The Lean Green Bean

Shrimp Cobb Salad

Lindsay — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This Shrimp Cobb Salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a fresh, healthy lunch or dinner! Customize the toppings to your liking and top with a light vinaigrette.

*Originally published 5/2011. Updated 10/2025*

Hi friends!
Popping in to share this quick and easy Shrimp Cobb Salad for an easy lunch or dinner. Shrimp is one of my favorite quick-cooking proteins and cobb salads are perfect for packing in a ton of healthy ingredients. If you don’t like shrimp, try my Steak Cobb Salad.

If you’re on a salad kick and need more ideas, try:

Or try this Ultimate List of Salad Topping Ideas for some inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Shrimp Cobb Salad

This shrimp cobb salad is easy to love for a lot of reasons:

Fully customizable. Feel free to swap out any toppings you don’t like or add your own.
Great for meal prep – All the components of this salad can be prepped ahead of time which makes it quick and easy to assemble at meal time.
Has protein and healthy fats – The shrimp is an easy quick-cooking protein and the avocado and salad dressing, especially homemade, both add healthy fats to help boost satiety.
It’s heart-healthy, packed with lean protein and veggies and healthy fats.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Ingredients

To make this salad, you’ll need:

Shrimp – Feel free to use any size you prefer
Bacon – I prefer to cook the bacon myself and chop it up but you could use bacon bits if you want
Hard boiled eggs – make your own or buy them pre-bought. Here’s how to make hard-boiled eggs in the instant pot.
Red onion – feel free to swap green, white, yellow onions etc for a milder flavor
Tomato – grape or cherry tomatoes halved or quartered work well
Avocado
Feta – I use crumbled feta. It does have a stronger flavor so feel free to swap with a different cheese if you prefer
Dressing – I like a lighter vinaigrette like the one I share below but you could use something creamy like ranch, etc if you want!

How To Cook Shrimp

You can choose to prepare the shrimp for this salad whatever way you prefer. A few ideas:

Sauteed – This is the method I typically use. Just heat some butter or oil in a skillet, add shrimp and seasonings and cook for 4-6 minutes, until shrimp are pink.
Grilled – If you have the grill fired up, thread the shrimp onto a few skewers, season and grill 2-3 minutes per side.
Baked – You can also bake them in the oven. Here’s a recipe for Oven-Baked Shrimp.

How To Make An Easy Shrimp Cobb Salad

To make this salad:

Cook the bacon, eggs and shrimp via your preferred method. To save time, you can grab pre-cooked shrimp and/or hard-boiled eggs.
Start with a bed of lettuce. Feel free to grab a bag of packaged salad greens to save time!
Add toppings. In a traditional cobb salad, ingredients are grouped into sections or rows on top of the lettuce but you can skip this step and combine everything mixed together on top.
Top with dressing – homemade or store-bought.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Dressing Options

The dressing options for this salad are endless. I typically use a maple mustard vinaigrette to keep it light but a lemon garlic dressing would also be great. If you want something a little more robust, try ranch or blue cheese to add some creaminess to the salad.

Cobb Salad Protein

The great thing about the cobb salad is that it pairs well with almost any protein. If you don’t like shrimp, try:

Steak – I’ve used leftover flank steak before!
Chicken – This is a great way to transform leftover grilled chicken.
Tofu – My Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu would work well on this salad. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you could swap the bacon for some beans
Salmon – If you don’t want shrimp but still want seafood, try adding my Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Meal Prep & Storage

This salad is PERFECT for meal prep! Prep all of the components ahead of time and store separately until you’re ready to serve. Shrimp can be cooked and stored in a glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Same with bacon and hard-boiled eggs. They can be sliced/chopped ahead of time as well.

Save the avocado to slice right before serving so it doesn’t turn brown but the tomatoes and onions could be cut ahead of time and stored as well.

To prep your lettuce ahead of time, chop, wash and spin dry and store in a bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and squeeze all the air out before sealing the bag.

If you choose to make homemade dressing, that can be prepped and stored in a mason jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before serving.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Tips and Tricks

A few tips and tricks:

Don’t overcook your shrimp! When shrimp take on a pinkish color and form a “C” shape, they’re done. If they curl up tight into an “O” shape, they are overcooked.
To keep your lettuce crisp, chop, wash and spin dry, then store in a bag. Add a paper towel to soak up the excess moisture and squeeze the air out before sealing the bag shut.
Vary the veggies – Salad is a great way to utilize veggies that are in season. Try nice ripe tomatoes in the summer. In the Fall, add some roasted squash!

Shrimp Cobb Salad Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Shrimp Cobb Salad

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This Shrimp Cobb Salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a fresh, healthy lunch or dinner! Customize the toppings to your liking and top with a light vinaigrette.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serve 4

Ingredients

For the shrimp

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, devined and thawed
2 Tbsp butter (or oil if you prefer)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt

For the salad:

4–6 hard boiled eggs, sliced
1 medium avocado, diced
8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup diced red onion
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup crumbled feta
8 cups mixed greens or leaf lettuce

Optional dressing:

3 T oil (I use avocado oil)
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp maple syrup

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Instructions

Melt butter or heat oil in a large pan. Add shrimp and seasonings and saute over medium heat for 4-6 minutes until shrimp are just pink and form a C shape.
Place 2 cups of lettuce in each bowl.
Divide toppings evenly among 4 salads and add toppings in rows of shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, onion and tomatoes.
Top with crumbled feta.
Combine oil, vinegar, mustard and maple syrup in a jar. Seal and shake to combine. Taste and add salt and/or pepper if desired. You can also double the dressing recipe if you like more dressing!

Shrimp Cobb Salad FAQs

What is the best dressing for shrimp cobb salad

If you’re looking for a lighter option, most vinaigrette dressings would be great. Try honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette. If you want something creamier, ranch or blue cheese would add great flavor to the salad!

Can I make shrimp cobb salad ahead of time?

Yes! All the components of this salad can be prepped ahead of time, making it quick and easy to assemble when you’re ready to eat.

How do I grill shrimp for cobb salad?

The easiest way to grill shrimp is to thread them onto skewers, season and grill 2-3 minutes per side.

Is shrimp cobb salad healthy?

Yes. This salad is packed with lean protein, vegetables and healthy fats making it a great balanced meal option for lunch or dinner.

Can I use frozen shrimp in cobb salad?

Shrimp cooks best from a thawed state. Feel free to use frozen shrimp, just thaw before cooking either under cold running water or in refrigerator overnight.

How long does shrimp cobb salad last in the fridge?

You can store the components separately for 3-4 days. Once you combine them into a salad, it’s best to eat within a day to avoid things getting brown or soggy.

What toppings go best with shrimp cobb salad?

Traditional cobb salad toppings include, bacon, hard boiled eggs, avocado, onion, tomato and crumbled cheese like blue cheese or feta. You can make it seasonal by adding things like roasted squash, corn, apples or berries depending on the season.

Can I make shrimp cobb salad without eggs?

Yes, feel free to omit the hard boiled eggs from this recipe.

What’s the difference between shrimp cobb salad and a regular cobb salad?

The biggest difference is the protein. The most traditional protein for a cobb salad is chicken breast or turkey, but this recipe uses shrimp and almost any protein source would work well on this salad.

Can I meal prep shrimp cobb salad for lunches?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep because all the components can be cooked and prepped ahead of time!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Maple Glazed Carrots

Lindsay — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:44:29 +0000

This maple glazed carrots recipe is a must-try for your next dinner side dish! Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about this maple glazed carrots recipe, shall we? I’ve been on a carrot kick lately and recently shared 20 Easy Carrot Recipes to give you some inspiration for adding more carrots to your meals and this is another recipe to add to that list!

I love this recipe because it’s simple enough to serve for a weeknight dinner but also fancy enough to hold its own spot on a holiday table for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Easy Maple Glazed Carrots

Carrots have a natural sweetness and roasting them helps bring it out. Pairing them with a sweetener like maple syrup makes them taste almost like candy! In this recipe, I pair them with a little hot sauce, some balsamic vinegar and some mustard to add a savory element that perfectly balances out the sweetness.

What main dishes pair well with maple glazed carrots?

The great thing about this recipe is that they pair well with just about any recipe. They’re a fairly neutral side dish that can serve as an easy way to add veggies to most any meal. Try pairing them with:

Recipe Variations

If you’re looking for a way to change up this recipe, here are a few ideas:

Maple Glazed Carrots Air Fryer

These carrots could definitely be made in the air fryer. I would cook them at 380 for 20-25 minutes, tossing them occasionally. If you’re looking for specific air fryer recipes, try these Air Fryer Carrots or these Sweet or Savory Air Fryer Carrots.

Maple Glazed Carrots Slow Cooker

You can also make roasted carrots in the slow cooker, however most slow cooker recipes have a bit more liquid and sugar to keep the carrots from drying out while cooking so I would start with a specific slow cooker recipe. Try these Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots or these Slow Cooker Carrots.

Brown Sugar Maple Glazed Carrots

If you prefer brown sugar to maple syrup, you could replace the maple syrup in this recipe with brown sugar or even honey.

Maple Glazed Carrots with Bacon

If you’re a bacon lover, chop up a few strips of bacon and toss them with the carrots before spreading them on the sheet pan and baking in the oven.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Carrots

To make these carrots you just need a few simple ingredients:

Butter – a small amount to add a little richness
Hot Sauce – this is optional. I love Yellowbird Jalapeno Sauce
Maple Syrup – be sure to use 100% pure maple syrup
Balsamic vinegar – this helps balance out the sweetness!
Dijon mustard – pairs well with maple syrup to add flavor

How To Make Baked Maple Glazed Carrots

Making these carrots couldn’t be simpler:

Peel the carrots and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
Melt the butter and mix in the remaining ingredients.
Toss the carrots in the sauce mixture and spread onto a pan.
Bake!

Easy Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Maple Glazed Carrots

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This maple glazed carrots recipe is a must-try for your next dinner side dish! Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re sure to be a hit!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

2 pounds carrots
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp hot sauce (I use Yellowbird Jalapeno sauce)
3 Tbsp maple syrup
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
optional – minced fresh parsley to garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Peel the carrots and cut into 2-inch segments. Then cut the segments in half lengthwise and then in half or thirds lengthwise again.
Place carrots in a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, melt butter.
Add remaining ingredients (except parsley) and stir to combine.
Pour mixture over carrots and toss to coat.
Spread carrots onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake 25-30 minutes or until carrots reach desired tenderness.
Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Maple Glazed Carrots FAQs

Can you make maple glazed carrots vegan?

Yes! To make these carrots vegan, swap oil for the butter. The remaining ingredients are vegan.

Can I make maple glazed carrots ahead of time?

Yes. Carrots are sturdy and hold up well in the fridge. While they’re best served freshly cooked, they can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave. You could also chop them and toss in the glaze and then store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.

Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots for this recipe?

Yes. You can use baby carrots in this recipe. I would start checking them after 20 minutes to determine when they reach your desired level of tenderness.

How do I store and reheat leftover maple glazed carrots?

Store the carrots in a glass storage container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave. You could also reheat in a pan on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

Are maple glazed carrots healthy

Yes, I would consider these a healthy side dish. You can vary the amount of maple syrup if you want to use less.

Are there any low-sugar alternatives for making maple glazed carrots?

To reduce the sugar, you could use sugar-free maple syrup or skip the maple syrup all together and go for a more savory glaze.

Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

Looking for other veggie side dish ideas? Try these:

Or find more quick and easy vegetable recipes here.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Cowboy Caviar

Lindsay — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:12:56 +0000

Learn how to make the best cowboy caviar recipe – a healthy, easy dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Tastes great scooped with chips, added to tacos or served over chicken.

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share this Cowboy Caviar recipe with you today! It is so easy to make and full of flavor. It’s the perfect appetizer for feeding a crowd but is so simple that you could easily make it during your next meal prep session and enjoy it for lunches, dinners and snacks during the week.

What Is Cowboy Caviar Dip?

Cowboy caviar is a dip also known as Texas caviar and is commonly made with a mix of black eyed peas, black beans, corn and more, tossed in a simple dressing. It’s easy to prep in advance and you could easily double the recipe to feed a crowd.

Cowboy Caviar Ingredients

The best thing about this recipe is that many of the ingredients are pantry staples so you can keep them on hand for whenever you want to make this recipe. You’ll need:

Black beans and black eyed peas – both can be found in cans and just need to be drained and rinsed.
Corn – canned, freshed or frozen can be used
Cherry or grape tomatoes- they can easily be quartered and hold their shape well
Red bell pepper – you could also use yellow or orange
Red onion – adds lots of flavor but a white onion would also work
Cilantro and lime juice – fresh cilantro and lime juice add flavor
Avocado – diced avocado is a great addition, especially if you’re serving immediately
Jalapeno or serrano peppers – optional way to add some spice

Cowboy Caviar Dressing

Although some recipes simply use store-bought Italian dressing, I prefer to make my own. The dressing in this recipe is a simple mix of oil, red wine vinegar and spices like cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper and garlic powder.

How To Make Healthy Cowboy Caviar

Making this recipe requires just a little bit of dumping and mixing! It’s the perfect mix of beans and veggies making it a great source of fiber!

In a large bowl, combine the beans, black eyed peas, veggies, cilantro, lime, avocado and jalapeno.
In a small bowl or jar, combine oil, red wine vinegar and spices and stir or shake to combine.
Pour over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or place in the fridge to marinate and let the flavors deepen and develop.

How To Serve Cowboy Caviar

This cowboy caviar recipe can be served in a variety of ways. Serve it as a dip with a side of chips at a party, add it as a topping for grilled chicken or steak, or serve as a salad on a bed of lettuce topped with additional protein if needed.

If you’re feeling up to it, try making your own Easy Tortilla Chips. Or try this Cowboy Caviar Salad Meal Prep.

Easy Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Here’s the recipe!

Cowboy Caviar

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Learn how to make the best cowboy caviar recipe – a healthy, easy dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Tastes great scooped with chips, added to tacos or served over chicken.

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

For the salad:

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained and rinsed
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 red bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, minced
juice from 1 lime
1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, minced (optional)
1 medium avocado, diced (optional)

For the dressing:

1/4 cup oil (i use avocado oil)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp paprika
1/2 –1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cumin

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Instructions

Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine.
In a small dish or jar, combine dressing ingredients and stir or shake to mix.
Pour dressing over bean mixture and mix gently to coat.
Taste and add more salt, cumin or garlic powder if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve to let flavors develop.

Cowboy caviar FAQs

Can cowboy caviar be made ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe holds up well in the fridge and is perfect for prepping ahead of time. The flavors will develop and deepen the longer it sits and the beans and veggies hold up well without becoming soggy.

How long does cowboy caviar last in the refrigerator?

Store your cowboy caviar in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you think you’ll have leftovers, I would add avocado to the part you’re serving now and then add more to the leftovers just before serving to avoid it getting brown.

Can you serve as cowboy caviar salad?

Yes! This dense bean salad could easily be served over lettuce or on its own as a vegetarian or vegan meal option.

Is cowboy caviar vegan?

Yes. This cowboy caviar recipe is vegan.

Is cowboy caviar gluten-free?

Yes. All ingredients in cowboy caviar are naturally gluten-free.

What dishes pair well with cowboy caviar?

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or steak. It would also make a great addition to tacos, nachos or burrito bowls.

Can I use canned beans for cowboy caviar?

Yes! Canned black beans and black eyed peas are readily available at most grocery stores and are perfect for this recipe.

How can I make cowboy caviar spicier?

To make this recipe spicier you can increase the cayenne pepper in the dressing or add a minced jalapeno or serrano pepper to the bean mixture.

Can I make cowboy caviar without black eyed peas?

You could, but I think that the addition of black eyed peas are what truly makes it cowboy caviar and sets it apart from other salsas and bean dips.

Best cowboy caviar recipe

Other Tex-Mex Recipes

Looking for other similar recipes? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Lindsay — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 13:07:13 +0000

This gluten-free carrot cake makes the perfect dessert. Made in an 8×8 pan, it’s perfectly moist and full of flavor.

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since I’ve published a cake recipe so I’m excited to share this deliciously moist Gluten-Free Carrot Cake recipe with all of you! Carrot cake is something I’ve never really made at home but I always enjoy when it’s an option for dessert at restaurants. It’s also one of my mom’s favorites and her birthday is coming up!

When I set out to make this carrot cake recipe, I knew I wanted to keep it simple. I didn’t want to have to deal with stacking layers or making anything elaborate that my family would never be able to finish. So I chose to make a smaller 8×8 cake with just enough frosting to cover the top and sides.

Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Ingredients

No fancy ingredients needed for this recipe, just some basic pantry staples. You’ll need:

Shredded carrots – Either peel and shred them by hand or use a food processor.
Oil – I use a neutral oil like avocado oil
Eggs
Brown sugar
Applesauce – I prefer the unsweetened variety
Vanilla – be sure to use pure vanilla extract
Flour – I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend but if you don’t need it to be gluten-free, you can use regular flour
Baking soda, cinnamon and salt
Optional mix-ins: If you like nuts or raisins in your cake, feel free to mix in 1/2 – 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and/or raisins
For the frosting you’ll need cream cheese, plain yogurt and maple syrup

How To Make Carrot Cake Gluten-Free

Making this cake requires just one bowl and couldn’t be easier:

Combine the carrots, oil, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce and vanilla and mix well.
Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt along with any additional mix-ins you’re using and stir until just combine.
Pour into an 8×8 pan and bake for 30 minutes.
To make the frosting, mix cream cheese and yogurt, then add maple syrup and mix again. Spread over top and sides.

Is this a healthy gluten-free carrot cake?

As far as carrot cake recipes go, this recipe is healthier than most. It uses applesauce to replace some of the oil and sugar and only uses 2/3 cup of brown sugar. The frosting is also made from a mix of cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt and is just lightly sweetened with a little maple syrup! If you choose to mix in some nuts that adds a dose of healthy fats as well!

Can I make this as a gluten and dairy-free carrot cake?

The cake itself is both gluten-free and dairy-free. The only part you would need to address is the frosting which contains dairy. I think your best bet would be to replace it with a Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.

Can I make gluten-free vegan carrot cake without eggs?

To make the cake vegan, you’ll need to replace the eggs. I would suggest making flax eggs. And then replace the frosting with a vegan frosting as mentioned above!

What about a gluten-free carrot cake with pineapple recipe?

I’ve found that pineapple in carrot cake is a polarizing topic So I left it out of mine and went with a more neutral applesauce. If you want to add pineapple, I would start with 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple plus 2 Tbsp applesauce instead of 2/3 cup applesauce.

Simple Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

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This gluten-free carrot cake makes the perfect dessert. Made in an 8×8 pan, it’s perfectly moist and full of flavor.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 8×8 pan

Ingredients

For the cake:

1.5 cups shredded carrots
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup Gluten-Free 1:1 baking blend (I like King Arthur Measure for Measure)
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins

For the frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup full fat plain Greek yogurt
2–3 Tbsp maple syrup

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, mix oil, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla and carrots until well combined.
Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt (plus chopped nuts/raisins if using) and stir until just combined.
Pour into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
While cake cools, make frosting. Place softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes.
Add maple syrup and mix for another minute.
Place in the fridge until cake cools completely, then frost top and sides with a light layer of frosting.
Store in the fridge until ready to eat.

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake FAQs

Does traditional carrot cake contain gluten? What makes this carrot cake gluten-free?

Most traditional carrot cake recipes use wheat-based flour. This recipe uses a gluten-free flour blend which is specially formulated with gluten-free flour to act like regular wheat flour in baking recipes. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What is the best gluten-free flour for carrot cake?

My favorite is King Arther Measure for Measure Flour. I like the way it behaves in recipes and use it often to replace wheat flour in my recipes for muffins, bars and other baked goods with great results. However, feel free to use your favorite GF flour blend.

How do I store gluten-free carrot cake to keep it fresh?

Due to the fact that this cake is very moist and has a dairy-based frosting, the cake should be kept in the fridge to avoid spoiling. Store in an airtight container to keep the frosting from drying out.

Can you freeze carrot cake?

If you want to freeze the cake, I would recommend cooling and freezing without frosting. When ready to eat, transfer to the counter to thaw and add the frosting before serving.

What’s the best way to add natural sweetness to gluten-free carrot cake?

I use a lot of applesauce in my recipe to add natural sweetness. You can achieve a similar effect by using crushed pineapple. Adding raisins can also help add natural sweetness!

Can I make this a gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes recipe?

I haven’t tried it myself, but I think you should be able to bake this recipe into about 6 cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes.

Can I make sugar free gluten-free carrot cake?

I would not attempt to adjust this recipe to make it sugar-free. If you’re interested in a sugar-free recipe, try Keto Carrot Cake or Sugar-Free Carrot Cake.

How can I make gluten-free carrot cake with almond flour?

If you want to use almond flour, I would try this Healthy Carrot Cake recipe from my friend Hummusapien or this Gluten-Free Carrot Cake.

Gluten-Free Recipes

Looking for more gluten-free recipes? Check out:

Also I’ve tested most of my muffin and bar recipes subbing a 1:1 GF flour blend for the wheat flour and they work great!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Mediterranean Meatballs

Lindsay — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 13:25:03 +0000

These Mediterranean Meatballs are easy to make and full of flavor. Made with ground turkey, spinach, feta and spices, they are versatile and protein-packed – perfect for lunch or dinner!

Hi friend!

I’m excited to share these Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with you today. If you’ve been around a while, you know we love meatballs. They’re easy to make, taste good hot or cold and can often be eaten with or without sauce.

For a while, they were my favorite post-workout snack! Here are some of my favorites:

Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs

So what’s so good about these Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs? They’re versatile and protein-packed, perfect for Mediterranean-inspired meals.

They’re packed with spinach and feta plus lots of spices to add flavor. Using ground turkey makes them a source of lean protein and they pair well with pasta, rice, salads and more.

Mediterranean Meatball Variations

If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, you could easily use another ground meat like beef, chicken or lamb. Want recipes specific to those types of meat? Try:

What to serve with Mediterranean meatballs?

I like to serve these meatballs in a bowl with lots of other Mediterranean goodness. Think things like:

Rice, couscous or orzo
Lettuce mix
Naan
Tzatziki sauce
Chopped olives
Veggie mix – a combination of onion, tomato, red peppers, cucumbers and feta works really well with the flavors of the meatballs

If you don’t have a store-bought tzatziki you like, try this homemade version: Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. Or try this Spicy Red Feta Dip instead.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Meatballs

These meatballs don’t require any fancy ingredients. A few of the things you’ll need:

Ground turkey – I go for 93/7 or 85/15 so they don’t dry out too much
Egg
Panko breadcrumbs – regular or gluten-free to help bind the meatballs together
Spinach – I use half an 8oz box of frozen spinach, thawed and then squeezed to remove moisture
Feta – crumbled feta adds tons of flavor
Fresh parsley – feel free to add some mint or dill as well if you’d like

How To Make Easy Mediterranean Meatballs

To make these meatballs you just need one bowl!

Be sure to squeeze the excess moisture out of the frozen spinach once you thaw it. I also like to give the spinach a rough chop, even though it’s already chopped just to make the pieces a little smaller.

Once you’ve done that, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together so that it’s well combined.

Then use your hands or a cookie scoop to form into meatballs of your desired size. I prefer smaller meatballs so I typically make 20-24 per batch.

Then bake, flipping after about 9 minutes.

Mediterranean Meatballs Recipe

Mediterranean Meatballs

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These Mediterranean Meatballs are easy to make and full of flavor. Made with ground turkey, spinach, feta and spices, they are versatile and protein-packed – perfect for lunch or dinner!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey (i use 85/15 or 93/7)
1 egg
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup crumbled feta
4 oz chopped frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed to remove excess water)*
Bowl additions: rice, pita, tzatziki sauce, chopped veggie mixture, lettuce, etc

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Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Use your hands to mix well and combine.
Form into 20-24 meatballs of desired size.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 14-15 minutes, flipping after 9 minutes.
Serve in a bowl with rice, lettuce, mixture of chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onion, red pepper and feta, tzatziki sauce and naan.

Notes

*After squeezing spinach to remove moisture, I roughly chop it a few more times to get smaller pieces.

Mediterranean Meatballs FAQs

What can I add for more herby Mediterranean meatballs?

This recipe calls for fresh parsley but if you wanted to add even more fresh herbs, you could try some chopped mint leaves or dill. You could also add dried oregano or a little cinnamon.

Are these healthy Mediterranean meatballs?

Yes! These meatballs are a great source of lean protein. They’re low-carb, can be made gluten-free and make a great addition to most diets.

Can these Mediterranean diet meatballs be gluten-free?

Yes. To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. I use Kikkoman.

Do you have to make these Mediterranean meatballs with feta?

I personally think the feta plays a big part in this recipe. It’s so flavorful and really gives the meatballs a Mediterranean spin. However, if you don’t like feta, you could leave it out. I would suggest adding 1 tsp oregano to ramp up the flavor instead.

Can you make Mediterranean meatballs in the air fryer?

Yes. Grease the air fry grates and cook at 400 for about 5 minutes, flipping half way through.

How to add spicy Mediterranean meatballs?

To make these meatballs spicy, try adding 1/2 teaspoon to 1 tsp of cayenne pepper or some dried chili flakes.

Can you serve Mediterranean meatballs with couscous?

Yes! Couscous pairs well with these meatballs as a source of carbohydrates. If you don’t like couscous, try rice (white or brown), orzo or even something like farro or wheatberries.

Can you pair Mediterranean meatballs with tomato sauce?

These meatballs are so versatile that you could easily pair them with tomato sauce and serve them on your next spaghetti night. If you want them to lean more Italian, just leave out the feta and pair them with tomato sauce and pasta.

Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki

Need more Mediterranean recipes?

Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Lindsay — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 19:25:07 +0000

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

Hi friend!

I’ve got an easy new salad recipe for you this week. This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for food prep and full of flavor. You can chop and mix the vegetables with the chickpeas, chicken and dressing to let the flavors develop and then toss with lettuce right before serving to keep it from getting soggy!

It’s a light, flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for everything from a busy weeknight dinner to a holiday gathering.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Chickpeas

While I include chicken in this recipe, you could easily keep this vegetarian by omitting the chickpeas and doubling the chickpeas in the recipe.

Chickpeas are an affordable pantry staple and a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re also a great source of many nutrients including magnesium and potassium. In addition, they’re a great source of iron!

If you’re looking for other recipes using chickpeas, try:

Chopped Mediterranean Salad Recipe Ingredients

This salad comes to life with just a few basic ingredients. You’ll need:

Tomatoes – grape or cherry tomatoes that can be easily quartered work well for this recipe
English cucumber – different than a traditional cucumber because it’s less watery. If you can only find regular cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before dicing.
Chickpeas – if you don’t like them, try swapping in great northern beans
Red onion – you can slice and soak in water for a few minutes before dicing to help make the flavor more mild
Bell pepper – red is my favorite but you could use yellow or orange as well
Feta – crumbled feta adds great flavor
Olives- optional. Feel free to leave them out if you don’t like them
Chicken- any kind of cooked chicken will do. Use up leftovers, grab a rotisserie chicken or cook some in the air fryer and dice it up!
Romaine lettuce – take the time to chop it up into small pieces so it mixes will with all the chopped veggies
Avocado – save this to add just before serving!

For the dressing you just need to combine a few pantry staples like oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard and a few spices, plus a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

How To Make Chopped Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Making this salad requires just a few simple steps and a lot of the work can be done ahead of time!

It tastes best when the chopped veggies, chickpeas and chicken have time to marinate in the dressing so feel free to chop and combine these ingredients a day ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge.

Chop the veggies and mix with drained chickpeas, cooked chicken, feta and olives.

Combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour over the veggie mixture.

When ready to serve, toss in a large bowl with the finely chopped lettuce and add avocado.

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Variations

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Sandwich Pitas

The finely diced parts of this salad might make it difficult to eat as a traditional sandwich but it would work really well in a wrap or pita pocket!

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

If you’re looking for a change from the oil and vinegar dressing for this salad, it would be great with a red pepper dressing as well. Try one of these:

Thin out this Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip to use as a dressing
Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette
Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Bowl

If you want to make this more of a grain bowl, skip the lettuce and serve over rice, quinoa or farro! Or keep the lettuce and simply add your favorite grain to the mix!

Vegan Chopped Mediterranean Salad

To make this recipe vegan, leave out the chicken. You could add extra chickpeas or even toss in some crispy marinated tofu. Try this recipe for The Best Vegan Greek Tofu.

Easy Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe

Here’s how to make it:

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

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This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

For the salad:

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
half an English cucumber (more if desired)
1/2 a medium red onion, diced (approx 1 cup)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5) oz can chickpeas, drained
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 oz can sliced black olives, optional
1 pound cooked chicken, diced
6 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
1 medium avocado, diced

For the dressing:

1/4 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
juice from half a lemon
2– 3 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 – 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)

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Instructions

Place diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, chickpeas, feta, fresh parsley, olives and chicken in a large bowl or container.
Combine all dressing ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake until well combined.
Pour over the veggie and chicken mixture and let marinate at least an hour, up to overnight.
When ready to serve, pour the mixture over the lettuce and toss well. Top with avocado and serve.

Chopped Salad Mediterranean FAQs

Is this Chopped Mediterranean Salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just leave off the crusty bread it is served with. This salad recipe is gluten-free as written.

How to store this chopped Mediterranean salad?

If you think you’ll have leftovers, I would not mix all the veggies and chicken mixture with the lettuce. Storing them together with cause the lettuce to get soggy.

However the veggies, chicken and chickpeas can be mixed ahead of time so feel free to prepare in advance and just store separately from the lettuce until ready to serve.

Is this better than an organic Mediterranean chopped salad kit?

I think so When you make it homemade you have total control over the ingredients, freshness, dressing type etc. But if you’re in a pinch and craving something similar, try this Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad Kit from Taylor Farms.

How can I make this a more Mediterranean crunch chopped salad?

To up the crunch factor, try adding chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. You could also mix in some coleslaw or chopped cabbage for additional crunch! You could also add pepperoncini and extra olives for more flavor.

More Mediterranean Recipes

Want more Mediterranean-inspired recipes? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Red Lentil Dal {Instant Pot / Stove Top}

Lindsay — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:23:08 +0000

This Instant Pot red lentil dal can also be made on the stovetop. It’s an easy vegan dinner recipe that’s full of flavor. Serve with a side of rice, naan, and a side salad!

Hi friends!

I’ve got a warm and comforting vegan recipe to share with you today! It’s made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor thanks to all of the spices.

Added bonus- the flavor develops as it sits, making it perfect for leftovers.

What Is Red Lentil Dal?

Red lentils are also known as masoor dal. Red lentils are split and have their outer skin removed which means they cook very quickly and don’t need to be soaked prior to cooking.

The term dal is typically used when lentils are split and when they are turned into a soup or stew.

Red Lentil Dal Nutrition // Red Lentil Dal Health Benefits

Red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein. They’re also high in fiber and can help you meet your daily fiber goals. In addition, lentils are a good source of iron, potassium, and manganese.

Red Lentil Dal Water Ratio

The typical ratio for cooking red lentils is 1 cup lentils to 3 cups water or broth.

Red Lentil Dal Variations

Red Lentil Dal No Coconut Milk

Can you make this recipe without coconut milk? Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can leave it out. You’ll just need to add some more broth until you achieve your desired consistency.

Red Lentil Dal with Vegetables

I make this recipe with carrots and tomatoes, but the beauty of this recipe is that it’s super flexible. You could easily add more vegetables like cabbage, peas, green beans etc if you want to!

Spicy Red Lentil Dal

To make this lentil dish spicier, feel free to add some cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper, or even some dried red chili peppers.

Red Lentil Dal Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t like spinach, you can leave it out or try substituting kale. If you don’t have garam marsala, try curry powder. If you don’t have turmeric, you can add a little extra cumin as well as some paprika or sub-curry powder.

How To Cook Red Lentil Dal

Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal

This recipe works really well in the Instant Pot. Just use the saute function initially, then add the bulk of the ingredients and cook for 10 minutes, and then release the pressure after 5 minutes and add the remaining ingredients.

Stove Top Red Lentil Dal

You can also easily make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, and it cooks in about the same amount of time.

Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dal

Personally, I don’t think this recipe works great in the slow cooker. I prefer it to have a little texture and have found if it cooks too long, the lentils totally break down, and it becomes more like a soup.

You could try it if you want to, but you may need to keep an eye on it the first time you cook it to make sure it doesn’t require any extra liquid. You would need to cook on low for 6 hours or so, and I would add the coconut milk at the beginning instead of the end.

Vegan Red Lentil Dal Ingredients

This recipe is really simple and requires just a few pantry ingredients. The only thing you may need to do is stock your spice cabinet if you don’t frequently cook Indian cuisine. You’ll need:

Red Lentils – Their red color makes these easy to find at most grocery stores.
Garlic and onion – Add tons of flavor
Fresh ginger – Peel the skin off and finely mince just like garlic. Or use garlic paste.
Broth – I use vegetable broth for this recipe
Carrots- Dice them fairly small, so they cook along with the lentils. They help add some texture to the dish.
Coconut milk –
Diced tomatoes
Baby spinach – stir this into the hot dish a few minutes before serving and the heat from the dish will help it wilt

How To Make Red Lentil Dal

To make the red lentil dal, you’re going to saute the garlic, onions, carrots, and ginger with spices for a few minutes, then add the lentils and broth.

Bring to a boil and let simmer or cook in the instant pot. After the lentils are cooked, stir in the tomatoes, spinach, salt and sugar.

Serve over rice with some naan! Delicious!

Best Simple Red Lentil Dal Recipe

Red Lentil Dal {Instant Pot/Stove Top}

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This Instant pot red lentil dal can also be made on the stove top. It’s an easy vegan dinner recipe that’s full of flavor. Serve with a side of rice, naan and a side salad!

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

1 Tbsp oil
1 c diced onion
1.5 cup finely diced carrots
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp garam marsala
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne, optional to taste
1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 cup red lentils
3 cups vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 can coconut milk
juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt, more to taste
5 to 10 oz fresh baby spinach, half to full bag depending on preference

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Instructions

Instant Pot:

Set Instant pot to saute and add oil, onion, carrot, garlic, ginger and spices (except salt and sugar).
Saute for 5 minutes
Add red lentils and broth.
Use manual cook button to set time to 5 minutes.
Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then release manually.
Stir in tomatoes, coconut milk, lemon juice, salt, sugar and spinach and let simmer 5 minutes.
Serve!

Stove top:

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven. Add onion, garlic, carrot, ginger and spices (except salt and sugar) amd saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients and cook 5 more minutes.
Serve!

Easy Vegan Red Lentil Dal FAQs

How to store red lentil dal?

Cool and store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What’s the best way to reheat red lentil dal?

You can reheat your dal in a pan on the stovetop or microwave.

Can you freeze red lentil dal?

Yes! Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container like Souper Cubes and freeze (affiliate link). You can defrost it in the microwave, on the stove, or in the refrigerator.

Want more lentil recipes? Try:

Easy Vegan Red Lentil Dal

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (with slow cooker option)

Lindsay — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

*Originally published 2/2019. Updated 1/2025*

Hi friends!

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is perfect for the cold winter weather here in Ohio. If you’re looking for even more soup options, check out:

Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

One of my favorite instant pot tricks is that if you cook sweet potatoes chunks long enough, they basically fall apart when you stir them.

I often use this method to make a creamy type soup without the cream. Similarly, you can blend in a can of beans to add extra fiber and protein as well as a creamy texture.

If you decide to make this on the stove top and your sweet potatoes don’t fall apart on their own, feel free to remove the chicken and use a blender or immersion blender to blend up part of the broth to achieve a creamy texture.

The sweet potatoes in this recipe make it creamy while still keeping this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free. If the sweet potatoes falling apart make it too thick, add a little more broth!

Ingredients in Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

Here are a few of the ingredients you need to make this soup:

Sweet potatoes – if you don’t have them on hand, try butternut squash, acorn squash or carrots
Chicken thighs – feel free to swap in chicken breasts if you prefer.
Spinach – this is optional, but fresh baby spinach wilts easily into soups and is a great option for adding more veggies
Corn – Feel free to use fresh, frozen or canned corn
Seasoning – this is a basic soup recipe and there are tons of great seasoning combinations you can use – try Old Bay, McCormick’s chicken seasoning or a combination of cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper.

How To Make Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

To make this soup, pull out your Instant Pot and follow a few simple steps:

Combine all ingredients except the spinach and corn in the Instant Pot.
Cook as directed.
Remove the chicken and shred it and return to the pot along with the spinach and corn.
Serve and enjoy!

Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (with slow cooker option)

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This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

1.5 pounds sweet potatoes (approx 2 large or 4 cups roughly chopped)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1.5 cups chicken broth (more if desired)
1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned or fresh)
3 giant handfuls fresh baby spinach
2 tsp Old Bay**
1 tsp salt
Avocado to garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Peel and roughly chop sweet potatoes. You can also leave the skin on if you want to!
Place sweet potatoes, garlic, peppers, chicken thighs, seasoning and broth in the instant pot.
Seal and manually set the timer for 12 minutes.
Quick release. Remove chicken to shred. Use a fork or potato masher to gently break apart sweet potato chunks as you stir. Switch to saute, return chicken to pot and stir in corn and spinach.
Let simmer 2-3 minutes, taste, adjust seasonings and serve. If you want to thin it out a little, add an additional half cup of broth.

Notes

**If you don’t have Old Bay, try swapping in Montreal Chicken Seasoning or 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp curry powder.

To make it in the slow cooker, increase broth to 2 cups, cook in low for 6-8 hours until sweet potatoes break apart easily. Add spinach and corn for last 15 minutes.

See what I mean by easy?! Be sure to let me know if you try this one. Want more instant pot recipes? You can browse my instant pot archives here.

Instant Pot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Soup FAQs

What can I substitute for sweet potato in chicken soup?

If you don’t have sweet potato, squash is a great option. Butternut squash, acorn squash or other similar squash with the peel removed will act similarly to sweet potato in this recipe. You could also use carrots but they don’t fall apart as easily and you’ll likely need to blend them by hand to make it creamy.

Is soup with chicken and sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with protein and vegetables and makes a great complete meal on a cold day. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and C. You can leave the skin on to add fiber. The spinach adds more Vitamin A and iron and the chicken adds protein.

Can you freeze Instant Pot chicken and sweet potatoes?

Yes! Let cool and then portion into containers like Souper Cubes (aff link) to freeze for later. This soup can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove top.

You could easily double this recipe and freeze half!

What to serve with chicken sweet potato soup?

This soup is fine on its own, but would be great alongside crusty bread and a side salad for a healthy, balanced meal!

What is the sweet potato chicken soup crockpot version of this recipe?

To make this recipe in the slow cooker, start with 2 cups of broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the chicken to shred and use a blender or immersion blender to blend the sweet potatoes. Add more broth as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Stir shredded chicken, spinach and corn into soup and let cook for 15 minutes more.

Can I turn this into chicken noodle soup with sweet potatoes?

To make this recipe more kid-friendly, increase the broth to 3 cups. The sweet potatoes will still dissolve right into the broth but it will be thinner and more soup-like. You can also reduce the amount of seasonings and skip the spinach if you want.

Do I have to garnish with avocado?

No! I love to use avocado as a soup garnish because it blends right in with its mild flavor and adds some healthy fats but feel free to skip it. You could add some fresh herbs or cheese on top if you want to!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Lindsay — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0000

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers.

Hi friends!

If the cold weather is here to stay where you are, you have to try this Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup.

Chicken is my protein of choice for this recipe because you don’t have to cook it ahead of time like you do with ground meats. This recipe is also a great way to repurpose chicken that you’ve already cooked when you’re looking for a new meal idea mid-week.

Ingredients For Chicken Taco Soup

Most of the ingredients you need for this soup can probably be found in your pantry! Gather up:

Onion and bell pepper
Fire-roasted tomatoes – these add extra flavor but if you don’t have them, regular diced tomatoes or even Rotel is fine!
Black beans
Green chilis – Mild works fine but feel free to use hot to add a little extra spice
Corn
Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breast
Broth- Chicken or vegetable broth are both great
Spices- Be generous with your seasonings – we use a mix of cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and salt but you could also use taco seasoning in a pinch
Toppings – tons of options including things like fresh jalapenos, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream and more!

How To Make Chicken Taco Soup in Slow Cooker

Making this soup couldn’t be easier:

Chop pepper and onion.
Add to slow cooker along with remaining ingredients.
Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Shred the chicken and return to the soup.
Serve with your favorite toppings

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

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This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4 – 6

Ingredients

3/4 cup diced onion
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
2 (4 oz) cans green chilis
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 quart chicken broth
1 Tbsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, fresh squeezed lime juice, fresh cilantro, diced avcoado, tortilla chips

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Instructions

Combine all ingredients except optional toppings in the slow cooker.
Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Shred chicken and mix well.
Serve with your favorite toppings!

Easy Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup FAQs

Can I make this instant pot chicken taco soup?

Yes! To make this in the instant pot, use the same ingredients. Cook using manual mode for 15 minutes, let it release naturally, then shred the chicken and serve.

Is this a 7-can chicken taco soup recipe?

This particular recipe only uses 5 cans but you could always add an extra can of beans or tomatoes if you wanted to!

Can I make this creamy chicken taco soup?

To make this creamy, I would add 4 oz of cream cheese! Just toss it in with all the other ingredients, or try this recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken.

What if I don’t have all of those spices?

You can sub 2 -3 Tbsp of taco seasoning. Start with 2, then taste at the end and add more if desired! You could also add some jalapenos or cayenne pepper for spice.

What if I want more taco soup ideas? Can I use ground beef or turkey?

If you’re looking for more options, try one of these recipes:

Simple Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Want more chicken recipes for the crockpot and instant pot? Try:

And if you’re a beef-lover, try this Crockpot French Dip.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Lindsay — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns requires minimal prep and simple ingredients. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

*Originally published 10/2022. Updated 11/2024*

Hi friends!

I’ve got a super easy crockpot recipe to share with you guys today and I have been loving it for the past few weeks. About a month ago I got a craving for potato soup. As usual, life is busy and I am always looking for shortcuts and for this recipe, like so many others, this comes in the form of frozen veggies.

I use frozen mixed vegetables all the time in recipes like:

Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns

The secret to making this recipe super easy is frozen hash browns, specifically diced hash browns. If you’re not a hash brown lover, you might not know that frozen hash brown potatoes are basically just frozen potatoes that have already been cut for you!

So all you have to do is dump them in the crockpot. They’re the perfect size for soup and they’re all evenly sized.

How To Make Slow Cooker Potato Soup with Hashbrowns

There are two parts to making this soup:

Cook the potatoes and other veggies in the crockpot.
Puree most of the soup to get a creamy consistency.
Add in things you wouldn’t want to be pureed like chicken sausage and green onions and serve!

Healthy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Can I use regular potatoes?

You can absolutely use regular potatoes. Just be sure to dice them all the same size and fairly small so they cook nicely in the crockpot. Peel them or leave the skin on. Totally your preference.

Do I have to add carrots?

No, you don’t have to add carrots. I’m just of the opinion that if I’m going to puree something anyway, I might as well throw some extra veggies in there since you probably won’t notice. I did test this once with cauliflower rice instead of carrots and it was fine, especially if you like cauliflower. But I prefer carrots and I often add a red bell pepper as well.

How do I make vegetarian crockpot potato soup?

To make this vegetarian just leave out the sausage at the end. You can easily add a can of white beans to the soup along with potatoes and carrots. They’ll blend up nicely. I use that trick in my Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup.

Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Adding corn and chicken sausage to this recipe gives it a little twist on the classic potato soup recipe. I love blending the potatoes to make it creamy but also love adding some additional mix-ins to give the soup some texture.

I add chicken sausage for protein but you could also add some beans or some shredded rotisserie chicken. I prefer green onions to white so I mix those in at the end. If you’d like, you can add diced onions at the beginning and just garnish with a few green onions at the end.

How to make classic loaded potato soup in the crockpot?

If you’d prefer to make a more traditional version, you can skip adding the corn and sausage and stir in some heavy cream and cheese and then top with more cheese, bacon and green onions. Or try one of these recipes:

Best Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

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This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns requires minimal prep and simple ingredients. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: serves 6

Ingredients

5 cups diced hash brown potatoes
2 cups frozen carrots
3 cups chicken broth
1 can green chilis
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp salt
4 chicken sausages, sliced
1 can corn
3/4 cup sliced green onions

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Instructions

Combine the potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, green chilis, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and salt in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Transfer half to three-quarters of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Or use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend to desired consistency.
Pour back into the crockpot and add chicken sausage, corn and green onions.
Add a little more broth to thin it to your desired consistency if needed and cook an additional hour or two.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving if needed. You may want to add more salt or make it spicier with more cayenne pepper.

Notes

Pureeing the soup is optional. If you prefer a chunkier soup you can skip that step but it will be more broth-based vs creamy. You can also use an immersion blender if you have one.

Crockpot Potato Soup FAQs

Can I make crockpot potato soup with bacon?

Yep! I personally think the bacon would be best as a topping. I would cook it separately and then dice it up and add just before serving. If you want to add it at the beginning, I would still cook it first before adding to the slow cooker. Here’s a recipe for Slow Cooker Potato Soup with Bacon.

How can I make this vegan crockpot potato soup?

To make this recipe vegan, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken sausage. For protein you could add in a can of white beans or even try some lentils or vegan sausage.

Can I make potato soup with frozen potatoes besides hash browns?

Yes! This soup works with any time of diced frozen potatoes, not just hashbrowns. You could look for frozen diced and peeled white potatoes or something like Simply Potatoes Diced Potatoes as well.

Can I make potato soup with shredded hash browns?

Yes! You don’t have to use a diced potato for this recipe although it’s what I prefer. If you like the texture of shredded potatoes, they’re totally fine to use. Since you’re blending up a lot of the soup anyways, the shape doesn’t matter too much.

How can I make this a 5 ingredient crockpot potato soup?

Use potatoes, broth, green chilis, salt and chicken sausage for a super simple potato soup option.

What makes this a creamy potato soup with hashbrowns?

There’s no actual cream in this recipe, although you could add some if you wanted to. When you use a blender or immersion blender to blend most of the potato mixture, you’ll get a thick, creamy soup with a velvety texture, no need to add any cream!

If you don’t have an immersion blender, it can be a great addition to your kitchen especially if you like to puree soups. Here’s a Kitchenaid Immersion Blender that I like! (aff link) If you prefer a full size blender, the Nutribullet is my favorite (aff link).

This recipe is so easy but full of flavor as well. Want more potato recipes? Try:

Hash Brown Potato Soup

Let me know if you try this soup! If you’re looking for more soup recipes try:

Gluten-Free Chicken Ramen Noodles

These Gluten-Free Chicken Ramen Noodles are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Transform leftover chicken into a flavor-packed soup everyone will love!

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Instant Pot Beef Stew

This healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is ready in under an hour and tastes like it has been simmering all day. The perfect dinner on a cold winter night.

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Easy Fish Chowder

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

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Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy comfort food dinner that’s ready in under 30 min and makes enough to have leftovers for lunch!

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White Chicken Chili

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect lunch or dinner soup and a nice change from traditional tomato-based chili.

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Enjoy!
–Lindsay–