Recipes

Green Goddess Chicken Salad

May 30, 2018

Not every chicken salad is created equal. Some are greasy, gross, and just plain nasty! Homemade chicken salad, however, is DELICIOUS and a total game changer!

This twist on the classic is so refreshing and tastes a lot more fancy that it really is!

The combination of fresh basil in the Creamy Basil Dip with the avocado and crunchy celery is perfection!

It’s perfect inside a spinach wrap, spread on crackers, or smothered between some slices of bread…or better yet, a croissant – definitely not paleo, but a good, buttery croissant would be worth the splurge!

Add this Green Goddess Chicken Salad to your next cookout spread or picnic for a good-for-you dish packed with protein, healthy fats, and tons of flavor!

 

Print Recipe
Green Goddess Chicken Salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, basil dip, celery salt, minced garlic, and pepper.
  2. Stir in avocado, celery pieces, and green onions last. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
  3. Serve on a bed of greens or in a wrap!
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Creamy Basil Dip

May 30, 2018

I don’t know about you, but one thing that screams summertime to me is…FRESH HERBS!

Thyme, oregano, dill, mint, and BASIL! I love my dried herbs, but when I remember to pick up some fresh ones, every dish that I make with them is just so much better!

This dip is super refreshing and so versatile!

Dip some french fries in it, spread it on a turkey & bacon wrap, use it as a dressing, or go make my Green Goddess Chicken Salad!

It’s the perfect addition to so many foods!

Print Recipe
Creamy Basil Dip
Servings
cup
Ingredients
Servings
cup
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Add all ingredients to food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth - you want the basil to be broken down considerably. This should take about 1-2 minutes in the food processor.
  3. Store in the refrigerator.

Smoky Jalapeño Bacon Potato Salad

May 24, 2018

Potato salad is just one of those dishes that scream summertime and cookouts! It’s just a total classic – who doesn’t love a good potato?

I love putting new spins on the classic, and this week, I bought way too many jalapeños so I needed to use them up! When in doubt, throw jalapeños in every dish you make! 😉 That’s basically the motto that my husband wishes I’d live by every day!

…my motto: throw bacon in every dish that I make!

This Smoky Jalapeño Bacon Potato Salad is the best of both worlds – you get a little heat from the jalapeños and smokey flavor from the bacon! If bacon wasn’t enough, we paired it with some smoked turkey thighs and smoked pulled pork the other night for dinner. It was PERFECT! This summer is definitely going to be the summer of the smoker, and I am not ashamed to admit that at all!

We got it for Christmas this last year and are obsessed with it! Do any of you have a smoker? What’s been your favorite thing to smoke in it?

I’m always looking for some inspiration for unique things to try out for the next go at the smoker! Let me know your favorites in the comments below!

Print Recipe
Smokey Jalapeño Bacon Potato Salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large pot of boiling water over medium heat, cook chopped potatoes (I left the peels on - feel free to remove them if you'd like!) for about 13 minutes or until the pieces are just barely tender. You don't want the pieces to fall apart - so keep an eye on them!
  2. While the potatoes are cooking, remove the skin from the onion and shred the onion into a bowl. You can use a regular sized grater or a very fine one - depending on your preference.
  3. To the bowl, mix in remaining ingredients, except for the bacon pieces and eggs.
  4. Once the potatoes have finished cooking, drain the water from them.
  5. Let them cool for just a couple minutes, and then mix them into your mayo mixture.
  6. Finally, stir in the bacon pieces and hard-boiled eggs. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate it for later!

Crispy Ranch Potatoes

May 23, 2018

Just because something is simple, doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious!

These potatoes are just that – simple and delicious! They’re fool proof and a total crowd pleaser! The seasonings are key – you gotta give those potatoes some flavaa!

I use my Ranch Seasoning Mix for this recipe. You could cut the recipe into thirds if you don’t feel like making that much. However, I assure you, it will not go to waste! I always keep some of it on hand to make a quick ranch dressing or dip! It comes together in seconds! No need to go buy those packets at the store that are filled with unnecessary ingredients! 🙂

These potatoes pair perfectly with just about anything – burgers, wraps, or even used as a topping for a bowl of soup! You can’t go wrong with these.

Print Recipe
Crispy Ranch Potatoes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper - easy clean up!
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss chopped potatoes, oil, and seasoning mix until all of the potatoes are coated evenly.
  4. Spread potatoes onto the baking sheet evenly. Be sure give them all space and not overcrowd them. This helps them crisp up!
  5. Bake potatoes for 8-10 minutes.
  6. Remove the potatoes from the oven and flip them. You don't have to flip every single one - you can just give the tray a nice little shake, if you desire. 😉
  7. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 5-8 minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.
  8. Devour immediately!

Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}

May 11, 2018

It’s summertime and the berries are IN SEASON! Has anyone seen all of the gorgeous strawberries at farmer’s markets and the grocery stores?

It’s got me craving all of the strawberries and blueberries! So, of course I had to incorporate some of them into this week’s batch of protein balls!

These Strawberry Shortcake protein balls don’t require strawberries to be in season, however. This recipe calls for freeze-dried strawberries instead! (Sidenote: Has anyone ever made them at home? I just saw a post about drying them out in the oven – I might have to give that a try!)

These Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls are filled with healthy fats, protein, and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re free of dairy, gluten, grains, and sweetened with only dates! They’re perfect for a snack between meals, and you’ll feel like you’re eating a little bite of dessert each time!


Print Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Protein Balls {Dairy, Gluten, & Grain Free}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20+ minutes - cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Prep Time 5 minutes
Passive Time 20+ minutes - cooling
Servings
balls
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a food processor: combine dates, nut butters, and coconut oil until smooth.
  2. Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl and add in salt, vanilla, almond flour, peptides, and coconut butter. Stir to combine.
  3. Lastly, mix in strawberries pieces.
  4. On a tray, portion out balls in the size of about 1 1/2 tablespoons or whatever your liking. I use a melon baller scoop to get even sized balls. That size will yield about 30 balls.
  5. Freeze for 20 minutes to set or refrigerate 3-4 hours.
  6. I like to store them in the refrigerator, but it's not necessary.

Dirty Cauliflower Rice

May 3, 2018

Talk about flavor! This rice is filled with it! I don’t know about you, but I’m not usually a fan of plain food. I love spices, and this Dirty Cauliflower Rice uses quite a few of them! It’s a good way to pull that spice or two from the back of your cabinet that you haven’t used for months. We all have them! This Dirty Cauliflower Rice is packed with tons of spices and a little bit of heat from the hot sausage and added jalapeño that makes for a dish you just can’t stop eating!

Make it as a main dish, a side dish, or stuff bell peppers with it! It’s super versatile and couldn’t be easier to make!


Print Recipe
Dirty Cauliflower Rice
Servings
Ingredients
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions, peppers, and garlic in oil for 3-5 minutes or until softened.
  2. Once the veggies have softened, add sausage to pan and begin to brown.
  3. After 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the seasonings and cauliflower rice to your pan. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the cauliflower rice is tender.
  5. Serve immediately or fill peppers with the dirty rice and bake them!

Easy “Cheesy” Hashbrown Casserole {Dairy-Free}

May 2, 2018

Cheese and hashbrowns. If that doesn’t scream delicious and cozy, I’m not sure what does. Pretty much any potato screams that to me though. What is it about those starchy things that make them so delicious? For me, it’s all of the butter I mix it or the dipping sauce I use for fries. Yea, it’s definitely that!

These “cheesy” hashbrowns may be dairy free, but they are so creamy and flavorful that you’ll never know you’re missing the cheese!

This dish uses a simpler version of my favorite go-to, Pepperjack Cheese Sauce!* Not that it’s complicated to begin with! I swear, I could pour that stuff on everything! It’s so quick and easy to make! Check it out for your next Taco Tuesday or when you’re craving some nachos for dinner!

 

Print Recipe
Easy "Cheesy" Hashbrown Casserole {Dairy-Free}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
Hashbrowns
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
Hashbrowns
Instructions
Cheese Sauce
  1. In a high powered blender***, combine the cheese sauce ingredients until smooth.
Hashbrowns
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions in butter for 3-4 minutes until they begin to become translucent. You still want them a little crunchy.
  2. Increase the heat to medium high, add the shredded potatoes and cook for 5-8 minutes until the potatoes start to brown.
  3. Add your cheese sauce to the potatoes.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. You can eat it just like that, or continue to the next step.
  5. Optional: Preheat oven to 475 degrees and transfer to a baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the top has browned slightly.
Recipe Notes

*Pepperjack Cheese Sauce

**I use red skin potatoes, but you can sub whatever variety you'd like. If you have frozen hashbrowns, you can use those too! Note that the cooking times may need to be extended.

*** I use a Vitamix and this take about a minute. If you do not have a high powered blender, soak the cashews in warm water for 30 minutes to an hour, or overnight. It will ensure a creamy sauce!

Paleo Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins {gluten & grain free with dairy-free option}

May 1, 2018

I’m always looking for new pre-mixed flours for gluten/grain free baking. So, when I came across Thrive Market’s Paleo Flour, I knew that I had to try it!

Let me tell ya, this flour did NOT DISAPPOINT!

 

I whipped these up by just throwing stuff together in a bowl, and I couldn’t believe when they turned out as fluffy as they did! Even my husband who isn’t a fan of muffins, unless they’re chocolate, liked them!

I used Green Valley Organics lactose-free sour cream, but you could substitute greek yogurt or your favorite dairy-free sour cream alternative!

Next time you’re looking to make a breakfast to-go for the week, whip up a batch of these! They will not disappoint!

Print Recipe
Paleo Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins {gluten & grain free with dairy-free option}
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings
muffins
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. In a small bowl, combine egg, oil, vanilla, maple syrup, and sour cream.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the 1 1/4 cups of flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add the egg mixture to your dry ingredients and stir to combine. Don't over-mix.
  5. For the crumb topping, combine the ingredients in a food processor until a crumble mixture is formed. You can do this without a food processor and just use a fork. However, it will take a little bit longer and some patience!
  6. In a cupcake pan, fill each cup about 3/4 full.
  7. Top each muffin with 2-3 tsp of the crumb topping, pressing it down slightly into the muffin.
  8. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the centers are completely done.
  9. Enjoy! (TIP: they get even better with a little bit of butter on top of a hot one, directly out of the oven!)
Recipe Notes

*The butter must be fairly cold - not soft or melted. This helps to give you a good crumb on top of the muffin.