Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

salad

Recipe of the Week: Rice and Bean Salad Bowl

Prep: 35 mins
Total: 35 mins
Servings: 4

Rice and Bean Salad Bowl

Ingredients:

Tahini Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 clove garlic

Salad

  • 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus wedges for serving
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 cups cooked short-grain brown rice
  • 1/4 head red cabbage, cut into thin slices
  • 2 avocados, cut into wedges
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper (from a 12-ounce jar), coarsely chopped
  • 1 small cucumber, cut into rounds
  • 2 cups upland cress or watercress, tough stems removed

Directions

Step 1- Tahini Sauce:

Combine tahini, lemon juice, and 2 to 3 tablespoons water (enough to create consistency of honey) until smooth; season with salt. Finely grate garlic; stir into sauce. Adjust seasoning as desired. Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.

Step 2- Salad:

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, both beans, parsley, onion, celery, lemon juice, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bean salad can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.

Step 3- Serving

For each serving, place 3/4 cup cooked rice and 3/4 cup bean salad in a bowl; add some cabbage, avocados, roasted pepper, cucumber, and cress. Squeeze a lemon wedge over top and drizzle with tahini sauce.

Original recipe from Martha Stewart can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Tofu Stir Fry

Let’s load up our weeknight dinner with fresh, colorful vegetables and plant-based protein. Get creative by adding the vegetables you like, make it spicy by adding sriracha, or add whole grains for a complete meal.

PREP TIME: 15 mins, COOK TIME: 15 mins, TOTAL TIME: 30 mins

Tofu Stir Fry

Ingredients:

Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbsp honey (or brown sugar for vegan)

Stir Fry:

  • 16 ounces super firm tofu (drained, pressed)
  • 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 1 Tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed or canola)
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced 1/2 inch)
  • 1 small bunch of broccolini (chopped 1-inch)
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, vegetable broth and honey. Set aside.
  2. Once the tofu has drained, slice in half then into 1/2 inch cubes and place into a large bowl and season with 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch on top and gently toss with your hands to ensure all tofu pieces are covered.
  4. In a large nonstick skillet or wok, add 1 tablespoon oil and heat to medium-high.
  5. Add the tofu and let it get crispy without touching it or flipping for 3-4 minutes, then repeat on all sides.
  6. Remove tofu and set aside.
  7. To the skillet at medium heat, add sesame oil, red peppers, broccolini and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  8. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 30 to 60 seconds.
  9. Add the tofu and sauce, toss and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened and the tofu is heated through.
  10. Top with sesame seeds.
  11. Serve the stir fry by itself or with rice or soba noodles, or if you want to keep it low-carb, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Nutrition:

Serving: 1 cup, Calories: 294 calories, Carbohydrates: 21.5g, Protein: 18.5g, Fat: 16g

Original recipe from Skinny Taste can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Ultimate Fall Salad

Get creative with your ingredients, using seasonal fall produce to make a satisfying, healthy meal. Plan ahead and prep for lunch the next day.

Active Time: 30 min
Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 small butternut squash (optional buy pre-cubed)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 bunch chopped kale (about 6 cups)
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked farro
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 cups chopped apples (about 2-3 apples)
  • 4 ounces shredded Pecorino-Romano cheese
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon chopped shallot

Directions:

  1. Peel, scoop out seeds, and cube butternut squash. Toss in 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground pepper. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes at 400°F, or until squash is tender and golden brown.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts until golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Combine kale, farro, apples, squash, walnuts, cheese, and cranberries in a bowl.
  4. For the dressing, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil, orange juice, mustard, shallot, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a bowl until fully combined.
  5. Dress salad immediately, or keep dressing on the side and dress your salad as you go.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 394
Fat: 24g
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 44g

Original recipe from Cooking Light can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Sweet Potato Salmon Cakes

We know you’re running a tight schedule, so look no further for a quick and easy weeknight meal. These cakes are packed with whole grains, protein and taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cakes

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled
  • 1/2 cup cooked quino
  • 1 6 oz can wild salmon (skinless and boneless if possible)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 green onions minced
  • 2 tablespoons gluten-free cornmeal/flour of choice
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Cut the sweet potato into cubes. You’ll have about 2 cups. Add them to a steamer basket and steam for 5 – 7 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  2. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly, then transfer them to a bowl and mash them until (almost) smooth.
  3. Add the rest of ingredients into the mixing bowl and mix with a wooden spoon until everything is combined and a dough has formed.
  4. Form the dough into 6 patties, place on a plate and set aside.
  5. Heat the oil in a 10″ skillet over medium heat. Sauté the salmon cakes for 3 – 5 minutes per side, until browned, crispy and heated through.
  6. Serve warm with your desired dipping sauce (try guacamole with sriracha mixed in!)

Nutrition

Serving: 1cake | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g

Original recipe from Simply Quinoa can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Double Tomato Pesto Spaghetti

This fresh recipe features end of summer zucchini and cherry tomatoes, plus a delicious sun-dried tomato pesto. Served over zucchini noodles and spaghetti, it’s light and delicious as a main dish or served on the side!

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Pasta and zucchini noodles:

  • 8 ounces whole grain spaghetti
  • 1 large zucchini

Pesto:

  • 2/3 cup walnuts
  • 2 pints (4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed and drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes:

  • 1/2 cup lightly packed basil leaves, larger leaves torn into small pieces
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
  • Olive oil, for drizzling

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the spaghetti. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. Turn the zucchini into noodles with a spiralizer, a julienne peeler, or grate the long way on a large box grater.
  2. Toast the walnuts: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the walnuts, stirring occasionally, until they smell nice and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. Cook the cherry tomatoes: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have burst open and they are cooking in their own juices, about 7 to 8 minutes. Set aside.
  4. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, half of the cooked tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and several twists of freshly ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is pretty smooth, then season to taste with additional lemon juice, salt and/or pepper until the flavors really sing (if that doesn’t do the trick, add some more sun-dried tomatoes). Blend again.
  5. Pour the pesto over the spaghetti and toss to combine. If you’ll be consuming this dish in one sitting, go ahead and toss in all of the zucchini noodles now, too. (If you plan on having leftovers, store the zucchini noodles separately from the rest as they will let out more water).
  6. Pour the rest of the cherry tomatoes on top of the dish, and sprinkle the basil over them. Toss gently, and divide the mixture into bowls. Top individual bowls with Parmesan or nutritional yeast, if you’d like, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 673

Fat 25g, Carbs 99.3g, Protein 20g

Original recipe from Cookie & Kate can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Mediterranean Zucchini Boats

PREP TIME 20 minutes
COOK TIME: 40 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 large zucchini
  • 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well under cold water
  • 1/4 cup diced shallot or onion
  • 1 clove of garlic, grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Zest of a lemon + 2 tablespoons of juice
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the middle leaving a 1/4 inch border all the way around. Sprinkle salt onto the flesh and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Prepare the quinoa while you wait.
  2. In a large saucepan, sauté the shallot and garlic in a couple teaspoons of olive oil. When they’re soft and fragrant, add in the quinoa, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, and sun dried tomatoes. Stir together and toast the quinoa for 30 seconds and then pour in 1 cup of water. Bring the quinoa to a boil then cover with a lid and lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. While the quinoa cooks par-bake the zucchini. Start by using a paper towel to blot out the excess liquid from the inside of the zucchini. Spray a sheet pan with cooking oil or line it with foil. Place the zucchini halves onto the sheet cut side up and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven.
  4. After the quinoa is cooked, add in the lemon zest and juice, chickpeas, olives, feta, and parsley. Fluff everything together with a fork and then divide the filling into the zucchini boats. Drizzle the tops of them with a little olive oil and then place the sheet pan back into the oven and bake another 10 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
  5. Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and garnish with toasted pine nuts, extra feta and parsley.

Nutrition Information:

CALORIES: 299
FAT: 10g
CARBOHYDRATES: 42g
FIBER: 8g
SUGAR: 9g
PROTEIN: 13g

 

Original recipe from Recipe Runner can be found here!

Peach & Brussels Crunch Salad

Enjoy this summer salad for lunch, as a side dish on its own, or paired with your favorite protein! It’s sweet, savory and the perfect blend of flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the dressing:

  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1-2 Tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons water, to thin the dressing

For the salad:

  • 1 pound brussels sprouts, outer yellow leaves and stems removed, and shredded
  • 2 cups sliced peaches (2-3 medium peaches)
  • 1/3 cup feta crumbles

For the nut crunch mixture:

  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • Sea salt

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl mix together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup/honey, dijon mustard, poppy seeds, onion powder, salt and water to thin the dressing. Taste and adjust depending if you like it sweeter.
  2. Next, shred the brussels sprouts by using a food processor and pulse until the brussels sprouts are thinly sliced. If you don’t have a food processor, feel free to use a sharp knife to thinly slice.
  3. Add brussels to a large bowl and pour the dressing all over. Use tongs to coat the brussels with the dressing. Let the dressing sit and marinate the brussels for 10-15 minutes. While the brussels marinate and soak up the dressing, you can chop and prep all your other ingredients.
  4. Finally make your nut crunch mixture: place sliced almonds and pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn slightly golden brown and fragrant, then turn off heat and immediately add in maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Stir for 30 more seconds to coat, then transfer to a plate or piece of parchment paper to cool for a few minutes. Some of the nuts will slightly stick together but this is what we want for the ‘nut crunch’ in the salad. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Add the sliced peaches to the brussels salad along with the nut crunch mixture and feta crumbles and toss to combine. Enjoy!

 

Nutrition:
(Per Serving)
Calories: 326
Fat: 19.8g
Carbohydrates: 30.3g
Fiber: 8.9g
Sugar: 14.9g
Protein: 13.5g
Original recipe from Ambitious Kitchen can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

Serves: 4
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups baked spaghetti squash, patted dry
  • 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, whole
  • 1/4 cup unsalted cashews, chopped

Directions:

To bake the squash: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Halve the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds, discard. Place the squash, cut-side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes. Bake the squash just until you can separate the strands with a paring knife; don’t overbake. Cool on a rack until you can handle the squash. Scoop out and separate the strands.

Coat a large sauté pan with avocado oil and place the pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast and crushed red pepper and stir frequently until the chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the egg whites and stir for a minute to cook, then add the green onions and spaghetti squash and stir.

Mix the tamari, lime juice and zest in a cup, then drizzle over the pan, stirring to combine. When the egg whites are set, sprinkle with cilantro and cashews and serve.

Nutrition:

Calories: 261 per serving
Fat: 8g; Carbohydrate: 15g; Protein: 33g

 

Original recipe from My Fitness Pal can be found here!