• Falafel Quinoa Salad

    June 19, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    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:

  • Greek Orzo Salad

    June 7, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    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:

  • Curried Chickpea Salad

    May 1, 2023 Author: Rachel
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    Recipe adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod. Serves 4.

    Ingredients:

    • 30 oz. chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 c. celery, diced
    • 2 green onions, chopped
    • 1/4 c. red onion, diced
    • 1 apple, diced or 1 c. grapes halved or quartered
    • 2/3 c. mayonnaise + more as needed
    • 2 TBSP lemon juice
    • 1 tsp. maple syrup
    • 2 tsp. yellow curry powder
    • 1/4 tsp. turmeric
    • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Directions:

    1. Place the chickpeas on a clean dish towel or paper towel. Put another towel on top. Use your hands to roll and rub the chickpeas for about 20-30 seconds. This will help the skins come off easier. Remove the skins and discard. I try to remove most of the skins, but if you don’t get them all, that is ok. And if you don’t have time to remove the skins, just rinse and drain. The salad will still be good. Removing the skins just makes the salad a little creamier and smooth.
    2. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until most of the chickpeas are smashed. Stir in the celery, green onion, red onion, and apples or grapes.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, maple syrup, curry powder, turmeric powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    4. Add the sauce to the chickpea mixture and stir until well combined. Taste and adjust ingredients, if necessary. This is a flexible recipe, so adjust to your liking. Refrigerate until serving (best to serve cold).
    5. Serve cold in between two slices of bread to make a sandwich, in pita bread, with flatbread or naan, in a lettuce wrap, in a tortilla, with crackers or chips, or on top of a rice cake, or add to a bed of greens to make a salad.

    Curried Chicken Salad:

  • Jennifer Aniston’s Salad aka The Rachel Salad

    August 22, 2022 Author: Rachel
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    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.

    Ingredients:

    Couscous Salad

    • 1 1/2 c. water
    • 1 c. Israeli couscous
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1 tsp. olive oil
    • 1/2 small red onion, minced
    • 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • 1 English cucumber, diced
    • 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

    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 saucepan 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.
    3. Onion and couscous: Add red onion to a large mixing bowl. Once the couscous is cooked, add couscous to the bowl with the onion, and let the couscous cool for a few minutes.
    4. Add dressing: Add about 1/8 c. of dressing to the slightly warm couscous and toss well to combine.
    5. Salad: Add chickpeas through mint to the onion and couscous, and toss to combine. Add about 1/3 of the dressing and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
    6. 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 aka The Rachel Salad:

  • Israeli Couscous Salad

    August 17, 2022 Author: Rachel
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    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 Orzo Salad with Chicken or Chickpeas

    September 17, 2021 Author: Rachel
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    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:

  • Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

    June 18, 2020 Author: Rachel
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    After going to Maui and having Hawaiian macaroni salad, I’ve been determined to find a recipe that reminds me of Hawaii.

    This is the closest I’ve found, and it’s really good.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb. potatoes, cooked and cut up
    • 1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked according to box
    • 4 TBSP apple cider vinegar
    • 3 carrots, shredded
    • 1 small onion, shredded
    • 2 1/2 c. mayonnaise
    • 1/2 c. milk
    • 4 tsp. sugar
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • Additional milk or half and half to thin, if desired

    Directions:

    1. Cook potatoes, and cut into bite size pieces.
    2. Cook pasta according to box, and drain.
    3. In a large bowl add hot pasta, and sprinkle with the vinegar, carrots and onion. Toss together until well combined, and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
    4. In a smaller bowl, whisk mayo, milk, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper, and add additional milk or half and half to thin, if desired.
    5. Fold mayo mixture into bowl with pasta, add the potatoes, and season with salt and pepper.
    6. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

    Hawaiian Macaroni Salad:

  • Ramen Broccoli Salad

    May 24, 2015 Author: Rachel
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    DSC_0809

    This salad is so good, and a great side for a hot day.  Both Ethan and Ellie were skeptical at first, but then they tried it.  Ethan had 3 servings, and Ellie had 2 servings.  That never happens!  We had it just a few days ago and it’s already been requested for this week’s menu.  Definitely a hit!

    This is a great dish for a potluck or picnic because there’s no mayo to worry about.

    Version 1 Ingredients (Omit Seasoning Pack):

    • 1 12 oz. package of broccoli slaw mix (in produce section with packaged sugar snap peas, etc.)
    • 1 package of chicken or Oriental flavor Ramen Noodles, broken into small pieces
    • 1/4 c. grape seed oil (can use vegetable or canola oil)
    • Splash of sesame oil
    • 1/4 c. seasoned rice wine vinegar
    • 1/4 c. honey
    • 3 tsp. soy sauce
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 green onion, sliced (green only)

    Version 2 Ingredients (With Seasoning Pack):

    • 1 12 oz. package of broccoli slaw mix (in produce section with packaged sugar snap peas, etc.)
    • 1 package of chicken or Oriental flavor Ramen Noodles, broken into small pieces
    • Ramen seasoning package
    • 1/4 c. grape seed oil (can use vegetable or canola oil)
    • Splash of sesame oil
    • 1/4 c. seasoned rice wine vinegar
    • 1/4 c. white sugar
    • 1 green onion, sliced (green only)

    Directions:

    1. In a mixing bowl, mix together broccoli slaw and broken Ramen noodles.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together Ramen seasoning package, grape seed oil, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar.
    3. Toss dressing mixture with the broccoli slaw until well coated.
    4. Top with sliced green onion and serve chilled.

    Ramen Broccoli Salad:

    5star

  • Broccoli Salad

    May 14, 2015 Author: Rachel
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    DSC_0779

    The kiddos and I really enjoyed this broccoli salad.  Steve not so much, but he doesn’t like these kinds of salads in general. Â It’s kind of like cole slaw but with broccoli instead of cabbage. Â The dressing and craisins bring a nice sweet contrast to the bacon and broccoli. The flavors just work. Â This is a great one for picnics and potlucks too.

    Ingredients:

    • 8 c. fresh raw broccoli florets
    • 1/2 c. red onion, finely diced
    • 1/2 c. cooked crumbled turkey bacon
    • 1 c. craisins

    Dressing:

    • 1/2 c. granulated sugar
    • 1 1/2 c. light mayonnaise
    • 2 TBSP white vinegar

    Directions:

    1. In a large bowl combine broccoli through craisins.
    2. In a small bowl mix sugar, mayo and vinegar until smooth.
    3. Add dressing to the bowl and toss to coat and chill.

    Broccoli Salad:
    4star

  • Ginger Scallion Noodles

    May 10, 2015 Author: Rachel
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    DSC_0760

    This side dish is so simple yet so good.  We seem to always have a batch in the fridge, whether for a dinner side or just to snack on.  Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
    • garlic, minced
    • 3 inch piece of ginger, minced
    • 1/3 c. grape seed oil
    • 6 TBSP vinegar (we use 3 TBSP seasoned rice vinegar and 3 TBSP ancho vinegar from a local specialty shop)
    • 2 tsp. soy sauce
    • 2 6 oz. packages of Wel-Pac Chinese Chow Mein Stir-Fry Noodles (or any egg noodle or any noodle you like)

    Directions:

    1. Combine green onions through soy sauce in a large mixing bowl.
    2. Meanwhile, boil a pot of water, add salt and then add noodles and cook according to directions.
    3. Drain and rinse noodles with cold water and then add to mixing bowl.  Toss to combine.  Serve chilled.

    Ginger Scallion Noodles:

    5star

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