Learn all about how to make Copycat Panera Green Smoothie recipe at home!
Why leave the house when you can make Panera Bread Green Juice Smoothie right in the comfort of your own home!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
There are many reasons why you will love to make this recipe.
Saves Money: Making your own smoothie’s are more economical and you can tweak the ingredients to make it a smoothie with more whole fruits and less added sugars.
Healthy: Not only is this smoothie a delicious breakfast but it’s a great way to bump up your fruit and veggie intake.
Simple & Easy: But most important of all, you can create a delicious smoothie with only a handful of ingredients and you don’t need to add things like cottage cheese, beets, or wheat grass to make the drink “healthy”.
Make your smoothies healthy and delicious without adding too many ingredients! Many people feel the need to include like 10 vegetables to amp up the nutrition. In my opinion, you’ll end up with chunky, salad-tasting soup. In the case of these flavorful drinks, less is more. And you can always eat some cottage cheese with pickled beets and fresh cracked pepper as a snack later! It doesn’t need to be added to this smoothie.
Tools
High-powered blender – I use a Vitamix
Ingredients
Greens – Use spinach, baby spinach, or kale. You could include your favorite greens powder to this step or swap the greens for greens powder.
Mango – I prefer to use frozen mango however mango puree or ripe mango could work too.
Peaches – I prefer frozen
Passion Fruit Juice Cocktail – For tips on how to find passion fruit juice check out my FAQ section, for this ingredient might not be readily available at your local grocery store. This ingredient adds tropical vibes.
Water
Optional: Banana, Coconut Water, White Grape Juice, Honey or Maple syrup, Protein Powder or Collagen!
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients:
Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly.
Ensure your frozen mango and peach slices are ready to use. You can use fresh fruit if you prefer, but frozen fruit helps create a thicker, colder smoothie.
Add Ingredients to Blender
Place the fresh spinach leaves, frozen mango and peach chunks, passion fruit juice, and (or water) to the blender. For a sweeter smoothie option to swap out the water for white grape juice.
Optional Additions:
If you’d like a creamier texture, add half a banana.
For a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon of honey.
For added protein add unflavored plant-based or whey protein powder. I prefer to include a scoop of collagen powder.
Blend the Ingredients:
Start blending at a low speed to break down the spinach and frozen fruits.
Gradually increase the speed to high and blend until the smoothie is smooth and well-mixed.
If the smoothie is too thick, add a bit more juice or water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Enjoy:
A very important step, taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or consistency if needed. Add more juice, sweetener, or ice as desired. Serve in your favorite smoothie glass and enjoy!
Smoothie Making Tips
Below are some of my favorite smoothie making tips.
Add protein! For a more filling smoothie add protein. Some of my favorite add ins include Greek Yogurt, protein powder, and nut butter.
Got Leftovers? Make Smoothie Pops! Another refreshing take on this recipe is to make a smoothie pop! Not only is this recipe a nutritious smoothie and refreshing beverage, but it is also a nutritious Popsicle.
Taste and Adjust. After blending taste your smoothie. Adjust for sweetness and consistency.
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FAQ – Ask a Dietitian!
Where can I buy Passion fruit Juice?
Below are a few passion fruit juice options.
Ceres – 100% Passion Fruit Juice from concentrate – You can purchase Ceres Passion Fruit Juice on Amazon or Shaws, EarthFare, World Market, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Publics, MOM’s Organic Market, Hannaford, Big Y, and Morton Williams The Fresh Marketplace. I purchased some from Amazon. Mine came to me a little beat up but still intact!
Welch’s Passion Fruit Cocktail – This product might be more widely available I found it at Safeway.
Evolution – Tropical Passion Juice (apple, orange, pineapple, carrot, mango, passion fruit, lime). This was also available at my local safeway.
Are Green Smoothies Healthy?
Any food can be a part of a balanced and nutritious diet. That being said, if you eat pepperoni pizza, french fries, and chocolate cake after starting the day with a green smoothie, you are likely consuming too many calories from saturated fat and added sugars.
I enjoy starting my day with a green juice smoothie and I might even include a bit of collagen powder to bump up the protein. Continuing the day with veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins will ensure my day is healthy and balanced. That doesn’t mean I might not indulge in a slice of chocolate cake for my friend’s birthday later that day.
Green Smoothies can balanced diet depending on the other foods consumed during that day and week just like how that slice of chocolate cake can also be apart of a balanced diet. It’s about finding harmony in the healthy foods you eat as well as the decidant treats!
What are some other smoothie ingredients that would taste good in a green smoothie?
Below is a list of some ingredients that would taste good in a green smoothie.
Chia Seeds or Flax seed powder – adds fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
Protein Powder or Collagen – adds protein
Nut or Seed butters – adds flavor, protein and healthy fats
Skim Milk – 8g of protein per 1 cup
Almond Milk – for a lower calorie smoothie, however low calorie also means low protein
Green Veggies – like cucumber, celery, or romaine lettuce
Just this morning I made a variation of this smoothie which included 5oz coconut water 3oz passion fruit juice cocktail, 1/2 cup peaches, 1/2 cup mango, a greens powder, and a scoop of Earth Fed Muscle Collagen!
More Delicious Green Smoothie Recipe Combinations
If you love cold beverages in the heat of summer like I do, you will love these flavor combos for more green smoothies!
Cucumber, spinach, pineapple, apple or pineapple juice, ginger, lemon
Spinach, coconut water, banana, pineapple
Greens Powder, water, lemon, ginger, mango or pineapple
What other ingredients do you think taste good in a green smoothie?!
This Copycat Panera Green Smoothie Recipe has passion fruit juice, peaches, mango, and greens! It is refreshing and full of protein and micronutrients, you will love adding this smoothie to your daily routine.
Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly.Ensure your frozen mango and peach slices are ready to use. You can use fresh fruit if you prefer, but frozen fruit helps create a thicker, colder smoothie.
Add Ingredients to Blender
Place the fresh spinach leaves, frozen mango and peach chunks, passion fruit juice, and (or water) to the blender. For a sweeter smoothie option to swap out the water for white grape juice.
Optional Additions
If you'd like a creamier texture, add half a banana.For a sweeter taste, add a tablespoon of honey.For added protein add unflavored plant-based or whey protein powder. I prefer to include a scoop of collagen powder.
Blend the Ingredients:
Start blending at a low speed to break down the spinach and frozen fruits. Gradually increase the speed to high and blend until the smoothie is smooth and well-mixed.If the smoothie is too thick, add a bit more juice or water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Enjoy:
A very important step, taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or consistency if needed. Add more juice, sweetener, or ice as desired. Serve in your favorite smoothie glass and enjoy!
When summer calls for light and effortless meals, this simple salad is your go-to: ripe local tomatoes, fresh aromatic basil, sweet and creamy burrata cheese, all topped with peppery, locally grown microgreens.
Consider topping the dish with some balsamic pickled red onion. Additionally, you can swap out the burrata for ricotta, andavocado, or go for the classic caprese salad with mozzarella.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This vibrant, fresh, and flavorful recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use different tomato varieties such as sliced Beefsteak, Brandywine, or halved cherry tomatoes.
You can enjoy this Burrata Caprese as an appetizer or a light, summery meal, paired with cooked quinoa, pasta, or fresh crusty bread.
Ingredients
For this recipe, all you need are 5 simple ingredients!
Burrata Cheese: A simple twist on the traditional caprese salad is a ball of burrata. You can find this cheese at many grocery stores.
Fresh Tomatoes: I’m using cherry tomatoes in this recipe but during tomato season use whatever ripe tomatoes you like. Some other fresh summer tomatoes you could use include thick slices of juicy heirloom tomatoes, quartered grape tomatoes, or even Roma tomatoes.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh and fragrant basil ensures lots of flavor.
Good Olive Oil: I use a quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil such as Graza.
Kosher Salt
Optional Ingredients: Microgreens, pickled onions, a sweet balsamic glaze, and black pepper.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare Burrata: Place the burrata cheese on a serving platter.
Prepare Tomatoes: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the burrata on the platter.
Add Fresh Basil: Sprinkle the julienned basil leaves over the burrata and tomatoes.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the burrata, tomatoes, and basil. The high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors of the dish.
Season with Salt: Sprinkle salt over the burrata and tomatoes to taste.
Serve: Serve the Burrata Caprese immediately. This dish is best enjoyed when the burrata is fresh and creamy. Use a knife to cut into the burrata, allowing the creamy center to ooze out and mingle with the tomatoes, basil, and other flavors on the plate.
FAQ (Ask A Dietitian!)
What is Burrata
Burrata is an Italian cheese known for its rich and creamy texture. It is made of cow’s milk, however it can also be made with Buffalo milk.
Burrata has a milky, buttery taste with a hint of sweetness and a soft, luxurious, and creamy texture.
It is excellent in salads, served with some crust bread, spooned alongside grilled veggies, or even a topping for pasta and pizza!
Why is it called Caprese
The Caprese Salad is named after the island of Capri a region in Italy. The traditional ingredients include tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and salt. These ingredients are readily available in that region.
The fresh, high-quality ingredients are a big component of Italian Cuisine the minimal preparation allows the ingredients to shine.
More Recipe Ideas
You can get creative with a classic caprese salad. Let your taste buds guide you for it is a matter of personal preference how you enjoy your caprese salad.
Besides the juicy tomatoes, you can include fresh peaches or salad greens. Below are some ways I like to enjoy this salad.
An appetizer for a dinner party.
A simple recipe for a light lunch.
The perfect summer salad with dinner paired with some grilled chicken or fish and some crusty bread or roasted potatoes.
More Tips
Below are some tips when considering this salad this summer!
Think Local Fresh Tomatoes: This recipe shines when tomatoes are as fresh as possible. I especially love this recipe when I’m swimming in my homegrown garden tomatoes.
Season Well: This recipe is excellent when you season the tomatoes with either flaky sea salt or kosher salt to taste. I also enjoy a bit of cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors in the ingredients.
Serve Immediately: I am all for that easy recipe that can be made in advance for even easier dinner preparations, however, this recipe is best served right after it is made.
Enjoy The Beautiful Colors: This is a beautiful salad to make with all its layers, colors, textures, and shapes, this salad is truly a work of art. Feel free to snap a picture and appreciate its beauty before diving in!
3tbspextra virgin olive oil (adjust amount per preference)
½tspkosher salt
Optional: Top with cracked black pepper, balsamic pickled onions, or microgreens
Instructions
Prepare Burrata
Place the burrata cheese on a serving platter.
Prepare Tomatoes
Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the burrata on the platter.
Add Fresh Basil
Sprinkle the julienned basil leaves over the burrata and tomatoes.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the burrata, tomatoes, and basil. The high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors of the dish.
Season with Salt
Sprinkle salt over the burrata and tomatoes to taste.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve the Burrata Caprese immediately. This dish is best enjoyed when the burrata is fresh and creamy. Use a knife to cut into the burrata, allowing the creamy center to ooze out and mingle with the tomatoes, basil, and other flavors on the plate.
Autumn and Wintertime: Perfect for Quick Acorn Squash Recipes
This Quick Acorn Squash Recipe with Cranberries and Quinoa is the perfect easy side dish for your next Holiday meal and it is one of my favorite quick acorn squash recipes. It’s simple with a complex flavor, savory yet sweet, and deliciously healthy.
Adding veggies to a Thanksgiving plate is my favorite way to bump up my nutrition around the holidays. Packed with color, flavor, and warm nutrition, this autumn and winter side dish will be among the dishes for which you want seconds.
So, whether you are enjoying this quick Acorn Squash recipe for the holidays or as a compliment to a weeknight meal (perhaps with some crispy baked tofu or chicken), this roasted salad is everything you need to fill your belly and bring a smile to your face.
Tools Needed For This Recipe
Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Baking Sheet
Medium saucepan
Sautee or saucepan
For Serving
Large Serving Bowl
Large Spoon or tongs
The Ingredients For This Easy and Quick Acorn Squash Recipe
Acorn Squash: For this recipe, take one whole acorn squash remove the seeds, and slice it up into squash halves. I love the colors the squash brings to this dish. There is no need to peel your acorn squash, I love to keep the dark green skin on! Don’t have acorn squash? You can play around with different other squash varieties such as butternut squash, delicata squash, or even spaghetti squash.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts: This recipe calls for about 1 lb of Brussels sprouts, equal to 4 to 5 cups or 15 whole Brussels sprouts. I like the Brussels sprouts roasted in the oven with the acorn squash; however, you can also eat your Brussels sprouts raw and shaved.
Dried Cranberries: You can use as much or as little dried cranberries as you please. This is true for all the ingredients but especially for the dried cranberries. I used ⅓ cup of sweetened dried cranberries. I enjoy not only the sweet and tart chewy notes but also the deep red color.
Quinoa: I like to use red quinoa in this recipe or I’ll make quinoa crisps if I’m feeling extra!
The quinoa crisps topping is like nothing you’ve ever tasted over a salad. I love the nutty crunch they bring to the salad and the nutritional benefits! Learn how to make it in this video by Simply Quinoa.
Agrodolce: Agrodolce is a great way to add lots of flavor to a warm autumn or winter salad. It is a sticky, tart-sweet condiment often served with veggies. The red onion, honey, and herbs add complexity to this agrodolce. If you do not have honey, a little brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup are good substitutes.
I chose Agrodolce as my dressing for this quick acorn squash recipe because it is full of flavor, sweetness, and tang. It pairs well as a sauce for many dishes this time of year. For more garlicky flavor, add a couple gloves of garlic, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder.
Bon Appetit has a lovely Winter Squash Agrodolce recipe from their November 2015 Issue if you want to see how to use agrodolce in other recipes.
Optional – Cheese: Optional to include a bit of parmasean cheese, feta, or goat cheese in this recipe.
Step-By-Step Instructions For This Quick Acorn Squash Recipe
Note that you can make the quinoa and the Agrodolce in advance.
Before you build the salad, there are three steps to follow. First, roast veggies, then prepare the quinoa and while that cooks whip up the agrodolce.
Roasted Veggies
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Place thick slices of squash and shaved Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and rub it in using your hands.
Sprinkle salt and black pepper overtop.
Roast for 30 to 40 min in the oven, turning vegetables halfway through roasting.
While roasting the veggies make the agrodolce and cook the quinoa.
Cook Quinoa
I like to use plain ole’ cooked quinoa cooked with a little butter or olive oil. However, you can make this with Quinoa crisps! Check out this video by Simply Quinoa for a deep dive into how to make it.
While the squash is roasting, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth and 1 tbsp olive oil to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Agrodolce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the red wine vinegar and honey (or maple syrup).
Add the avocado oil, rosemary, thyme, and red onion to the pan and saute for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Add red pepper flakes, and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Turn the heat off, and add salt and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad
Add roasted squash slices and Brussels to a large bowl. Add cooked quinoa and cranberries.
Drizzle half of the agrodolce over the salad. Reserve the remaining agrodolce for those who like more dressing drizzled over their salads, or continue adding tbsp by tbsp until you reach your desired amount.
Serve warm with a large spoon or serving tongs.
FAQ – Acorn Squash
How to Store This Quick Acorn Squash Recipe
Store this recipe in an airtight container or even a covered container with plastic wrap or foil will do, in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Where to Find Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash is among many of the fall favorites located in most grocery stores or at the farmers market.
How to Choose An Acorn Squash
Look for a squash that is mostly a deep green color, too much orange can indicate the squash is too ripe.
Look for skin that is firm, dull, and smooth, and its a bit heavy for it size indicating it is full of moisture and not dried out.
You also want the stem to be dried indicating it has been picked at the correct time.
How to Serve this Quick Acorn Squash Recipe
There are many different ways to serve this recipe this holiday season, here are a few!
A light main course topped with pork chops or tofu.
A nutritious side dish accompanied by sweet potatoes and roasted chicken.
In a grain bowl add in with whole grains such as farro, wild rice, or more cooked quinoa.
Enjoy This Quick Acorn Squash Recipe? Check Out These Salad Recipes!
1lbsbrussel sprouts, shavedabout 4 to 5 cups - see recipe note
1acorn squash, seeds removed and slicedabout 3 cups - see recipe note
¼cupolive oilor avocado or algae oil
½tspkosher salt
¼tspblack pepper
⅓cupdried cranberries
Agrodolce - see recipe note
¼cupapple cider vinegar
2tbsphoney
2tbspolive oil
1red onion
1sprigrosemary
2sprigsthyme
1tspred chili flakes optional
¼tspkosher salt
⅛tsp black pepper
Instructions
Roasted Vegetables
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place thick slices of squash and shaved Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and rub it in using your hands.
Drizzle the avocado oil over vegetables and rub it in using your hands. Sprinkle salt and pepper over top.
Sprinkle salt and black pepper overtop.
Roast for 30 to 40 min in the oven, turning vegetables halfway through roasting.
While roasting the veggies make the agrodolce and cook the quinoa.
Cook Quinoa
While the squash is roasting, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth and 1 tbsp olive oil to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Agrodolce with Red Onion
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the red wine vinegar and honey (or maple syrup).
Add the avocado oil, rosemary, thyme, and red onion to the pan and saute for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Add red pepper flakes, and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Turn the heat off, and add salt and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad
Add roasted squash slices and Brussels to a large bowl. Add cooked quinoa and cranberries.
Drizzle half of the agrodolce over the salad. Reserve the remaining agrodolce for those who like more dressing drizzled over their salads, or continue adding tbsp by tbsp until you reach your desired amount.
Serve warm with a large spoon or serving tongs.
Notes
Here is a video on how to shave brussel sprouts using a knife, start video at 0:55. Also to note, 1lbs of brussel sprouts is equal to about 5 cups or 15 whole brussel sprouts. Here is a video on how to slice acorn squash. Here is an article by Food52 on how to make Quinoa Crisps if you don't have quinoa crisps option to use something else crispy and crunchy like nuts, seeds, or croutons. For the Agrodolce, you can use 100% of it tossed over your salad. However, to start, use about half then add per your tasting preferences!
This wing recipe is perfect for game day, family gathering, or your next weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Before I discovered the magic of air fryer chicken wings, I thought I could only get good wings at a restaurant, deep fried, slathered in sauce! During football season, these AIR FRYER wings are an easier and less expensive alternative to ordering out!
As a Maryland girl, Old Bay seasoning has a special place in my heart, reminiscent of crab feasts, the salty Atlantic beach air, and warm summers. This easy chicken wing recipe is perfectly paired with a honey Old Bay sauce, bringing a taste of Maryland to your table.
This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.
Originally, I made this recipe with a honey Old Bay sauce made with honey, old bay, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.
I would first cook the wings, then coat them in the sauce. However, I’ve since changed my favorite Honey Old Bay Wings recipe because I prefer this as a dry rub recipe!
For the new method, you rub your seasonings on the wings before cooking. Then, once they are cooked, you finish the wings off with a drizzle of your favorite honey.
Chicken Wings
Avocado Oil
Old Bay
Salt and Black Pepper
Honey
Step By Step How To Make Honey Old Bay Wings Recipe
Prep the Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, add avocado oil, old bay, salt, and pepper and rub it into the chicken until evenly coated.
Cook the Wings in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
Place wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the wings at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy, golden brown, and cooked through.
Drizzle Honey Over Wings:
Once the wings are done, transfer them your serving platter and drizzle the honey over the wings.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these party wings with carrot or celery sticks, ranch, or blue cheese, and enjoy!
Serving Size and Time for This Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Estimated Total Time:
Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 to 20 minutes
Glaze Preparation: 5 minutes (to be completed during the cook time)
Total Time: 23 to 30 minutes
My Favorite Sauces to Make From Scratch for Air-Fryer Wings
As convenient as store-bought sauces can be, it’s surprisingly easy (and fun) to make your sauces from scratch! Additionally, you can go beyond the classic buffalo and BBQ sauces.
Try out some of my favorite sauces with incredible flavors.
You preheat an oven, same goes for the air fryer. 400°F for about 5 minutes should do the trick!
Tip #2: Arrange Wings in a SINGLE Layer.
For extra crispy air fryer wings, the wings need space to ensure even cooking. Overcrowing the basket can lead to unevenly cooked wings.
This means, if you are making a large amount of wings, you will need to cooking them in batches.
Tip #3: For extra crispy wings, serve sauce on the side.
This might be my personal preference, but eversince I started ordering my wings with sauce on the side, I’ve never gone back!
They stay super crispy and I can add as much sauce as I would like for dunking or drizzling!
Tip #4: For easy speedy cleanup use a liner.
For easy speedy clean up use an airfryer liner or tin foil. Be sure to clean the basket after each use, the liner might not get everything, but it will make cleanup easier.
You can purchase these on Amazon, Walmart, or Target.
Enjoy This Recipe? Check Out These Other Chicken Recipes!
This PF Chang’s Fried Rice Copycat is a delicious, nutritious, quick, and easy weeknight recipe the whole family will enjoy.
This meal is a Vegetable Packed Fried Rice and is one of my favorite “refrigerator clean-out” meals. I love to use this stir fry recipe when I need to get rid of the veggies in my produce drawer that might be on the verge of expiring.
It’s also a great meal because I almost always have a spare tofu container by Mori-nu.
As one of my favorite copycat recipes, this flavorful rice dish is a great main dish or side dish alongside juicy white meat lettuce wraps, baked salmon, or tofu.
Ingredients for This Copycat PF Chang’s Fried Rice
Jasmine Rice: One or two-day-old white rice is the best best best for this dish. Alternatively, you can also use fresh cooked rice prepared earlier that day and left uncovered in the fridge for a couple of hours. I use Jasmine rice but any long-grain rice will work in this dish. You could even opt for leftover short grain like sushi rice or brown rice.
Veggies: What do you have in your fridge? For this recipe, I used a variety of vegetables including onion, garlic, frozen riced cauliflower, carrots, kale, frozen peas, and green onions for lots of green garnish. I like to keep the sizes uniform so I have little veggie bites throughout the dish.
Other veggies you can use include broccoli florets, green beans, water chestnuts, or even fresh bean sprouts.
Optional: You could add chicken breast to this dish for added protein if you are not looking for a 100% plant-based meal.
I have an entire post on how to make this amazing Tofu Scramble. For this recipe, the tofu scramble has just five ingredients, extra firm tofu, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and ginger.
I use the tofu scramble to replace the scrambled eggs typically found in fried rice. The tofu scramble keeps this recipe 100% plant-based!
The ingredients in my tofu scramble include:
Tofu
Nutritional Yeast
Turmeric
Soy Sauce
Ginger
Ingredients for Sauce
Soy Sauce: Providing this sauce with salty and umami flavor. I prefer a dark soy sauce for more deeper and rich flavor.
Toasted Sesame Oil: So nutty with just the right amount of roasty toasty goodness.
Rice Wine Vinegar: White vinegar works in a pinch
Water: This ingredient is more so, add as much as is needed. Water thins the sauce and thus helps to spread the sauce flavors evenly throughout the dish.
Ground Ginger: Ginger is spicy and flavorful. Option to use freshly grated ginger.
Chili Crisp: You could omit this ingredient. I like to add a bit of spiciness to most of my dishes. Chili crisp also adds a touch of chili oil, adding additional color, a spicy kick, and savory flavors.
Don’t have chili crisp? You can use red pepper flakes instead.
Optional: Hoisin sauce, a bit of brown sugar, or honey for a touch of sweetness.
How to Make PF Chang’s Fried Rice
There are a few steps, but once you make this dish at least once, you will realize it’s not all that complicated.
Prepare the Rice:
If you don’t have day-old jasmine rice, cook the rice and let it cool completely before using.
Prepare the Tofu Scramble:
Place the tofu in a small bowl.
Using your hands, break the tofu into smaller pieces.
Add the nutritional yeast, turmeric, soy sauce, and ginger to the tofu.
Mix until well combined.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or wok, add the 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Rice:
Add the riced cauliflower, carrots, kale, and peas, to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the tofu scramble and cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps of rice with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Add the Sauces:
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, ginger powder, and chili crisp.
Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and vegetables, stirring well to combine.
Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
3cupjasmine riceIMPORTANT - this must be at least a day old.
1½cupscarrots, diced
1cuponion, dicedor 1/2 onion
1½cupskale, choppedor julliened
1cupfrozen peas
1½cup frozen riced cauliflower
2tbspavocado oil1 to 2 tbsp avocado oil
Tofu scramble
14ozextra firm tofu
1tspground turmeric
1tsp soy sauce
1tbspnutritional yeast
2tspground ginger
Fried Rice Sauce
3tbspsoy sauce
2tbspwater
1tbsptoasted sesame oil
2tspground Ginger
2clovesminced garlic
1tbspchili Crisp
Garnish
¼cupgreen onion, diced
Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
If you don't have day-old jasmine rice, cook the rice and let it cool completely before using.
Prepare the Tofu Scramble:
Place the tofu in a small bowl.
Using your hands, break the tofu into smaller pieces.
Add the nutritional yeast, turmeric, soy sauce, and ginger to the tofu. Mix until combined.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Rice:
Add the riced cauliflower, carrots, kale, and peas, to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the tofu scramble and cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps of rice with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Add the Sauces:
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, ginger powder, and chili crisp.
Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and vegetables, stirring well to combine.
Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
Garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
Herbs: Option to use herbs you have on hand. Basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint, all work well.
This Southwest Marinade for chicken pairs bold flavors of typical of Southwest cuisine, with the acidity from the lime and apple cider vinegar to help tenderize the chicken, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful. This marinade is perfect for grilling during the warmer months and baking when the weather is chilly.
Why You Need To Make This Southwest Chicken Marinade Recipe
This recipe is easy to whip together and makes a healthy delicious roast or grilled chicken. However, the fact that this recipe is super easy isn’t the only reason you need to make this recipe.
This recipe is also:
Versatile: Make this with roasted pork, grilled veggies, or grilled or baked tofu steaks.
Healthy: This recipe is a great addition to healthy flexitarian eating. A homemade marinade allows you to control the ingredients.
Cost-Effective: This recipe is economical to make and more cost-effective than buying pre-made marinades.
Totally Customizable: Making marinade from scratch allows you to adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste preference and accommodate any dietary restrictions you may have.
Southwest Chicken Bowl – Sliced Chicken
Ingredients In Southwest Chicken Marinade
These simple marinade ingredients combined are perfect for your next southwest chicken dish.
Olive Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar
Limes – I use fresh lime juice and lime zest
Oregano
Chili Powder
Ground Cumin
Garlic Powder
Optional: onion powder (for more oniony flavors), smoked paprika (for a touch of smokiness), brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness), sea salt, and black pepper.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, lime juice, and lime zest until well blended.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
If using to marinate chicken…
Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook as desired, whether grilling, roasting, or pan-frying.
Serving Suggestions
Let’s review some ideas for serving this marinade! I can guide you to creating a complete and healthy meal.
Use this marinade on skinless chicken breasts for delicious grilled southwest chicken breasts. Marinate the raw chicken pieces in airtight containers or ziplock bag overnight or for 24hrs. Then grill your chicken until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Serve the grilled chicken in a delicious meal, such as :
Plain along side some simple cooked and seasoned black beans and rice.
The protein topper for burrito bowls with grilled green bell peppers and red onions, and fresh corn salsa.
Served over a simple green salad with fresh herbs, such as fresh cilantro.
Try this recipe as meal prep for the week! Make enough for a week of lunches with burrito bowls, salads, and wraps.
This marinade pairs well with the bold flavors typical of Southwest cuisine, and the acidity from the lime and apple cider vinegar helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring it's juicy and flavorful.
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic powder until well blended.
