• Taco Meat – Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

    Recipe adapted from Skinny Taste.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 lb. 93% lean ground beef
    • 1 TBSP cumin, divided 2 tsp. and 1 tsp.
    • 2 tsp. kosher salt
    • 2 tsp. chili powder
    • 2 tsp. paprika
    • 1 tsp. dried oregano
    • 1 small onion, minced
    • 1/4 c. red bell pepper, minced
    • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
    • 1/2 c. water
    • 1 c. tomato sauce
    • 1 bay leaf

    Directions:

    1. Instant Pot: Press saute, add the beef and cook breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. When no longer pink add 2 tsp. of the cumin along with the remaining dry spices, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; stir and cook 2 to 3 minutes until soft.
    2. Add 1/2 c. water, tomato sauce, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on high pressure 20 minutes; natural release. Discard the bay leaf and add the remaining 1 tsp. of cumin.
    3. Slow Cooker: Brown the beef in a large nonstick skillet over high heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. When no longer pink add 2 tsp. of the cumin along with the remaining dry spices, onion, bell pepper and garlic; stir and cook 2 to 3 minutes until soft, then transfer to the slow cooker along with 1/2 c. water, tomato sauce, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on high 3 hours or low 6 to 8. Discard the bay leaf and add the remaining 1 tsp. of cumin.

    Taco Meat:

  • Street Corn Salad

    Recipe adapted from Bad Batch Baking.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 5-6 ears of corn husked and removed from the cob (about 3-4 cups)
    • 1/3 c. mayo
    • 1 lime, zested and juiced
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • 1/2-1 tsp. Tajin
    • 1/2-1 tsp. chili powder
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • Pepper, to taste
    • 1/4 c. cilantro, minced
    • 1/3 c. green onions, sliced
    • 1 jalapeno, diced
    • 1/3 c. grated cotija cheese

    Directions:

    1. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the corn and allow it to cook stirring frequently until it starts to char and get some color, about 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool.
    2. In a large bowl, add in the mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, Tajin, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Mix together to make a sauce then add in the corn, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno, and cotija cheese. Mix well until it’s all combined and top with a sprinkling of additional cotija cheese, Tajin and chili powder.

    Street Corn Salad:

  • Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza

    Recipe from Mama Cooks Low Carb.

    Ingredients:

    Crust Ingredients:

    • 20 oz. can chicken, drained well
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

    Caesar Dressing Ingredients:

    • 1/2 c. mayonnaise
    • 1/4 c. sour cream
    • 1 1/2 tsp. anchovy paste, optional
    • 4 garlic cloves
    • 1 1/2 TBSP olive oil
    • Zest of 1/2 lemon, optional
    • 2 1/2 TBSP lemon juice
    • 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
    • 1/4 c. shredded Parmesan cheese
    • Salt, to taste

    Assembly:

    • Romaine lettuce, chopped
    • Shaved Parmesan cheese, to taste
    • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
    • Zest of 1/4 lemon, optional
    • Balsamic glaze, optional

    Directions:

    1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
    2. Crust: Combine all the chicken crust ingredients into a bowl and mix while breaking it up really well with a fork, you don’t want any large lumps. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and press down using your hands while forming your desired shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool for a few minutes.
    3. Caesar Dressing: Combine dressing ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
    4. Assembly: On a cooled crust, spread some dressing on top of the crust. Mix the lettuce with as much dressing as you like and place on crust. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest, if desired. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

    Chicken Crust Caesar Salad Pizza:

  • Mexican Street Corn Salad

    Recipe adapted from Diane Morrisey.

    Ingredients:

    Dressing:

    • Juice of 1 large lime
    • 1 tsp. cumin
    • 1/8 tsp. cayenne
    • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 3 TBSP sour cream
    • 3 TBSP mayonnaise

    Corn Salad:

    • 2 TBSP olive oil
    • 6 c. quality frozen corn (can use fresh or canned)
    • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
    • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
    • 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
    • 5 green onions, chopped
    • 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
    • 1 c. cotija or feta cheese, crumbled

    Directions:

    1. Dressing: In a bowl combine lime juice through mayonnaise and mix until smooth and combined.
    2. Corn Salad: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the frozen corn and allow to char for about 5 minutes (may take longer). Resist the urge to move the corn around the pan, because the corn won’t caramelize if you do. Transfer the corn to a large bowl and add the red pepper, red onion, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeno peppers, and mix to combine. Add the dressing and mix. Taste and adjust lime juice, salt, and pepper, as needed. Top with cotija or feta cheese.

    Mexican Street Corn Salad:

  • Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

    Recipe adapted from Amy Hannon of Euna Mae’s.

    Ingredients:

    Dressing:

    • 1 1/2 c. strawberries, halved
    • 1/4 c. champagne or rose vinegar
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1 TBSP sugar
    • 1-2 TBSP honey, plus more if needed
    • 1/4 c. mayonnaise
    • 2/3 c. light olive oil
    • 1 TBSP poppy seeds

    Salad:

    • 6-8 c. mixed lettuce
    • 1 rotisserie chicken, breast meat pulled
    • 2 c. fresh strawberries, halved
    • 1/2 – 1 red onion, sliced
    • Honey roasted pecans, or any pecan
    • Crumbled feta

    Directions:

    1. Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine combine strawberries, vinegar, salt, sugar, honey, and mayonnaise. Blend for a few seconds until smooth. Add the olive oil and poppy seeds and blend until the dressing comes together. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
    2. Salad: In a large serving bowl, or individual bowl/plates, add the lettuce and lightly toss with dressing, then add the chicken, strawberry halves, onion slices, pecans, and feta and drizzle with more dressing.

    Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad:

  • Tortilla Egg Bake

    Adapted from Food Dolls.

    Ingredients:

    • Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking dish
    • 1 tortilla 8-10 inches in diameter
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1/3 c. cottage cheese
    • 1/2 tsp. dried dill
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • 1/4 c. chopped shallots
    • 2 c. fresh spinach
    • 1/4 c. crumbled feta cheese
    • 1/4 c. mozzarella cheese

    Directions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
    2. Take a round baking dish or a pie dish that’s approximately the same size as the tortilla. Grease the bottom and sides of the dish lightly with cooking spray.
    3. Place the tortilla at the bottom of the baking dish to create the crust.
    4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, and dill until well combined. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
    5. Pour the egg and cottage cheese mixture over the tortilla in the baking dish, ensuring it spreads evenly.
    6. Sauté the shallots and spinach in a skillet until the spinach wilts; then add the shallots and spinach to the egg mixture.
    7. Finally, sprinkle the feta and mozzarella over the top of the toppings.
    8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
    9. Once done, remove the tortilla egg bake from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges or squares.

    Tortilla Egg Bake:

  • Creamy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

    Adapted from Meals that Heal.

    Ingredients:

    • 1/2 c. tightly packed basil leaves
    • 1/2 c. freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 c. mayonnaise
    • 2 TBSP white wine vinegar
    • 2 TBSP lemon juice
    • 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon zest 
    • 1 tsp. honey
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
    • 6 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil 

    Directions:

    1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Process until basil is finely processed, stopping as needed to scrape down sides of with a spatula.  
    2. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Store in a jar or air-tight container for up to 1 week in refrigerated. 

    Creamy Lemon Basil Vinaigrette:

  • Thai Chopped Chicken Salad

    Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum.

    Ingredients:

    Salad:

    • 1 rotisserie chicken, breasts shredded (about 3 c.)
    • 4 c. Napa cabbage, shredded
    • 1–2 large carrots, julienned
    • 1 c. cucumbers, chopped
    • 2 mangoes, diced
    • 1 c. fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 3/4 c. fresh mint, chopped
    • 1/2 c. peanuts, chopped
    • 1/2 c. green or red onions, sliced
    • 3–4 jalapenos, sliced

    Peanut Dressing

    • 1/2 c. peanut butter
    • 1/3 c. soy sauce
    • 1/3 c. sesame oil
    • 1/4 c. rice wine vinegar
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 2 TBSP sriracha
    • 2 TBSP sugar
    • 1 TBSP ginger paste
    • 1 garlic clove, peeled
    • 1/4-1/2 c. water to thin to desired consistency

    Directions:

    1. Salad: In a large serving bowl add all the salad ingredients.
    2. Dressing: Pulse peanut butter through garlic in the food processor or blender. Adjust consistency with water.
    3. Assembly: Add dressing to salad and toss to combine.

    Thai Chopped Chicken Salad:

  • Chicken with Mushroom Gravy

    Recipe adapted from Olivia Adriance.

    Ingredients:

    • 1-1/5 lbs. chicken thighs, breasts, or tenders
    • 4 TBSP avocado oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 1 lb. baby Bella mushrooms, sliced thick
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2-3 TBSP fresh thyme, roughly chopped
    • 2 c. chicken broth
    • 2 TBSP soy sauce
    • 2 TBSP cornstarch
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Serve over mashed potatoes

    Directions:

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat; then add 1-2 TBSP avocado oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste, and then add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Chicken may not be fully cooked. Remove chicken from pan.
    2. Add 2 more TBSP avocado oil and then add onions and mushrooms, spreading them out and cook, stirring infrequently for about 7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the mushrooms are mostly golden. Do not add salt at this point as the mushrooms will sweat and steam and not get golden.
    3. Stir in garlic, thyme, and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
    4. Combine chicken broth and soy sauce in a bowl and pour 3/4 of the mixture over the onions and mushrooms, stirring to deglaze any bits stuck to the bottom.
    5. Add cornstarch to the bowl with the remaining broth and soy sauce and whisk to combine.
    6. Pour cornstarch mixture over onions and mushrooms and stir to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes while the gravy thickens; then add the chicken and reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until chicken reaches 165 and is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
    7. Serve over mashed potatoes.

    Chicken with Mushroom Gravy:

  • Cauliflower Chickpea Chimichurri Tacos

    Recipe adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod.

    Ingredients:

    Cauliflower:

    • 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
    • 1 TBSP olive oil
    • 1 large head cauliflower, washed and cut into bite-size florets
    • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

    Chickpeas:

    • 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
    • 1 tsp. ground cumin
    • 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
    • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
    • 1 TBSP olive oil
    • 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
    • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

    Chimichurri Sauce:

    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
    • 3 garlic cloves peeled
    • 1 tsp. dried oregano
    • 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 tsp. pepper
    • 1/2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
    • 1/2 c. fresh basil packed
    • 1 c. fresh cilantro packed
    • 1 c. fresh parsley packed
    • 1/2 c. olive oil

    Serve: tortillas filed with cauliflower and chickpeas, topped with chimichurri sauce, pickled onions, and guacamole.

    Directions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
    2. Cauliflower: In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until well coated. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until cauliflower is tender. Remove from the oven.
    3. Chickpeas: In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chickpeas on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until well coated. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes or until chickpeas are crispy. Remove from the oven.
    4. Chimichurri Sauce: Combine lemon zest through parsley in a food processor and puree until ingredients are combined and fairly well pureed. Leave just a bit of texture. Transfer to a bowl and add olive oil. Stir until well combined. If too thick, add a bit more olive oil or lemon juice, to taste.
    5. Assemble Tacos: top a tortilla with roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, chimichurri sauce, pickled onions, and guacamole.

    Cauliflower Chickpea Chimichurri Tacos: