Lynbrook | New Hyde Park | NY

summer

Recipe of the Week: Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Yield: 6 to 8

Prep Time: 45 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 pound spiral pasta, cooked
  • 12 to 16 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, balls cut in half
  • 1 large handful fresh basil, about 2/3 cup basil leaves, chopped

Instructions 

  1. Prep the chicken first! You can make this a day or two before – even just marinating it or marinating it and grilling it. Place the chicken into a baking dish or resealable bag. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, dried basil and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Measure out about ¼ cup of the dressing and pour it over the chicken. Reserve the rest and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. This is your pasta salad dressing!
  2. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. When ready to grill, preheat your grill to the highest setting. Once the grill is hot, add the chicken (let the marinade run off into the dish) and grill for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then cut it into chunks.
  3. While the chicken is cooking, you can cook your pasta! You can also cook it the day before and store it in the fridge. You can also chop the tomatoes and the basil!
  4. Now it’s time to layer or assemble the pasta salad. I like to do layers of the pasta, chunked chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, then repeat. But of course, you can also just toss everything together!
  5. Once it is layer or tossed, drizzle it with the remaining dressing. Toss to serve and serve immediately, or store in the fridge until ready to serve.
  6. Note: if you assemble the pasta ahead of time, I would wait to add the fresh basil until right before serving!

Original recipe from How Sweet Eats can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Summer Buddha Bowls

Prep Time: 40 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cobs of corn
  • 2 cups cooked multi-colored quinoa
  • 2 cups arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup sunflower sprouts

Dressing/Tofu marinade

  • 1 package extra-firm tofu, pressed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

Turmeric Chickpeas

  • 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp dried turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Remove tofu from package and squeeze out excess liquid with a clean towel. Chop into 1-inch cubes. Mix together marinade ingredients and add tofu cubes, submerging in liquid and marinating for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package directions and preheat BBQ to high heat.
  2. Slather cobs of corn with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook on grill for 8-10 minutes until charred a bit on the outsides. Remove from grill and let cool.
  3. Mix together ingredients under the turmeric chickpeas heading. Let sit 5 minutes while you prepare the rest of the veggies.
  4. Divide quinoa among bowls, followed by the rest of the veggies. Slice corn off cobs and add to bowls. Remove tofu cubes from marinade and add to bowls along with chickpeas, reserving tofu marinade as dressing for each bowl. Use as much dressing as you’d like for each bowl (you don’t need much) and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 533kcal, Carbohydrates: 70g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 21g 

Original recipe from The Girl on Bloor can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 6 hours

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 corn tortillas
For the chicken
  • 1 lb chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 medium-sized yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup Finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Toppings
  • 1 (8oz) container store-bought salsa or pico de gallo
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
Pineapple salsa
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh pineapple diced, change it up with peaches or mango
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/3 cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Add chicken, broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and chipotle peppers to slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
  • When chicken is ready, shred right in the crockpot with a fork and knife.
  • Serve chicken on corn tortillas and top with pineapple salsa, pico de gallo and cilantro. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal, Carbohydrates: 56g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 6g

Original recipe from The Girl on Bloor can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Broccoli Quinoa Tabbouleh

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 14-ounce can no-salt chickpeas, drained
  • 1 medium cucumber, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. In a small pot, place 3/4 cup water and bring to a boil. Add the quinoa, return to a boil, then cover tightly and reduce heat to low for 15 minutes.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, place the broccoli florets in the food processor and pulse to mince to the size of rice. (Chop by hand if you do not have a food processor.)
  3. When the quinoa is done, quickly stir in the broccoli and let stand for 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl to cool. When it’s reached room temperature, add the parsley, chickpeas, cucumber, tomato and green onion; toss to mix.
  4. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon over the bowl and toss to coat. Serve or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Serves: 6 | Serving Size: 1 cup

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 195; Total Fat: 5g; Protein: 9g

Original recipe from My Fitness Pal can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Salmon Couscous Salad

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked couscous
  • 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1 (12-oz.) fillet salmon, skin-on
  • 2 tsp. za’atar spice
  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced into coins and then quartered
  • 3/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup minced red onion

Feta Dressing

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Couscous: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups water, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and 1/4 tsp. salt to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover with a lid, and remove from heat. Let the couscous steam for 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the couscous and break up any clumps. Transfer to a large bowl to slightly cool.
  2. Cook Salmon: Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Rub with 2 tsp. olive oil, and season with za’atar spice and 1/2 tsp. salt. You can cook salmon one of two ways: under the broiler or on the stovetop:
    • Broil Salmon: Preheat broiler with oven rack 6 inches from heat. Place fillet, skin side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil to desired degree of doneness, 8 to 10 minutes.
    • Sauté Salmon: Heat 1 to 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Place salmon, skin side-down, in pan and cook for about 3 minutes, until the flesh turns from translucent to opaque all the way up the sides. Gently flip salmon (usually a fish spatula, ideally), turn off heat, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until fully cooked.
    • Once the salmon is cooked, let rest for about 5 minutes before using a fork to flake into small pieces.
  3. Prepare Feta Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt and pepper; whisk to combine. Stir in feta cheese.
  4. Assemble Salad: To the bowl with cooled couscous, add cucumber, parsley, dill, and red onion; toss well. Add flaked salmon and dressing; gently stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with extra crumbled feta and/or herbs, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g

Original recipe from Dishing Out Health can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Zucchini and Corn Fiesta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 small-medium size zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch thick coins
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen/thawed corn
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Chili-Lime Vinaigrette

  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium. Add zucchini; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring only occasionally, until golden-brown and tender. Add jalapeño and garlic; cook 2 more minutes, until aromatic. Stir in corn, cook 1 minute, until heated through. Season with salt and transfer mixture to a bowl.
  2. Prepare Chili-Lime Vinaigrette by combining olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, cumin, and cilantro in a small bowl; stir with a whisk.
  3. Add tomatoes and feta cheese to zucchini mixture. Pour dressing on top and gently toss to combine. Garnish with additional cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 150kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 8g

Original recipe from Dishing Out Health can be found here!

Salmon Salad Rice Bowl

PREP TIME: 5 mins       COOK TIME: 0 mins     TOTAL TIME: 5 mins

This quick and easy rice bowl makes a great high protein lunch that fits into your budget. This recipe serves one, but double up and make your meals ahead to save time, too!

Ingredients:

  • 1 5-ounce can skinless wild pink or red salmon (in water drained)
  • 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (plus more for topping)
  • 2 scallions (white and greens separated)
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup cooked brown rice (heated)
  • ½ cup chopped cucumber
  • Furikake or chopped nori and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the salmon, mayonnaise, sriracha, scallion whites and pinch of salt and mix well.
  2. In the bowl you plan to serve in, add the rice.
  3. Top it with the salmon salad, chopped cucumber, furikake and scallion greens plus more sriracha if desired.

Nutrition:

Serving: 1 bowl

Calories: 389kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 14g

Original recipe from Skinny Taste can be found here!

Recipe of the Week: Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole

INGREDIENTS

Roasted veggies

  • 1/2 medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
  • 2 red bell peppers, cut into 1” squares
  • 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into wedges about 1/2” wide
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Remaining ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups (18 ounces) red salsa, either homemade or jarred
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
  • 9 to 10 corn tortillas, halved
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans
  • 2 big handfuls (about 2 ounces) baby spinach leaves
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. To roast the veggies (this can be done up to 2 days in advance): Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in the middle and upper third of the oven. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the vegetables from sticking.
  2. On one pan, combine the cauliflower and sweet potato. On the other pan, combine the bell peppers and onion. Drizzle half of the olive oil over one pan, and the other half over the other pan. Same with the cumin.
  3. Sprinkle both pans lightly with salt and pepper, then toss each one until the vegetables are lightly coated in oil and spices, adding another light drizzle of olive oil if necessary. Arrange the vegetables in an even layer across each pan. Bake until the vegetables are tender and caramelized on the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes, tossing the veggies and swapping the pans halfway.
  4. When you’re ready to assemble, reduce the oven heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9? square baker. Stir the cilantro into the salsa.
  5. To assemble, spread 1/2 cup salsa evenly over the bottom of the baking pan. Add a single layer of halved tortilla pieces, arranging them so they completely cover the salsa.
  6. Top with 1/2 of the beans, 1/3 of the vegetables, 1/2 of the of spinach, and 1/3 of the cheese.
  7. Make a second layer of tortillas (press down on the mixture a little to make room for the next layers). Top with 1/2 of the remaining salsa, all of the remaining beans, 1/2 of the remaining vegetables, all of the remaining spinach, and 1/2 of the remaining cheese.
  8. Make a third layer of tortillas. Top with the remaining salsa, vegetables, and cheese.
  9. Cover the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake for 10 more minutes, or until heated through.
  10. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes, to give it time to set and reach a palatable temperature. Before serving, sprinkle the top lightly with additional chopped cilantro.

Original recipe from Cookie & Kate can be found here!