Making Zucchini Flower Fritters aka squash blossoms, is a fun way to utilize pancake batter and transform it into something completely different, versatile, and veggie-packed!
I have squash blossoms/zucchini flowers coming out of my garden this year and they are producing buckets of beautiful flowers. So of course, I’ve been cooking with squash blossoms frequently!
This recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian.
Why You Will Love This Healthy Recipe
As a flexitarian, I love all of my veggie-focused recipes. This recipe is a fun way to use up zucchini flowers or squash blossoms. The first time I made these I wanted to create a recipe that was easier than making stuffed squash blossoms.
You will love getting creative with this recipe, adding squash blossoms or any other veggie you want to make into a gluten-free fritter.
You will also love that this is a simple and delicious recipe, made with whole foods, and excellent in late summer when zucchini flowers are abundant.
What Are Squash Blossoms?
Squash Blossoms or Zucchini Flowers are edible delicate blossoms produced by a squash or zucchini plant. They taste like mild squash, are slightly sweet, and do not taste perfume-like, similar to your typical edible flower.
These blossoms and flowers can be found at the farmer’s markets and in your garden! They are delicate and highly perishable and thus are typically not found in a grocery store. The refrigerator shelf life is 2-3 days if you are lucky.
If you are using zucchini flowers for items like stir-fry or these fritters, they can last a little longer because if it’s a little wilted, I don’t care. After all, I’m cooking them anyway!
Ingredients and Tips
Below, I list the ingredients and provide some tips for substitutions for this squash blossoms recipe.
Fresh Squash Blossoms – If you are growing squash plants in your vegetable garden chances are you have lots ofsquash female blossoms! If not, sometimes you can find these at your local farmer’s market, or you could make this recipe with a different veggie like spinach, zucchini, or even spaghetti squash.
Coconut Flour
Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Baking Powder, Sugar
Eggs
Soy Milk
Avocado oil
Option to include fresh herbs, freshly squeezed lemon juice, goat cheese, and olive oil drizzle for garnish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
In a large bowl, add and mix all the dry ingredients, except squash blossoms.
In a small bowl, add eggs, soy milk, and 4 tbsp avocado and mix to combine.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix, then fold in squash blossoms.
On a large skillet, melt the remaining 4 tsp of butter on medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter into the hot oil.
Cook for 3-5min then flip and cook for another 1-3min.
Once the fritter is golden brown on both sides remove from skillet and lay fritters on a paper towel. Serve with desired dipping sauce.
How To Use Squash Blossoms
Squash blossoms have a very mild flavor and taste excellent in a variety of dishes.
Below are some of my favorite ways to use these edible flowers – Squash Blossoms.
For those gardeners with zucchini plants wondering, "What can I do with all of these zucchini flowers?", I have the perfect, easy, and delicious recipe. My Zucchini Flower Fritter recipe takes an easy coconut flour pancake batter and transforms it into a yummy side dish or appetizer the whole family will enjoy.
I love to make Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains Blend for quick lunches and dinners. I enjoy making this recipe to include as an easy side with dinner or base for a grain bowl.
It is quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes making it ideal for busy weeknights.
In this article I will show you how to make the fluffiest Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend recipe!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this harvest grain blend because it makes an excellent side dish for a variety of meals such as roasted chicken or grilled shrimp. However, this recipe makes for a great base main dish such as grain bowls!
Maybe best of all, this recipe makes for great leftovers and meal prep for last-minute weeknight meals. The flavors meld in the refrigerator overnight and are excellent the next day.
I love to make a big batch and eat it throughout the week in my grain bowl creations.
My Greek Salad Inspired Grain Bowl Recipe
Ingredients and Tips for These Grains
In this recipe, I encourage you to use your favorite combination of flavors. Use your creative brain to find different flavor combinations you love.
Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend
If you do not have the Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend you can sub for orzo, red quinoa, Israeli couscous, rice, or a combination of grains.
If you would like the grains mix to have more flavor, cook in vegetable broth, chicken stock, or broth.
Olive Oil
I use Graza Olive oil for this recipe and a bit more drizzled overtop for flavor. I also enjoy using avocado oil or butter.
Vegetable Broth
I usually have a batch of homemade veggie broth in my freezer that I made from veggie scraps. However, use your favorite vegetable broth or vegetable broth bullion if you don’t have the time to make broth from scratch. You could also use chicken broth or chicken stock in this recipe.
Lots of Fresh Herbs
I love to add fresh herbs to this recipe. It depends on what I have on hand and what I am serving this dish with, but some fresh herbs I use include basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme, and oregano.
Other Add-ins To Include In Your Batch Of Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend
Try this with some freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh cracked black pepper, flakey sea salt, red pepper flakes, or even a little bit of your favorite cheese! (I am partial to goat cheese).
Step-By-Step Instructions
Rinse the Grains: Rinse the Harvest Grains Blend under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch and debris.
Boil the Liquid:In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth and olive oil to a boil.
Add Grains:Once the liquid is boiling, add the rinsed Harvest Grains Blend to the saucepan.
Simmer:Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the grains are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Fluff and Season: Once the grains are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat to cool slightly. Give the mixture a taste, then add your favorite seasonings and fluff grains with a fork.
If adding fresh herbs, pour grains into your serving bowl. Then let the grains mix cool before adding the herbs to the fluff the grains with a fork.
Rinse the Harvest Grains Blend under cold water in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess starch and debris.
Boil the Liquid
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth and olive oil to a boil.
Add Grains
Once the liquid is boiling, add the rinsed Harvest Grains Blend to the saucepan.
Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15minutes or until the grains are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Fluff and Season
Once the grains are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat to cool slightly. Give the mixture a taste, then add your favorite seasonings and fluff grains with a fork.
If adding fresh herbs, pour grains into your serving bowl. Then let the grains mix cool before adding the herbs to the fluff the grains with a fork.
Southwest Grain Bowls are a superb option for a healthy breakfast on the go.
I love how this bowl is so pleasantly zesty and fresh that I had to recreate it at home.
With tomato season emerging, this is a great recipe to have in the queue for when you are swimming in tomatoes. This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, versatile, and best of all easy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Healthy
This Southwest Quinoa Bowl is protein and fiber-packed.
With yummy veggies and fresh flavors, this recipe is nutritious and delicious.
To make this recipe even more fulling and satisfying, add more protein! I like to add a plant-based protein like Baked or Air Fryer Tofu.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is easy to throw together and can be ready for lunch or dinner in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for Leftovers
I love to make a big batch of this recipe.
It is superb for leftovers, tasting, perhaps, even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
Versatile
I love this recipe because it is so versatile!
You can choose to use black beans or pinto beans, brown rice or quinoa, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, or poblanos. In the vinaigrette, you can use olive oil or avocado oil.
Moreover, you could add a bit of our sour cream to the top of your bowl, or finish the southwest bowl with lots and lots of fresh cilantro or lime juice.
Lastly, you can further top this southwest quinoa bowl with store-bought rotisserie chicken, grilled southwest chicken thighs or breasts, slow-cooker pulled pork, or baked tofu.
Ingredients For Southwest Bowl & Notes
Quinoa
You can’t have a quinoa bowl without quinoa. However, if you wanted to take this recipe and use a different grain for a Southwest Grain Bowl, Farro, Sorghum, and even rice would pair well with the ingredients.
Black Beans and Corn
These two ingredients are quintessential when making a southwest-style bowl or salad.
Don’t have black beans? I would recommend pinto, kidney, or red beans.
Cherry Tomatoes
You don’t have to limit this recipe to tomato season, but I encourage you to make this at least once with local, farm-fresh, tomatoes. Tomatoes season can range from May through October.
Jalapeno’s can add a lot of heat, so to keep this recipe milder remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno before dicing it.
If you love fresh herbs like me, you can add more cilantro to the top of the dish as a garnish.
Ingredients for Southwest Vinaigrette and Tips
This vinaigrette can be used with this recipe but it also works well in a different meal. It’s simple, easy, and ready in under 5 minutes.
Olive oil
I prefer to use olive oil in this vinaigrette but avocado oil works well too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
I like the slight sweetness of apple cider vinegar but white vinegar works as well.
Lime
I use lime zest and fresh lime juice.
Seasonings
Similar to taco seasoning, I use dried oregano, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For a bit more kick, the option to include red pepper flakes.
Interested in learning more about this dressing and marinade? I have a whole article dedicated to it called Southwest Chicken Marinade.
How to Make this Southwest Quinoa Bowl
Bowl Prep
Cook quinoa per package instructions. Add all the bowl ingredients to a large bowl and set aside.
Southwest Vinaigrette
In a jar, add all vinaigrette ingredients. Place the lid on the jar, and shake until combined.
Finish Off the Quinoa Bowl
Drizzle the southwest vinaigrette over the bowl ingredients. Using a rubber spatula mix the ingredients until combined.
Taste the recipe and add salt, pepper, herbs, and additional lime juice as needed per the cook’s preference.
Southwest-Quinoa-Bowl-and-vinaigrette
Great Pairings
This recipe is magical when paired with many varieties of foods.
Depending on your mood or how you are eating this Quinoa Bowl, you can eat it alone as a hearty and healthy snack.
Alternatively, you can pair this recipe with some cooked protein and veggies.
The last time I served this Southwest Quinoa Bowl, I made a big ole batch of it. We saved about half of the recipe to take for lunches during the week, and the other half we served alongside
This is a healthy Southwest Quinoa Bowl with a zesty and citrusy vinaigrette. This grain bowl is made with quinoa, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and other fresh flavors.
This Southwest Chicken Bowl is made with quinoa and is a wonderful addition to a Flexitarian diet. You could keep your meal vegan by omitting the chicken from your Southwest Bowls. You might even add a bit of southwest marinated tofu or tempeh.
Southwest Bowls have a zesty lime vinaigrette drizzled over quinoa, brown rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and other fresh flavors. With tomato season emerging, this is a great recipe to have in the queue.
Why You Need To Make Southwest Chicken Bowls
This recipe is great for the whole family. It is healthy with tons of fresh veggies, an easy meal with simple ingredients, and is an absolute delicious recipe. I like to whip this up on busy weeknights. I meal prep some of the ingredients in advance like the quinoa and chicken and have this as a great option for busy nights.
In this article, I review why I love this Southwest Chicken Bowl, the ingredients, how to make this recipe, how to pair Southwest Bowls, and some fun facts about tomatoes, one of the key ingredients in this recipe.
Southwest Chicken Bowl Ingredients
Southwest Grilled Chicken
Skinless Chicken Breasts – I use skinless and boneless chicken breasts but you could also use chicken thighs, bone in thighs, or bone in breasts.
Southwest Chicken Marinade
Quinoa Salad
Quinoa & Rice – use white rice or any other rice
Black Beans
Corn
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Onion
Fresh Cilantro and Lime Wedges
Jalapeno or Poblano Peppers & Bell Peppers
Southwest Vinaigrette – made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice and zest, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Option to include cayenne pepper for a little heat!
Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a casserole pan (with a lid). Add chicken and massage the marinade into the chicken.
If using a bag, seal it tightly, pressing out any excess air.
Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or overnight. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken.
Occasionally turn or massage the chicken in the marinade to ensure all sides are evenly coated. This helps enhance the flavor distribution.
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade, as it may contain bacteria from the raw chicken.
If Grilling the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side.
Avoid flipping the chicken frequently as it can cause it to dry out. Flip the chicken only once, halfway through the cooking time.
To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
If Baking the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Make sure they are not crowded together.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become tender.
For the Southwest Chicken Bowl
Add all the Southwest Quinoa Salad ingredients (quinoa, tomatoes, etc) in a bowl and set aside.
Now make your vinaigrette. Add all the Southwest Vinaigrette ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined. Taste the vinaigrette and add seasonings per taste preference.
Toss the quinoa salad with the vinaigrette. Finish the meal by spooning the desired amount of salad into a bowl and top with chicken.
Option to top with optional toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or lime juice. Enjoy!
Variations of This Southwest Chicken Bowl
This recipe could be adapted for various cravings and tastes with just a few swaps.
Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or a plant-based protein
Change up your veggies depending on what is in season or what you have on hand.
Switch up the marinade and dressing. You can make this exact recipe with just a switch of the dressing. Go for something creamy like a creamy Cilantro Cashew Sauce or a smokey chipotle-style vinaigrette!
Southwest Chicken Bowl Storage and Leftovers
This recipe lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap to maintain its quality and prevent contamination.
This recipe is excellent for meal prepping! This recipe has 6 servings, and it’s just Jacob and I eating! Depending on how much we are running (marathon training burns a lot of calories) this is enough leftovers for 3 or 4 meals.
It is also great to take for lunch because it is excellent right out of the fridge or lunch box.
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)
Is Chicken and Rice healthy for weight loss?
Chicken and rice can be a healthy option for weight loss. If prepared in a nutritious way, chicken and rice can be eaten as part of a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fiber lean proteins, and healthy fats.
This recipe incorporates chicken and quinoa. These are also excellent choices for a healthy meal with lean protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.
Are rice and beans good for dieting?
Rice and Beans can be a healthy option for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (i’m not the biggest fan of the term “dieting”). These basic ingredients have a combination of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates helps to keep you feeling full and provides essential nutrients to the body. Best of all, rice and beans are found at your local grocery store! For a punch of flavor spoon your favorite salsa over a can of pinto beans and leftover rice and you have a healthy meal for the entire family with little cook time. Add more protein with some cooked and seasoned ground chicken or some Southwest Marinated Grilled Chicken!
In regards to both of these frequently asked questions, it is always a good idea to consult 1:1 with a healthcare professional, like a registered dietitian. This is the best way to obtain personalized advice that is tailored to your specific nutritional needs and health goals.
More Simple Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this recipe for dinner and/or leftovers, you will love the other recipes!
This Southwest Bowl with Marinated Chicken is nutritious and has zesty bold flavors. Enjoy the marinated chicken along side a healthy quinoa salad full of flavor and vegetables.
1 baking sheet or baking dish (if baking the chicken)
1 Tongs
1 Large Mixing Bowl
1 Small Mixing Bowl
1 rubber spatula
1 Whisk
Ingredients
Southwest Marinated Chicken (Grilled or Baked)
2lbsskinless boneless chicken breastssee note
1/3cupavocado oil
1/3cupapple cider vinegar
2tsplime zest1 lime
2tbsplime juice1 lime
2tspchili powder
2tsptomato powderor tomato paste
2tspgarlic powder
2tsp dried oregano
1tspcumin
1tspred pepper flakes
Southwest Quinoa Salad
3cupcooked quinoa
1½cupsblack beans, rinsedapprox. 1 can of beans
1cupcorn
1½cupsquartered cherry tomatoes
½cupchopped red onion
½cupchopped cilantro
1minced jalapenooptional
Southwest Vinaigrette
¼cupolive oil
¼cupapple cider vinegar
1tbsplime juice
1tsplime zest
1tspdried oregano
1tspchili powder
1tspcumin
1tspgarlic powder
¼tspkosher salt
⅛tspblack pepper
Instructions
Marinated Chicken
Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a casserole pan (with lid). Add chicken and massage the marinade into the chicken. If using a bag, seal it tightly, pressing out any excess air.
Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but preferably for several hours or overnight. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors will penetrate the chicken.Occasionally turn or massage the chicken in the marinade to ensure all sides are evenly coated. This helps enhance the flavor distribution.
When you're ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade, as it may contain bacteria from the raw chicken.
If Grilling the Chicken (Directions)
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side.
Avoid flipping the chicken frequently as it can cause it to dry out. Flip the chicken only once, halfway through the cooking time.
To ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
If Baking the Chicken (Directions)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Make sure they are not crowded together.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become tender.
Quinoa Salad
Add all the Southwest Quinoa Salad ingredients (quinoa, tomatoes, etc) in a bowl and set aside.
Now make your vinaigrette. Add all the Southwest Vinaigrette ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined. Taste the vinaigrette and add seasonings per taste preference.
Toss the quinoa salad with the vinaigrette. Finish the meal by spooning the desired amount of salad into a bowl and top with chicken.
Option to top with optional toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or lime juice. Enjoy!
Notes
Chicken: I prefer to purchase air-chilled, organic pasture raised chicken. Remember to always follow proper food safety guidelines when handling and cooking chicken to avoid any risk of foodborne illnesses.Cook time is calculated for the baked chicken variation of this recipe.
This Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles recipe is nutritious, delicious, and ready in under 30 minutes! The perfect weeknight meal for when you don’t feel like making a mess in the kitchen.
What are Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles?
Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles are fully cooked, ready-to-eat, and shelf-stable wheat noodles. One package contains three ready-to-use noodle packages located in the Trader Joe’s grocery aisle near ramen and other noodles.
Per Trader Joe’s website, they are made from scratch by a supplier in Thailand. These noodles are soft, chewy, and delicious.
Because they are preserved at room temperature, they are excellent in anything from soups to curries to stir-fries.
Ingredients in this Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles Recipe
This recipe comes together in a flash! The stir fry only requires 5 ingredients not including the sauce.
Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles:
You could sub for another noodle of choice such as udon, soba, rice noodles, or even linguini.
Vegetables:
Feel free to customize this selection of veggies to suit your preferences or whatever you have available!
Red Bell Peppers
Onions
Green Onions
Cilantro
Easy Peanut Sauce:
This peanut sauce recipe comes together effortlessly and quickly.
Peanut Butter
Hoisin
Soy Sauce
Rice Vinegar – (lime juice would be excellent as well)
Ginger
Garlic
Step – By – Step Instructions
Delicious Peanut Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic until smooth.
Gradually add water, 1 tbsp at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.
Prepare the Noodles
Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add minced onions and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add sliced red bell pepper to the skillet.
Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Combine Everything
Add cooked noodles to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.
Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
Toss everything together until well coated and heated through about 2-3 minutes.
Serve
Transfer the stir-fried noodles and vegetables to serving plates.
Garnish with lime wedges, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy your stir-fried Thai Wheat Noodles with Peanut Sauce!
Other Flavor Variations for this Peanut Noodles Recipe
Change up the Noodles
You can use fresh noodles, egg noodles, ramen noodles, rice noodles, Banza Protein+ spaghetti.
Make It Spicy Noodles
Add in any of the following, Sambal Olek, Sriracha, chili oil, red pepper, or Chili Crisp for a spicy sauce.
Make It Sesame Noodles
For more sesame flavor, omit the peanut butter and use tahini, drizzle toasted sesame oil to finish this dish.
Change up the Veggies
Use your favorite combination of vegetables, or use what you have on hand.
More Ways To Use Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles
The best part about Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles is their versatility in recipes. You can use them in soup, stir fry, or curry!
You could even make a variation of pad Thai using these noodles. Rather than rice noodles, use these wheat noodles. Then add a chili-fried egg over top for a delicious pad Thai-inspired recipe!
These Thai Wheat Noodles are Dietitian Approved! I love them for a variety of reasons. Check out my article all about the benefits of these noodles.
FAQ (Ask A Dietitian)
How do you cook wheat noodles?
These noodles are already fully cooked, shelf-stable, and ready to eat! Depending on the dish, you might prepare these noodles slightly differently. Check out my article 10 Easy Trader Joe’s What Wheat Noodles Recipes for more info on how to make these noodles in 10 different dishes!
Are wheat noodles healthy for you?
Cooking wheat noodles in a dish with lean protein, vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats, is healthy for you!
This Peanut Noodle recipe includes all of these things!
How long do these leftovers last in the refrigerator?
These noodle leftovers will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Spring and summer offer the perfect opportunity to savor the refreshing flavors of this Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with a tangy Balsamic Dressing.
This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a terrific weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic. Moreover, this is a quick recipe that requires no cooking and has minimal clean-up.
My Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe has protein, good fats, calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy eating and meat-free option for all eaters, even those not following a vegetarian diet.
The Star Ingredients for This Tomato and Herb Salad
Not only is my Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I often have inspiration from a recipe like this and change the ingredients based on what I have in my refrigerator, pantry, and garden!
Tomatoes: Fresh, local juicy tomatoes are excellent in this recipe.
It goes well with large slices of tomatoes, but you can use smaller, bite-sized tomato halves such as cherry tomatoes.
Arugula: Peppery arugula is delicious in this cottage cheese salad recipe. Any left arugula can be used in a future arugula salad!
Cottage Cheese: I prefer full-fat cottage cheese for this recipe. However, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe, too. You could substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella cheese. One of my favorite collage cheese brands is Good Culture but use your favorite!
The Other Ingredients in This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad
Green onion: Green onion is so delicate and “oniony”, it’s perfect raw in a salad! Another fantastic addition to this salad could be pickled red onions!
Fresh Herbs: Basil is a fantastic herb to serve alongside tomatoes. Moreover, basil grows well alongside tomatoes in the garden.
Fresh or dried oregano, fresh flat-leaf parsley, marjoram, mint, and cilantro would go nicely alongside the tomatoes and onion.
Salt & Pepper: I use flakey sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
Optional ingredients: Option to use pine nuts, parmesan cheese, thinly sliced bell peppers, chicken breast, or sunflower seeds.
Salad Dressing
Basil Balsamic Dressing: Check out my recipe and article about this Basil Balsamic Dressing!
Step – By – Step Instructions
You can finish this recipe with lots of fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make The Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and kosher salt.
Assemble The Salad
Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, adjusting thickness to personal preference, and arrange them around the plate. Sprinkle tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Layer arugula over the tomatoes and place cottage cheese in the center of the platter. Scatter green onions and fresh herbs over the top.
Dress The Salad and Serve
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
Serving Companions for Tomato and Herb Salad
Eat this recipe as a meal or side dish.
This salad is excellent alone or with crackers, pita, or pita chips. It also pairs well as a side, with a cup of soup, sandwich, or grilled meat or fish.
In addition, this creamy Arugula and Cottage Cheese Salad would also make a wonderful dish at a cookout or summer picnic with family and friends! Perhaps even pair this salad with some Squash Blossom Fritters!
This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a wonderful and quick weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic.
