I’ve decided to take OMP for a field trip to MEAL PREP land! Follow along with me while I teach you how to maximize your food prep day with delicious, calorie smart meals that KEEP you satisfied. Y’all, it doesn’t have to be boring. I promise, it can be flavorful and exciting and still keep you on track!
Let’s kick week one off with my fave style, Southwest! I’ve created power bowl and power salad pairings perfect for after the gym, at/after work, or just to be mindful on your calorie budget!
Who says you can’t get all the bold flavors of the Southwest without meat? Not I! As someone who loves many Vegetarian folks, I enjoy serving this easy-to-make dish as a side or a main course whenever hosting my veggie pals. Give it a try for your Meatless Monday or just because cheese and peppers are basically heaven on a plate.
If you want to impress at a dinner party but you’re short on time, this dish is for you! Introduce your senses to this aromatic Spanish dish and leave your guests asking for seconds! Perfect for war summer nights or cozy fall evenings, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Brussels Sprouts get a bad name, likely due to childhood memories of boiled and salted versions of this underrated veggie. Struggle no more! I absolutely love Brussels, they’re easy to cook and with the right touch, they can stand alone as a main course, or be a wonderful side complimenting a broad spectrum of dishes. Get ready to never eat Brussels Sprouts the same again!
BBQ is a favorite of mine, and if it is for you too, you’re going to love how this apple-slaw elevates any summer sammie. Pair it with a pulled pork sandwich or a juicy fried chicken style burger and be prepared to be blown away. Crisp, tangy and bright, this simple and quick recipe is the best way to eat coleslaw.
Sides are the best part of any big dinner, don’t you think? Potato dishes are the way to most people’s heart here in America, and if you add a little extra cheese to anything, there will certainly be no leftovers! Get ready to enjoy some tasty taters with this super cheesy, smoky and rich recipe.
Running late and need a quick breakfast? Make these ahead of time and skip the coffee shop line on the way to work. Eggs are so versatile, and they keep well too. I love to use up whatever is left in my fridge by making these egg cups. Great alone, in a tortilla, or between two slices of bread, they’re nifty and tasty!
I love a good wedge salad, but I’m not personally a fan of bleu cheese. If this sounds like you, give this recipe a try! I use up whatever is left in my fridge and toss it onto this dish! Use any creamy dressing you’d like, I included a bright cilantro ranch to complete this crunchy masterpiece.
Week of Salads / Day Seven
If you like taco salads, then hold on to your seat. This bold Southwestern inspired dish is packed full of all the favorite Tex Mex ingredients. Paired with a homemade creamy jalapeño avocado Ranch dressing and deliciously seasoned carne asada, this salad just took taco night to a whole new level.
Week of Salads / Day Six
I love the Farmer’s Market. I enjoy wandering, testing all the goodies for sale, enjoying the small side conversations with other market-goers, and most of all, finding inspiration for dinner. This salad is summer in a bowl; crisp, seasonal, sweet, salty and filling. Once you set it down on your dining table it gets gobbled right up!
Week of Salads / Day Five
Did you know Watermelon originated in West Africa, specifically in the Egyptian region? Over time, feta cheese made its way on the same plate in this area of the world, and I have to say, I’m glad it did! When you bite into this dish, you suddenly find yourself asking why you’ve never thought of doing this before. It’s sweet, salty, tangy and crispy all at the same time; so do as the Mediterraneans do in the Summer, and test this dish out for yourself. It’s delightful and surprisingly tasty; I may never eat plain watermelon again.
Week of Salads / Day Four
Ever had a craving for one of these salads? There is something about the mixture of sweet fruit, tangy dressing and crunchy sesame seeds that hits the spot, every time. Pair this with a rice dish or enjoy it on its own; either way, you won’t regret giving it a whirl!
Week of Salads / Day Three
Caesar salads have always been labeled a high-caloric guilty pleasure. Well, I say eat what you want and add some kale to it when in doubt. This bowl of yum can be customized with chicken or salmon, but I chose crumbled bacon and white beans.
Week of Salads / Day Two
Why are salads are so scrumptious? I for one think it’s because I can eat a giant bowls worth and not feel like a stuffed sausage afterwards. But really, lettuce based meals are the greatest! You can pretty much make any theme of salad you can imagine, which is why this week I am sharing seven of my favorite recipes.
Week of Salads / Day One
It’s warming up in the west, and that means BBQ season is approaching. Use this dish to pair with anything hot off the grill, keep it vegetarian or add a little deli meat if you’d like! Either way, this is sure to be a favorite cold snack in your family or at your next pool day.
If you love Mediterranean food as much as I do, this take on Spanish style Paella is the perfect dish to satisfy your wanderlust! I took a wonderful cooking class from a local home chef while visiting the beautiful city of Barcelona last Fall, and I was so inspired! Spain is known for an array of Tapas (small plate) choices and family-style eating throughout the day, Paella being a main staple of Spanish cuisine. It’s humble beginnings and history make it a very versatile dish, ranging from seafood, poultry and vegetarian toppings. Boasting a flavorful homemade Sofrito, this dish, once mastered, is a show stopper at your next dinner party.
The holidays are upon us, and that means A LOT of traditional dishes are being whipped up in the kitchen. I love this recipe for a fun take on Mac N Cheese or a cheesy casserole. Easy to make, delicious and gone before you know it, this dish is sure to be a yearly request!
Who doesn’t like egg rolls!? They’re such an easy snack to make for most dietary restrictions. Veggie, tofu, meat or seafood can be stuffed into these suckers. Per the usual, I pulled out the air fryer for a healthier take on this dish, but you can bake or oil fry this recipe as well! Get ready to dig in, these are addictive!
I love ordering empanadas at my favorite local Spanish Tapas restaurant during happy hour. They’re perfect as a pre-dinner snack (who doesn’t love snacks?) or as an appetizer for a get together! With plenty of ways to make these, I opted to use pre-made pie dough and my air fryer. You can bake or traditionally fry these up as well! Paired with a yummy, fresh, creamy cilantro dip, these are sure to be a favorite.
Soup season is upon us! This recipe is perfect for enjoying stormy Fall days, wrapped up in a big, cozy sweater, while binge watching your favorite show. Easy to make and packed with flavor, you’re one pot away from fresh, warm, homemade goodness.
Dolmades can be found in cuisines all over the Middle East, but my favorite style is found in Greek cuisine. Stuffed with short grain rice, herbs, onion, garlic and of course, yummy lamb. Paired with my homemade tzatziki, this is one fresh plate! Dolmades is often a serious craving for me, and with so many local Mediterranean spots in my area, I usually just pop out for a bite when I want some. Tonight, I am making them on my own because I like to push myself out of my comfort zone, and I hope you will too! Serve warm and fresh after cooking or nicely chilled the next day; these stuffed grape leaves are truly a delicious labor of love. This is a great recipe for feeding a large party!
Brunch potatoes are my favorite breakfast item, they pair well with eggs any way you like them! I usually layer these flavorful, crispy taters under a couple of over-medium eggs as a skillet, but you can try them with an omelette, egg tacos, quiche and so much more! Quick to prepare and easy to make, try this dish out for your next Sunday brunch!
Fried is the only way I can personally eat seafood, and thanks to the invention of the Air Fryer (seriously guys, you need to get one!) I can now have a healthier version of the fried dishes I love. These toasty shrimp are such a delicious bite sized snack, perfect for a Monday Night Football spread! These sweet little sea morsels are perfectly paired with my homemade, garlicy, spicy aioli; you just can’t go wrong with this dish!
If you’re a big chips and dip person, this is the dish for you! Colorfully delicious whether served warm or cold, and packed with tons of flavor sure to impress everybody! Add in an ice cold beer or margarita and you’ve got yourself a party!
Risotto is one of my favorite dishes to make, and I usually always have it on my Holiday menu; but today I thought to myself, why not make a summer-y version? This is one of those dishes that can be a little intimidating to make, because you have to constantly pay attention to it for 30 minutes while cooking through every step, but it is oh-so-worth it when it’s ready! Cheesy, decadent and perfectly paired with any type of protein, enjoy it on the patio this weekend with a glass of crisp white wine!
We’ve all been there. it’s too hot to cook, but we’re oh-so-hungry! I too have been on the struggle bus of summer laziness, but I am here to tell you that ceviche is the answer! Easy to prepare ahead of time or let’s be honest, last minute, this dish is perfect for a summer taste bud knock out. Enjoy this citrusy shrimp by the pool or bring it to your next weekend get together. You will definitely be getting asked for more, so make a big batch!
Ever get a craving for a childhood favorite? I love to elevate dishes like this one for a different take on a classic. I hope you like spicy food, because these Joe’s are S-P-I-C-Y, packed with fresh ingredients and super easy to throw together for a weeknight meal the whole family can enjoy!
With so many ways to cook this dish up, this recipe takes a simple, traditional approach. Perfect for a quick work night meal, or a comfort food mood, this Chicken Parmesan hits the spot.
Ever since I got my Air Fryer I have been obsessed with it, it is such a great tool in the kitchen! These turkey taquitos are light and crunchy making them a healthy, quick and easy meal. Just pair with guacamole, rice & beans or your favorite salsa!
I’ve decided to take OMP for a field trip to MEAL PREP land! Follow along with me while I teach you how to maximize your food prep day with delicious, calorie smart meals that KEEP you satisfied. Y’all, it doesn’t have to be boring. I promise, it can be flavorful and exciting and still keep you on track!
Let’s kick week two off with Asian Style! I’ve created power bowl and power salad pairings perfect for after the gym, at/after work, or just to be mindful on your calorie budget!