Brunch Egg Cups
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!
Kitchen Sink Wedge Salad
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
Spicy Santa Fe Steak Salad
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
Farm-Stand Spinach Salad
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
Watermelon Feta Salad
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
Chinese Chicken Salad
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
Tuscan Kale Caesar Salad
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
Greek Gyro Salad
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
Orzo Pasta Salad
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.
Spanish Paella
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.
Falafel & Tabbouleh Salad
I spent many years of my life as a vegan, so I perfected my falafel recipe because it is such a protein packed dish! Although there is a lot of speculation of the falafel’s original creators, it is found all across Middle Eastern cuisine; particularly in Israeli, Lebanese and Greek dishes! Paired with a bright Tabbouleh salad, this is a summer-winning plate for sure.
Battered Wahoo Fish Tacos
Ever been to Wahoo tacos? It’s a Cali staple (and quite a popular one) so per the usual, I tried to replicate it. Using “Ono” fish is a great choice for this dish because of it’s light, whitefish texture; easily enhanced by anything it cooks with. Paired with some spicy black beans and fresh avo-pico, this is a great poolside snack this summer!
Yucatan Inspired Turkey Tostadas
My favorite Mexican cuisine is Yucatan, because of the hearty ingredients not typically chosen in most Mexican dishes. You’ll love that you can cook this turkey recipe and toss it on/in any form of a tortilla or shell and it tastes amazing! Easily customizable for everyone, using bold spices helps to enhance an otherwise flat tasting meat like turkey. Get ready to whip this up real quick for an easy, healthy dinner.
Meaty Marinara
Who doesn’t love a big bowl of penne? If you ever find yourself in Italy, you’ll be surprised to find that a red sauce is simply just a few smashed Roma tomatoes with basil, over pasta! After spending some time there last summer, I was inspired to find ways to make a red sauce that’s still just as light, but with a little more umph!
Short Rib Stuffed Poblano Peppers, with Cilantro Lime Rice
Stuffed Poblano peppers are a wonderful, easy dish for any lover of Southwest cuisine. These versatile veggies can be prepared on a grill, in the oven, or over an open flame! Great for vegetarians or meat lovers, they can be stuffed with the mixture of your choice!