The Best Watermelon Strawberry Margarita

The Best Watermelon Strawberry Margarita

Watermelon Strawberry Margarita

This Delightful and Easy Watermelon Strawberry Margarita recipe is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day or for entertaining! I personally love this one while I am at the beach. Sometimes I include the triple sec and tequila, but often I just enjoy this as a hydrating mocktail!

Redish pink cocktail in a short glass garnished with limes and strawberries

Why You Will Love Making This Easy Strawberry Watermelon Margarita

This recipe is super easy to make. You don’t need too many ingredients and, it’s ready in a flash. Make it extra fancy with a salt or sugar-coated rim, or don’t. This margarita is fantastic garnished with just a lime wedge.

Ingredients

  • Watermelon: I like to use fresh watermelon from the farmer’s market.Option to use frozen watermelon.
  • Strawberries: I used a frozen batch of farmer’s market strawberries.
  • Fresh Lime Juice
  • Orange Juice or Water
  • Triple sec or orange liqueur
  • Tequila
  • Optional: ice, agave, or simple syrup, margarita salt or rimming sugar. 

Step By Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Glasses:

  • If desired, rim the glasses with salt or sugar. To do this, rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into a plate of salt or sugar.

2. Blend the Ingredients:

  • In a blender, combine the watermelon chunks, frozen strawberries, lime and orange juices, tequila, and triple sec.
  • Blend the mixture until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding some agave syrup or simple syrup.

3. Fill the Glasses:

  • Fill the glasses with ice cubes.

4. Pour and Garnish:

  • Pour the watermelon-strawberry margarita mixture into the glasses.
  • Garnish with lime slices and additional strawberries if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Homemade Watermelon Strawberry Margaritas!

Red Strawberries in a stone colored bowl

Experiment with Your Margaritas!

In my opinion, this drink does not need added sugar. The strawberries have enough sweetness naturally and the Cointreau is also pretty sweet. The Frozen Strawberry Margarita ingredients provide the perfect amount of sweetness and tartness to balance this Marg.

Nevertheless, if you prefer a tad more sugar in your cocktail (everyone’s flavor preferences are different), add it! I recommend adding simple syrup, agave nectar, or perhaps honey to taste. These added sugars will blend and pair well with this frozen drink.

Strawberry Margarita Tip!

When freezing your strawberries, place them on a baking sheet to prevent them from clumping!

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Tequila

Did you know, that tequila might be one of the “healthiest” liquors in your kitchen? If you can even call liquor healthy.

Here are some facts:

Redish pink cocktail in a short glass garnished with limes and strawberries

Alcohol in Moderation (or as otherwise recommended by your healthcare provider)

Wait, what? All those diseases?! Weight gain?! “Sarah, why are you posting alcoholic beverages on your nutrition blog!?”

In short, I enjoy moderate amounts of alcohol. This a glass of wine or a super sour Belgian Saison are just a few other beverages I enjoy savoring. The key here is moderation. Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation if you so choose. The keyword here is MODERATION. Okay, I’ve said this 3 times now; moderation. Keep in mind, that alcohol is basically, if not literally, a poison for our bodies.

Stay healthy my friends!

More Recipes Like This!

Snickerdoodle Martini

snickerdoodle martini with a creamy foam topping, a cinnamon stick garnish, and snickerdoodle cookies surrounding the cocktail.

Berry Bliss Tropical Smoothie [A Healthy Copycat]

Berry Bliss Smoothie, a close up of three glasses with purple-blue smoothie inside. The glass is a unique design compared to the other two glasses. The photo is straight on and slightly elevated.

Berry Rhubarb Smoothie

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Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein]

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl with pink smoothie base. Smoothie bowl is topped with coconut flakes, sliced strawberries, granola, and cocoa nibs. Bowl is placed on a sage linen table cloth.

Panera Mexican Street Corn Chowder: An Easy Copycat Recipe – My most popular recipe!

Redish pink cocktail in a short glass garnished with limes and strawberries

Watermelon Strawberry Margarita

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
Margaritas made with Frozen Farmer's Market Strawberries with Triple Sec Tequila and Lime
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 229 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup seedless watermelon chunks
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 2 oz lime Juice fresh is best
  • 4 oz tequila I like Patron
  • 3/4 oz triple sec I use Cointreau
  • 2 oz orange juice Not from concentrate, Or use water
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • Optional: ice, agave, or simple syrup, margarita salt or rimming sugar. 

Instructions
 

Prepare the Glasses

  • If desired, rim the glasses with salt or sugar. To do this, rub the rim of each glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into a plate of salt or sugar.

Blend the Ingredients:

  • In a blender, combine the watermelon chunks, frozen strawberries, lime and orange juices, tequila, and triple sec.
  • Blend the mixture until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding some agave syrup or simple syrup.

Fill the Glasses:

  • Fill the glasses with ice cubes.

Pour and Garnish:

  • Pour the watermelon-strawberry margarita mixture into the glasses.
  • Garnish with lime slices and additional strawberries if desired.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Homemade Watermelon Strawberry Margaritas!

Notes

To created a Salted Rim:
Before pouring your drink, use a lime to wet the rim of your glass. Then place your glass upside down on a plate layered with sea salt

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 149mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 512IUVitamin C: 71mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cocktail, frozen, margarita, strawberry, tequila
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Easy Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Easy Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad 

It’s almost Strawberry Season, one of my favorite times of the year. Strawberries can be eaten any time of the day because they are just too good to limit to breakfast and dessert. Moreover, this Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is one epically delicious way to incorporate this springtime fruit. In Oregon, fresh strawberries are ripe in May and June! The season is quick so grab them while you can!

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

This recipe is healthy, easy, and ready in under 15 minutes. It makes for an excellent side salad or make it a meal with some additional protein like baked tofu, roasted chickpeas, smoked fish, or grilled shrimp!

 

Spinach Strawberry Salad in a large blue serving bowl

Spinach Strawberry Salad Ingredients

Strawberries: Strawberries are the ingredient that makes this salad stand out. I recommend using local strawberries for optimal strawberry flavor.

Baby Spinach: Spinach is the base leafy green of this salad recipe. You could swap this ingredient out for Romain, Butter Lettuce, or a combination of lettuces. 

Cucumber: Cucumber is one of my favorite veggies to include in a salad. The flavor is subtle and refreshing and the texture is crisp and hydrating. 

Goat Cheese

Nuts: I chose pine nuts but other nuts that would work are sliced almonds, shelled pistachios, walnuts, or candied pecans.

Dressing: I used a balsamic vinegar-based vinaigrette in this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe. Other dressing possibilities include champagne vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing. 

Herbs: Such as basil, dill, parsley, mint. 

Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper

I love to use my basil balsamic vinaigrette for this salad. Be sure to use a flavorful olive oil for extra flavor and depth. 

Red Strawberries in a stone colored bowl

Step – By – Step Instructions

Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:

  • In a small mixing bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using).
  • Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or if using a jar, tightly close the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are emulsified.
  • Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more honey/maple syrup or balsamic vinegar if desired.

Combine Salad Ingredients:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, herbs, sliced strawberries, cucumber and crumbled goat cheese.
  • Add the nuts, if using, to the salad bowl.

Dress the Salad:

  • Drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if needed.

Toss Gently:

  • Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

Serve:

  • Serve the salad immediately.

Spinach Strawberry Salad on a plate with a large blue serving bowl with salad behind it

Pairings and Compliments

Protein Pairing

To make this meal a bit more filling add some more protein! I like to add leftover grilled chicken or shrimp from a previous meal. Looking to add more plant-based protein? Try adding some marinated tofu, or roasted chickpeas. YUM.

Other Compliments

Serve this dish with a cup of soup or fresh-baked bread from your favorite local bakery! Another way to dish up this recipe is as a side dish. This salad compliments some organic sweet Italian sausage or grass-fed beef burgers. Additionally, this recipe would be wonderfully enjoyed at a Mother’s Day Brunch or Memorial Day BBQ! And lastly, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a nutritious and delicious addition to any event or cookout.

Easy-Bake-Tofu-Array-closeup

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Iron

Cool Science: Iron Absorption Strawberries and Spinach

A topic we don’t normally think much about is Nutrient Absorption. In order for our bodies to utilize the nutrients in the food we eat, it must first be absorbed. Some foods do a better job of providing bioavailable nutrients than others; one example of this is Iron. There are two types of Iron that we consume in our diets, heme iron and non-heme iron.

  • Heme iron is easily absorbed in the body and found in foods like red meat.
  • Non-heme Iron is not as readily absorbed and is found in foods like dark leafy greens, like spinach. 

For individuals who eat completely plant-based or mostly plant-based, one of the best ways to ensure adequate iron levels is to consume Vitamin C with iron-rich foods. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C, like fruits (aka strawberries) and vegetables, has been shown to improve the absorption of non-heme iron in the body.

Why Care About Iron

Iron plays an important role in many vital bodily functions. Below are just a few. 

  • Iron benefits immunity
  • Improvements in Athletic Performance
  • Iron benefits energy and alertness

Something To Note

This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe could be a super salad for iron absorption. However, there are other factors that might inhibit iron absorption. If you are struggling with Iron Deficiency or Iron Deficiency Anemia, I recommend working 1:1 with a Registered Dietitian.

Spinach Strawberry Salad being served on a plate

Like this recipe?! Here are some other salad recipes you may enjoy!

Jacob’s Black Bean Burger Salad

Layered Arugula and Spinach Salad with Smoked Trout

Arugula and Cottage Cheese Salad with Sliced Tomatoes

 

Spinach Strawberry Salad in a large blue serving bowl

Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad recipe is perfect for strawberry season!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 388 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large salad bowl
  • 1 16oz mason Jar with lid
  • 1 tongs or mixing utensils

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 3-4 handfuls fresh spinach
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup sliced cucumbers
  • cup crumbled goat cheese
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • A handful of fresh herbs per eaters preference basil, parsley, dill, mint etc

Vinaigrette Dressing

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice optional
  • 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper
  • 1/4 cup basil, chopped or julienned

Instructions
 

Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

  • In a small mixing bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using).
  • Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or if using a jar, tightly close the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are emulsified.
  • Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more honey/maple syrup or balsamic vinegar if desired.

Combine Salad Ingredients

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, herbs, sliced strawberries, cucumber and crumbled goat cheese.
  • Add the nuts, if using, to the salad bowl.

Dress the Salad

  • Drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if needed.

Toss Gently

  • Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.

Serve

  • Serve the salad immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 6gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 676mgPotassium: 325mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2419IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 2mg
Keyword balsamic, goat cheese, nuts, salad, spinach, strawberry
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Dip No Mayo

Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Dip No Mayo

Spinach and Artichoke Dip No Mayo

This Spinach and Artichoke Dip No Mayo is one of my absolute favorite appetizers.

A variation of this recipe marks the beginning of my culinary journey and a nostalgic recollection of one of my earliest kitchen experiences. This dish traces back to a cherished recipe called Spinach Pinwheels, a spinach artichoke filling wrapped in a tortilla and sliced into bite-sized rounds. 

This cherished recipe, renowned within my family, originates from a Land O’Lakes cookbook that my mother has treasured for nearly three decades.

As I got older and began discovering my passion for nutrition, I saw the potential for this filling as a delicious and nutritious dip for veg! You could say this dip is where my veg obsession began. 

 

A bowl overflowing with spinach artichoke dip on a platter with veggies

Why This Will Be One of Your Go-to Easy Appetizer Recipes

My entire family loves to eat spinach artichoke dips. In fact, it might be one of our favorite recipes. You will love making this spinach dip because the yogurt provides more protein and no need for mayo!

I do love a good baked spinach artichoke dip or crock pot artichoke dip. However, this recipe is a no-bake one that is ready in under 15 minutes, which to me makes it that much easier to create. 

Ingredients for this Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Frozen Spinach: I prefer using thawed, frozen chopped spinach to fresh spinach. Chefs choice.

Artichoke Hearts: I use canned Artichokes in water or thawed, frozen artichoke hearts. 

Water Chestnuts: My secret ingredient in this dip is the chopped water chestnuts. I love the crunch they add to every bite! I also enjoy sneaking these into my Thanksgiving Green Bean Casseroles.

Onion

Garlic: In a pinch, you can use garlic powder rather than fresh garlic. One clove of garlic equals 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. 

Greek Yogurt

Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Optional – Whipped Cream Cheese or Mayo

Optional – Red Pepper Flakes to kick it up a notch

top down of spinach artichoke dip on a platter with veggies

Step By Step Instructions for Spinach and Artichoke Dip No Mayo

Prepare Ingredients

Thaw and drain the chopped spinach. Drain and chop the artichoke hearts. 

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Greek yogurt, chopped water chestnuts, minced garlic, minced onion, salt, and black pepper. 

Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Season and Serve

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread for dipping.

Storage: If not serving immediately, cover the dip with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

A bowl overflowing with spinach artichoke dip on a platter with veggies

Let’s Talk Dippers!

Need some veggie dipper ideas for this easy spinach artichoke dip, I got you.

Carrots: Baby Carrots are so easy. All you have to do is grab a bag of baby carrots and you are set. 

Cucumber: Cucumbers are a great way to stay hydrated, but also have vitamins and minerals our bodies need like Vitamin C, K, A, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. 

Flat Beans: Flat beans are my favorite dipper with spinach artichoke dips! Also known as Italian green beans, these are flat green beans! These are nutritionally similar to other green bean varieties, with one cup providing nearly 3.5g of fiber and 2g of protein. 

Other Dippers

Want to provide another dipper that isn’t a veg? Try tortilla chips, torn bread, pita, crackers, or pretzels. Got leftovers? Smear this on some sourdough with turkey and you’ve got an easy turkey, spinach, and artichoke sandwich. Add some shredded mozzarella cheese to make it extra special!

A stoneware plate with a scoop of spinach and artichoke dip with veggie dippers and crackers

FAQs (Ask a Dietitian!) 

Can You Freeze Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe. However, the texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy ingredients in this recipe. 

If the dip separates, give it a good mix to recombine the ingredients. 

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Guacamole with Sun Dried Tomatoes

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Cowboy Caviar with Lentils

cowboy caviar in white bowl close up

Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts with Horseradish Aioli

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A bowl overflowing with spinach artichoke dip on a platter with veggies

Spinach and Artichoke Dip No Mayo

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
I love making this Cool Spinach and Artichoke Dip because it pairs so well with cut up veggies in addition to some salty crunchy chips.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 126 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 rubber spatula
  • 1 Set of measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Package frozen spinach, thawed and drained see recipe notes
  • 1 14oz artichoke hearts, drained and chopped one can
  • 1 8oz water chestnuts, diced one can
  • 1/2 cup red onion, small dice about 1/2 red onion
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 Cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt optional

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients

  • Thaw and drain the chopped spinach. Drain and chop the artichoke hearts.

Combine Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Greek yogurt, chopped water chestnuts, minced garlic, minced onion, salt, and black pepper. 
  • Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Season and Serve

  • Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread for dipping.

Notes

To make Vegan: Use Vegan Mayo and dairy-free, vegan Yogurt.
Spinach: Note, if you forget to drain this dish it will be super liquidy! Trust me, I've done it a couple times! To thaw and drain, put in the microwave for ~4 minutes or until spinach is no longer frozen. Allow spinach to cool, then plop into an old, clean dish rage to rinse out the water. You could also use cheese cloth.
Dippers: I've used many dippers with this recipe, tortilla chips (store bought or homemade, pita chips, vegetables, fresh cut or ripped bread, and crackers! My favorite, vegetables. I usually have some sort of vegetable available for dipping!

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4174IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 1mg
Keyword dip, easy
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
The Best Butter Bean Curry with Lentils

The Best Butter Bean Curry with Lentils

Coconut Butter Bean Curry with Lentils

This Coconut Butter Bean Curry with Lentils is a warm and cozy one-pot meal. Inspired by Indian dal, this dish is ready in under an hour. Butter Beans and Lentils shine in this dish with coconut milk for creaminess, onions, garlic, and spices for flavor, lime for zest, and jalapeno olive oil for a spicy finishing kick. 

Coconut Butter Bean Curry in a black bowl served on a green pinch plate with toasted sourdough slices, fresh herbs and additional coconut cream over top.

Why You Will Love Making This Meal

This dish is quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. The majority of my cooking requires those three attributes. 

This dish is packed with plant-based proteins and fiber, offering many health benefits.

I also love that this meal is vegan, thus having a lower environmental impact when compared to animal-based protein meals. Eating more plant-based meals like this one can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve water resources, and mitigate deforestation. 

But best of all, this meal is super cozy, customizable, and delicious. This dish accommodates varieties of beans and vegetables such as garbanzo beans, leafy greens, carrots, and potatoes. 

Butter Bean Curry with Lentils in a large shallow cast iron casserole dish with toast, herbs, and Arome spices and oil as props

How to Serve This Curry Recipe

I enjoy serving this easy Butter Bean Curry as a stand-alone dish or paired with basmati rice, quinoa, naan bread, or my personal favorite, buttered and toasted sourdough slices. 

Ingredients in This Indian Dal-inspired Butter Bean Curry Recipe

  • Butter Beans
  • Lentils
  • Full Fat Coconut Milk
  • Spices – I use fresh ginger, garam masala, freshly ground cumin, and turmeric powder from Arome
  • Olive Oil – I use Arome olis to for sauteeing the veg and for finishing this dish
  • Onions – I prefer yellow or sweet onions however red onions could be used in a pinch. 
  • Garlic
  • Crushed Tomatoes – Chopped tomatoes can work in a pinch (even better if you give them a quick blend in a blender). 
  • Green Chilis
  • Vegetable Broth
  • Fresh Lime Juice
  • Garnishes – more fresh lime, fresh cracked black pepper, cilantro, coconut milk or yogurt, and of course olive oil. 

Ingredients for Coconut Butter Bean Curry with Lentils displayed in a variet of bowl and plate shapes over an off white backdrop

Step By Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics:

  • Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot, then cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Spice Infusion:

  • Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the can of green chilis (with their liquid) to the pot and stir to combine.

3. Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth:

  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Add the dried lentils to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Incorporate Beans and Coconut Milk:

  • Add the butter beans to the pot, along with the coconut milk. Stir well and let the curry simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and lentils to soften. 

5. Season and Serve:

  • Season the curry with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve the Coconut Curry hot and choose your garnishes such as fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt or splash of coconut milk, a drizzle of Jalapeno Fused Olive Oil, or an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Olive oil pouring over a pot with the ingredients scattered in bowls and plates surrounding the pot

FAQs (Ask a Dietitian!)

What are Butter Beans called in America?

Butter Beans are also known as lima beans in the States. 

When I think of lima beans, I think of those greenish beans resembling edamame. This is because green lima beans are harvested early, while the beans are still young and tender. In contrast, white lima beans or butter beans are left to fully mature on the plant before being harvested and stored.

What are some common uses for Butter Beans?

  • Curries, Soups, Stews
  • Plant-based burgers
  • Southern dishes – such as succotash 
  • Bean Dips
  • Salads and Bean Salads

Are Butter Beans good for you?

Yes, butter beans have protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are important for a balanced diet. 

However, it is important to note, that individual dietary needs and health conditions vary. It is a good idea to consult with a dietitian 1:1 for personalized nutrition advice. 

three bowls - a big pot of butter bean curry, a black bowl with a single serving of butter bean curry, and a small yellow bowl with herbs.

Hood River Local Business Shout Out!

I gathered the spices and olive oils used in this recipe from Arome, a woman-owned business located in the heart of downtown Hood River, Oregon. 

Arome’s spices are carefully ordered and ground in small quantities on-site. They source their extra virgin olive oil from the hemisphere providing the freshest crush possible throughout the year. They carry oils from Chile, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Greece, California, and of course, Italy. 

Not local to Hood River? No problem, you can purchase oils, spices, vinegar, loose-leaf teas, and kitchenware from the Arome Shop online. (This is not an affiliate link, just a shout-out to one of my favorite Hood River shops!)

a stoneware plate with ground spices, turmeric, cumin, salt, and garam masala.

Enjoy This Recipe? Check Out These Recipes and Articles!

Cowboy Caviar with Lentils

Vegan Yakisoba-Inspired Noodles

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Copycat Panera Mexican Street Corn Soup

Creamy Panera Mexican Street Corn Soup top down image with spoon and a lime garnish with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro

The Best Onions For Chili (Your Ultimate Guide)

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Butter Bean Curry with Lentils in a large shallow cast iron casserole dish with toast, herbs, and Arome spices and oil as props

Coconut Butter Bean Curry with Lentils

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This Coconut Butter Bean Curry with Lentils is inspired by Indian dal. It is comforting, creamy, and zesty with added lime.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Indian
Servings 5 servings
Calories 551 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven or Cast Iron Casserole Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 4 oz green chilis 1 small can
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes 1 large can
  • 8 oz vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dried lentils
  • 30 oz butter beans 2 cans
  • 8 oz coconut milk for creamier curry, use the entire can
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • cilantro
  • coconut milk or yogurt
  • olive oil

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics

  • Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot, then cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Spice Infusion

  • Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the can of green chilis (with their liquid) to the pot and stir to combine.

Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth

  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Add the dried lentils to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Incorporate Beans and Coconut Milk

  • Add the butter beans to the pot, along with the coconut milk. Stir well and let the curry simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and lentils to soften.

Season and Serve

  • Season the curry with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Serve the Coconut Curry hot and choose your garnishes such as fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt or splash of coconut milk, a drizzle of Jalapeno Fused Olive Oil, or an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 551kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 27gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 714mgPotassium: 1868mgFiber: 28gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 462IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 128mgIron: 11mg
Keyword easy, healthy, legume, one-pot-meal, winter
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Guacamole with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Guacamole with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Jacob’s Famous Guacamole – Guacamole with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Who doesn’t love guacamole? Unless you have an aversion to avocados or have an allergy I can’t think of anyone! It’s a popular party food, and for good reason. 

The richness of the avocados paired with the tanginess of the lime lime are magic in the mouth.

This guacamole is my Husband’s recipe. In this guacamole recipe, Jacob introduces an element I’ve never thought of… sun-dried tomatoes!

Guacamole with sun dried tomatoes in a stoneware bowl sitting on a cutting board

Jump to Recipe

Serving This Guacamole

This Guacamole with Sun sun-dried tomatoes is excellent served as a dip with some chips, added to a 7-layer dip, or served alongside many dishes like roasted veggies, a plate of tacos, or air-fryer potatoes.

Ingredients

  • Avocado
  • Lime Juice – Throw in some zest too if you feel like it!
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Flat-leaf parsley is a fantastic substitution. Something bright bringing that herbal element.
  • Jalapeno – if you don’t like the spicy, option to omit the jalapeño!
  • Garlic 
  • Onion 
  • Sun Dried Tomato

 

ingredients for guacamole with sun dried tomatoes - in the picture are sundred tomatoes scattered over a cutting board with avocados, lime, salt, pepper, onions, and jalapenos

 Step-By-Step Instructions

This is such an easy recipe, it just takes some patience to chop up all the ingredients! 

This is a great recipe to make with the kids! Let them mash those avocados and be taste testers, adding pinches of salt and spritzes of lime for the perfect-tasting guacamole!

  • Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency (some like it chunky, others prefer it smoother).
  • Add the aromatics: Add the prepared veggies, onion, garlic, cilantro, sun-dried tomatoes, and jalapeño, to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
  • Season: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the avocado mixture. Season the guac with salt and pepper.
  • Mix: Gently fold all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix if you prefer a chunkier texture.
  • Taste and Serve: Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preferences. You can serve it immediately or, if you have the time, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

 

a chip pulling away from a guacamole bowl with guacamole on the chip

Avocado Tips From A Registered Dietitian

Here are three tips for using avocados in your kitchen. 

Find the right Avocados: Ripening can be tricky for these little “alligator pears”.

I like to purchase my avocados hard thus before they have fully ripened. Once they have ripened on the kitchen counter or in a paper bag, I pop the avocados in the fridge. 

How to ripen avocados via paper bag: As soon as I get home from the store, I ripen the avocados in a paper bag for 1 day and check them for ripeness. If it’s still hard, I keep the avocados in the paper bag for one more day and check again, and so on and so on.

Once the avocados have a slight give, I put them in the refrigerator to stop the ripening process. I take them out (within a few days) when I am ready to make my guacamole! 

Avocado Storing: I asked some of my friends for avocado tips and here they are!

  • ‘Spray with avocado/olive oil to keep fresh’
  • ‘Squirt a little lemon on the avocado once the avocado is cut’
  • ‘Keep the core in with the avocado while storing in the fridge’
  • ‘I store my avocado in Tupperware and I hear that storing in water works too!’

 

Guacamole in a stoneware bowl with blue corn tortilla chips to the right

Sharper Nutrition Fix: Avocado Nutrition

Avocado Nutrition – Think Healthy Fats and Fiber! 

Research supports that Avocado consumption supports cardiovascular health.

Avocados are high in high-quality fats including MUFAs (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). This ratio of fats in the avocado helps promote the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins and promotes a healthy blood lipid profile.

Avocados help you feel full.

This may be related to the high fiber amount. Half of an avocado contains 4.6g of fiber and 114 kcal.

What’s more, new research suggests that Avocado consumption also promotes a healthy gut! Yay!

gucamole in a stoneware bowl with a wooden pestle stuck in the dip.

More Recipes to Try

Peruvian Green Sauce Recipe: Inspired by Aji Verde

The Best Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe

Creamy Cilantro Lime Vegan Coleslaw Recipe

 

Guacamole with sun dried tomatoes in a stoneware bowl sitting on a cutting board

Jacob's Guacamole

Jacob's signature dish at any even is his guacamole. He adds an ingredient you might not expect, sundried tomatoes!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 173 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 potato masher or two sturdy forks
  • 1 rubber spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 5 ripe hass avocados
  • 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, small chop
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, small chop
  • 1/3 cup cilantro, small chop
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 jalapenos, small chop
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the avocados

  • Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency (some like it chunky, others prefer it smoother).

Add the aromatics

  • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and finely chopped jalapeño to the bowl with the mashed avocado.

Season

  • Squeeze the juice of one lime over the avocado mixture and add salt and pepper.

Mix well

  • Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Taste and Serve

  • Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

What do I mean by small chop?
 
The term 'chop" is a casual, imprecise term that simply means to roughly cut food into bite-sized pieces. So for a small chop smaller than a regular chop but larger than a mince. 

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 69mgPotassium: 605mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 239IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!