Easy Italian Grinder Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Italian Dressing
No need for a hoagie roll for this recipe, we have all the good parts mixed into a bowl for an amazing veggie-packed grinder salad recipe. This Grinder Salad with Creamy Greek Yogurt Italian Dressing offers a well-rounded combination of nutrients, flavors, and textures! It makes a delicious lunch, and dinner, an addition to a potluck or picnic, and stores well for leftovers! It’s a no-brainer why this was a viral recipe on TikTok!
Why You Should Make This Italian Grinder Salad Recipe
This colorful salad recipe is also high in fiber, protein, and probiotics. Moreover, this recipe is customizable. You can keep this vegetarian by omitting the deli meat or perhaps swapping it for a plant-based alternative. You can also add your favorite grinder ingredients. Some other toppings I enjoy are spinach, alfalfa sprouts, sliced cucumber, jalapenos, Pickles, or red pepper flakes.
Grinder Salad Ingredients
Greens (the base of the salad)
Romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, kale, napa cabbage, or iceberg lettuce – really any other crunchy lettuce of choice
Vegetables
Bell peppers, small dice (approx 1 pepper)
Red onion, small dice
Cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered (you could use any tomatoes you enjoy like grape tomatoes)
Banana peppers
Hot peppers, chopped (such as Trader Joe’s Bomba Peppers or Mama Lil’s Sweet Hot Pickled Peppers)
Proteins
Turkey, thinly sliced
Italian cured meat, such as salami or pepperoni, thinly sliced
Other types of meat you can use include roast beef, ham, or other cold cuts. I like to include at least two different meats.
Cheese
Provolone cheese, sliced or shredded
Other cheese you can use include cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, or parmesan.
Creamy Yogurt Italian Dressing
Mayo
Greek yogurt
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning
Red wine vinegar
For a tangy dressing, you can add more tangy red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or even a touch of banana pepper juice!
Garnish
You can garnish this salad however you like. Some of my suggestions include:
drizzle some olive oil
sprinkle some red pepper flakes
add more Italian seasoning
a dash of salt
a sprinkle of black pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare The Creamy Yogurt Italian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and red wine vinegar to make the dressing.
Add Greens: In a large bowl, add your greens base of Romaine lettuce.
Layer Ingredients: Arrange the bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and chopped hot peppers, into the bowl.
Add the thinly sliced turkey Italian cured meat and provolone cheese over the salad.
Serve: Wait to toss the ingredients together until just before serving for maximum impact. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
To store this salad: Place it in an airtight container for a day in the fridge. This recipe is best if using a heartier green like Brussels sprouts, kale, or cabbage.
How to Serve This Grinder Salad Recipe
I like to serve this Grinder Salad recipe in many different ways.
Alone as a Hearty Salad
As a side with some soup, perhaps Italian Wedding, Tomato Basil, or New England Clam Chowder
Alongside some crusty bread
As meal prep mason jar salads! Just add all the ingredients to a 32oz mason jar and keep the creamy Italian dressing on the side until you are ready to serve!
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)
What is a grinder sandwich made of?
A grinder sandwich is typically made up of sliced deli meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. For example, a grinder sandwich might consist of thinly sliced turkey, salami, ham, with provolone cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, onions, banana peppers, and mayo served in crusty Italian bread.
Course Appetizer, dinner, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2servings
Calories 731kcal
Equipment
1 large bowl
Ingredients
4cupsromaine lettuce
1cupred bell peppers, small dice
½cupred onion, small dice
1cupcherry tomatoes, quartered
½cuppepperoncini peppers, sliced
¼cuphot peppers, chopped
4ozdeli turkey
4ozsalami
2oz provolone cheese
¼cupmayo
½cupgreek yogurt
¼cup parmasean cheese
2tbspred wine vinegar
1tbspItalian seasonings
Instructions
Prepare The Creamy Yogurt Italian Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and red wine vinegar to make the dressing.
Add Greens:
In a large bowl, add your greens base of Romaine lettuce.
Layer Ingredients
Arrange the bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, pepperoncini peppers, and chopped hot peppers, into the bowl.
Add the thinly sliced turkey Italian cured meat and provolone cheese over the salad.
Serve
Wait to toss the ingredients together until just before serving for maximum impact. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
To store this salad
Place it in an airtight container for a day in the fridge. This recipe is best if using a heartier green like Brussels sprouts, kale, or cabbage.
Here is a silken tofu recipe to add to your savory flavor tofu repertoire. Enjoy an egg-free breakfast that does not sacrifice taste with this Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble. Making vegan scrambled eggs is super easy and uses simple ingredients. It is almost as easy as making real scrambled eggs!
I am a big fan of shelf-stable tofu that will keep in the pantry for months. Moreover, this is one way to make an easy weeknight meal in under 30 minutes with little to no planning. In this article, I will discuss my Tofu Scramble’s ingredients, how to prepare the dish, how to pair it with other foods, and share a little about the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble Ingredients
Tofu: You can use silken tofu or extra firm tofu for a firmer texture. I like to use firm silken tofu but will use any regular tofu I have lying around. Silken tofu has a similar soft texture to soft scrambled eggs. Tofu has a lovely soft, creamy, yet firm texture. In this recipe, I use Mori-nu tofu.
Soy Sauce: The soy sauce adds color and flavor. Additionally, the soy sauce deepens the flavor and makes these vegan eggs taste “meatier”. This is thanks to soy sauce’s umami flavor.
Turmeric powder: This spice has a beautiful yellow color, mimicking the color of eggs. Not only that, ground turmeric is made from the nutritious turmeric root. What’s more, turmeric is a Zingiberaceae, also known as the ginger family! Is that why ginger and turmeric go together like bread and butter?
Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a “cheesy” flavor without adding the cheese. You will find nutritional yeast used in many vegan dishes. Nutritional yeast is full of B vitamins, specifically, Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B1), Pyridoxine (B6), Cobalamin (B12), and Folate/Folic acid (B9).
Ginger (Optional): I always add ginger when making this tofu egg scramble and I typically pair it with Vegan Fried Rice. If you would like to serve this over toast and do not want the ginger flavor, simply omit it. To get even more creative, try adding dried or fresh herbs such as garlic, onion, or tahini!
Other Optional Seasonings include Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, hot sauce, red pepper, and kosher salt.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep and mix the tofu
Add the block of tofu to a bowl taking care to drain any excess liquid from the container. Using your hands or a wooden spoon break up the tofu into large chunks then into smaller pieces. **This step is super fun for kids in the kitchen!
Once you have finished breaking up the tofu, add your desired seasonings such as nutritional yeast, turmeric, soy sauce, and ginger, then mix.
Cook your tofu
Next, add a little oil (i.e. olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil) or vegan butter to your frying pan. Bring to medium-high heat. Add the tofu mixture and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Option to adjust the stove to low-medium heat and top the eggs with vegan cheese before serving.
Finally, serve tofu scramble however you please. See below for serving suggestions.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Serving Suggestions for Silken Tofu Scramble Recipe
You can enjoy this soft tofu scramble in a variety of ways. Some of these include:
As a replacement to traditional scrambled eggs perhaps with some vegan bacon bits sprinkled throughout
Spooned over rice and topped with chopped red onions
In a bowl, alongside black beans topped with various creamy sauces like vegan cheese or a vegan cashew herb cream sauce
Served with sautéed baby spinach or any other favorite vegetables
Wrapped inside breakfast burritos
As a protein boost to any vegan breakfast you enjoy
My favorite way to enjoy this vegan silken tofu scramble spooned over avocado toast with sliced onion and a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
What is Tofu? Is Tofu Vegan?
Tofu is a Soybean curd; it is custard-like and made from curdled soy milk. Tofu has a lovely smooth and creamy texture yet presents firm enough to slice. Tofu can be used in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, a breakfast bowl, soup, sauce, sandwich, and stir-fry. You can find tofu in more grocery stores. Best of all, just because tofu is vegan doesn’t mean only vegans can eat it! Many non-vegans can enjoy the benefits of tofu in their cooking. whether they want to lower their carbon footprint, eat less animal protein high in saturated fats, or just open up their culinary journey to new flavors.
Tofu can be packaged in several ways such as:
Stored in water, sealed in plastic containers, and refrigerated
Vacuum sealed in plastic (without water)
Sealed in packaging that is shelf stable for up to 8 months
Freeze-dried
Note that tofu can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freezing your tofu will alter the texture. It drains easier and makes it chewier! I find marinades are better soaked up from first frozen than thawed-out tofu.
Like this Tofu Scramble? Try These Vegan Recipes!
You will want to add this recipe to your list of vegan breakfasts, high-protein breakfasts, and savory dishes recipe collections. Interest in learning more about tofu? Check article called You’re Eating Tofu, Are You Vegan? Is Tofu Vegan?
This Silken Tofu Breakfast Scramble recipe is healthy, plant-based, and delicious! I love to have this recipe on hand for those I have no time to plan and not much time to cook nights.
Add the tofu to a bowl. Using your hands, break up the tofu into smaller pieces. **This step is perfect and super fun for kids in the kitchen!
Once you have finished breaking up the tofu, add the nutritional yeast, turmeric, soy sauce, and ginger, then mix.
Cook your tofu
Next, add avocado oil to your skillet. Bring to medium heat. Add the tofu mixture and sautee for 5-10min.
Finally, serve tofu scramble over rice with some stir-fried veggies alongside some toast, or in a breakfast burrito.
Notes
Ginger: If you are interested in omitting the ginger due to other conflicting flavors in the meal that is absolutely fine. Option to add in dried herbs, fresh garlic, onion, dijon mustard, tahini, cashew butter, miso paste, and/or vegan butter.
This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for any time of year. But, I especially love this dip during fall and football season! Plus, I love making and eating all the football appetizers and noms!
Additionally, when I think of football food and snacks, I think of buffalo wing sauce, chicken wings, and blue cheese dressing. Buffalo Chicken Dip is all of those things rolled into one giant baking pan slathered in cheezy goodness.
Buffalo Chicken Dip is everything I love about Buffalo Chicken Wings without the mess. Not only that, but this Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is perfect for gatherings and sitting around a TV watching the big game.
Ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Dip
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs over chicken breasts. This recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Thighs (Fresh or Frozen) from author Lauren Allen on the Food Blog Tastes Better From Scratch is super informative and only takes 30 minutes.
Franks Red Hot Sauce: I love to use the OG Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce in my buffalo chicken dips. However, I have another brand that I love and that’s The New Primal. They have 3 levels of heat for their Buffalo Sauce, Mild, Medium, and Hot! Perfect for individualizing recipes.
Ranch
Cheese – Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Blue Cheese
Green Topping: A little garnish to finish off the bubbling Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip. I love to add some green for contrasting colors. Green onion or chives add a crisp and fresh element to finish off this dish. Some other topping ideas are garlic scapes, parsley, or cilantro.
How to make this Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
You can make this recipe in an air fryer or slow cooker. In these directions, I’ll review how to make this in a quart baking dish and in the oven!
Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then shred or dice them. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Note – This step can be done 1-2 days in advance.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large pot, sautee diced onion and celery with 1 tbsp butterfor 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the veggies finish sauteeing, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Add the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and blue cheese on top of the dip.
Bake the Dip: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.
Let It Cool: Once done, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with chopped green onions, more blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Three tips for cutting the perfect veggie dipper
Wash your veggies. I like to use a dedicated scrubber brush for my veggie washing.
Prep. Did you know, you can prep veggie dippers a day in advance?! Just cut your veggies and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Store in an airtight container or storage bag in the refrigerator.
Aesthetic. When choosing the veggies to pair with the dip think about what will look the most pleasing to the eye, such as the shape in which you cut your veggie dipper and the color combinations of the veggies.
Examples
Carrots: Whole carrots can have crackly and dirty-looking skin even when scrubbed really well. Peeling the outer layer transforms the carrot into a bright orange visual beauty. Then, think about the size you want the carrot to hold up the sauce or dip you have prepared. Be sure to allow for a good surface area to do so. Last, cut the carrot into 3” long and 0.5inch wide sticks. Not into all the prep? Baby carrots for the win.
Celery: Celery requires little prep work. Just wash, and slice. Celery naturally has a lovely spoon-like shape, perfect for dipping! Plus celery and carrots look beautiful paired together.
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This Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe is hot, creamy, and spicy. Enjoy it with chips, carrots and celery sticks. This is the perfect dip to enjoy during any sporting event.
If you haven't already, cook the chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts until they're fully cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then shred or dice them. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Note - This step can be done 1-2 days in advance.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large pot, sauté diced onion and celery with 1tbsp butter for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Once the veggies finish sautéing, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce. Stir until well combined and smooth.
Add the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
Transfer to a Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle Cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar and blue cheese on top of the dip.
Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden brown.Once done, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with chopped green onions, more blue cheese crumbles, or a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
Serve the buffalo chicken dip warm with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve with carrot and celery sticks, tortilla chips, and/or crackers.
It’s almost Strawberry Season, one of my favorite times of the year. Strawberries can be eaten any time of the day because they are just too good to limit to breakfast and dessert. Moreover, this Spinach Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad is one epically delicious way to incorporate this springtime fruit. In Oregon, fresh strawberries are ripe in May and June! The season is quick so grab them while you can!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This recipe is healthy, easy, and ready in under 15 minutes. It makes for an excellent side salad or make it a meal with some additional protein like baked tofu, roasted chickpeas, smoked fish, or grilled shrimp!
Spinach Strawberry Salad Ingredients
Strawberries: Strawberries are the ingredient that makes this salad stand out. I recommend using local strawberries for optimal strawberry flavor.
Baby Spinach: Spinach is the base leafy green of this salad recipe. You could swap this ingredient out for Romain, Butter Lettuce, or a combination of lettuces.
Cucumber: Cucumber is one of my favorite veggies to include in a salad. The flavor is subtle and refreshing and the texture is crisp and hydrating.
Goat Cheese: Creamy and delicious
Nuts: I chose pine nuts but other nuts that would work are sliced almonds, shelled pistachios, walnuts, or candied pecans.
Dressing: I used a balsamic vinegar-based vinaigrette in this Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe. Other dressing possibilities include champagne vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing.
Herbs: Such as basil, dill, parsley, mint.
Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper
I love to use my basil balsamic vinaigrette for this salad. Be sure to use a flavorful olive oil for extra flavor and depth.
Step – By – Step Instructions
Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:
In a small mixing bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using).
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or if using a jar, tightly close the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are emulsified.
Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more honey/maple syrup or balsamic vinegar if desired.
Combine Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, herbs, sliced strawberries, cucumber and crumbled goat cheese.
Add the nuts, if using, to the salad bowl.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if needed.
Toss Gently:
Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Serve:
Serve the salad immediately.
Pairings and Compliments
Protein Pairing
To make this meal a bit more filling add some more protein! I like to add leftover grilled chicken or shrimp from a previous meal. Looking to add more plant-based protein? Try adding some marinated tofu, or roasted chickpeas. YUM.
Other Compliments
Serve this dish with a cup of soup or fresh-baked bread from your favorite local bakery! Another way to dish up this recipe is as a side dish. This salad compliments some organic sweet Italian sausage or grass-fed beef burgers. Additionally, this recipe would be wonderfully enjoyed at a Mother’s Day Brunch or Memorial Day BBQ! And lastly, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a nutritious and delicious addition to any event or cookout.
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Iron
Cool Science: Iron Absorption Strawberries and Spinach
A topic we don’t normally think much about is Nutrient Absorption. In order for our bodies to utilize the nutrients in the food we eat, it must first be absorbed. Some foods do a better job of providing bioavailable nutrients than others; one example of this is Iron. There are two types of Iron that we consume in our diets, heme iron and non-heme iron.
Heme iron is easily absorbed in the body and found in foods like red meat.
Non-heme Iron is not as readily absorbed and is found in foods like dark leafy greens, like spinach.
For individuals who eat completely plant-based or mostly plant-based, one of the best ways to ensure adequate iron levels is to consume Vitamin C with iron-rich foods. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C, like fruits (aka strawberries) and vegetables, has been shown to improve the absorption of non-heme iron in the body.
Why Care About Iron
Iron plays an important role in many vital bodily functions. Below are just a few.
Iron benefits immunity
Improvements in Athletic Performance
Iron benefits energy and alertness
Something To Note
This Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe could be a super salad for iron absorption. However, there are other factors that might inhibit iron absorption. If you are struggling with Iron Deficiency or Iron Deficiency Anemia, I recommend working 1:1 with a Registered Dietitian.
Like this recipe?! Here are some other salad recipes you may enjoy!
A handful of fresh herbs per eaters preferencebasil, parsley, dill, mint etc
Vinaigrette Dressing
½cupolive oil
⅓cupbalsamic vinegar
2tbspfresh lemon juiceoptional
1tspkosher saltor to taste
½tsp fresh cracked pepper
1/4cup basil, chopped or julienned
Instructions
Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
In a small mixing bowl or a glass jar with a lid, combine the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup (if using), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (if using).
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or if using a jar, tightly close the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are emulsified.
Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity by adding more honey/maple syrup or balsamic vinegar if desired.
Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach leaves, herbs, sliced strawberries, cucumber and crumbled goat cheese.
Add the nuts, if using, to the salad bowl.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste if needed.
Toss Gently
Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
This Coconut Butter Bean Curry with Lentils is a warm and cozy one-pot meal. Inspired by Indian dal, this dish is ready in under an hour. Butter Beans and Lentils shine in this dish with coconut milk for creaminess, onions, garlic, and spices for flavor, lime for zest, and jalapeno olive oil for a spicy finishing kick.
Why You Will Love Making This Meal
This dish is quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. The majority of my cooking requires those three attributes.
This dish is packed with plant-based proteins and fiber, offering many health benefits.
I also love that this meal is vegan, thus having a lower environmental impact when compared to animal-based protein meals. Eating more plant-based meals like this one can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve water resources, and mitigate deforestation.
But best of all, this meal is super cozy, customizable, and delicious. This dish accommodates varieties of beans and vegetables such as garbanzo beans, leafy greens, carrots, and potatoes.
How to Serve This Curry Recipe
I enjoy serving this easy Butter Bean Curry as a stand-alone dish or paired with basmati rice, quinoa, naan bread, or my personal favorite, buttered and toasted sourdough slices.
Ingredients in This Indian Dal-inspired Butter Bean Curry Recipe
Butter Beans
Lentils
Full Fat Coconut Milk
Spices – I use fresh ginger, garam masala, freshly ground cumin, and turmeric powder from Arome
Olive Oil – I use Arome olis to for sauteeing the veg and for finishing this dish
Onions – I prefer yellow or sweet onions however red onions could be used in a pinch.
Garlic
Crushed Tomatoes – Chopped tomatoes can work in a pinch (even better if you give them a quick blend in a blender).
Green Chilis
Vegetable Broth
Fresh Lime Juice
Garnishes – more fresh lime, fresh cracked black pepper, cilantro, coconut milk or yogurt, and of course olive oil.
Step By Step Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics:
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot, then cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Spice Infusion:
Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the can of green chilis (with their liquid) to the pot and stir to combine.
3. Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the dried lentils to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Incorporate Beans and Coconut Milk:
Add the butter beans to the pot, along with the coconut milk. Stir well and let the curry simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and lentils to soften.
5. Season and Serve:
Season the curry with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve the Coconut Curry hot and choose your garnishes such as fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt or splash of coconut milk, a drizzle of Jalapeno Fused Olive Oil, or an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.
FAQs (Ask a Dietitian!)
What are Butter Beans called in America?
Butter Beans are also known as lima beans in the States.
When I think of lima beans, I think of those greenish beans resembling edamame. This is because green lima beans are harvested early, while the beans are still young and tender. In contrast, white lima beans or butter beans are left to fully mature on the plant before being harvested and stored.
What are some common uses for Butter Beans?
Curries, Soups, Stews
Plant-based burgers
Southern dishes – such as succotash
Bean Dips
Salads and Bean Salads
Are Butter Beans good for you?
Yes, butter beans have protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are important for a balanced diet.
However, it is important to note, that individual dietary needs and health conditions vary. It is a good idea to consult with a dietitian 1:1 for personalized nutrition advice.
Hood River Local Business Shout Out!
I gathered the spices and olive oils used in this recipe from Arome, a woman-owned business located in the heart of downtown Hood River, Oregon.
Arome’s spices are carefully ordered and ground in small quantities on-site. They source their extra virgin olive oil from the hemisphere providing the freshest crush possible throughout the year. They carry oils from Chile, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Greece, California, and of course, Italy.
Not local to Hood River? No problem, you can purchase oils, spices, vinegar, loose-leaf teas, and kitchenware from the Arome Shop Online. (This is not an affiliate link, just a shout-out to one of my favorite Hood River shops!)
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8ozcoconut milkfor creamier curry, use the entire can
1/2 tspkosher salt
1lime, juiced
cilantro
coconut milk or yogurt
olive oil
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot, then cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Spice Infusion
Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the can of green chilis (with their liquid) to the pot and stir to combine.
Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the dried lentils to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate Beans and Coconut Milk
Add the butter beans to the pot, along with the coconut milk. Stir well and let the curry simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and lentils to soften.
Season and Serve
Season the curry with salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve the Coconut Curry hot and choose your garnishes such as fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt or splash of coconut milk, a drizzle of Jalapeno Fused Olive Oil, or an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Jacob’s Famous Guacamole – Guacamole with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Who doesn’t love guacamole? Unless you have an aversion to avocados or have an allergy I can’t think of anyone! It’s a popular party food, and for good reason.
The richness of the avocados paired with the tanginess of the lime lime are magic in the mouth.
This guacamole is my Husband’s recipe. In this guacamole recipe, Jacob introduces an element I’ve never thought of… sun-dried tomatoes!
This Guacamole with Sun sun-dried tomatoes is excellent served as a dip with some chips, added to a 7-layer dip, or served alongside many dishes like roasted veggies, a plate of tacos, or air-fryer potatoes.
Ingredients
Avocado
Lime Juice – Throw in some zest too if you feel like it!
Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Flat-leaf parsley is a fantastic substitution. Something bright bringing that herbal element.
Jalapeno – if you don’t like the spicy, option to omit the jalapeño!
Garlic
Onion
Sun Dried Tomato
Step-By-Step Instructions
This is such an easy recipe, it just takes some patience to chop up all the ingredients!
This is a great recipe to make with the kids! Let them mash those avocados and be taste testers, adding pinches of salt and spritzes of lime for the perfect-tasting guacamole!
Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency (some like it chunky, others prefer it smoother).
Add the aromatics: Add the prepared veggies, onion, garlic, cilantro, sun-dried tomatoes, and jalapeño, to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
Season: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the avocado mixture. Season the guac with salt and pepper.
Mix: Gently fold all the ingredients together. Be careful not to overmix if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Taste and Serve: Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your preferences. You can serve it immediately or, if you have the time, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Avocado Tips From A Registered Dietitian
Here are three tips for using avocados in your kitchen.
Find the right Avocados: Ripening can be tricky for these little “alligator pears”.
I like to purchase my avocados hard thus before they have fully ripened. Once they have ripened on the kitchen counter or in a paper bag, I pop the avocados in the fridge.
How to ripen avocados via paper bag: As soon as I get home from the store, I ripen the avocados in a paper bag for 1 day and check them for ripeness. If it’s still hard, I keep the avocados in the paper bag for one more day and check again, and so on and so on.
Once the avocados have a slight give, I put them in the refrigerator to stop the ripening process. I take them out (within a few days) when I am ready to make my guacamole!
Avocado Storing: I asked some of my friends for avocado tips and here they are!
‘Spray with avocado/olive oil to keep fresh’
‘Squirt a little lemon on the avocado once the avocado is cut’
‘Keep the core in with the avocado while storing in the fridge’
‘I store my avocado in Tupperware and I hear that storing in water works too!’
Sharper Nutrition Fix: Avocado Nutrition
Avocado Nutrition – Think Healthy Fats and Fiber!
Research supports that Avocado consumption supports cardiovascular health.
Avocados are high in high-quality fats including MUFAs (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids) and PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). This ratio of fats in the avocado helps promote the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins and promotes a healthy blood lipid profile.
Avocados help you feel full.
This may be related to the high fiber amount. Half of an avocado contains 4.6g of fiber and 114 kcal.
What’s more, new research suggests that Avocado consumption also promotes a healthy gut! Yay!
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork to your desired consistency (some like it chunky, others prefer it smoother).
Add the aromatics
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and finely chopped jalapeño to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
Season
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the avocado mixture and add salt and pepper.
Mix well
Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Taste and Serve
Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more lime juice, salt, or pepper according to your taste preferences.
You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
What do I mean by small chop?The term 'chop" is a casual, imprecise term that simply means to roughly cut food into bite-sized pieces. So for a small chop smaller than a regular chop but larger than a mince.
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