The Lean Green Bean

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Lindsay — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy and delicious family-friendly dinner recipe that everyone will love! It comes together quickly and is full of flavor!

*Originally published 6/2017. Updated 11/2025*

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share this updated recipe for Chicken Pesto Pasta with you today! It is so easy and flavorful. Truly a dish the whole family can enjoy and I’ve been making it on repeat lately.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta

Just a few things to love about this recipe:

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but can also be fancy enough for date night.
It’s easy to customize – you could easily add more veggies! Try dropping some chopped broccoli or green beans in with the pasta for the last few minutes of cooking.
You can add a seasonal spin – Try adding some fresh sweet corn in the summer or some roasted squash in the Fall.
High protein – You’ll get protein from the chicken and you can add even more protein by choosing a higher protein pasta. My kids love Barilla Plus!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Ingredients

For this recipe you’ll need:

Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade ingredients – oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika and salt
Tomatoes – I use grape or cherry tomatoes cut in half
Garlic and butter – for flavor
Heavy cream – to thicken the sauce slightly
Pesto – feel free to use homemade or store-bought
Parmesan – freshly grated!
Pasta – pick your favorite shape!

How To Make Chicken Pesto Pasta

Making this recipe requires just a few simple steps:

Marinate the chicken.
Pan sear the chicken until cooked through and set aside.
Cook the pasta according to package directions.
In the same pan you cooked the chicken in, saute tomatoes, butter and garlic.
Add the cream, pesto and parmesan.
Stir in the cooked pasta and add chicken before serving!

Pesto Pasta Protein Options

This recipe works great with any type of chicken. Feel free to skip pan-searing the chicken and just mix in some leftover baked or grilled chicken, or use shredded rotisserie chicken to make it come together even more quickly!

If you don’t want chicken, you could sub shrimp in the same marinade!

Chicken Pesto Pasta Variations

Here are some easy variations to consider:

Vegetable variations

Feel free to change up the vegetables in this recipe. You could add asparagus, broccoli, green beans, zucchini or even a couple of handfuls of baby spinach!

Gluten-Free Chicken Pesto Pasta

To make this recipe gluten-free, just sub in a gluten-free pasta of your choice. I like Jovial or Tinkayada. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to double-check the pasta if needed.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

To make this recipe even creamier, try melting in a few ounces of cream cheese when you add the heavy cream and pesto!

Seasonal variations

Try adding peas or asparagus in the spring, roasted squash in the fall and fresh corn, zucchini and/or green beans in the spring.

Healthy Chicken Pesto Pasta

This recipe is already fairly healthy. To add more nutrients, try:

Swapping in whole wheat pasta or a higher protein pasta option
Add more veggies. You can easily add several more servings of vegetables to this recipe!
Cut back on the pesto a little bit and add some fresh basil and cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta

To make this dish as easy as possible, grab a rotisserie chicken and skip cooking the chicken. And grab some store-bought pesto vs making your own!

What To Serve with Chicken Pesto Pasta

This pasta dish could be a complete meal on its own but if you’re looking for something to serve with it, try:

Salad! A simple salad would be great. Or try this Loaded Strawberry Spinach Salad or this Mediterranean Chopped Salad.
Garlic bread – Always goes great with pasta! Try this Homemade Garlic Bread.
Side of veggies – You can never have too many! Try Crispy Green Bean Fries, Maple Glazed Carrots or Cheesy Broccoli!

Chicken Pesto Pasta vs Caprese Pasta

Caprese Pasta Salad typically has a base of noodles and includes tomatoes and fresh basil as well, but it often comes with a balsamic dressing and the addition of fresh mozzarella. Here’s a recipe for Caprese Pasta Salad. Chicken pesto pasta has a pesto-based dressing/sauce. You could definitely add fresh mozzarella pearls to the chicken pesto pasta!

Meal Prep Chicken Pesto Pasta and Storage

Can chicken pesto pasta be made ahead of time? Yes! It holds up well and can be stored in the fridge. Just reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.

You can even enjoy this pasta dish warm or cold which makes it a great option to pack for lunch.

Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Chicken Pesto Pasta

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This Chicken Pesto Pasta is an easy and delicious family-friendly dinner recipe that everyone will love! It comes together quickly and is full of flavor!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 – 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded thin
2 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt

For the pasta

2 cups uncooked pasta (shape of your choice)
2 Tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, optional

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Instructions

In a large Ziploc bag, combine chicken, oil, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika and salt. Shake to combine and let marinate at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
In a large pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp oil and pan sear chicken breasts 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through to a temperature of 165 degrees F.
Remove from pan and set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
In the same pan you used for the chicken, add butter, garlic and tomatoes and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Turn heat to low and add cream, pesto, parmesan, red pepper and reserved pasta water and stir gently for 2-3 minutes.
Add drained pasta and stir to coat.
Serve with sliced chicken on top or cut up chicken and mix in with the pasta.
Top with fresh parmesan before serving.

So easy, right?!

Chicken Pesto Pasta FAQs

What is the best pasta to use for chicken pesto pasta?

You can use any kind of shape or type of pasta you want for this recipe! Just cook according to package directions! I typically make it with spirals or elbows.

Can I make creamy chicken pesto pasta without heavy cream?

You could try adding in some plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese to add some creaminess to the pasta without heavy cream.

How do I make chicken pesto pasta healthier?

To make this pasta healthier, try using a whole wheat or high protein pasta. You could also try a chickpea-based pasta like Banza. And add some extra vegetables! Green beans, broccoli, asparagus, corn and zucchini would all work well in this recipe. You could saute the corn or zucchini with the tomatoes or toss the green beans, asparagus or broccoli in to cook with the pasta.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in chicken pesto pasta?

Yes! To help this meal come together even more quickly, swap cooking the chicken breasts for just mixing in some rotiserie chicken at the end.

What vegetables go best in chicken pesto pasta?

Lots of vegetables would work well in this recipe. Things that can cook quickly in boiling water like broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or asparagus are great. You could also roast up a tray of your favorite root vegetables like sweet potatoes and mix those in at that end! In the summer, corn and zucchiini are great choices.

Can I make chicken pesto pasta gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta and check to make sure your pesto is gluten-free.

How do I store and reheat chicken pesto pasta?

Store your pasta dish in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply put in the microwave!

Can I serve chicken pesto pasta cold as pasta salad?

Yes! This pasta can be eaten warm or cold. Reheat if you want or pack it in a lunchbox and enjoy it cold!

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for chicken pesto pasta?

Either homemade or storebought pesto will work well in this recipe! If you want to make your own, try this Basil Pesto recipe.

Can I make chicken pesto pasta ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! This pasta dish holds up well in the fridge making it perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long!

Want more recipes like this? Try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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–

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Lindsay — Fri, 02 May 2025 15:55:24 +0000

This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe makes the best dinner. Juicy chicken breast paired with a flavorful sauce and your favorite pasta is fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a quick weeknight meal.

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new creamy chicken pasta with tomato sauce recipe for you today. Chicken is definitely the protein we eat most in our house so I almost always have some on hand. Plus we’re coming into tomato season soon so this recipe is the perfect way to use up some of those cherry or grape tomatoes you’ll likely have on hand all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

This creamy tomato chicken pasta dish is extremely versatile and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s easy enough for a quick family dinner but also fancy enough that you could serve it for a date night in! It also reheats well – I would store the pasta separate – so you can prep it ahead of time quick weekday lunches.

Easy Chicken Recipes

Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Try one of these:

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Ingredients

To make this creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe you just need a few simple ingredients:

Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be sure to cut them in half lengthwise or pound to an even thinness so they cook quickly.
Seasonings – I share my favorite combination but feel free to improvise and use what you have
Chicken broth – Vegetable broth also works
Butter and garlic – For flavor.
Tomato paste – This sauce has a mild tomato flavor thanks to this addition
Heavy cream – You could also use half and half
Parmesan – Freshly grated is best!
Mix-ins – I use baby spinach and cherry tomatoes
Pasta – Use your favorite kind!

How To Make Creamy Tomato Sauce Chicken Pasta

This rich, velvety tomato sauce is easy to make and full of flavor! Here’s how you make it:

Season the chicken breasts and saute them in the pan.
Deglaze the pan with some chicken broth.
Add butter, garlic and tomato paste, then sprinkle in some flour.
Slowly add the broth and let the sauce thicken.
Stir in some heavy cream and parmesan, then add several handfuls of baby spinach and some halved tomatoes.
Return the chicken to the pan to coat with sauce and serve over your favorite pasta!

Want to try a different cream sauce? Try this Super Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta or this Easy 10-Minute Tomato Cream Sauce.

Best Pasta to Pair with Creamy Tomato Sauce

This creamy tomato chicken pasta recipe is flexible in that you can definitely choose your favorite pasta! If you prefer longer noodles, try fettuccine. If you like bite-sized pasta, try penne, rigatoni, fuseli etc.

Want more pasta recipes? Try:

Optional Mix-ins

I’ve added cherry tomatoes and spinach to this recipe but you’re welcome to add additional mix-ins as well based on preferences or what you have on hand. Try:

Roasted red peppers
Sun-dried tomatoes
Artichoke hearts
Green beans

Protein variations

Don’t want to sear your chicken in the pan? No problem! You could cook it in the air fryer, throw it on the grill or you could even try switching up the protein and try making this with shrimp or pork.

What To Serve with Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

Pretty much any vegetable from roasted veggies to salad would make a great side dish. So would garlic bread!

Try one of these:

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta

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Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make thinner)
2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

For the sauce:

1.75 cups chicken broth (divided)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
3 Tbsp tomato paste
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2–3 cups fresh baby spinach

4 servings of pasta to serve with chicken and sauce

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Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions.
Place Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl and mix.
Rub seasoning mixture into both sides of the chicken breasts.
Heat oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook on each side for 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Add 1/4 cup chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with silicone or wooden spatula to deglaze.
Add garlic, butter and tomato paste and stir to combine until butter is melted.
Sprinkle with flour.
Slowly add remaining chicken broth, whisking constantly and let sauce thicken.
Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and Parmesan stirring constantly.
Stir in tomatoes and spinach and let sauce simmer 4-5 minutes.
Return chicken to your pan and cover with sauce.
Serve over pasta!

Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta FAQs

How do I store and reheat creamy tomato chicken pasta?

Store in a glass tupperware container. You can store it all together or store the pasta separately. Reheat in the microwave.

Can I make creamy tomato chicken pasta without heavy cream?

If you want to lighten this up slightly, you could use half and half or whole milk. I would not recommend leaving the cream out of this recipe.

What’s the difference between tomato cream sauce and vodka sauce?

Vodka sauce uses vodka to help emulsify the tomatoes and cream which can lead to a sauce that its a bit creamier and smoother. Tomato cream sauce is just a mixture of broth, heavy cream and tomatoes. If you’re looking for a vodka sauce recipe, try Penne Alla Vodka.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling when adding cream to tomatoes?

Start with cream that is room temperature and add slowly to the pan over low heat, stirring constantly to help it mix in and adjust to the temperature of the tomatoes.

Can I use leftover grilled chicken in this pasta recipe?

Yes! The sauce in this recipe is a great way to transform leftover grilled chicken into something new and delicious!

How do I adjust the spice level in tomato cream pasta?

You can add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture you put on the chicken before searing or add some to the sauce when tasting the seasonings at the end!

How do I thicken creamy tomato pasta sauce without flour?

You can use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end instead of starting with a roux using butter and flour.

What herbs or seasonings go best with creamy tomato and chicken pasta?

I the combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder and paprika but feel free to use a combination of basil and parsley or even a general chicken seasoning.

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–

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–

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–

Kale and White Bean Salad

Lindsay — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 21:37:09 +0000

This Kale and White Bean Salad is packed with nutrients and the flavor just gets better as it sits in the fridge. The perfect meal prep lunch recipe.

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since I shared a kale recipe. I seem to go in cycles with kale, loving it for a while and then switching back to regular lettuce as my greens of choice.

Right now I’m in a kale-loving era and this kale and white bean salad is my favorite way to eat it. Kale is great for meal prep because if you mix it with a dressing, it breaks down a bit and softens as it sits in the fridge, making it much more delicious than when it’s just plain raw kale.

If you’re looking for another salad that makes a great lunch, try this Mediterranean Chopped Salad or this Crunchy Kale Salad with Couscous. Or pair this salad with my Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta for an amazing dinner!

How to de-stem kale

If you haven’t used kale much in your kitchen, it’s important to note that before you just go chopping it up like lettuce, you need to remove the tough middle stem. Here are a couple ways to do that:

The Best Way to De-Stem Kale – using tongs
How To De-Stem and Thinly Slice Kale – using your fingers

Once the stem is removed, you can wash and chop to your desired size. I prefer smaller pieces vs large chunks.

Why Do You Have To Massage Kale

You may have also heard that you need to massage kale. This is true! Actually massaging it, with your hands, with a bit of oil and lemon juice will help break down the tough fibers and make it easier to chew and digest.

Here are directions for How To Massage Kale if you need them!

Ingredients for Kale and White Bean Salad

So what ingredients do we need for this salad? Nothing fancy required! And it’s a flexible salad so you can add/sub veggies to your liking. You’ll need:

Kale – I typically use curly kale but you could use lacinato kale if preferred.
Cherry tomatoes– These are easy to quarter and hold their shape well in salads
Red onion– If you don’t prefer these because of their strong flavor, feel free to swap green onions
Bell pepper – I use red but yellow or orange would work too
Corn – I prefer grabbing a couple ears of corn and steaming them, then cutting off the kernals but frozen or canned work too
White beans– I love Great Northern Beans but you could use cannellini or even a mix of beans and chickpeas
Feta– Crumbled feta adds lots of flavor
Strawberries – I love fresh fruit to add a little sweetness. Nectarines/peaches also work well
Avocado and pumpkin seeds– Toppings that make great additions but don’t hold up well in the dressing so add them just before serving!
Homemade dressing – A simple maple mustard vinaigrette takes this to the next level

How To Make Kale and Cannellini Salad

Like I mentioned – we’re flexible with what kind of white beans we use so just grab your favorite. Even navy beans would work.

To make this salad:

De-stem and chop the kale.
Massage the kale with oil and lemon juice in a large bowl.
Add remaining ingredients (minus avocado and pumpkin seeds and stir to combine.
Make a homemade dressing by combining oil, red wine vinegar, maple syrup and mustard in a jar and shaking it up.
Pour over salad, tossing to coat and voila!
Feel free to add chicken or chicken sausage or even steak for some extra protein.

Kale and White Bean Salad Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

Kale and White Bean Salad

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This Kale and White Bean Salad is packed with nutrients and the flavor just gets better as it sits in the fridge. The perfect meal prep lunch recipe.

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients

For the salad:

3 cups kale, chopped and destemmed
1 Tbsp oil
juice from half a lemon
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup red onion, diced (or green onion)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup cooked corn (approx 2 ears, or frozen/canned)
2 (14.5 oz) cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup crumbled feta
1 cup quartered strawberries (or diced nectarine)
1 medium avocado, diced
1/2 cup pepitas (optional)
4 chicken sausages, sliced (optional)**

For the dressing

1/3 cup avocado oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar*
Juice from the other half of the lemon
2 Tbps Dijon mustard
1–2 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey) to desired sweetness
pinch of salt, to taste

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Instructions

To make the dressing, combine all ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake to combine. Taste and add more maple syrup or salt if needed. Set aside.
Add kale to a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp oil and juice from half a lemon. Use your fingers to massage oil and lemon juice into the kale leaves for 2 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients, minus avocado and pumpkin seeds and stir to combine.
Shake dressing and pour over salad and mix well.
Store in the fridge until ready to serve. Add avocado and pumpkin seeds before serving.

Notes

*If you’re not a huge vinegar fan you can start with 1/4 cup vinegar and then add more after mixing if you’d like.

**You could also add leftover cooked chicken or steak

White Bean Salad FAQs

How do you store this kale and white bean salad?

Store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavor will develop as it sits. Remember to only add the avocado and pumpkin seeds right before serving or they might get brown and/or soggy.

How can I add more protein to my kale and white bean salad?

This is the perfect salad to use up some leftover chicken or add some sliced chicken sausage for extra protein. You could also add diced steak to the mix. Feel free to mix those right in with the other ingredients and let them marinate and absorb the flavor.

What can I substitute for kale in this recipe?

If you don’t like kale, sub your favorite leafy lettuce or baby spinach. Just know that these will not hold up as well as kale in the fridge once mixed with dressing so I would leave them out, mix the remaining ingredients with the dressing and then scoop over lettuce right before serving.

What other beans can I use in white bean salad?

I prefer Great Northern beans because of their size and mild flavor. You could substitute cannellini beans or navy beans.

You could also try black-eyed peas or lentils if you prefer.

What are the best vegetables for kale and white bean salad?

I like the veggie mix I use in the recipe but you could easily add things like chopped broccoli, carrots, shredded brussels sprouts or even green beans to the mix if you wanted to.

What can I substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup you can sub honey in equal quantities in this recipe.

What’s the best dressing for kale and cannellini bean salad?

I love the maple mustard dressing because it compliments the veggies as well as the fruit but if you’re not a fan you could use Italian dressing or even a balsamic vinaigrette.

What other white bean salad recipes could I try?

Here are a few ideas:

More kale and white bean recipes

Looking for ways to use up the rest of your bundle of kale or and extra can of white beans?

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!

Bowtie Pasta with Sausage, White Beans and Kale

A one-pot meal that requires minimal prep work and clean up, it’s an excellent source of calcium and iron and is packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Grab the recipe!

Spicy Sausage Lentil & Kale Soup

This Spicy Sausage Lentil and Kale Soup is protein-packed and full of vegetables. Make a batch to enjoy for dinner or pack it for lunch all week! *Photo updated 9/2016* Hi Friends! I have a soup recipe to share with you today. The title is a bit misleading because I actually didn’t use spicy

Grab the recipe!

White Chicken Chili

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

Grab the recipe!

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

These Sweet Potato White Bean Bars are perfect for breakfast or snack time. They’re kid-friendly, nut-free and full of fiber!

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Lindsay — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:00:00 +0000

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe for an Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

*Originally published July 2015. Updated April 2024*

Hi Friends!

This easy tomato and cucumber salad is super simple, but it’s full of flavor. There’s something so refreshing about a veggie-packed summer salad like this one topped with a fresh, flavorful dressing.

The best time to enjoy this salad is the middle of summer when there’s an overabundance of cucumbers and tomatoes that need to be used up. Since it gets better the longer it sits, you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long. It’s the perfect addition to your Sunday food prep. Want to learn more about meal prep? I have a whole course to teach you. Check out Mastering Food Prep to learn all my best tips and tricks!

Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Italian Dressing

My mother-in-law has been making a similar salad using Italian dressing for years and my husband loves it. To make that version, simply slice up some tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions and then drizzle with Italian dressing.

While I love that version as well, I decided I wanted to put my own spin on it with a homemade dressing. If homemade dressing intimidates you, don’t worry! You probably have all the ingredients you need right in the pantry. Here’s what you need:

Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Ingredients

Cucumber – I prefer English cucumbers because they’re less watery.
Tomato – I use cherry or grape tomatoes and quarter them.
Red onion – Optional but adds some flavor
Oil – Any mild-flavored oil like avocado oil works well.
Red wine vinegar
Sugar – To add a bit of sweetness.
Black pepper – freshly cracked is best!

The dressing adds a light summer flavor while still letting the tomatoes and other produce shine!

How To Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

This recipe honestly couldn’t be any simpler – just slice up the cucumbers, tomatoes and onions and place them in a big bowl. Mix together the oil, vinegar, sugar and pepper and pour over the veggies. Toss to coat and let it marinate in the fridge.

Can a tomato and cucumber salad be made ahead of time for events? How long should cucumber and tomato salad be marinated before serving?

Yes! This is actually the perfect salad to make ahead of time because it tastes better the longer it marinates. I recommend making at least 2 hours ahead of time but it could easily be made 24-48 hours before an event.

How do I store leftovers of cucumber and tomato salad?

Store the leftovers in a glass container in the fridge. Leftovers are good for about 5 days. If you have extra dressing once the veggies are gone, just chop up some more vegetables and add them to the same container.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Easy Tomato and Cucumber Salad

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5 from 2 reviews

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe for an Easy Tomato and Cucumber Salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

Author: Lindsay L
Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

1 English cucumber, sliced and halved
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar, more if desired
freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

Combine tomato, cucumber and red onion in a bowl.
Drizzle with oil, vinegar and sugar and stir. Taste and adjust if needed, adding more vinegar or sugar if desired.
Top with freshly cracked black pepper, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Cucumber Tomato Salad FAQs

What variety of cucumbers works best for tomato cucumber salad?

My favorite type of cucumber for this salad is an English cucumber. They are longer than traditional cucumbers and tend to be a bit sweeter as well as have fewer seeds.

If all you can find are regular cucumbers, that’s fine. I just recommend slicing them in half lengthwise and scooping out the seeds before slicing them for the salad.

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for this salad?

Yes, you can use either. Cherry tomatos are round with thinner skin and they tend to be sweeter. Grape tomatoes are more oval shaped with thicker skin and they aren’t quite as sweet. Both will work equally well for this recipe.

How can I make a cucumber and tomato salad more filling?

I tend to think of this salad as a side dish or appetizer. But to make it a bit more filling, try adding a can of drained chickpeas or great northern beans. These pair nicely with the vegetables and also taste great with the dressing!

How do different types of vinegar affect a cucumber and tomato salad’s taste?

Red wine vinegar is my go-to vinegar for salad dressing but there are several other varieties you can use. Try rice vinegar, white vinegar or even apple cider vinegar if you have them on hand. Each will add a bit of a different flavor. Apple cider vinegar is a bit fruitier whereas white vinegar will have a stronger, more traditional vinegar flavor and you may need some extra sugar to balance it out. Rice vinegar will also be a bit more mild and less tangy than white vinegar.

What other seasonings can I use for a tomato and cucumber salad?

I keep it simple and just add black pepper to mine. You can always add a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavor. If you want something different, try adding some fresh dill, some garlic, parsley, mint or even some red pepper flakes to add a little spice.

Can I use other vegetables in a cucumber tomato salad?

You could add some sliced bell peppers or some shredded cabbage/coleslaw to change things up.

What to serve with cucumber tomato salad? What proteins pair well with tomato and cucumber salad?

While this salad tastes great by itself, you can also use it in other ways:

Throw it in a wrap or pita – use it to replace the cucumber mix in these Spicy Chicken Pitas.
Serve it over chicken – I love this Simple Chicken Marinade for Meal Prep or this Spicy Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade.
Serve it as a side dish with burgers – try these Avocado Chicken Burgers
Stir in some leftover cooked pasta or orzo and some white beans or chicken sausage.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Want more cucumber salad recipes? Try these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Salmon Quinoa Salad

Lindsay — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 +0000

This Salmon Quinoa Salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Make it during your food prep session and enjoy all week long!

*Originally published June 2013. Updated 3/2024*

Hi Friends!

If you’re anything like me and struggle with new ideas for lunch, this salmon quinoa salad is perfect for you! It’s quick and easy and you can prep all the components ahead of time so it comes together in a flash.

If you’ve missed any of the other quinoa recipes I’ve shared lately, check them out here:

Easy Meal Prep Salmon Salad

I love this salmon as a meal prep option because you can prep all the components ahead of time.

Cook your salmon in the oven, on the grill or in the air fryer while your quinoa is cooking on the stove.
Once the quinoa cools, mix it with the corn, peppers, tomato, onion and arugula.
Mix the dressing in a mason jar so you can store it separately.
When you’re ready to eat, toss the salad in the dressing and top with salmon and avocado!

Since arugula is pretty hearty, you could even mix it in the morning and it would still be fine at lunchtime.

Healthy Salmon Quinoa Salad Recipe

It uses just a few simple ingredients that I pretty much always have on hand. Here’s what you need:

Salmon Quinoa Salad

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5 from 1 review

This Salmon Quinoa Salad is perfect for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. Make it during your food prep session and enjoy all week long!

Author: Author: Lindsay L
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 3

Ingredients

For the salad:

1 pound salmon, cooked and flaked
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 cup corn
1 bell pepper, diced
1 medium avocado, cubed
1/2 cup diced onions (I use sliced green onions but you could use red or white)
2 cups arugula (or baby spinach)

For the dressing:

3 Tbsp oil (I use avocado oil)
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp lemon juice (juice from one medium lemon)
2 – 3 tsp honey or maple syrup (to desired sweetness)
Optional – crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

Cook the salmon. I season mine with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper and bake in the oven. Then flake it apart.
Cook quinoa according to package directions. (1/2 cup dry will give you about 2 cups cooked)
Combine tomatoes, corn, avocado, onions, quinoa and arugula in a large bowl.
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine dressing ingredients and mix well.
Pour dressing over salad.
Top with salmon and serve.

Easy enough, right?

Salmon Quinoa Salad FAQs

Is this a gluten-free salmon salad?

Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, along with all of the other ingredients.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes! If you’d prefer to use canned salmon you can. Feel free to season it however you’d like!

What color quinoa is best for this salad?

Any kind is find. I typically use white quinoa but multi-color/tri-color is fine too.

How do I store leftovers? How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Store the components separately as mentioned above and assemble when ready to eat. Components should be good in the fridge for about 4 days.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes! You can skip the homemade dressing and just use your favorite store-bought variety if you’d prefer.

Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?

Yes! Try adding slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a little crunch in each bite.

Gluten-Free Salmon Salad

Summer Quinoa Salad Ideas

Looking for more quinoa salad ideas? Here are a few to try:

Let’s chat: What’s your favorite way to eat salmon?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Taco Salad

Lindsay — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:00:00 +0000

This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegetarian dinner. Cook the lentils in the Instant Pot and serve over lettuce with all your favorite toppings.

*Originally published 1/2018. Updated 2/2024*

Hi friends-

If you’re a taco lover, you’ve gotta try this Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad. This recipe is vegan and perfect if you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation.

When people ask me for ways to ease into meatless meals, one of the first swaps I recommend is lentils for ground meat. Lentils are quick and easy to cook and don’t have much flavor so they easily take on the flavors of whatever you’re cooking. They’re also similar in size and texture to ground meat. Here’s How To Cook Lentils in case you want to make this recipe on the stovetop.

Best Lentil Recipes

If you’re looking for more ways to use lentils, try these:

If you’re just not quite ready to switch to fully vegetarian meals, you can start by replacing half of the ground meat in recipes with lentils as you adjust.

How To Make Lentil Tacos in the Instant Pot

To make this recipe in the Instant Pot, you first use the saute function. Add your onions, garlic, jalapeno, carrots and spices and saute for a few minutes.

Add lentils and broth and cook for 6 minutes. After the pressure releases naturally for 10 minutes, release the rest of the pressure and drain any remaining liquid. Mash the lentils a few times, then stir in some walnuts for added texture if you want to.

Use your lentil taco meat for tacos or taco salad with your favorite toppings.

If you don’t have carrots or don’t want to use them, mushrooms work well also!

How To Make Lentil Taco Meat on the Stove Top

This recipe can easily be made on the stovetop as well, you just need to cook your lentils separately.

Follow these directions to cook the lentils.

In a large saute pan, saute the onion, jalapeno, garlic, carrots and spices for 5-7 minutes. Stir in 2 cups cooked lentils. Mix well and mash a few times, then add walnuts if using them!

If you’re looking for more lentil taco-inspired recipes, try:

Vegetarian Lentil Taco Salad Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Vegan Lentil Taco Salad

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4 from 1 review

This Instant Pot Lentil Taco Salad is an easy vegan dinner. Lentils make a great substitute for ground meat if you’re looking to transition to more plant-based meals.

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

1 Tbsp oil
2/3 cup onion, finely diced
1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots (shredded, then chopped) *
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 cup green lentils (uncooked)
1.75 cups vegetable broth
2/3 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Lettuce for salads
Toppings: corn, tomatoes, onion, avocado, peppers, etc

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Instructions

Add oil to instant pot and turn on the saute function.
Add onion, jalapeno, garlic, carrots and spices and saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add lentils and broth, stir well and cook on manual mode for 6 minutes.
Once cooked, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
Drain any excess liquid (there shouldn’t be much).
Mash lentil mixture a few times with a masher or fork (you don’t want to mash them completely).
If using walnuts, stir them in now.
Prepare your taco salad with a base of lettuce, lentil taco meat and any other desired toppings.

Notes

*Instead of carrots, you could use diced mushrooms

Feel free to use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning for this recipes. Start with 2 Tbsp.

Lentil Taco Salad FAQs

Can I use any type of lentils for this recipe?

I would recommend green or brown lentils for this recipe. They are easily found at most grocery stores and hold their shape well when cooked. Red lentils would not be a good option for this recipe.

What makes lentils a good substitute for meat in taco salads?

Lentils are great for mimicking the texture of ground meat. They don’t have much flavor on their own so they easily absorb the flavors and spices that you add to whatever dish they are in. They’re a great source of plant-based protein and fiber along with other nutrients like B vitamins, iron and magnesium.

How can I make this lentil taco salad spicier?

You could easily add some cayenne pepper to the spice mixture when cooking the lentils. You could also use a serrano pepper instead of a jalapeno. Or try topping the whole salad with your favorite hot sauce!

How do I store leftover lentil taco salad? What’s the best way to reheat the lentil mixture?

Store the lentil taco mixture separately from the lettuce and other salad toppings. I store in a glass Pyrex container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You could also freeze leftovers to be thawed out later.

To reheat you can use the microwave or put the mixture in a pan with a splash of water and reheat.

What dressing would pair well with this salad?

My favorite dressing for this salad is an avocado-style dressing – basically a mix of avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice and salt. I don’t measure but if you want a recipe try this Avocado Yogurt Dressing.

Another easy option is to use salsa or guacamole as a dressing, or try mixing salsa with plain yogurt or sour cream for a creamier option.

What are some quick and easy toppings for this lentil taco salad?

The sky is the limit for toppings when it comes to this salad! Some ideas:

Peppers
Onions
Corn
Sauteed fajita veggies
Pico de gallo
Tomatoes
Avocado or guacamole
Sour cream
Tortilla chips or strips
Quinoa or farro
Black beans

What are the best types of lettuce for this taco salad?

Try red or green leaf lettuce or romaine if you like a little more crunch!

Is this lentil taco salad gluten-free?

This lentil taco salad is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to pay attention to any toppings you add if you need them to be gluten-free as well!

Can the lentil taco salad be served as a meal prep option for the week?

Yes! Just prep the lentil taco mixture and store in a separate container. You can also chop all your veggies ahead of time, including the lettuce, to make assembling the salad a breeze!

Can I add black beans to the lentil taco meat mixture for extra protein?

Absolutely. Feel free to add your favorite beans to the mix after the lentils have cooked. You could even stir in some quinoa or farro.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–