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.
10 Ways to Use Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles in Recipes
Thai Wheat Noodles from Trader Joe’s are fully cooked, ready-to-eat, and shelf-stable noodles perfect for quick and easy cooking!
Why You Need To Try Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles
They are excellent for when you don’t feel like making a mess in the kitchen but want to have something nourishing, healthy, and delicious.
Because these noodles are preserved at room temperature, they are excellent in anything from stir fries to soups to your favorite power bowl with crispy tofu!
Below are 10 easy ways to make Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles!
Noodle Stir Fries
Thai Peanut Noodle Stir Fry
Peanut Noodle stir-fries are an excellent way to enjoy these noodles. Pair them with your favorite store-bought peanut sauce and veggies!
Alternatively, make your delicious peanut sauce! It is super easy and you can make it with less than 5 ingredients!
I love to top my Thai Peanut Noodle stir fry with Baked Tofu or a chili crisp fried egg.
Pad Thai Inspired Recipe
A Thai takeout fave, Pad Thai! Make your variation of Pad Thai with these thicker wheat noodles. Traditionally, Pad Thai is made with rice noodles, stir-fried with eggs, tofu, fish sauce, garlic, sugar, lime, and crushed peanuts.
Make a Pad Thai-inspired dish right at home with veggies like bean sprouts, bell peppers, onions, and your favorite protein of choice. I like to make a quick pad Thai sauce with fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sriracha!
Make an egg free Pad Thai by using a silken tofu scramble to replace the scrambled eggs!
Thai Noodle Curries
Red or Green Curry
I love to make a Thai Curry full of vegetables and tofu. I’ll make the curry and often serve it with rice. You can easily swap out the rice and enjoy a delicious Red or Green Curry dish with Thai Wheat Noodles.
Massaman Curry
One of my favorite Thai curries is Massaman curry. It is spicy, salty, sour, and sweet! This creamy curry is made with coconut milk and infused with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin.
Massaman curry is excellent as a warm and cozy meal. While traditionally served with chicken, I love adding tofu or even lentils. Opt for Thai wheat noodles instead of rice for a twist on this Thai Curry dish!
Thai Wheat Noodle Soups
Chicken Noodle Soup
Thai Wheat Noodles make for a fun variation of chicken noodle soup.
Just take your favorite chicken noodle soup recipe and exchange the noodles for Thai wheat noodles.
Coconut Curry Noodle Soup
Change things up and make the chicken noodle soup a Thai-inspired Coconut Curry Noodle soup.
To make this, add lots of thinly sliced onion, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, red or green curry paste, coconut milk, and freshly squeezed lime!
Other Ideas for Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles
Noodle Power Bowl
Make a delicious and healthy power bowl by layering the Thai wheat noodles with lots of chopped spinach or other leafy green, chopped veggies, and your favorite salad dressing.
Change up your spring rolls recipe by swapping the vermicelli noodles with Thai wheat noodles! Prepare them just like you would Vietnamese spring rolls, also referred to as salad rolls. You can use Nuoc Cham sauce as a dipping sauce or I love to use Peanut Sauce.
Maybe my favorite way to use these noodles is in lettuce cups! Cheesecake Factory makes amazing Thai Lettuce Wraps, but they use egg noodles. Recreate them at home and use Thai wheat noodles instead! You can have dipping sauces like hoisin, chili oil, or peanut sauce. Just cut iceberg lettuce in half and chop up your favorite add-ins like peanuts, bean sprouts, green onions, red pepper, shredded carrots, shredded chicken or baked tofu, and, of course, Thai wheat noodles.
Have a blast mixing and matching ingredients to make individualized Spring Rolls and Thai Lettuce Wraps.
Like These Recipes? Check Out More Recipe Round Ups!
I love to make Habanero Peach Salsa Recipes in the summertime when peaches are in season and the produce is abundant!
The spicy-sweet blend of ingredients is so delicious spooned over tacos or served alongside tortilla chips.
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Ingredients for Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe
Below are the ingredients for this fruity salsa!
Peach: For the ultimate peachy flavor, I believe nothing beats locally sourced, fresh peaches, if available in your area. You could also use canned peaches in this recipe!
Peaches canned locally or store-bought are bothfine, but I like using fresh!
Keep the skin on, the colors are so beautiful!
Tomato – I used tomatoes I grew in my backyard. If you see yellow tomatoes at the farmers market those would look beautiful in this dish.
Minced Habanero – For a spicier salsa, use more, for a milder salsa use less.
I recommend starting with a small amount of minced habaneros and adding more from there based on your flavor preferences for the right amount of heat.
A little goes a long way with habaneros bold spicy flavor.
Fresh Cilantro – If you dislike cilantro, I recommend fresh Italian parsley.
Fresh Lime Juice – In a pinch, lemon juice or white vinegar could also work.
Onion – I love to use white onion in this dish but red, sweet, or yellow onions work well too
Optional Ingredients for Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe
Lime Zest – You already got those limes, this adds more lime flavor!
Mint – I used orange mint in this recipe!
Red Bell Pepper – for bright red contrasting colors!
How to Make Habanero Peach Salsa Recipe (3 ways!)
There are several ways in which you can make peach salsa. Here are a few ways you can go about this salsa creation.
Choose to do it the way I did and, roughly dice and/or mince the ingredients and add them to a food processor. I pulsed about 10 times and was careful not to over-pulse.
Another method is dicing or mincing all by hand. Choose your desired size and keep each ingredient small and uniform. I prefer this method for chunky salsa.
The third option is to use a salsa-making gadget! I’ve seen these sold online at various stores. Some are crank food processors while others are hand chopping gizmos.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are many reasons you will love this recipe. Some of these include:
Lots of Veggies
I love that this recipe involves so many different vegetables. It is fresh, nutritious, and delish!
In Season Produce
Indulge in this recipe when peach season hits its peak, and the local farmers’ market bursts with juicy peaches!
Summertime is the time when habanero peppers and sweet peaches are in season. Pick up some other yummy fresh flavors from your market, such as red onion, herbs (fresh cilantro!), and red bell peppers. These farm-fresh ingredients make the perfect combination for a farm-fresh salsa.
Versatility
Adjust the ingredients or level of heat easily! You can use less habanero or omit the spicy flavors of habanero and include jalapenos for a milder version of this homemade salsa recipe.
Turn this into a mango salsa by swapping the peaches for mangos or make a Peach Mango Habanero Salsa by doing half mango half peach!
How To Use This Recipe in Cooking
This salsa recipe has so many applications in all sorts of dishes! Some of my favorite ways to use this homemade salsa include:
Chips and salsa – a classic. Get super fancy and make homemade tortilla chips or use my favorite – Juanita’s Tortilla Chips.
Spooned over fish tacos
Served with some breakfast burritos.
A topper for big summer salads
Mixed into a grain bowl
Tips for Cooking with Hot peppers for Your Habanero Peach Salsa Recipes
Below are a few tips for cooking with hot peppers.
Handle with Care: I highly recommend using disposable gloves when handling habanero peppers. The oils on peppers can irritate your skin and eyes. So also, avoid touching your eyes.
Controlling and Adjusting Heat: For adjusting the heat in salsa, remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat. Additionally, start small and taste as you go.
Balance: Hot peppers can overwhelm other flavors in a dish. Balance the heat by adding acidic and sweet flavors.
Pulse 5 times, then using a rubber spatula scrape down the sides, and pulse again 5 times.
Serve with chips, tacos, fajitas, over a salad, the possibilities are endless!
Notes
This recipe is vegan and vegetarian as well as gluten, dairy, egg, and nut free!Tomatoes, I recommend if you are using small tomatoes to add about 2 cups worth.
Health and Easy 5 Ingredient Peach Cobbler Protein Shake
This shake recipe is inspired by Peach crisps, cobblers, and crumbles. I love fruit crisps, cobblers, and crumble but sometimes I just want a healthier version, you know? Oh, and high protein to keep me fuller for longer!
I especially love this healthy peach cobbler smoothie when it is peach season! Fresh fruit smoothies are THE BEST with seasonal produce.
Moreover, this shake is gluten-free, healthy, and can be made 100% plant-based. Whether you call this a peach smoothie or a protein peach cobbler shake, it is delicious, full of healthy fats and protein, and a great way to ensure a balanced diet.
Why You Will Love Making This Peach Cobbler Protein Smoothie
This peachy-inspired shake is decadent yet comforting and easy! It is a delicious summer dessert and loaded with nutrition!
Best of all, this simple recipe is super easy.
Just throw all the ingredients into a blender and you have a delicious and nutritious protein smoothie in minutes.
Ingredients In This Peach Smoothie Recipe
Fruit: Peaches & Bananas. Peaches are the star ingredient of this shake. I find that frozen fruit works best. But, no need to purchase frozen fruit from the grocery store, just freeze your own fresh peaches when they are in season!
Liquid: I prefer Soy Milk but you can use almond milk, cow’s milk, or any other milk you prefer or have on hand. If using dairy and you are looking for a lower fat “healthier option” you can use skim milk.
Nut Butter: Cashew Butter. It’s a 50/50 shot on whether I’ll use cashew or almond butter in a smoothie. It all depends on the flavors I am going for. For my Peach Cobbler Shake, I chose cashew butter because it’s nutty, buttery, and rich with creaminess. It’s no wonder vegan bakers use cashews in so many desserts!
Sweetener: Dates. The only “added sugar” in this smoothie comes in the form of Medjool Dates. A wonderful concentrated sugary fruit, I love using Medjool Dates in many smoothie creations.
Interested in learning more about dates? Check out my Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe recipe. In my Sharper Nutrition Fix, I discuss the nutritional benefits of dates!
Optional additional flavors: Vanilla Extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or more sweetener of choice such as dates or brown sugar.
Protein Supplement: I choose a whey protein powder for taste. Option to use a vegan protein powder.
For this recipe, I recommend vanilla protein unflavored protein powders. I often use creamy vanilla protein powder for extra flavor and its a healthy way to bump up the protein in your diet. This is especially delicious and hydrating as a post-workout shake.
My Favorite Protein Supplements
I have no affiliation with these protein supplement companies. I just love the taste and they are more tightly regulated compared to some other supplements on the market!
In a high speed blender, combine smoothie ingredients including the soy milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen peaches, nut butter, dates, and any other flavorings you choose like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Blend the ingredients until the peach is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Adjust taste and consistency
If the shake is too thick, you can add more soy milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Want a colder shake? You can also add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
For a sweeter shake, add more dates, date sugar, or other sweetener of choice.
Garnish This Protein Shake
Optionally, garnish with sliced peaches, shortbread cookies, graham cracker crumbles, a pinch of cinnamon, a sprinkle of cacao nibs, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Protein Shake Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting the sweetness level with additional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, if desired.
You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or cardamom for added flavor complexity.
FAQs (Ask a Dietitian!)
What can I put in my smoothie for protein?
Many ingredients work well to boost the protein content in your smoothie. Some of my favorites include protein powder, Greek yogurt, silken tofu, cottage cheese, nut butter, seeds, and milk or plant-based milk.
Do peaches (or any other frozen fruits) lose nutrients when frozen?
Not really, no. Actually, some research shows that frozen fruits and vegetables might have more nutrients when compared to fresh ones.
Benefits of freezing fruits like peaches include minimal nutrient loss, retention of antioxidants, preservation of fiber, convenience, and versatility, and they make for super thick and creamy smoothies!
Are nectarines peaches?
Yes, nectarines are essentially a type of peach, both belonging to the same species, Prunus persica.
Among the three types of peaches, Freestone, Clingstone, and semi-clingstone, there are thousands of different varietals. From Harko to Harbelle to Canadian Harmony Peaches, each peach has its own delicious texture, flavor, and appearance.
Nectarines are sweet, with juicy flesh, and lack the fuzz on the fruit surface.
optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla protein powder, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, additional sweetener of choice
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients listed above.
Blend
In a blender, combine the soy milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen peaches, nut butter, dates, and any other flavorings you choose like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Blend the ingredients until the peach is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Adjust taste and consistency
If the shake is too thick, you can add more soy milk to achieve your desired consistency.
For a colder shake, you can also add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
For a sweeter shake, add more dates, date sugar, or another sweetener of choice.
Garnish
Optionally, garnish with sliced peaches, shortbread cookies, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Additional protein add-ins include Greek yogurt, silken tofu, cottage cheese, or seeds!You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or cardamom for added flavor complexity.
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.
