Tag Archives: 30 minute meals

Asian Simple Salad and Dressing

Posted in 30 minute meals, asian, dressing, salad, vegan, vegetarian by

I was on the hunt for an easy and tasty Asian Salad Recipe and stumbled upon this one from Fit Foodie Finds. This is one of my new favorites! Take a peak below or go to link https://fitfoodiefinds.com/asian-salad-dressing/

Prep: 20 minutesCook: 0 minutesTotal: 20 minutes

SERVINGS 4

Asian Salad Dressing

This Asian Salad Dressing is made with garlic, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and a little soy sauce. It’s the perfect healthy salad dressing to top on your favorite kale salad or use as a chicken marinade!

Prep: 5 minutesCook: 10 minutesTotal: 15 minutes

FAT 15 CARBS 3 PROTEIN 0

YIELD 4

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, roughly minced
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard

Asian Kale Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups shredded kale, packed
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1 large red pepper, minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, minced (any kind)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds


    INSTRUCTIONS
  • Start off by making your Asian Salad Dressing.  
  • Prepare Asian salad by placing kale into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
  • Massage the olive oil into the kale with your hands for 2-3 minutes or until kale is soft and broken down.
  • Add the rest of the kale salad ingredients to the bowl and mix.
  • Pour entire dressing on the salad and toss until all ingredients are combined.

TIPS & NOTES

Nutrition includes Asian Salad dressing.

NUTRITION FACTS

  • Serving Size: 1/4 Calories: 249 Sugar: 6 Fat: 19 Carbohydrates: 18 Fiber: 4 Protein: 4

Weeknight Baked Lemon Dill Salmon

Posted in 30 minute meals, cut calories, fish, gluten free, low-carb, main meal, SP friendly, Standard Process Friendly, Uncategorized, vegetarian, Weeknight Meal, weight loss ideas by

Baked Lemon Dill Salmon

PREP TIME. 10 mins

COOK TIME. 15 mins

TOTAL TIME. 25 mins

SERVINGS. 4 servings

Skin-on salmon is helpful as the skin helps hold the fish together after baking but skinless salmon works fine too.

Ingredients

  • 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets or steaks, preferably skin-on
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 thinly sliced lemon, for garnish

Method

  1. Prep the salmon: Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and sprinkle a little salt over it. Let it sit at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Make the dill butter: Mix the fresh dill with the butter in a small bowl.
  3. Bake the salmon: Spread 1-2 T olive oil on the fish to coat it. Place the salmon skin side down in a roasting pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes undisturbed (depending on how thick your salmon pieces are). Remove the salmon with a spatula. The salmon should be just cooked through when done.
  4. Serve: To serve, place a few thin slices of lemon on each plate. Remove the salmon pieces from the oven and place on the lemon slices with a spatula. Top each piece of salmon with about a tablespoon of the dill butter and serve at once.

NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)

560 CALORIES 40g FAT 16g CARBS 40g PROTEIN

Parsley & Chive Potato Frittata

Posted in 30 minute meals, brunch, low-carb, vegetarian by

I recently started an herb garden. I love using fresh herbs in my cooking and my indoor AeroGarden allows me to have them year round. This simple egg dish can be whipped up in a jiffy and can be served for breakfast/brunch as well as an easy weeknight dinner with a salad. It’s healthy and bursting with fresh flavors. Enjoy!

Parsley and Chive Potato Frittata

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes cut into cubes (no skin)

1 Tbs olive oil

9  organic brown eggs

1/2 cup chopped chives

1 cup of green peas

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 package soft herbed cheese (I like Boursin)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Boil or bake potatoes until tender

Scramble the eggs in a bowl and add all the ingredients. Mix well.

Heat an oven-safe skillet (ie cast iron) on the stove over medium heat with 1-2 Tbs of olive oil.

Pour the mixture into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10 minutes in the pan. Place the pan in the oven for approx. 10-15 minutes more or until slightly brown on top.  Allow it to rest before serving.

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Andrea Correale

Lemon Chardonnay Chicken

Posted in 30 minute meals, AP's Favorites, chicken, comfort food, main meal, Uncategorized, Weeknight Meal by

This is an easy weeknight dinner recipe that is also pretty enough to serve guests at a small casual dinner party. The citrus sauce is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The leftovers (if you have any) are great for lunch the next day too! Enjoy!

Serves 3-4

Ingredients

4-6 boneless chicken breast cutlets (see notes)

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup Chardonnay (or you can use white cooking wine)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

6 green onions (white and half of green section, chopped)

4-6 cloves of garlic, pressed or finely chopped

6-8 Tablespoons butter (divided)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

For Chicken:

Pat the chicken with a paper towel to dry.  Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Lightly flour chicken and place into a large frying pan with approximately 3-4 T. butter melted in the pan and fry until golden brown about 5 minutes per side.  Be careful not to burn the butter.  Chicken will not be fully cooked.  Place chicken in a warm oven while you make the sauce.

For Sauce:

Add 3-4 T butter to pan. Saute the onions and garlic in the butter on low heat.  Add wine and lemon juice.  Simmer for about 5 minutes.  Add the chicken to the sauce, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes more or until fully cooked.   Serve over rice. Yummy!

Notes:  

Chicken – you can purchase chicken cutlets or chicken breast fillets in your local grocery store or you can cut them yourself but slicing a boneless chicken breast in half to form thin patties.

Flouring Chicken – Place about 1/4-1/2 cup flour in a shallow baking dish.  Dip and flip the chicken fillets into the flour to lightly cover them before cooking. This ensures that chicken stays both moist and tender.

30-Minute Coconut Curry Chicken

Posted in 30 minute meals, asian, chicken by

Super Simple and Super yummy! This recipe mimics the traditional Thai curry but without so many hard to find ingredients. It’s so easy that it is perfect for a weekday meal.

Ingredients:

10 oz. of Organic Jasmine Rice (found in a 3-pack in the freezer section of many grocery stores like Trader Joe’s)

13.5 oz. can coconut milk

1 Tbsp. curry powder

2 Tbsp. fish sauce

2 oz. butter or ghee

1 lb. skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

2 bay leaves

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro plus four sprigs

1-2 mini red peppers, sliced (optional for garnish)

Procedure:

  1. Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add coconut milk and curry powder. Stir until combined, then add the fish sauce and butter. Stir until the butter is melted.
  2. Add the chicken and bay leaves. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. After the chicken has simmered for 10 minutes, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until the liquid had reduced by 50% and the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink in the middle).
  4. Stir in the fresh cilantro and remove pan from heat.
  5. Pop the bag of rice in the microwave for 3 minutes or as directed on the package.
  6. To assemble, add 3/4 cup of the cauliflower rice and 1/2 cup of the curry mixture to individual bowls and place a fresh cilantro sprig on top.

Low Carb Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Posted in 30 minute meals, chicken, italian, keto, low-carb by

IMG_1468Low Carb Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Low Carb Creamy Tuscan Chicken is rich and satisfying with lots of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.  I love the parmesan cream sauce. It is one of my very favorite low carb meals and it is perfect for the keto diet.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 495 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in half horizontally
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup  sun-dried tomatoes (approximately 1/2 of a 4 oz jar )
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2-3 cups baby spinach
  • 2-3 medium zucchini squash, zoodles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    Season chicken with lemon pepper.

  2. Add chicken to skillet and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

    Remove chicken and set aside.

  3. Add onion to skillet and cook for about 3 minutes to soften.

  4. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

  5. Add white wine or chicken broth and cook until reduced just a bit and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

  6. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer for 1 minute.

    Add Parmesan and stir until melted.

  7. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

    Stir in spinach. Cook and stir until spinach is wilted.

    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    8.  Optional:  Many italian dishes are served over a bed of pasta.  I like to avoid the carbs and use zoodles instead.  Make the zoodle noodles with either a mandoline or zoodle maker.  Place on a paper towel to remove some of the excess water.  Add 2 T of olive oil to a pan and heat on medium heat.  Add zoodles to pan, and add salt and pepper to taste and stir for about 2 minutes.  Add more slat/pepper to taste and stir again for two minutes or so until just a bit limp.  Place zoodles on a plate and then add the chicken and sauce and serve.

Nutrition Facts
Low Carb Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 495Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 17g106%
Cholesterol 164mg55%
Sodium 475mg21%
Potassium 1180mg34%
Carbohydrates 9g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 33g66%
Vitamin A 3950IU79%
Vitamin C 19.1mg23%
Calcium 248mg25%
Iron 2.8mg

Spicy Southwestern Salad

Posted in 30 minute meals, low-carb, mexican, salad, SP friendly, Standard Process Friendly, vegetarian, weight loss ideas by

img_8109

spicy southwestern salad with avocado dressing

  • creds: pinch of yum
  • prep time: 15 mins
  • cook time: 20 mins
  • total time: 35 minutes
  • yield: 4 large salads

DESCRIPTION

This easy to prepare Spicy Southwestern Salad recipe has roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, lettuce, and creamy avocado dressing!

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SALAD

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 heaping teaspoon each cumin and chili powder (plus a sprinkle of cayenne if you like it hot)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 14-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 14-ounce can sweet corn, rinsed and drained (or use shredded carrots if you prefer)
  • a handful of cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 avocado (optional)
  • 1/2 a head of romaine lettuce, chopped

FOR THE CILANTRO DRESSING:

  • half an avocado
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
  • 1 small clove of garlic
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
  • a squeeze of lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Peel the sweet potatoes and chop into bite-sized pieces. Mix the olive oil, cumin, and chili powder together in a small bowl. Brush mixture on sweet potatoes. Roast for 10 minutes. Stir or shake the pan. Turn heat up to 425, and roast for another 10-15 minutes. The sweet potatoes should be just barely roasty-brown on the outside.  cook another minute or two if needed.  Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Meanwhile, pulse all the dressing ingredients in a food processor until mostly smooth.
  3. Toss the beans, corn, lettuce, and sweet potatoes with the dressing. Serve with the other half of the avocado!

img_8108

Favorite Salsa Verde Chicken

Posted in 30 minute meals, AP's Favorites, chicken, comfort food, main meal, mexican, trader joes by

This 30-Minute One-Pan Salsa Verde Chicken is perfect for a busy weeknight.  It’s healthy, tasty, and super easy.

This Salsa Verde Chicken needs only a few basic ingredients and a casserole dish.

I always keep a jar of my favorite salsa verde from Sprouts in my pantry.  Trader Joe’s has a yummy version too, but I prefer the Sprouts version as it has a little more kick (from Jalapenos).

You can use either bone-in chicken thighs (my favorite) or boneless skinless chicken thighs works too.

Perfect over rice, tortillas, or chips.

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PREP TIME 10 minutes
COOK TIME 20-40 minutes
TOTAL TIME 30-40 minutes
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
  • 2 lbs.  chicken thighs (bone in or skinless & boneless)
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin’
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 jar (16oz) salsa verde
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 T. olive oil
  • Garnish: fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges
DIRECTIONS
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F
  2. Wash and chop the garlic, onion and red pepper.
  3. Wash and towel dry the chicken and then season with salt, pepper, cumin and oregano. Lightly brush the top of each piece with olive oil and sprinkle with the minced garlic. Set aside.
  4. Pour the jar of salsa verde in a casserole dish.
  5. Place the chicken pieces in the casserole dish next and add the onion and peppers to the dish and position around the chicken pieces.
  6. Roast for 20-40 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. (Larger chicken pieces will take longer).  Do not overcook.
  7. Serve over rice (or with tortillas) and garnish with cilantro and lime.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Posted in 30 minute meals, AP's Favorites, asian, chicken by

DFTSI - Lemongrass Chicken - 9533

Vietnamese food is full of mouth watering flavors and this recipe is sure not to disappoint.  I found it while browsing on Pinterest.  I adapted the recipe from an original post in October 2007 from Food and Wine Magazine.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken

Serves 4
Dinner is ready in 20-30 minutes (don’t forget to marinate chicken before)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons fish sauce
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon curry powder ( I use madras)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces (thighs work too)
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons coconut oil
2 fresh lemongrass stalks, tender inner white bulbs only, minced finely
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
3 red chilies, seeded and minced
1 scallion thinly sliced for garnishing (optional)
cilantro sprigs for garnishing (optional)

 Directions:
  1.  Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, garlic, curry powder, salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the sugar. Add the chicken meat to coat. Marinade for at least two hours.
  2. Make the caramel: In a small skillet, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 tablespoon of the water and cook over high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Cook without stirring until a deep amber caramel forms about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of water. Transfer to a small bowl.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the coconut oil and heat until shimmering. Add the lemongrass, shallot, and chilies and stir-fry until fragrant about 1 minute. Add the chicken and caramel and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened about 8 minutes.  Transfer to a serving dish and top with the scallions and cilantro. Serve with steamed white rice.

Italian Marinated Chicken

Posted in AP's Favorites, bbq, chicken, main meal by
This moist and delicious chicken is marinated in yummy Italian flavors and is perfect for both grilling on the BBQ or pan roasting on the stove.
IMG_3728

ITALIAN MARINATED CHICKEN 

PREP TIME: 10 mins
COOK TIME: 10 mins
TOTAL TIME: 20 mins
SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 lb. (around 6 pieces) chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless
  • 4 1/2 Tbsp. grapefruit balsamic vinegar  (I like 41 Olive)*
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Black pepper
  • 2½ tsp mixed Italian dried herbs (either a packet mix or mix herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary and thyme)
  • 1 tsp dried red chili flakes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Place all ingredients except for the chicken, in a small jar and shake well to combine.
  • Put the chicken in a ziplock bag and add the Dressing Marinade. Massage / mix to coat the chicken. Set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes. Ideally it should marinate for 3 hours or overnight.
  • Grill/BBQ Method: You shouldn’t need any oil, but if you are concerned, brush your grill with oil. Heat the grill on medium high and cook the chicken for around 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
  • Stove Method:  Preheat ½ tbsp oil in a large non stick fry pan over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook each side for around 4 to 5 minutes, or until dark golden brown and cooked through.
  • When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill/fry pan onto a plate, loosely cover with foil and set aside for 10 minutes.
  • Serve the chicken with your favorite tossed salad and toasted bread.
* You can substitute with chardonnay or apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice if you prefer.

Note: This can be made with breast fillets too, but just be careful with the cooking time as you don’t want to overcook it.