• Asparagus Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

    Recipe from Muchin with Maddie.

    Ingredients:

    Salad:

    • 8 oz. pasta cooked according to package
    • 2 ears of corn, kernels removed (about 1 c. corn)
    • 12 oz. asparagus, cut in 2 inch pieces
    • 8 oz. grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 1/2 c. fresh basil, chiffonade

    Dressing:

    • 3 TBSP lemon juice
    • 3 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1/2 tsp. dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp. honey or maple syrup
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a baking sheet, add asparagus and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper and then toss to coat. Roast for 12 – 15 minutes. Then set aside to cool.
    2. Meanwhile cook pasta according to package. Once done, drain and then set aside to cool.
    3. Add dressing ingredients to jar or bowl and shake or whisk until combined.
    4. Add pasta, corn, asparagus, and tomatoes to a large bowl and then add the dressing and toss to coat. Top with the basil.

    Asparagus Lemon Basil Pasta Salad:



  • S’mores Bars

    Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 c. unsalted butter, softened
    • 1/2 c. white sugar
    • 1/4 c. packed brown sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 tsp. baking powder
    • 1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
    • 1 tsp. coarse kosher salt
    • 6 graham crackers, crushed into crumbs (1 graham cracker = 1 rectangle)
    • two 4–oz. chocolate bars (the extra big, extra-thick size)
    • one 7-oz. jar of marshmallow creme

    Directions:

    1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Cookie Base: Beat the butter and both sugars. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs.
    3. Make a top layer: Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the pan. Lift out the parchment with the dough on it and set it aside – this will be your top cookie layer.
    4. Assembly: Line again with parchment and press the remaining dough into the bottom of the pan. Layer with the chocolate bars and marshmallow creme. Gently flip and place the prepared top cookie layer onto the top of the bars and peel the parchment off the top.
    5. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
    6. Resting Time: For the cleanest slices, I like to let the bars rest for 4-6 hours or give them a bit of time in the fridge so they can solidify enough for a clean cut! More info in the notes.

    S’mores Bars:

  • Falafel Quinoa Salad

    Recipe adapted from Plays Well With Butter.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 c. – 3 c. cooked quinoa
    • 14 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 small red onion, diced
    • 1 1/2 c. Persian cucumbers, diced)
    • 1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
    • 1 bunch parsley, chopped
    • 1/2 c. mint, chopped
    • Crumbled feta
    • Salad greens, optional

    Lemon-Cumin Dressing:

    • 5 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 lemons, zested and juiced (5 TBSP juice)
    • 3 garlic cloves, grated
    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • 1 tsp. coriander
    • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
    • Honey, to taste

    Directions:

    1. Prepare the the lemon-cumin dressing: Add all listed ingredients to a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake to combine. Set aside, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
    2. Prepare Quinoa: Cook according to package or using an Instant Pot — rinse the quinoa; spray the Instant Pot liner with cooking spray; add the rinsed quinoa; add the water (1:1.5 quinoa to water ratio); place lid on and cook for 2 minutes, and then allow a 10 minute natural release; remove lid and fluff. Quinoa triples in expansion after cooking.
    3. For the Instant Pot: 1/2 c. quinoa : 3/4 c. water = 1.5 c. cooked; 2/3 c. quinoa : 1 c. water = 2 c. cooked; 3/4 c. quinoa : 1 c. + 2TBSP water = 2.25 cooked; 1 c. quinoa : 1.5 c. water = 3 c. cooked.
    4. Assemble the falafel quinoa salad: Combine the quinoa, chickpeas, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, chopped herbs in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over top. Toss to combine, ensuring all of the quinoa is well coated in the dressing. Taste, seasoning with additional salt or ground black pepper as desired. Top with crumbled feta. Serve over salad greens, optional.

    Falafel Quinoa Salad:

  • Crispy Chicken Tortas

    Recipe from Cooking Con Claudia

    Ingredients:

    • Anaheim chiles (enough for your tortas)
    • Shredded cheese for the chiles
    • 1 lb. thin sliced chicken breast
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • 1 TBSP chili powder
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. black pepper
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1 tsp. onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1/2 tsp. oregano
    • 3 eggs
    • 1/4 c. milk
    • 1 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 c. parmesan cheese
    • Oil for frying
    • Tortas: Bolillos, mayo, chicken, chipotle mayo, guacamole, and roasted Anaheim chiles with cheese, chicken, chipotle mayo, and guacamole

    Chipotle mayo: Blend 1/2 c. mayo, 1/2 c. sour cream, 1 garlic clove, 2 +/- chipotles to your liking, Juice of 1/2 lemon, salt and pepper, and water to thin, if desired

    Directions:

    1. Roast your chiles in the oven on broil or your grill until the skins are charred; then place chiles in a Ziploc bag for 15 minutes; after 15 minutes peel the skins and remove the seeds; flatten chilles in the process.
    2. When closer to eating, place the chiles in a heated skillet and add cheese to the chiles and cook until cheese is melted.
    3. Meanwhile: prepare the chipotle mayo, if using, by placing all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, adding water as needed until reach desired consistency.
    4. Pound chicken breast into thin even portions.
    5. In a large bowl mix minced garlic through milk and then add the chicken to the marinade.
    6. In another bowl add the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
    7. Take each piece of chicken from the marinade and coat it with the breadcrumb parmesan cheese mixture; discard any remaining marinade and breadcrumb mixtures.
    8. In a large deep skillet, heat the oil to 325F and fry the chicken.
    9. Heat a large table top skillet and butter the bolillo halves and cook until toasted.
    10. Assemble: To the bottom bolillo, add mayonnaise, then add the roasted cheesy chile, then the chicken, then drizzle with chipotle mayonnaise, then add the guacamole to the top of the bolillo; slice and enjoy!

    Crispy Chicken Tortas:

  • Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice)

    Recipe adapted from Bowl of Delicious.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/4 c. olive oil
    • 1 bunch green onions thinly sliced, 1/2 c. dark green tops reserved (about 8-10 green onions)
    • 8-10 oz. baby spinach 
    • 1 c. basmati rice (or other long grain white rice or parboiled rice)
    • 2 c. vegetable broth, water, or chicken broth
    • 1/2 tsp. salt plus more if needed
    • 1/4 c. fresh chopped dill (can also use mint, parsley, or a combination)
    • Juice and zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp. zest and 2 TBSP juice)
    • Crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs/green onions for serving

    Directions:

    1. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced green onions (reserve 1/2 c. of the dark green tops) and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
    2. Add the basmati rice and stir to coat. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the kosher salt. Bring to a boil, stir once, cover, and simmer on low for about 15 minutes (or until rice is cooked – you should see holes in the top, and if you tilt the pot you should no longer see any water pooling).
    3. Stir in the fresh chopped dill or other herbs, the lemon zest, and lemon juice, and the reserved sliced green onions (keep some out for garnish if you like).
    4. Season to taste with salt, and serve garnished with crumbled feta cheese and reserved green onions, if desired.

    Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach and Rice):

  • Tofu Shawarma Wrap

    Ingredients:

    • 16 oz. block of super firm tofu, drained and pressed
    • 1 1/2 tsp. cumin
    • 1 1/2 tsp. curry powder
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • Juice of 1 lemon, about 2 TBSP
    • Olive oil
    • French fries, frozen or homemade
    • Wraps: tortilla, tofu, French fries, pickles, and garlic sauce (mix mayo and garlic to your liking)

    Directions:

    1. Drain tofu and slice in half so that your have 2: 3 x 4 x 1 blocks, then wrap in a towel and place a heavy object on top to press the remaining water out.
    2. In a small bowl, mix the cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper and set aside.
    3. Juice the lemon into a small bowl.
    4. Put olive oil in a small bowl (start with 1 TBSP and add more as necessary).
    5. Once the tofu is finished being pressed, slice the tofu into 1/2 inch slices – you’ll get 12-16 slices.
    6. In a 9×13 baking dish, place the tofu slices. Then using a pastry brush, brush the slices with olive oil and lemon juice, and then sprinkle about 1/2 the spice mixture. Turn the slices over and repeat brushing with olive oil and lemon juice and then sprinkle with the remaining spice mixture. Let tofu marinate for about 1 hour.
    7. After 1 hour, heat olive oil in a skillet on medium high heat. Add the tofu and leave undisturbed for 5 minutes, and then flip the tofu and leave undisturbed for 5 minutes.
    8. In your wrap, add tofu, French fries, pickles, and garlic sauce.
    9. French Fries: use frozen (and cook according to package) or make your own—1 russet potato, sliced into 1/4 inch strips, then soak in cold water bath for about 1 hour; then place fries on a towel and dry completely; once dried add fries to a bowl and add olive oil, salt and pepper, and paprika to your liking; cook in air fryer on 380F for 20-25 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes until reach desired doneness.

    Tofu Shawarma Wraps:

  • Summer Farro Salad

    Recipe adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod.

    Ingredients:

    Salad:

    • 2 c. cooked farro
    • 2 c. greens of your choice, spinach, kale, mixed greens, etc.
    • 2 large peaches, pitted and sliced or 1 1/2 c. strawberries and blackberries
    • 1 1/2 c. blueberries
    • 1 1/2 c. grape tomatoes, halved
    • 2 small ears sweet corn, kernels removed (about 1 1/2 c.)
    • 1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese
    • 3 TBSP chopped basil
    • Sliced grilled chicken, optional

    Dressing:

    • 1/3 c. olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 TBSP champagne vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 small shallot, minced
    • 1-2 tsp. honey, or to taste
    • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

    Directions:

    1. Salad: In a large bowl combine the farro, greens, peach slices and/or strawberries and blackberries, blueberries, tomatoes, corn, feta, basil, and grilled chicken if using.
    2. Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, shallot, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
    3. Assemble: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until salad is well coated. Serve immediately.

    Summer Farro Salad:

  • Greek Orzo Salad

    Recipe adapted from Half Baked Harvest.

    Ingredients:

    Dressing:

    • 1/3 c. olive oil
    • 2 TBSP red wine vinegar
    • 1 TBSP lemon juice
    • 1 1/2 tsp. honey
    • 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1 shallot, chopped
    • 1/4 – 1/2 c. chopped herbs, dill, basil, oregano, and/or thyme
    • Salt and black pepper

    Orzo Salad:

    • 1 c. dry orzo
    • 1 c. cubed feta cheese
    • 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 2-3 Persian cucumbers, chopped
    • 1/2 c. pitted Kalamata olives
    • 1 roasted bell pepper, sliced
    • 1/4 c. chopped pepperoncini

    Directions:

    1. Dressing: To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a large salad bowl.
    2. Orzo Salad: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente. Drain. Add the hot orzo to the salad bowl full of dressing. Toss, toss! Add the feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, peppers, and pepperoncini. Toss, toss! Serve warm or cold. The salad will develop more flavor as it sits.

    Greek Orzo Salad:

  • BBQ Tofu Tostadas

    Recipe adapted from This Savory Vegan.

    Ingredients:

    BBQ Tofu:

    • 1 block firm tofu drained and pressed
    • 2 TBSP avocado oil
    • 1 small red onion, finely diced
    • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • 1/2 c. BBQ sauce

    Slaw:

    • 1/2 bunch cilantro
    • 1 jalapeño, roughly chopped
    • 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 1/2 c. mayo
    • 1 small avocado
    • 1/4 c. milk
    • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • 4 cups shredded cabbage (1/2 bag of cole slaw mix)
    • 1 c. corn

    Tostadas:

    • 8 pre-made tostada shells
    • Pickled onions
    • Shredded cheese

    Directions:

    • Drain and press the tofu. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu and break it apart into bite-sized pieces. Allow it to cook, undisturbed, for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
    • Add the red onion and seasonings to the pan and cook for 5 more minutes. Pour in the BBQ sauce and a splash of water. Toss to coat, lower heat and cook until the sauce starts to crisp slightly.*
    • Meanwhile, add all of the slaw sauce ingredients to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Place the shredded cabbage, corn and 1/2 of the sauce in a bowl and toss to combine. Add more sauce if needed and reserve the rest of the sauce for serving.
    • To assemble, layer each tostada with BBQ tofu, slaw, pickled onions, and drizzle with slaw sauce, if desired.

    BBQ Tofu Tosatadas:

  • Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowls

    Recipe adapted from Damn Delicious.

    Ingredients:

    Korean Beef:

    • 1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
    • 1/4 c. soy sauce
    • 1 TBSP freshly grated ginger
    • 2 tsp. sesame oil
    • 1/2 tsp. Sriracha, or more to taste
    • 1 TBSP olive oil
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 lb. ground beef, chicken, or turkey

    Kimchi:

    • 2 tsp. sesame oil
    • 1 c. chopped kimchi
    • 1 tsp. sugar

    Bowls:

    • Rice
    • 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
    • 1 carrot, shredded
    • 1 avocado, thinly sliced
    • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
    • 1/4 tsp. sesame seeds, optional
    • Yum Yum sauce

    Directions:

    1. For the Korean Beef/Chicken/Turkey: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil and Sriracha.
    2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
    3. Stir in soy sauce mixture until well combined, allowing to simmer until heated through, about 2 minutes; set aside.
    4. For the Kimchi: Heat sesame oil in small skillet over medium high heat. Add kimchi and sugar, and cook, stirring constantly, until caramelized and heated through, about 3-5 minutes; set aside.
    5. For the bowls: Cook rice according to package instructions. Add rice to bowls, top with ground beef mixture, kimchi, cucumbers, carrots, and avocado, drizzled with yum yum sauce and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

    Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowls: