• Jennifer Aniston’s Salad aka The Rachel Salad

    August 22, 2022 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Israeli couscous has become a family favorite, so I subbed the quinoa for the Israeli couscous. You could also use bulgar, farro, couscous, etc.

    Recipe adapted from Iowa Girl Eats.

    http://servuclean.com/category/janitorial-service/office-cleaners/page/2/ Ingredients:

    Couscous Salad

    • 1 1/2 c. water
    • 1 c. Israeli couscous
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. olive oil
    • 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 English cucumber, diced
    • 1/2 small red onion, minced
    • 1/2 c. packed fresh parsley, finely chopped
    • 1/2 c. loosely-packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
    • 1/2 c. roasted salted pistachios, chopped
    • 1/2 c. (2oz) crumbled feta cheese
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Mixed lettuce

    Lemon Dressing

    • 1/2 c. lemon juice (about 2-4 lemons)
    • 1/2 c. olive oil
    • 1 TBSP honey
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    Xinyi Directions:

    1. Lemon Dressing: Add ingredients to a jar with a tight fitting lid, or small bowl, then shake or whisk to combine.
    2. Couscous: Add water, salt, and olive oil to sauce pan and over medium high heat bring to a boil; once boiling, add the couscous and stir; then cover the sauce pan and lower the heat to simmer; simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer cooked couscous to a bowl.
    3. Add dressing: Add about 1/8 c. of dressing to the slightly warm couscous and toss well to combine. Set aside (or refrigerate) to cool completely.
    4. Salad: Add couscous to a large mixing bowl then add chickpeas through mint, and toss to combine. Add about 1/3 of the dressing and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    5. Serve: Add mixed lettuce greens to a plate, top with a generous scoop of the couscous salad; sprinkle the pistachios and feta on top and drizzle with dressing.

    Jennifer Aniston’s Salad:

  • Israeli Couscous Salad

    August 17, 2022 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    If you want a more hearty couscous side (pictured above), double the couscous (olive oil, shallots, lemons, couscous, and water/stock) and the dressing.

    Recipe adapted from No Spoon Necessary.

    Ingredients:

    Couscous

    • 2 ½ TBSP olive oil
    • 2 medium shallots – finely diced (about 1/3 heaping cup)
    • 2 large lemons, zested & juiced (1/4 cup juice) (1 TBSP & ½ tsp zest – DIVIDED)
    • 1 ½ c. Israeli pearl couscous
    • 1 ¾ c. stock or water
    • 1 (8 oz.) jar oil-packed julienne sun-dried tomatoes – drained & 2 TBSP oil reserved
    • 1 (14 oz.) can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
    • 3 oz. baby arugula, or more to taste
    • 3 large green onions, thinly sliced
    • 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
    • ½ c. fresh herbs, chopped (basil, parsley, cilantro, and/or mint)
    • 3 TBSP toasted pine nuts 
    • Salt & pepper

    Dressing

    • ¼ c. olive oil
    • 1 garlic, minced
    • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp. honey

    Directions:

    1. Prepare Dressing:  Add the oil, garlic, Dijon and honey to a small bowl or a mason jar. Add in ¼ c. fresh lemon juice, a scant ½ tsp. zest, ¼ tsp salt and generous pinch of pepper. Whisk until well combined. If using a mason jar, add the lid and seal. Shake the jar until well combined.
    2. Infuse Oil: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and 1 heaping TBSP of lemon zest. Let the flavors infuse and sweat the vegetables, stirring, for 2-3 minutes.
    3. Prepare Couscous: Stir in the couscous and increase the heat to medium. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until the couscous is lightly toasted and fragrant. Add in the stock and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid simmer, then immediately reduce heat to a low. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the couscous is tender, and liquid is almost all absorbed. Remove from heat.
    4. Stir in sundried tomato oil & cover: Remove cover from couscous. Add the 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato oil and stir to combine. Replace cover and set aside (off heat), for about 3-5 minutes, until liquid is completely evaporated. The couscous should be tender, and the mixture should be fluffy, not soupy. Season couscous to taste with salt and pepper; fluff with a fork. Transfer the couscous to a large bowl.
    5. Add dressing: Add half the dressing (about ¼ c.) to the slightly warm couscous and toss well to combine. Set aside to cool completely.
    6. Toss couscous: Once the couscous is cooled, add the chickpeas, arugula, green onions, herbs and half the feta. Toss to combine. Add the remaining dressing. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. (Optional: Cover and refrigerate.)
    7. Serve: Sprinkle couscous with remaining feta and toasted pine nuts. Garnish with lemon wedges if using. 

    Israeli Couscous Salad:

  • Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Pasta

    March 19, 2022 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Adapted from Half Baked Harvest.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. linguine
    • 1 TBSP olive oil
    • 4-6 thin chicken cutlets
    • 2 TBSP Cajun seasoning
    • 1 1/2 c. fresh parmesan cheese + 2 TBSP fresh parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • 4 TBSP butter, divided
    • 6 garlic cloves, minced
    • Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
    • 2 TBSP lemon juice
    • 1 c. heavy cream
    • 1 c. milk
    • 2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

    Directions:

    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
    2. In bowl, toss together the olive oil, chicken, Cajun seasoning, 2 TBSP parmesan, and a big pinch of pepper.
    3. Melt 2TBSP butter in a large pan set over medium-high heat, add the chicken and sear until deeply golden on both sides, 5 minutes per side. Turn the heat off and pour over the lemon juice. Transfer to a plate.
    4. To the same pan, add 2 TBSP butter, the garlic, and chili flakes. Cook 1 minute, until fragrant, then pour in the cream and milk. Whisk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 1/2 c. parmesan cheese and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Then toss in the pasta.
    5. Serve immediately topped with sliced chicken and parsley.

    Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Pasta:

  • Penne Pomodoro

    February 21, 2022 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Adapted from Midwest Foodie.

    Ingredients:

    • 16 oz. penne pasta, cooked al dente
    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
    • 4 tsp. dried oregano
    • 4 tsp. dried thyme
    • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. fresh cracked pepper
    • 1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper, optional
    • 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes 
    • 2 TBSP fresh parsley, chopped
    • 4 TBSP fresh basil, chopped
    • 2 TBSP granulated sugar, optional
    • Toppings: Burrata cheese, capers, basil, and/or parmesan cheese

    Directions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
    2. Add garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
    3. Add crushed tomatoes, parsley, basil, and add sugar if desired.
    4. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
    5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    6. Add cooked pasta to the pan.
    7. Toss to coat evenly.
    8. Garnish with fresh grated Parmesan, parsley, basil, capers, and burrata.

    Penne Pomodoro:

  • Asian Chicken Pasta Salad

    January 10, 2022 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe adapted from No Biggie

    Ingredients:

    Salad

    • 1 lb. box bow tie pasta
    • 4 chicken breasts cooked & shredded or all the breast meat of one large rotisserie chicken
    • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
    • 1/2 pack sliced almonds toasted
    • 1 bag lettuce of choice
    • 1 small bag snap peas
    • 1 small can mandarin oranges drained
    • Crunchy wonton strips

    Dressing

    • 2/3 c. red wine vinegar
    • 2/3 c. vegetable oil *or sesame oil is great here too
    • 2/3 c. soy sauce
    • 6 TBSP sugar
    • 2 TBSP ginger paste
    • 1 tsp. salt and pepper

    Directions:

    1. Shred the chicken breast meat from a rotisserie chicken.
    2. Mix up the dressing – half will be used to marinade the chicken and pasta and remaining as a salad dressing.
    3. Cook the pasta until al dente, remove the pasta from the water.
    4. In a large bowl while the pasta and chicken are still warm, add the dressing and toss. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until chilled.
    5. Marinate chicken & pasta in the fridge overnight, or for a few hours until chilled.
    6. Toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan, remove from pan.
    7. In a large bowl add the marinaded pasta and chicken, green onions, almonds, snap peas, mandarin oranges. Toss with salad dressing.
    8. In a separate bowl add the salad greens and toss with dressing.
    9. On individual plates, add the salad greens and top with the pasta salad. Top with Crunchy wonton strips.
    10. Refrigerate any leftover dressing.

    Asian Chicken Pasta Salad:

  • Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken or Chickpeas

    September 17, 2021 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    You can make this salad with chicken or keep it vegetarian by adding chickpeas.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. orzo
    • Salt
    • 4 mini cucumbers, chopped
    • 2 c. grape tomatoes, sliced
    • 6 oz. feta
    • 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
    • 1/2 c. mint, chopped
    • Chopped cooked chicken or 1 can of chickpeas, drained
    • Mixed lettuce greens

    Dressing:

    • 2 lemons, zest and juice (about 1/3 c.)
    • 2/3 c. olive oil
    • 2 TBSP honey
    • 6 garlic cloves, minced
    • Salt and Pepper, to taste

    Directions:

    1. Bring a pot of water to boil, add salt and orzo and cook until al dente. Once it’s done, rinse it with cool water and let it drain thoroughly. Transfer to a large bowl.
    2. Meanwhile, prep all the salad ingredients.
    3. Add the dressing ingredients to a jar or small bowl, and whisk/shake until well combined.
    4. To the bowl with the orzo, add cucumbers through chicken/chickpeas.
    5. Toss the salad with the dressing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
    6. Serve salad over mixed lettuce greens.

    Lemon Orzo Salad with Chicken or Chickpeas:

  • Poblano Macaroni and Cheese

    August 17, 2021 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    Recipe from Cooking Con Claudia.

    Ingredients:

    • 4 poblanos, roasted, skin and seeds removed, chopped
    • 16 oz. elbow macaroni
    • 6 TBSP butter, divided
    • Small onion, diced
    • 8 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tsp. black pepper
    • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1 tsp. salt to taste
    • 6 TBSP flour
    • 2 c. chicken broth
    • 2 c. milk
    • ½ c. crema
    • 5 oz. cheddar cheese
    • 5 oz. pepper jack cheese
    • 5 oz. mozzarella cheese

    Directions:

    1. Set oven to broil.  On a baking sheet add the poblanos and roast all sides until charred.  Once charred place poblanos in a Ziploc bag and seal the bag. Let the poblanos steam in the bag for 15 minutes.  After 15 minutes, remove poblanos and peel the skins, remove the seeds and stems, and chop.
    2. Cook pasta according to box, slightly undercooked.
    3. Heat 3 TBSP butter in large skillet over medium-high heat; then add the onions and saute for 3 minutes, until translucent.  Add garlic, chopped poblanos, pepper, smoked paprika, and salt and cook for 1 minute.
    4. Create a well in the center of the skillet with the veggies surrounding the well and add the remaining 3 TBSP of butter and melt.  Once melted and the flour and stir until flour is dissolved. Then add the broth, milk, and crema, and bring to a light boil.
    5. Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the cheeses, and stir until cheese is melted.  Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine.  The macaroni and cheese will thicken as it cools.

    Poblano Macaroni and Cheese:

  • Lemon Chicken Orzo

    August 17, 2021 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    This dish is the complete package of comfort food. The recipe below is doubled to be served as a main dish. If you want this as a side, halve the recipe below.

    Adapted from Salt & Lavender

    Ingredients:

    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 4 TBSP butter
    • 1 medium onion chopped
    • 6 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
    • 2 c. uncooked orzo pasta
    • 4 c. chicken broth
    • 4 TBSP lemon juice
    • 2 c. heavy whipping cream
    • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
    • 1 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • 6-10 oz. fresh baby spinach
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Directions:

    1. Add the oil, butter, and onion to a pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes.
    2. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and orzo. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often (this infuses the orzo with more flavor and toasts it a little).
    3. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and cream. Once it starts to bubble, continue cooking for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often. You will probably need to turn the heat down a bit (to medium or even medium-low). It should gently bubble vs. furiously boil, and you don’t want the liquid to reduce too much before the pasta has cooked.
    4. Stir in the chicken.
    5. Take the pot off the heat, stir in the parmesan and spinach, and cover the pot for 3-5 minutes or until it has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.

    Lemon Chicken Orzo:

  • Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

    July 2, 2021 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    So flavorful and comes together in 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

    Recipe adapted from Half Baked Harvest.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. spiral pasta or other short cut pasta
    • 4 TBSP olive oil
    • 1 lb. chicken, cut in bite size pieces
    • 1 TBSP plus 1-2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 2 bell peppers, sliced
    • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
    • 1 c. chicken broth
    • 1 c. milk
    • 3-4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
    • 1/2 c. freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • 2 TBSP basil, chopped

    Directions:

    1. Cook pasta al dente according to the package, and then drain.
    2. Meanwhile, heat skillet to medium high and add 2 Tablespoons of olive oil, onion, chicken, and 1 Tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, and then remove chicken from pan onto a plate.
    3. To the skillet, add 2 Tablespoons of olive oil, the bell peppers, and garlic. Cook another 5 minutes, until peppers are soft. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook another minute, then add broth and milk. Then add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
    4. Stir in parmesan, then add the pasta and cooked chicken and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add basil.

    Lighter Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta:

  • Greek Orzo Salad

    July 2, 2021 Author: Rachel
    No comment yet

    This orzo salad is so flavorful and perfect for potlucks, picnics, etc. since there is no mayonnaise, and I actually prefer the salad at room temperature.

    Recipe from Midwest Foodie.

    Ingredients:

    Salad:

    • 16 oz. orzo pasta
    • 1 c. cucumbers, sliced
    • 1 c. sundried tomatoes, julienned
    • 1 c. Kalamata olives, halved
    • 1 14 oz. can of artichoke hearts
    • 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained
    • 1/4 c. finely diced red onion
    • 1/4 c. parsley, chopped
    • 4-6 oz. feta, crumbled

    Dressing:

    • 2/3 c. olive oil
    • 1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
    • 1 lemon, zest and juice
    • 1 tsp. dried oregano
    • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
    • 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
    • Kosher salt
    • Pepper

    Directions:

    1. Cook pasta al dente according to package. Drain and then place in a large bowl and toss with some olive oil and salt and pepper. Place in fridge to cool.
    2. Meanwhile in a bowl, add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest and juice, oregano, garlic, mustard, and salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined.
    3. Remove pasta bowl from fridge, and add cucumber, sundried tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, red onion, parley, and feta. Add dressing, and toss to coat.

    Greek Orzo Salad:

Next Page