly on oven rack and cook for 10-20 minutes until crust is golden brown around the edges and the cheese is melted.
-
Slice and enjoy!
Turkey Meatloaf with Zucchini and Feta
Totally delicious and healthy!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk can use almond milk
- 2 lb. ground turkey I like to use 1 lb. ground turkey breast and 1 lb. regular ground turkey
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 t. garlic powder
- 2 t. onion powder
- 1 t. salt
- 1 t. pepper
- 1 t. Italian seasoning
- 1 T. worcestershire sauce
- 1 c. feta
- 2 c. shredded zucchini with water squeezed out
- 1 c. marinara sauce divided
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
Shred zucchini using either a box grater, which is quick and easy, or with the shredding blade in a food processor. Squeeze out the excess water and set aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and milk to form a paste.
-
Add turkey, eggs, seasonings, worcestershire sauce, feta, zucchini and 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
-
Mix until all ingredients are combined.
-
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and form into a loaf.
-
Brush top of meatloaf with remaining 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
-
Bake in oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
-
Let cool 5 minutes. Slice, serve and enjoy!
Cabbage and Beef Bowls
Total comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 t. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. 90% lean grass-fed ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1 1/4 t. kosher salt
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 T. oregano
- 1 t. black pepper
- 8 oz. low-sodium tomato sauce
- 1/2 t. paprika
- 1 cup low-sodium grass-fed beef broth
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 head small white cabbage cored and chopped
- extra salt and pepper to taste
- 1 T. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
Directions
-
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil.
-
Add ground beef and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
-
Add onion, carrots, garlic, 1 Tablespoon of oregano and pepper. Stir. Cook 10 minutes.
-
Add tomato sauce, water, paprika and broth. Stir. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on medium-low for 25 minutes.
-
Add the cooked rice and cabbage and cook an additional 10 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
-
Add 1 Tablespoon of oregano, 1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning , garlic powder, onion powder and more salt to taste. Add more broth if the mixture looks like it's too dry (it should be a little bit saucy). Let cook for 5 minutes more.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos
This chicken is a simple way to create a delicious base for any taco!
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Chicken
- 2 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 c low sodium chicken broth
- 1 c salsa
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 (4) oz can mild green chilies
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes drained
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne powder optional
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground pepper
Tacos
- 1 package shredded cheese Mexican, cheddar, Monterey jack, your choice!
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
- 1 bunch green onions sliced
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 (5) oz container plain greek yogurt 2% or whole milk
- 8 corn, whole wheat or sprouted tortillas
Directions
-
Trim all fat from chicken. Rub chicken with olive oil and place in slow cooker. Add all ingredients and stir to coat chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours until chicken is done and tender. Do not overcook; slow cookers vary. Shred chicken in slow cooker with two forks.
Warm tortillas on both sides in a dry hot pan. Put shredded chicken in center of tortilla and top with taco ingredients. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
I like to add a can of black beans to this recipe!
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
A true comfort meal! Use a good-quality sausage without nitrites.
Ingredients
- 6 raw or cooked Italian turkey or chicken sausages I usually buy raw sausages from Whole Foods meat counter or the fully cooked sausages by AmyLu
- 1 large jar all-natural marinara sauce choose any you like--I enjoy Rao's Marinara
- 6 large bell peppers, seeded and sliced into large pieces use a combination of orange, red, yellow and green peppers
- 1 large onion, sliced into large pieces
- 8 oz. whole wheat pasta, cooked
Directions
-
Place sausages, peppers and onions in slow cooker.
-
Pour sauce on top.
-
Place lid on slow cooker and cook for 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, depending on how quickly your slow cooker cooks. The peppers should be soft.
-
Serve over cooked whole wheat pasta and top with grated parmesan cheese if you'd like!
Recipe Notes
I have made this recipe with both cooked and raw sausages and it comes out great either way. If you use raw sausages, you can saute them in oil for a few minutes first to brown them before adding them to the slow cooker. However, if you are short on time, this step is not necessary and the sausages can just be added raw to the slow cooker.
Shredded Kale Salad with Grapefruit and Smoked Almonds
A copycat of my favorite salad from Flower Child in Scottsdale!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch lacinato kale stems removed and discarded, leaves shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage diced
- 1 apple diced or sliced thin
- 1 pink grapefruit skin removed, flesh cut into chunks or sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup smoked almonds placed in a baggie and pounded into pieces
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1 small shallot
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp. dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Directions
-
Place all Vinaigrette dressing ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Set aside.
-
Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, except nuts.
-
Toss salad with dressing when ready to serve. Top with smoked almonds.
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Greek Salad, Mini Roasted Potatoes and Tahini Sauce
A delectable combination!
Ingredients
Chicken Shawarma
- 1.5 lbs thinly-cut raw chicken breast cut into small pieces
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp turmeric
- 3/4 tsp coriander
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- dash ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Mini Roasted Potato Chunks
- 1.5 lb. bag of small red potatoes washed and chopped into little chunks with skin on*
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp Mediterranean Seasoning Blend
Greek Salad
- 1 5 oz. bag organic mixed greens
- 1 cucumber diced
- 4 small tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- freshly ground pepper
Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Potato Preparation
-
Preheat oven to 400 roast preferably or bake if you do not have a roast setting.
-
Place diced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with tin foil.
-
Toss well with seasoning and oil.
-
Roast in oven for about 45 minutes until potatoes are very brown and crispy. Turn a few times while cooking.
Chicken Preparation
-
Sprinkle a little salt on cut chicken and place in a bowl.
-
Add peppers and onion and all other seasonings through olive oil to chicken. Stir well.
-
Let marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to all day.
-
Bring chicken to room temperature.
-
When potatoes are getting close to being done, heat a cast iron skillet or other large pan to medium-high.
-
Spray pan with cooking spray. Add 1/2 batch of marinated chicken, peppers and onion.
-
Cook until chicken is brown, about 15 minutes*. Be sure to brown both sides of chicken.
-
Place cooked chicken on one section of the serving platter you plan to use and cover with tinfoil.
-
Repeat with other half of the chicken and peppers.
Salad Preparation
-
While chicken and potatoes are cooking, mix all salad vegetable ingredients together in a bowl and top with cheese.
-
Whisk salad dressing ingredients together and set dressing aside.
Tahini Sauce Preparation
-
Whisk all ingredients together and set aside.
Assembling the Platter for the Bowls
-
I like to assemble the bowl elements on a platter so everyone can take what they want. (see photo)
-
Dress the salad and toss it. Place it on it's own section of the platter next to the chicken.
-
Place potatoes in their own section of the platter.
-
Drizzle the whole platter with tahini sauce or leave it in a little bowl on the platter so everyone can take what they want.
Recipe Notes
*I used the small blade on my Vidalia Chop Wizard to dice the potatoes.
*When browning chicken in a skillet, let it sit for a while on each side so that it gets a chance to brown. In other words, don't stir it or flip it too quickly.
Shredded Kale Salad with Grapefruit and Smoked Almonds
A copycat of my favorite salad from Flower Child in Scottsdale!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch lacinato kale stems removed and discarded, leaves shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage diced
- 1 apple diced or sliced thin
- 1 pink grapefruit skin removed, flesh cut into chunks or sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup smoked almonds placed in a baggie and pounded into pieces
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1 small shallot
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp. dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Directions
-
Place all Vinaigrette dressing ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Set aside.
-
Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, except nuts.
-
Toss salad with dressing when ready to serve. Top with smoked almonds.
Balsamic Farro Salad With Grilled Vegetables and Kale
A delicious and healthy side dish that will please any crowd!
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Salad:
- 3 tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups kale leaves chopped
- 1 large head broccoli chopped
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 ounces farro
Directions
-
To make dressing, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic and oil.
-
Stir in fresh herbs.
-
Season with salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-
Place broccoli, zucchini and onion on cookie sheet lined with tinfoil. Toss with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
-
Roast in oven for about 45 minutes or until vegetables are soft and brown.
-
While vegetables are roasting, make farro according to package directions.
-
Place tomatoes and kale in large serving bowl.
-
When farro is ready, drain it and add it to the serving bowl with tomatoes and kale. Toss to wilt kale.
-
When roasted vegetables are done, add them to the serving bowl.
-
Toss farro, tomatoes, kale, and roasted vegetables with dressing. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
This salad can be made and prepared about an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Substitute spinach for the kale if you prefer.
Feel free to substitute any type of roasted vegetables that you like!
Marvelous Miso Vinaigrette
This salad dressing tastes great and contains miso which will improve your gut health!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon organic white miso
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
-
Whisk all ingredients together to create a delicious salad dressing that will work on any type of salad!
Recipe Notes
Makes enough dressing for 1 large salad.
Roasted Pepper Salad
Ingredients
- 8 bell peppers use a combination of red, orange and yellow
- 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- salt and pepper
Directions
-
Line a rimmed cookie sheet with tinfoil. Wash peppers, remove stickers and place whole, intact peppers on the cookie sheet.
-
Broil peppers close to the broiler, like on the second rack location in the oven.
-
Char the peppers until they are black on all sides. Using tongs, turn the peppers every few minutes as they char. The charring will take about 45 minutes to get all parts of the pepper.
-
Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and cover it with tinfoil and let the peppers cool.
-
When cool enough to handle, start to peel the charred skin off the peppers so all of the black skin is removed and only the pepper pieces are left. Also remove all of the seeds from the peppers. Discard charred skin, seeds and stems.
-
Slice all of the prepped, cleaned pepper pieces into strips and arrange the pieces on a plate. Top the pepper slices with the basil and capers.
-
Drizzle the olive oil over the peppers. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the peppers. Season with salt and pepper, but do not stir. Top with crumbled feta. Serve at room temperature.
Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of green kale
- 2 T . pine nuts
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 T . extra virgin olive oil
- 2 T . organic dried cranberries
- grated parmesan to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Wash the kale and remove the leaves from the thick rib in the middle of the leaf. Discard the ribs or save to add to smoothies or to make vegetable broth.
-
Dry the leaves and chop.
-
Massage the kale leaves for about one minute to soften them.
-
Toast the pine nuts over medium low heat on stovetop until browned, about 5 minutes.
-
Combine the kale leaves and cranberries in serving bowl.
-
Top with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese. Toss. Let sit for up to one hour before serving.
-
Sprinkle with pine nuts before eating.
The Best Shredded Kale Salad
Company-worthy salad from Oh She Glows!
Ingredients
For the Salad and Dressing
- 2 bunches lacinato kale destemmed, leaves finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4-1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the Pecan Parmesan
- 1 cup pecan halves toasted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch sea salt
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
-
Spread pecans on baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
-
Wash kale and remove leaves from stems. Discard stems. Finely chop kale leaves.
-
Spin kale dry. Place in serving bowl.
-
Make the pecan parmesan using a food processor. Add pecans, and process until they are size of peas or larger. Then add nutritional yeast, oil, and salt and process until it has a coarse crumb texture. Do not overprocess--you want a nice crunchy texture, not a powder. Set aside.
-
Make the dressing using a food processor. Process garlic, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper until combined. Set aside.
-
When ready to serve salad, toss kale with dressing. Add pecan parmesan and toss well to distribute. Sprinkle with cranberries. Serve!
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Greek Salad, Mini Roasted Potatoes and Tahini Sauce
A delectable combination!
Ingredients
Chicken Shawarma
- 1.5 lbs thinly-cut raw chicken breast cut into small pieces
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 3/4 tsp turmeric
- 3/4 tsp coriander
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- dash ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Mini Roasted Potato Chunks
- 1.5 lb. bag of small red potatoes washed and chopped into little chunks with skin on*
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp Mediterranean Seasoning Blend
Greek Salad
- 1 5 oz. bag organic mixed greens
- 1 cucumber diced
- 4 small tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- freshly ground pepper
Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Directions
Potato Preparation
-
Preheat oven to 400 roast preferably or bake if you do not have a roast setting.
-
Place diced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with tin foil.
-
Toss well with seasoning and oil.
-
Roast in oven for about 45 minutes until potatoes are very brown and crispy. Turn a few times while cooking.
Chicken Preparation
-
Sprinkle a little salt on cut chicken and place in a bowl.
-
Add peppers and onion and all other seasonings through olive oil to chicken. Stir well.
-
Let marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to all day.
-
Bring chicken to room temperature.
-
When potatoes are getting close to being done, heat a cast iron skillet or other large pan to medium-high.
-
Spray pan with cooking spray. Add 1/2 batch of marinated chicken, peppers and onion.
-
Cook until chicken is brown, about 15 minutes*. Be sure to brown both sides of chicken.
-
Place cooked chicken on one section of the serving platter you plan to use and cover with tinfoil.
-
Repeat with other half of the chicken and peppers.
Salad Preparation
-
While chicken and potatoes are cooking, mix all salad vegetable ingredients together in a bowl and top with cheese.
-
Whisk salad dressing ingredients together and set dressing aside.
Tahini Sauce Preparation
-
Whisk all ingredients together and set aside.
Assembling the Platter for the Bowls
-
I like to assemble the bowl elements on a platter so everyone can take what they want. (see photo)
-
Dress the salad and toss it. Place it on it's own section of the platter next to the chicken.
-
Place potatoes in their own section of the platter.
-
Drizzle the whole platter with tahini sauce or leave it in a little bowl on the platter so everyone can take what they want.
Recipe Notes
*I used the small blade on my Vidalia Chop Wizard to dice the potatoes.
*When browning chicken in a skillet, let it sit for a while on each side so that it gets a chance to brown. In other words, don't stir it or flip it too quickly.
Shredded Kale Salad with Grapefruit and Smoked Almonds
A copycat of my favorite salad from Flower Child in Scottsdale!
Ingredients
- 1 bunch lacinato kale stems removed and discarded, leaves shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage diced
- 1 apple diced or sliced thin
- 1 pink grapefruit skin removed, flesh cut into chunks or sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup smoked almonds placed in a baggie and pounded into pieces
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 1 small shallot
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp. dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
Directions
-
Place all Vinaigrette dressing ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Set aside.
-
Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, except nuts.
-
Toss salad with dressing when ready to serve. Top with smoked almonds.
Balsamic Farro Salad With Grilled Vegetables and Kale
A delicious and healthy side dish that will please any crowd!
Ingredients
Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Salad:
- 3 tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups kale leaves chopped
- 1 large head broccoli chopped
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 onion chopped
- 8 ounces farro
Directions
-
To make dressing, whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic and oil.
-
Stir in fresh herbs.
-
Season with salt and pepper. Set dressing aside.
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-
Place broccoli, zucchini and onion on cookie sheet lined with tinfoil. Toss with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.
-
Roast in oven for about 45 minutes or until vegetables are soft and brown.
-
While vegetables are roasting, make farro according to package directions.
-
Place tomatoes and kale in large serving bowl.
-
When farro is ready, drain it and add it to the serving bowl with tomatoes and kale. Toss to wilt kale.
-
When roasted vegetables are done, add them to the serving bowl.
-
Toss farro, tomatoes, kale, and roasted vegetables with dressing. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
This salad can be made and prepared about an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Substitute spinach for the kale if you prefer.
Feel free to substitute any type of roasted vegetables that you like!
Marvelous Miso Vinaigrette
This salad dressing tastes great and contains miso which will improve your gut health!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon organic white miso
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
-
Whisk all ingredients together to create a delicious salad dressing that will work on any type of salad!
Recipe Notes
Makes enough dressing for 1 large salad.
Roasted Pepper Salad
Ingredients
- 8 bell peppers use a combination of red, orange and yellow
- 8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- salt and pepper
Directions
-
Line a rimmed cookie sheet with tinfoil. Wash peppers, remove stickers and place whole, intact peppers on the cookie sheet.
-
Broil peppers close to the broiler, like on the second rack location in the oven.
-
Char the peppers until they are black on all sides. Using tongs, turn the peppers every few minutes as they char. The charring will take about 45 minutes to get all parts of the pepper.
-
Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and cover it with tinfoil and let the peppers cool.
-
When cool enough to handle, start to peel the charred skin off the peppers so all of the black skin is removed and only the pepper pieces are left. Also remove all of the seeds from the peppers. Discard charred skin, seeds and stems.
-
Slice all of the prepped, cleaned pepper pieces into strips and arrange the pieces on a plate. Top the pepper slices with the basil and capers.
-
Drizzle the olive oil over the peppers. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the peppers. Season with salt and pepper, but do not stir. Top with crumbled feta. Serve at room temperature.
Kale Salad
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of green kale
- 2 T . pine nuts
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 T . extra virgin olive oil
- 2 T . organic dried cranberries
- grated parmesan to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Wash the kale and remove the leaves from the thick rib in the middle of the leaf. Discard the ribs or save to add to smoothies or to make vegetable broth.
-
Dry the leaves and chop.
-
Massage the kale leaves for about one minute to soften them.
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Toast the pine nuts over medium low heat on stovetop until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Combine the kale leaves and cranberries in serving bowl.
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Top with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese. Toss. Let sit for up to one hour before serving.
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Sprinkle with pine nuts before eating.
The Best Shredded Kale Salad
Company-worthy salad from Oh She Glows!
Ingredients
For the Salad and Dressing
- 2 bunches lacinato kale destemmed, leaves finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4-1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the Pecan Parmesan
- 1 cup pecan halves toasted
- 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch sea salt
Directions
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Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
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Spread pecans on baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
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Wash kale and remove leaves from stems. Discard stems. Finely chop kale leaves.
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Spin kale dry. Place in serving bowl.
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Make the pecan parmesan using a food processor. Add pecans, and process until they are size of peas or larger. Then add nutritional yeast, oil, and salt and process until it has a coarse crumb texture. Do not overprocess--you want a nice crunchy texture, not a powder. Set aside.
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Make the dressing using a food processor. Process garlic, lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper until combined. Set aside.
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When ready to serve salad, toss kale with dressing. Add pecan parmesan and toss well to distribute. Sprinkle with cranberries. Serve!
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
Easy breezy and quite tasty!
Ingredients
Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 1/4 cup organic ketchup
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chicken
- 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
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To make the BBQ sauce, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Set aside.
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To make the chicken, trim fat off of chicken and then place the breasts in the crock pot.
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Add all the chicken seasoning (not the sauce) to the crock pot and then stir to coat.
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Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
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Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 4-6 hours.
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When chicken is done, shred it with two forks or cut it into chunks. Add additional barbecue sauce or top the chicken with more sauce once it is plated. Serve over brown rice or as a sandwich on whole wheat buns.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Chili
You won't miss the beef in this chili!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 green pepper diced
- 1 cup frozen organic corn
- 1 lb. ground turkey breast
- 1 15 oz. can black beans drained (add an extra can if you like it with lots of beans!)
- 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2<