Tag Archives: Easy Meals

10 Must Have Side Dish Recipes…Savory and Delicious!

. Food . ,
Eat, Drink Paleo

Eat, Drink Paleo

Sometimes I get distracted by side dishes.  It’s easy to upstage even a beautifully cooked piece of meat when it’s next to a rich, creamy pasta or a dish of savory sautéed mushrooms.  I love storing up these kinds of recipes to avoid the boxed side dish rut – fresh ingredients taste so much better and they’re so much more fun to work with!  Here are 10 Must Have Side Dish Recipes…

#1. Red Wine and Garlic Mushrooms

Drag Through the Garden

Drag Through the Garden

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup red wine
16 oz. mushrooms
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

visit Drag Through the Garden for Instructions!

#2. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Eat, Drink Paleo

Eat, Drink Paleo

Ingredients

  • 12 asparagus spears
  • 6 prosciutto slices/strips
  • A little ghee for frying

visit Eat, Drink Paleo for Instructions!

#3. Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes

Just Putzing Around the Kitchen

Just Putzing Around the Kitchen

Ingredients:
– Instant mashed potatoes (made from 1 full packet — follow directions on the box)
** You can use homemade mashed potatoes too.
– 2/3 cup Colby Jack cheese, grated
– 1-1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp chives, chopped

visit Just Putzing for Instructions!

#4. Eggplant Tomato Pie

Key Ingredients

Key Ingredients

Ingredients

1 eggplant
2 tomatoes
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 c. breadcrumbs
1 egg
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp pesto
shredded cheddar cheese
fresh parsley

visit Key Ingredients for Instruction!

#5. Kerrygold Mac and Cheese

Kerrygold Mac and Cheese 2

Bon Appetit Hon

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup milk or half and half
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
  • kosher salt
  • cayenne pepper or chili powder (optional)

visit Bon Appetit Hon for Instructions!

#6. Bacon Collard Greens

Taste of Home

Taste of Home

Ingredients

visit Taste of Home for Instructions!

#7. Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Easy-Cookbook-Recipes

Easy-Cookbook-Recipes

Ingredients

4 sweet potatoes (pick ones that are a good shape for twice baked potatoes)
1 lime, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chipotle chili powder (or regular if you can’t find chipotle)
1 whole chipotle, minced
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

#8. Broccoli Casserole

Babble

Babble

Ingredients

1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups milk
2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cheddar cheese
2 eggs
2 cups crushed crackers or panko

visit Babble for Instructions!

#9. Black Bean and Kale Enchiladas

Vegan Yumminess

Vegan Yumminess

Ingredients

  • 1/2 medium onion (minced)
  • 1/4 green bell pepper (about 1/3 cup, chopped)
  • 1 can tomato sauce (about 16 ounces total, unseasoned)
  • 1/2 can tomatoes and green chiles (about 5 ounces total)
  • 1 tablespoon pure cane sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • salt to taste

visit Vegan Yumminess for Instructions!

#10. Sage, Onion and Smoked Bacon Stuffing

HGTV

HGTV

Ingredients:

1 onion, finely chopped
3 strips organic or free-range smoked bacon, chopped
9 ounces cooked sausage meat (optional)
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. butter
1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
1 heaped tbsp. chopped fresh sage
salt and pepper
1 medium egg, lightly beaten
a little fresh parsley, chopped

visit HGTV for instructions!

4 Recipes for One-Pot-Pasta…Easy Weeknight Meals

. Food . ,
Random Thoughts

The Londoner

So, One-Pot-Pasta is a new phenomenon; it’s everywhere!  And that makes sense because it’s the epitome of an easy weeknight meal.  Some pasta, some herbs, a few tomatoes maybe some shrimp or chicken, 30 minutes and ba-bow (as my husband would say). Here are 4 One-Pot-Pasta meals to add into your weekly rotation.

#1. Tomato, Roasted Pepper and Arugula Pasta

Recipe Sweet

Recipe Sweet

Ingredients

  1. 8 ounces, weight Pasta
  2. 2 teaspoons Olive Oil, Divided
  3. 1 whole Shallot, Minced
  4. 1 clove Garlic, Minced
  5. 1 cup Grape Tomatoes, Halved
  6. ½ cups Roasted Red Peppers, Chopped
  7. ¼ cups Fresh Basil, Chopped, Divided
  8. 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  9. ½ teaspoons Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  10. ½ teaspoons Salt
  11. ¼ teaspoons Black Pepper
  12. 2 cups Fresh Arugula
  13. 2 ounces, weight Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, Diced
  14. ¼ cups Parmesan Cheese

visit Recipe Sweet for Instructions

#2.  Penne with Shrimp, Feta and Spring Vegetables

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Ingredients

  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

  • 12 ounces penne rigate (ridged)

  • 1 pound asparagus, trimmed, cut into 1-inch lengths

  • 1 pound peeled and deveined frozen shrimp, thawed

  • 8 ounces snow peas, trimmed and halved on the diagonal

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 cup crumbled feta (4 ounces)

  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh mint leaves

visit Martha Stewart for Instructions

#3. Life-Changing One-Pot Pasta

Family Bites

Family Bites

Family Bites

Family Bites

Ingredients

  • 1 – 12-14oz. package of spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 cups diced boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 5-6 cups chicken stock or water
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Visit Family Bites for Instructions

#4. One-Pot Pasta

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces linguine

  • 12 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)

  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

  • 2 sprigs basil, plus torn leaves for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 4 1/2 cups water

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

visit Martha Stewart for Instructions

30 Minute Chicken Marsala…Easy and Elegant Meal

. Food . ,
Savory Sweet Life

Savory Sweet Life

When I first got married I remember being panicked about what to make for dinner every night.  Often times I would fall back on what my mother used to make for me…chicken and rice, spaghetti, nachos maybe (one of my favorites).  But as I got more comfortable in the kitchen I began branching out and trying new recipes… and soon I found that with a little direction making something quick and delicious didn’t have to be all that hard.  That’s what I was reminded of when I came across this recipe by Savory Sweet Life; Chicken Marsala in 30 minutes…sign me up!

Savory Sweet Life

Savory Sweet Life

{Easy Anytime Dinner} Chicken Marsala Recipe
Author: Savory Sweet Life
Recipe type: Chicken
Prep time:  15 mins
Cook time:  30 mins
Total time:  45 mins
Serves: 4
An easy but elegant chicken dish!
Ingredients
  • 2 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup all purpose flour or corn starch for gluten-free
  • up to ½ cup olive or vegetable oil
  • 8 ounces container of mushroom, sliced and cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup sweet Marsala wine
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • ¼ cup sherry or dry white wine
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or oregano

visit Savory Sweet Life for Instructions!

10 Recipes Featuring Avocado…Super Food Meals

. Food . ,
No Recipes

No Recipes

Avocado is a super food  – we hear that all the time but, why?  What makes this food so…super?  Well, to start with it’s high in fiber, monounsaturated fats, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and acids that help us metabolize proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  It also helps lower your cholesterol, it lowers your risk of diabetes and might aid in the fight against cancer.  Awesome…why am I not eating these things more often? Here are 10 recipes to help us incorporate avocado into more of our weekly meals.

#1.  Shrimp and Avocado Pasta

Seafood and Avocado Pasta

Ingredients:

8 Ounces of Dried spaghetti

1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

.35 Ounces Flat Leaf Parsley

.35 Ounces Cilantro

.15 Ounces Chevril

1 Clove of Garlic

1 Ounce grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 lbs. Shrimp

3/4 cup Crab Meat

1 Ripe Avocado

1 Lemon

visit No Recipe for Instructions!

#2. Roasted Avocado Over Mixed Lettuce and Couscous

The Stone Soup

The Stone Soup

Ingredients:

1 large avocado
1/2 cup couscous
1/4 small red onion, peeled & finely diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 handfuls mixed leaves

visit The Stone Soup for Instructions!

#3. Cranberry and Avocado Salad with Sweet Almonds and White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Honest Cooking

Honest Cooking

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the dressing:
  • ½ cup (60g) sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried mustard
  • 1 tablespoon minced sweet onion
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup (120 ml) white balsamic vinegar
  • ⅓ cup (70 ml) vegetable oil
  • ⅓ cup (70 ml) extra virgin olive oil
Ingredients for the salad:
  • 12 ounces (340g) baby spinach, arugula, field greens
  • 1 small bunch cilantro, washed and dried, leaves removed whole from stems (discard the stems or use for another recipe)
  • 2 medium avocados, peeled and halved
  • 1½ cup (115g) dried cranberries
  • 1½ cup (115g) Candied Spiced Almonds (see recipe)
Ingredients for the almonds:
  • 5 cups (600g) sliced almonds, or a 1 pound package
  • cup (100g) sugar
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cumin*
  • 1-1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika* – some smoked paprika are quite hot, if you don’t like “hot”, just use 1 teaspoon and they will be mildly spiced.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • sea salt
  • The cumin and the smoked paprika give just a hint of mysterious, delicious flavor – even though these are savory spices, these almonds are still wonderful served with sweets like ice cream or yogurt.

visit Honest Cooking for Instructions!

#4. Best Guacamole Ever

Style Me Pretty

Style Me Pretty

Ingredients:

  • 3 Ripe Avocados (preferably the black ones)
  • 1 Lime
  • 2 Cloves of Garlic
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbs White Onion, minced
  • 2 tbs Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Tbs Hot Sauce
  • 1 tsp sour cream
  • *optional 1 tsp jalapeno, seeded and minced

visit Style Me Pretty for Instructions!

#5. Sweet Potato and Avocado Soup

Healthy.Happy. Life

Healthy.Happy. Life

Ingredients:

1 cup mashed sweet potato (from a baked sweet potato – all sticky and sweet)
1/2 cup+ No-Chicken Broth (or substitute vegetable broth) — add more to thin out to desired consistency
1/2 cup soy milk*, original or plain or unsweetened flavors (I used Soy Dream)
*almond milk will work too

Add to taste (what I used):
* orange or satsuma zest (a pinch)
* salt (3 pinches)
* chipotle powder (1/2 tsp)

Garnish:
1/4 cup diced avocado
2-3 tortilla chips, crushed (I used red, spicy jalapeno chips!)
dash of seasoned chili salt

Optional: nutritional yeast, canned white beans (blended in), cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne, lime juice (lime wedge served on side), parsley or chopped spinach served over top.

p.s.  This is a Vegan Recipe

visit lunchboxbunch.com for instructions!

#6. Spicy Pork Chops with Avocado Cream Sauce

Taylor Made

Taylor Made

Ingredients:

-4 thick-cut boneless pork chops
-1/2 tsp chile powder
-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
-1/4 tsp garlic powder
-1/4 tsp paprika
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp pepper
-1 tbsp butter
-1 tbsp olive oil
-1 ripe avocado
-1/2 cup greek yogurt
-1/4 cup almond milk
-Juice of 1/2 lime
-Salt and pepper to taste

visit Taylor Made for Instructions!

#7. Chicken Enchilada Casserole

I Wash You Dry

I Wash You Dry

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sliced yellow onion
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce; divided
  • 1 cup black beans; drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup pinto beans; drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 2 avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced
  • 6-8 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • sour cream (optional)
  • diced tomatoes (optional)

visit I Wash You Dry for Instructions!

#8. Avocado Fries with Cilantro Dipping Sauce

Adventures in Cooking

Adventures in Cooking

Ingredients:

Avocado Fries

Oil For Frying
2 Avocados
2 Eggs, beaten
1 and 1/3 Cup Bread Crumbs
1 Teaspoon Lemon Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Cumin

Cilantro Lemon Dipping Sauce

5 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro, chopped
Juice from 1/2 of Lemon
visit Adventures in Cooking for Instructions!

#9. Guacamole Grilled Cheese Sandwich

two peas & their pod

two peas & their pod

Ingredients:

To make the guacamole:
2 ripe avocados
1/2 small onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small jalapeño, stems and seeds removed, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
A dash of freshly grated black pepper
1 Roma tomato, chopped

4 slices crusty white bread
4 slices Cheddar cheese
Butter, for buttering bread

visit two peas & their pod for Instructions!

#10. Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Chopped Salad

Gimme Some Oven

Gimme Some Oven

Ingredients:

Salad Ingredients:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 8 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and diced
  • 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
  • 2 avocados, pitted and diced
  • 2 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup garlic vinaigrette (see recipe below)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Garlic Herb Vinaigrette Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard (optional)
  • pinch of salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. dried Italian seasonings
  • 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil

visit Gimme Some Oven for Instructions!

Ingredients

– See more at: http://norecipes.com/blog/shrimp-and-avocado-pasta/#sthash.jahy8o1Q.dpuf

– See more at: http://norecipes.com/blog/shrimp-and-avocado-pasta/#sthash.jahy8o1Q.dpuf

Ingredients
Shrimp and Avocado Pasta
Shrimp and Avocado Pasta
Shrimp and Avocado Pasta

7 Sinfully Delicious, Savory Sandwiches…

. Food . ,
The Candid Appetite

The Candid Appetite

There is nothing better than a good sandwich.  Warm toasty bread, juicy meats and savory condiments…or a crispy baguette with bright herbs and seasonings and fresh vegetables.  You can dress it up with steak or bring it down home with pulled pork and slaw…I love a good sandwich.  I’m currently experimenting with juicing, subbing lunch and/or breakfast for a big glass of fresh squeezed sludge.  Don’t get me wrong, I love the burst of energy I get and I feel better, and lighter…but while I’m drinking it I’m imagining it’s one of these sandwiches.

#1.  Deli-Style Reuben Sandwich

Basil

Basil

via All Recipes

Ingredients:
8 slices rye bread
3/4 cup thousand island dressing
1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained
8 slices Swiss cheese
8 slices pastrami
1/4 cup margarine, softened

Directions

  1. Spread each slice of bread with thousand island dressing. Top 4 of the bread slices with sauerkraut, cheese and pastrami. Place remaining bread slices on sandwich. Spread margarine on the outsides of each sandwich.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Grill until browned, then turn and grill until heated through, and cheese is melted.

#2.  Loaded Italian Chicken Sub

Bev Cooks

Bev Cooks

Ingredients:

* 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 (10 oz) can tomato sauce
* 2 slices bacon, halved
* 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 Tbs. caesar salad dressing
* 2 hoagie or submarine buns
* 2 tsp Dijon mustard
* 2 pepperoncinis, stems removed and sliced
* 8 – 10 pepperoni
* a few slices of provolone cheese (or cheddar)
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

* a few slices of provolone cheese (or cheddar)
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Bev Cooks

Bev Cooks

Visit Bev Cooks for Directions

#3.  Spicy Pulled Pork Popper Sandwich

Mom on Time Out

Mom on Time Out

Ingredients

  • sliced sourdough bread
  • Philadelphia Spicy Jalapeño cream cheese
  • butter

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • 4-6 lb bone-in pork shoulder roast
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3/4 c apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 c light brown sugar
  • 2 Tbls chili powder
  • 2 Tbls Worcestershire sauce
  • 18 oz barbecue sauce, divided
  • 2 Tbls mustard

Caramelized Onions

  • 4 onions, sliced
  • 2 Tbls olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

Visit Mom-On-Time-Out for Instructions

#4. South of the Border Sandwiches

The Girl Who Ate Everything

The Girl Who Ate Everything

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 3/4″ thick slices
  • ½ cup olives, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup lite mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup nonfat sour cream
  • 1/3 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 pound sliced turkey
  • 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 ripe avocados, sliced
  • ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¾ cup pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
The Girl Who Ate Everything

The Girl Who Ate Everything

Visit The Girl Who Ate Everything for Instructions

#5. Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

The Candid Appetite

The Candid Appetite

Bacon Cheddar Green Onion Waffles / Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (150 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (55 grams) light-brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (8 grams) baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (6 grams) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (4 grams) salt
  • 2 teaspoons (14 grams) freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (76 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 cups (484 grams) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup (100 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 5 scallions (green onions) thinly sliced
  • cooking spray, for waffle iron
The Candid Appetite

The Candid Appetite

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breast cutlets, cut in half so you end up with 8 half pieces 
  • 1½ cups (363 grams) buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) hot sauce, optional
  • 1½ cups (188 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
  • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (6 grams) black pepper
  • canola oil for frying
The Candid Appetite

The Candid Appetite

Maple Mustard Sauce

Ingredients:
  • ¼ cup (50 ml) real maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) spicy brown mustard or dijon mustard
Visit The Candid Appetite for Preparation and Instruction

#6.  Teriyaki Chicken Sub Sandwiches

Half Baked Harvest

Half Baked Harvest

Ingredients

    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cut into strips
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1/2 an onion, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    • 3/4 cup soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
    • 3 tablespoons honey
    • 2 tablespoon vinegar
    • 2/3 cup pineapple juice
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
    • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Sandwich
  • 1 whole grain baguette, toasted or 4 whole wheat sub rolls
  • 1 cup swiss cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 green onions, sliced
Half Baked Harvest

Half Baked Harvest

Visit Half Baked Harvest for Instructions

Notes

*If you want to make this even easier you can sub 3/4 cup of store bought teriyaki sauce for the homemade. Just add it with the chicken and veggies and bring to a boil.

#7.  Monte Cristo Sandwiches

Simply Goumet

Simply Goumet

For each sandwich you will need:

3 pieces of bread
3 slices of ham
3 slices of turkey
1 or 2 slices of Cheddar cheese
1 or 2 slices of Swiss cheese
Saran Wrap

Dusting of Powdered Sugar
Raspberry or Blackberry Jam

To Deep Fry:

Pancake mix
About 2 inches of oil in the bottom of a large pot

When I make this sandwich, I decide how many I need and make them all together.  I lay my bread out, layer the cheese and meat and then stack.  Your layers will be: bread, swiss, turkey, swiss, bread, cheddar, ham, cheddar, bread…with me so far?  See pictures, it helps.

Simply Gourmet

Simply Gourmet

Take a piece of Saran Wrap and place a sandwich in the middle.  You want to squish the sandwich and then wrap it tight.  The sandwich should be half of what you started with.

Before and After

Visit Simply Gourmet for the remainder of the Instructions

Pasta Salad 5 Ways…5 Recipes for Healthier Pasta Salads!

. Food . , ,
Host the Toast

Host the Toast

Is this turning into a food blog?  Here’s the thing, so much of my life is consumed with cooking and feeding little mouths that sometimes that’s all I can think about!  Or is that an just an excuse for the fact that I love to eat?  A little of both, maybe : ) So, one of my current summer food obsessions is cold pasta salad.  It’s cheap, great for left overs and weekday lunches and is completely versatile depending on the ingredients.  What it’s not exactly great for – the waistline.  With that in mind, I’ve been in search of some cold pasta salad recipes that are both delicious and won’t require me to wear stretch pants simultaneously. Eating Well’s step by step guide to ‘Making a Healthier Pasta Salad’ along with 5 awesome recipes was the perfect solution!

Eating Well

Eating Well

#1.  Antipasti Pasta Salad

Eating Well

Eating Well

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram or 1 tablespoon dried
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Pasta Salad

  • 6 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) whole-wheat medium shells
  • 2 cups thinly sliced fennel bulb
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 cup quartered canned artichoke hearts
  • 1 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cubed salami
  • 5 tablespoons shredded Provolone cheese
  • 3 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. To prepare dressing: Combine oil, broth, vinegar, marjoram, shallots, salt and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well combined. (Or whisk in a bowl.)
  2. To prepare pasta salad: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Add fennel, bell pepper, artichoke hearts, beans, salami, cheese, pepperoncini, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat.

Tips & Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate, without dressing, for up to 1 day. Toss with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Per serving: 298 calories; 14 g fat ( 3 g sat , 9 g mono ); 11 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 11 g protein; 7 g fiber; 535 mg sodium; 269 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (64% daily value), Vitamin A (21% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 2 starch 1 vegetable, 1/2 high-fat meat, 2 fat

#2.  Broccoli & Feta Pasta Salad

Eating Well

Eating Well

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or 1 tablespoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Pasta Salad

  • 8 ounces (about 3 cups) whole-wheat fusilli
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1 3/4 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. To prepare dressing: Mash garlic and salt in a medium bowl with the back of a spoon into a chunky paste. Add buttermilk, mayonnaise, oregano and vinegar; whisk until combined.
  2. To prepare pasta salad: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Add broccoli, tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat.

Tips & Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate, without dressing, for up to 1 day. Toss with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Per serving: 264 calories; 6 g fat ( 2 g sat , 1 g mono ); 14 mg cholesterol; 44 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 11 g protein; 6 g fiber; 457 mg sodium; 367 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (42% daily value), Folate (20% dv), Vitamin A (19% dv), Magnesium (15% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 3

Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 medium fat meat, 1/2 fat

#3.  Melon & Chicken Pasta Salad

Eating Well

Eating Well

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or 1 tablespoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Pasta Salad

  • 8 ounces (about 3 cups) whole-wheat bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups cubed cantaloupe or honeydew melon
  • 2 cups thinly sliced baby spinach
  • 2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped prosciutto (about 3 ounces)
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. To prepare dressing: Mash garlic and salt in a medium bowl with the back of a spoon into a chunky paste. Add buttermilk, mayonnaise, tarragon and vinegar; whisk until combined.
  2. To prepare pasta salad: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Add melon, spinach, chicken, cranberries, prosciutto, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat.

Tips & Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate, without dressing, for up to 1 day. Toss with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Per serving: 294 calories; 6 g fat ( 2 g sat , 1 g mono ); 54 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrates; 3 g added sugars; 25 g protein; 4 g fiber; 633 mg sodium; 400 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (57% daily value), Vitamin C (38% dv), Magnesium (15% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 2 1/2

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 2 1/2 lean meat, 1/2 fat

#4.  Vegetable & Tuna Pasta Salad

Eating Well

Eating Well

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Pasta Salad

  • 8 ounces (about 3 cups) whole-wheat fusilli
  • 3 cups baby arugula
  • 1 cup diced zucchini (about 1 medium)
  • 2 5-ounce cans chunk light tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped soft sun-dried tomatoes
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. To prepare dressing: Combine oil, broth, vinegar, basil, shallots, salt and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well combined. (Or whisk in a bowl.)
  2. To prepare pasta salad: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Add arugula, zucchini, tuna, cheese, tomatoes, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat.

Tips & Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate, without dressing, for up to 1 day. Toss with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Per serving: 285 calories; 12 g fat ( 3 g sat , 8 g mono ); 15 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 17 g protein; 3 g fiber; 401 mg sodium; 354 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (15% daily value)

Carbohydrate Servings: 2

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1 1/2 lean meat, 2 fat

#5.  Peas & Ham Pasta Salad

Eating Well

Eating Well

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or 1 tablespoon dried
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Pasta Salad

  • 10 ounces (about 2 cups) whole-wheat elbow noodles
  • 1 3/4 cups sliced button mushrooms
  • 1 3/4 cups peas, fresh or frozen (thawed)
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet onion, such as Vidalia
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs (see Tip), chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced Cheddar cheese
  • Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. To prepare dressing: Mash garlic and salt in a medium bowl with the back of a spoon into a chunky paste. Add buttermilk, mayonnaise, dill and vinegar; whisk until combined.
  2. To prepare pasta salad: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl and let cool. Add mushrooms, peas, ham, onion, eggs, cheese, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat.

Tips & Notes

  • Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate, without dressing, for up to 1 day. Toss with the dressing about 1 hour before serving.
  • Tip: To hard-boil eggs, place in a single layer in a saucepan; cover with 1 inch of water. Bring just to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and cook at the barest simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, immediately pour out hot water and cover the eggs with ice-cold water. Let stand in the water until cool.

Nutrition

Per serving: 315 calories; 9 g fat ( 4 g sat , 3 g mono ); 88 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 21 g protein; 6 g fiber; 671 mg sodium; 379 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (36% daily value), Vitamin C (24% dv), Zinc (18% dv), Iron & Magnesium (16% dv), Folate (15% dv)

Carbohydrate Servings: 2 1/2

Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 medium fat meat, 1/2 high fat meat, 1/2 fat