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Showing posts from August, 2019

Chickpea Feta Burgers

You have to try these Chickpea Feta Burgers next time you are craving a vegetarian burger. Made with a combination of chickpeas, feta cheese, carrots, shallots, and oregano - these burgers are packed with flavor. Serve them with some Crispy Turnip Fries  or  Carrot Fries . I have a bad habit of spending way too much money on veggie burgers at the store. My whole family loves them and they are a go-to lunch and dinner option in our house. Even my super picky two year old loves them. However, they can get expensive. So lately I have been experimenting with making my own veggies burgers at home, like these Black Bean Apple Burgers . But my new favorite is this version with feta cheese and chickpeas.  The flavors are somewhat Greek inspired with the feta and oregano, but the carrots add a touch of sweetness to balance every out. I mean anything with feta cheese tastes delicious in my opinion, but these are seriously yummy. If you really wanted to take it to a Greek place,  consider addi

Watermelon and Avocado Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette

Watermelon Avocado Salad combines sweet watermelon and creamy avocado with greens, cilantro, queso fresco, and a delicious honey lime dressing. I love serving it with this Grilled Sriracha Barbecue Chicken or Grilled Spice Rubbed Salmon . Ever since I ate my first watermelon salad I have been a huge fan, especially when its paired with a tangy cheese like feta or queso fresco. In fact, every summer for the last 3-4 years, its the first thing my brother requests when we meet up at my parent's house in New England. Usually I make this classic version with cilantro, red onions, and feta cheese but lately, I have been loving this version with avocado and Mexican queso fresco. If you haven't had queso fresco before, it's a fresh cheese that is a bit like feta but slightly less salty and assertive. Think of it as milder feta and perfect for anyone who finds feta a little too pungent and overpowering.  Now let's get back to this salad. If you aren't sure about pairin

Lemon and Broccoli Pasta with Shrimp

This easy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta is ready in under 30 minutes, tastes amazing, and is couldn't be more satisfying. Seriously, if you love shrimp pasta, you have to make this as soon as possible. Plus it tastes like a restaurant meal for half and cost and calories. Shrimp lovers won't want to miss this Pesto Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles or Shrimp Piccata . When my husband and I first started dating, it quickly became apparent that his food tastes resembled those of most twelve year old boys. Suffice to say he lived off of burgers, wings, pizza, and tacos. Fast forward ten years and I am proud to say that these days he eats a pretty wide variety of food, even lots of veggies. However, no matter how hard I have tried, I just can't get him to eat seafood. Whenever he won't be home for dinner, I always plan on seafood and make a delicious solo dinner packed with my favorite tasty ocean treats. And one of my all-time favorites is shrimp pasta. I love the combination of

Chicken Saltimbocca

This healthier Chicken Saltimbocca brings together chicken, lemon, and prosciutto, which is always a good thing. In less than thirty minutes, you can make this restaurant quality dish at home. Serve it with some Parmesan Roasted Broccoli or Mashed Cauliflower . This quick and easy dinner may just be my new favorite meal, especially because it feels fancy and tastes like something you would get at a restaurant. Did I mention it is ready in under 30 minutes? This is the best kind of weeknight meal in my opinion. Full of flavor, easy to prepare, and something everyone will love. It would also make an incredible meal for a special occasion or date night since it feels special. Prosciutto just does that I think. Speaking of prosciutto, it's something I often wrote off in the past since it is unfortunately pretty high when it comes to fat and sodium. However, I have recently started using it sparingly in recipes and it adds so much flavor. It's a lot like bacon, but I find it'

Turkey Fajita Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Zucchini Boats with ground turkey and fajita veggies may just be my new favorite healthy lunch. Who would have ever believed that stuffing zucchini with ground turkey, peppers, onions, spices, and cheese would taste so good and decadent? They are seriously something I love to eat and they taste like a mash up of chicken fajitas and pizza. Fajita lovers will also want to try these Chicken Fajitas and Shrimp Fajitas . Last week was kind of a tough one for me. While I started out on track and eating healthy, by the end of the week I was reaching for everything bad for me. Candy, pizza, ice cream - you name it. I blame a busy work week and some last minute traveling. By Sunday morning I felt exhausted, bloated, and honestly, a bit disappointed. However, instead of throwing in the towel like I may have done in the past, I decided instead to try to focus on setting myself up for success in the week to come. I made a big batch of these stuffed zucchini, a slow cooker full of this

Broccoli Cheddar Egg Muffins

These easy Egg Muffins with broccoli and cheddar cheese are a great make ahead breakfast, lunch, and snack option. They are freezer friendly and can be eaten on their own or used for a quick breakfast sandwich. Egg Muffin fanatics will also love these Southwest Black Bean Egg Muffins and Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins . Broccoli Cheddar Egg Muffins have been part of our breakfast routine for years now and make the best on-the-go healthy breakfast. I have been making all kinds of egg muffins for years but recently realized I have shared the one that I make most often on the blog, these ones packed with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and green onions. I love having a batch in the fridge for a quick protein packed snack or breakfast. The other thing I love about these muffins is how easy they are to make. Whisk together some eggs, toss in some cooked broccoli and cheese, and pop them in the oven for about 12 minutes. That's it. They really couldn't get easier and are a great recipe to

Slow Cooker Creamy Chipotle Tomato Soup

This Crockpot Creamy Tomato Soup with Chipotle Peppers is the perfect way it take advantage of all the amazing summer tomatoes on the market. It's sweet from the tomatoes, spicy from the chipotle peppers, and creamy from the cream cheese. Pair it with a Healthy Kale Caesar or Portobello Mushroom Burger for an easy weeknight meal. Lately, all I have been talking about is how much I love this warmer weather: barbecues, sandy toes, slushy drinks…you name a warm-weather cliche, I am excited to make it a reality. Two exceptions though: schedules and soup. Two words that seemingly have no business being grouped together, yet here they are. Schedules because as much as I love the freedom of summer, if I am being real, I love having a more set routine. Although some people are heading back to school and routines, we are still over 3 weeks away. And soup for nostalgic reasons. Comforting reasons. I just love soup and the warmth that it brings on a cold day, or any day really. I can

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Healthy Chicken Salad packed with Mediterranean flavors including roasted red peppers, black olives, fresh dill, feta cheese, and spices. This flavor-packed chicken salad will be your new lunchtime favorite. You also don't want to miss this Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad and classic Healthy Chicken Salad . One of the things I get asked about most often is what to keep in the fridge for quick and easy meals, and one of my favorite options is Chicken Salad . There are so many different ways to make it and tons of options for serving it. This makes it the perfect versatile option for meal prep. To keep things interesting, I always try out different flavor combinations and this Mediterranean version is so good. Between the creamy feta cheese, fresh parsley and dill, roasted red peppers, and black olives - it's just so good. I love it stuffed into sandwiches and wraps, served on a bed of spicy arugula, or stuffed into hollowed out cucumbers and tomatoes. I also would be lying if

Slow Cooker Banh Mi Pork

This crockpot version of classic Banh Mi Pork takes of the traditional flavors of the Vietnamese sandwich to make a sweet, spicy, and savory tender pork dish that can be used in so many different ways. Topped with crunchy veggies, this dish is so good and so easy. Serve it on as tacos, a rice bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice , or with an Asian Noodle Salad . Whenever we go out for Vietnamese food, I'm always most excited about ordering a Bahn Mi. Banh Mi are deliciously sweet and spicy Vietnamese sandwiches filled with flavor. They typically arrive packed into a French baguette with savory pork, pickled veggies, and a creamy mayonnaise-based spicy spread. They are one of my favorite sandwiches ever, as the combination of meats and condiments is totally unexpected, yet works so well together. So when a craving hit this week, rather than take myself to the nearest Vietnamese restaurant (which, fortunately, or unfortunately, isn't so close by), I set out to recreate a banh mi-style

Creamy Mexican Coleslaw

This easy Mexican Slaw takes all the traditional elements of coleslaw but gives it a Mexican spin with lime, cilantro, and chili powder. It's the perfect topping for chicken tacos or shrimp tostadas , to throw on some Cilantro Lime Chicken , or to serve as a side dish. During the warmer months, coleslaw is one of my favorite salads and side dishes to make. It's a classic for a reason and the simple combination of shredded cabbage with a creamy dressing is delicious. But sometimes, I want to take it in a different direction and that's where this Mexican slaw comes in. Filled with cilantro, fresh lime juice, avocado, and a hint of chili powder, it's the perfect spin on a classic. It's also one of those dishes that will quickly become a kitchen staple since it is versatile and adaptable. You can serve this coleslaw with so many different types of dishes from tacos to grilled meats. Plus it makes a great condiment or base for a big salad. Believe me, you'll love

Honey Lime Tilapia

The best recipe for tilapia with a crispy coating and tons of honey lime flavor. This easy tilapia recipe is ready in less than 15 minutes, including prep, and will please even the pickiest eater. Serve it with some Pineapple Colelsaw or Mango Salsa for a tropical meal that everyone will love. I tend to think of tilapia as an "gateway fish." By that, I mean, I have noticed that many people who swear they hate all things fish end up trying tilapia and liking it. And then that kind of makes them think they'd like other fish, too. The next thing you know, they're visiting actual seafood specialty markets looking for that perfect cut of swordfish. Don't tell me I didn't warn you. But in all seriousness, every time I have made it for people who "don't really like fish" they go crazy. It also happens to be one of my all-time favorite fish recipes. While tilapia isn't going to win any awards in the looks category alone, all you really need to d

Mango Shrimp Tostadas

Shrimp Tostadas with Mango Cabbage Slaw are an easy Mexican meal that's made with spicy shrimp, creamy refried black beans, and a delicious mango cabbage slaw with avocado. Serve it with some Mexican Corn Salad or Mexican Cauliflower Rice . A few weeks back I shared these classic Shrimp Tostadas (a riff on these ones made with chicken ) and since then we have been making tostadas almost every week. It is seriously the best summer meal. If you are looking for something fresh, easy, and delicious for dinner then this is your meal. It's crunchy, sweet, spicy, and super satisfying. In fact, I not only inhaled them for dinner the first night but also proceeded to shovel them in for lunch for the next two days. The combination of spicy shrimp, creamy black beans, and cabbage and mango slaw is just so good. Trust me, you need to make this as soon as possible. The other thing I love about these Shrimp Tostadas is that you can prep everything ahead of time and just assemble at din

Sesame Beef

This easy, restaurant style Sesame Beef is one of those meals you will want to make every week. It's ready in less than 30 minutes, tastes like takeout, and is always a hit with kids. Serve it with some Vegetable Fried Rice or Healthy Chow Mein . When I first posted the recipe for Sesame Chicken , I made it five times in nine days and had eaten it every way possible: tossed over rice, wrapped up in lettuce wraps, in an Asian-inspired salad, and even once for breakfast. I think there may be something slightly wrong with me, as that’s eating this delicious dish almost every other day. So, last night while I stared into my fridge waiting for it to tell me what to make (there was no chicken), it spoke to me: Sesame Beef! Of course. So my obsession continues with this recipe. But if I'm wrong, and there is too much of a good thing, I don't want to be right, because this dish is seriously addicting and I could, indeed, make it and eat it every other day for the rest of my lif

Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken

Crockpot Jerk Chicken is the perfect meal as we approach warmer spring and summer months. Not only is all the work done by the slow cooker meaning you never have to turn on the stove, the mango salsa screams summer with its bright and fresh flavors. I have been making versions of this dish for years with a homemade jerk sauce but recently came across a packaged jerk seasoning mix that does all the hard work for you. It's delicious, balanced, and means you don't have to spend time measuring out tons of individual spices. Now when it comes to making this dish, there are some adjustments you may want to make depending on the jerk seasoning you use. Start by tasting your jerk seasoning to test out the spiciness. Some seasonings are mild and some are incredibly spicy. For a milder seasoning, you can add some extra cayenne pepper. For a spicy mixture, you may need to use a little bit less or add a touch more sugar to balance it out. Then depending on your diet, you can decide if

Slow Cooker Banh Mi Pork

This crockpot version of classic Banh Mi Pork takes of the traditional flavors of the Vietnamese sandwich to make a sweet, spicy, and savory tender pork dish that can be used in so many different ways. Topped with crunchy veggies, this dish is so good and so easy. Serve it on as tacos, a rice bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice , or with an Asian Noodle Salad . Whenever we go out for Vietnamese food, I'm always most excited about ordering a Bahn Mi. Banh Mi are deliciously sweet and spicy Vietnamese sandwiches filled with flavor. They typically arrive packed into a French baguette with savory pork, pickled veggies, and a creamy mayonnaise-based spicy spread. They are one of my favorite sandwiches ever, as the combination of meats and condiments is totally unexpected, yet works so well together. So when a craving hit this week, rather than take myself to the nearest Vietnamese restaurant (which, fortunately, or unfortunately, isn't so close by), I set out to recreate a banh mi-style