quinoa

Thai Quinoa Salad

This easy Thai quinoa salad combines protein-rich grains with healthy nutrients from fresh veggies, for a lime-infused flavor bomb with crunch in each bite.

This easy Thai quinoa salad combines protein-rich grains with healthy nutrients from fresh veggies, for a lime-infused flavor bomb with crunch in each bite. It’s great as a side for potlucks and as a main when you add chopped chicken. It’s also an easy and complete weekday lunch too.

I remember being at a Weight Watchers meeting where a woman emphatically stated that she did. NOT. like. quinoa. There was no changing her mind. But in my head I couldn’t figure out why she was putting up the quinoa roadblock.

Quinoa is one of my favorite protein sources, probably because it’s so unassuming. Like a seventh grade girl, it takes on the flavors it’s paired with.

For this quinoa salad, that means the salty flavors of a limey Thai dressing with plenty of veggie crunch. It’s the perfect side dish or main meal if you’re feeling the hug of your waistline just a little too much.

Quinoa is a bona fide super food. It’s gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and flavonoids with studies showing it as an anti-inflammatory. It’s also loaded with antioxidants to keep those free radicals at bay.

continue to the recipe… about Thai Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl with Broccoli and Tomato

Chicken quinoa bowls have staked their healthy claim on quick and easy meal-prep dinners that are flexible enough to mix and match ingredients for take-to-work lunches that never get boring, too.

This quinoa bowl combines what seems to be my ever-lasting, default flavor combo, inspired by Mediterranean flavors ala Donny and Marie: it’s a little bit Italian, and a little bit Greek goddessness. And it all taste good to me.

Over the years I’ve found myself adopting more and more recipes inspired by the Mediterranean diet to my weekly eating plan. I eat more anitoxidant-rich vegetables and fruits (avocado all day!), healthy legumes and whole grains, and loads of fresh herbs. I don’t eat a whole lot of red meat, but chicken, turkey, and EFA-loaded fish like salmon are my friends and olive oil tinged with lemon is one of my favorite flavorings.

And wine. Yes, wine is heart-healthy too.

I’ve known about the heart-healthy benefits of the Mediterranean style of eating ever since my days designing health and wellness magazines, way back when you had to shop for quinoa in specialty health food stores and when my editors made sure I didn’t sound alike a complete goof when I said “kwin-O-aaa” instead of “KEEEN-wa.” Bless their hearts, they were always looking out for me.continue to the recipe… about Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Bowl with Broccoli and Tomato

Slow Cooker Healthy Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa

Comfort food chili cravings never tasted so healthy, until now. This easy slow cooker chili is protein-packed with lean ground turkey, light and dark kidney beans, plus quinoa for an extra safety-net protein source that will keep you filled and full all day long and into the night.

It’s 5:30 p.m. and the sun has set behind the mountains and the sky has already settled into dark. There’s a chill is in the air and comfort food is what we’re all craving now. Turkey Pot Pie? Mac and Cheese? Sausage Lasagna? All delicious in their own right, but not exactly the lightest of fare.

And now that the fall season is here, the wrangling and jostling for the T.V. remote has begun. The World Series? (go Dodgers!). The Voice? (I’m with J-Hud Productions). More tears and tissues while crying with This Is Us? (I mean, seriously!) Or finally, a new Walking Dead? (My Smudge and I are convinced our Big Daddy should be Negan for Halloween.)

Our television viewing habits are as hotly debated as what sounds best for dinner.

But tonight, there’s one less argument to make because Big Mama (that’s me) thought ahead (for once) and put dinner in the slow cooker. And just like that, a healthy dinner is served. And surprise, AliSmudge and Big Daddy don’t even complain that it’s oh-so good for them. But why would they? This homemade turkey chili is delish! And better yet, it’s so simple to make.continue to the recipe… about Slow Cooker Healthy Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili with Quinoa

Israeli Couscous with Pistachios, Apricots and Cranberries

Perfectly poised for anyone in need of a speedy salad with ingredients on hand, this couscous salad with dried fruit and nuts is easily adaptable and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it the perfect addition to any entertaining or easy dinner-time table.

The only downfall to keeping a well-stocked pantry? Forgetting to use what you have.

One thing I discovered while doing my recent kitchen detox was that I had a plethora of dried fruits and nuts on hand. True to form, they were hidden under the potato chips and extra packages of tortillas I seemed to have stocked up on and promptly forgotten about. The flat tortilla discs did a mighty fine job of hiding the miscellaneous bags of nuts wrapped with mismatched rubber bands, and the smattering selection of errant nuts could very well could have turned stale with nobody inclined to even notice to make for a protein packed snack.

But once I put things in order in my pantry (man how good did that feel!), my recipe creating ideas were sparked thanks to my fruity, nutty discoveries, and this salad is what happened next. continue to the recipe… about Israeli Couscous with Pistachios, Apricots and Cranberries

A Healthier Meatloaf With Tomato Glaze

This lightened up turkey and beef blended meatloaf keeps all the classic flavors intact but lightens it’s caloric load thanks to a few easy ingredient swaps no one will ever notice.

Meatloaf. Like tuna noodle casseroles and deviled eggs, meatloaf is one of life’s ultimate comfort foods that had it’s hey day in the 50’s, but since then, has become one of those dishes eaters rarely cop to craving—at least in public.

But just like most things favorited as retro, what’s old often becomes new again. Over the past few years—like many of our favorite comfort foods—meatloaf has made a comeback and can be found on even the most haute restaurant menus and is one of today’s comfort food Cinderella stories.

Only this baby isn’t going to turn into a pumpkin at midnight.continue to the recipe… about A Healthier Meatloaf With Tomato Glaze

Latin Chipotle Quinoa Salad with Avocado

This simple Mexican-style quinoa salad gets tons of flavor from a dressing of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce sweetened over crunchy veggies, black beans and huge chunks of avocado.

Be forewarned, this might be one of those recipes you make once, then the next time you make it you’ll want to adapt it to suit your taste.

Than you chipotle peppers.

I think that challenge might be why they’re one of my favorite flavors, because they always keep me guessing.

I had this salad after picking it up at the grocery store when visiting my sister in Houston. I knew immediately I had to figure it out and share it here. I hope I’ve done it justice.

Word is, I did.

I took this salad to a 4th of July bbq and one of my friends who is gluten-free was SO happy someone had brought something besides pasta salad. Grateful even. I’m just here to make people happy to eat food. It’s my job.

continue to the recipe… about Latin Chipotle Quinoa Salad with Avocado

Superfood Salad with Lightened-Up Poppy Seed Dressing

Kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, quinoa, and salmon are just a few of the superfoods in this powerhouse salad that packs a nutritious punch in just one bowl.

Again this year I’m happy to share that I’m partnering with Blue Diamond AlmondBreeze to share healthful recipes made with almond milk. Today we’re adding Almond Breeze’s new Almondmilk Cashewmilk Blend to the recipe mix for a creamy, healthy dressing to one of my standard lunchtime salads.

This however, is no normal salad. It is simply packed, and I mean PACKED with a bounty of superfoods that should make any normal human being feel, well, superhuman.

In a previous version of my professional life I designed natural health magazines. Each month I designed the pages of those magazines where the article’s authors explained the merits of things from shark liver oil to CLA, from GLA to SAM-e, from whey protein to spirulina and all the vitamins, minerals and healthy alternatives to what is standardly subscribed, or ignored, by mainstream medicine.

We talked a LOT about eating well for good health. It’s a philosophy I’ve adopted in my own life And in my family’s. And it’s a philosophy I’m happy to share here on FoodieCrush, too.

continue to the recipe… about Superfood Salad with Lightened-Up Poppy Seed Dressing

Thai Zucchini Noodle and Quinoa Salad

Spiralized zucchini is the base of this crunchy raw vegetable salad that features a creamy, flavorful Thai peanut dressing for a healthy lunch or dinner.

I’ve been on a bit of a Thai kick lately, as witnessed by last week’s Shrimp in Thai Coconut Sauce.

Okay, I’ve been on a Thai kick, for, like, forever, as witnessed by this lengthy list of recipes here on le bloggity blog.

And after I ate the original version of this spiralized zucchini noodle aka zoodle recipe, I knew I had to add one more to the lineup.

Most likely, it won’t be the last. continue to the recipe… about Thai Zucchini Noodle and Quinoa Salad

Quinoa and Kale Protein Power Salad

Quinoa, chickpeas and pistachios add protein and healthy fat to this seasonal kale salad, making it a favorite side dish or healthy vegetarian main meal.

Even though I knew better, I still asked.

“Should we do something with kale, or swiss chard, or spinach, with the quinoa?”

“I’m not a good one to ask about that sort of thing,” he replied. “How about you do something with sausage, butter and cream?”

Typical. Oh…so…typical.

Didn’t he hear the bleating of the noise makers? Didn’t he see the ball drop? Doesn’t he know there’s been the annual calendar flip that puts us all into dietary shock following the previous two month’s full-steam-ahead intake of gluttonous anything and everything?

Lucky for him (ahem) he has me and this protein-packed quinoa and kale salad to remind him.

continue to the recipe… about Quinoa and Kale Protein Power Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

This healthy vegetarian quinoa salad makes for a simple lunch or dinner, thanks to staples like roasted red bell peppers, kalamata olives and feta from your fridge and pantry.

I get that feeling. I look at my watch. Scratch that, I look at the clock on my iPhone—after annoyingly plugging in my 4 number password twice because I have bubblethumbs—and realize, CRAP! It’s lunch!

Now what?

If I’m not going out to lunch with my husband (we’re pretty good at day-dating) you’ll find me in the kitchen adding odds and ends from the pantry and fridge for a cobbled together salad of leftovers, canned beans and anything with a pucker.

Where this salad may have started off without much of a thought in serving up me, myself and I for a one-on-one lunch, it proved its worth in spades when I pulled it out of my recipe hat and made it for a lunch to serve 16 food bloggers.

It’s a good one for that.

continue to the recipe… about Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Southwest Quinoa and Grilled Corn Salad

This healthy salad features protein-packed quinoa and beans, grilled corn, queso, and a yummy honey-lime vinaigrette, for an easy and delicious side dish.

I’m partial to recipes that put me somewhere in the vicinity of where their flavors hail from.

New England Clam Chowder. Texas Toast. California Cobb. Baltimore Pit Beef Sandwiches. Long Island Ice Tea. Clink-a-link with that loaded drinky drink.

I suppose I think if I close my eyes and simply say the dish’s name over and over, then take a bite, maybe it will teleport me to a seaside port or salty desert oasis.

Sort of I Dream of Jeannie-esque, except I’m wishing for food instead of my master. Or maybe they’re one in the same?

I served this recipe at my daughter’s family birthday party to several quinoa virgins who were more than pleased with their second helpings. Or maybe thirds?

continue to the recipe… about Southwest Quinoa and Grilled Corn Salad

Chewy Almond Butter Power Bars

These chewy bars are full of protein thanks to almond butter and sliced almonds and are naturally sweetened with honey and dried fruit, for a healthy snack or breakfast on the run.

I consider myself a fairly friendly neighbor.

I put thought into my holiday neighbor gifts. I wander over with a smile to say “hey, how’ve you been?” And I’m always in search of people to deliver food blogging leftovers to.

You gotta share the love. Just don’t expect reciprocity.

So when one of my neighbors dropped by to deliver a Ziploc bag of homemade power bars last week, I was impressed. Not only because it was the man of the house who made them (kudos to guys who cook beyond the grill), but also because he didn’t take the usual course of action to think that just because I’m a food blogger that I wouldn’t appreciate them.

Let’s get something clear. I’m no snob when it comes to free food.

continue to the recipe… about Chewy Almond Butter Power Bars

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Chickpeas and How to Become a Kitchen Knife Slayer

Dull knife = Dull life. And lots of band-aids at our house.

We’ve spent a small fortune on cutlery in our home. We’ve tried lots of different brands and every various style. Chefs knives, carving knives, vegetable cleavers and santoku knives. They each have their place in the sun. But only if they’re sharp and only if you know how to use them.

Because Smudge had a hankering to help me cook in the kitchen and because this recipe for Quinoa Tabbouleh with Chickpeas requires a lot of chopping, I took advantage of the need-for-knife-education situation and put my girl to school. Let’s kill two birds with one stone, am I right?

Smudge has proven her place in our kitchen. She’s seen what cooking means to her mom and dad and she’s ready to graduate from cracking eggs and spreading butter on toast to wielding her way with the most savored utility in the kitchen. The home cook’s trusty sword. The extension of her right arm, or left if that’s your preference.

As Smudge comes around to her 10th birthday in 4 weeks (YIKES!) she’s ready to get into the good stuff, to graduate to the big guns. The knives that do damage. So before she does, she’s going to be schooled by the pros. And that’s where this lesson begins.

continue to the recipe… about Quinoa Tabbouleh with Chickpeas and How to Become a Kitchen Knife Slayer

Gluten-Free Quinoa and Cauliflower Chowder

Do you have your megaphone ready? I’m digging my husband’s out of the garage.

Yep, he has a megaphone because he’s in a band, you know, for “special effects” and stuff. He also has these weirdo 1960’s goggles and a suit covered in Christmas lights—because he’s in a band.

But that’s another story for another day.

Today’s story is that we’re all banding together and shouting at the top of our lungs—or into said megaphone if you have one handy—we’re shouting, “GOODBYE FROZEN TUNDRA, and good riddance.” Why? Because (happy dance) this week marks the official first day of spring. Yes!

But that certainly doesn’t signal the end of eating savory soups and stews. Heck, this is just the beginning.

And since we’ll probably do the winter/spring dance tease of warm one day, cold the next and I’m sure I’ll have to cover my tomatoes for at least two more snow storms, this gluten-free chowder is just one way to walk the tightrope of comfort food cravings and spring clean eats desires.

Last week I may have said I wasn’t a devout whole foodie. And now, here I am, posting whole foods. To me, that is exactly how a foodie should be. Balanced. Eating what feels right. What cures the craving.

Lightened up, but still savory, this chowder is a great #MeatlessMonday meal. Because that’s what I’m craving now.

continue to the recipe… about Gluten-Free Quinoa and Cauliflower Chowder

Strawberry and Quinoa Parfait Plus a Giveaway

This post is sponsored by California Strawberries, whose sweetness will surely inspire you to start the new year right with this Strawberry and Quinoa Parfait and the opportunity to win a Vitamix blender.

If you’re like me, moving into the new year means coming down from my holiday foodie high of sweets, treats and not-especially-healthy-eats and confronting myself with reality.

That boils down to clearing out the stash of Christmas cookies and the last sips of eggnog and making room for more healthful fruit and veggies for this girl. STAT!

With this as my first recipe post of 2014, it seems only fitting to have it start with the most important meal of the day: breakfast. And since I’m six days in and feeling all gung-ho with my annual analysis of what I feed this body of mine, I’m leaving the eggs, french toast and waffles for later.

Today we’re starting off simple. And fresh. And easy. With strawberries.

continue to the recipe… about Strawberry and Quinoa Parfait Plus a Giveaway

Quinoa and Burrata Caprese Salad and 8 Favorite Whole Food Blogs

Everyone’s favorite caprese salad with tomatoes, basil and creamy burrata cheese gets a protein boost thanks to the addition of healthy quinoa.

There are few ingredients that have made as big a splash on the current food trend scene, with as quick of a rise in popularity—and I’m not talking bacon here—than the superfood we call quinoa. It’s pronounced, keen-wa, but I’ve heard tongue-tied foodies say kwiin-wa and even kwin-O-uh.

However it’s name passes your pearly lips, quinoa has definitely made an impression on food bloggers and their recipes. Heck, it’s made an impression on the world, with 2013 being named the “International Year of Quinoa” by The United Nations General Assembly thanks to its potential to assist in eradicating world hunger.

Quinoa is an ancient grain, revered as a staple in the diet of the pre-Columbian Andean and Incan people who harvested it over 7,000 years ago. But until the past few years, quinoa was anything but a favored alternative to potatoes, rice and pasta. It wasn’t the chosen one cuddling up to the grilled chicken on your plate. But I’m here to tell you my theory on what helped change that.continue to the recipe… about Quinoa and Burrata Caprese Salad and 8 Favorite Whole Food Blogs

Quinoa and Avocado Chimichurri Salad for Food Bloggers Against Hunger

One out of every two children is on some sort of food assistance today. Families are living on a daily food budget of three dollars a day for an entire family. I’ll spend twice that on an afternoon doughnut treat for my daughter and her friends. Or for a morning coffee and copy and a magazine that talks about food.

It’s time to put our voices where our mouths are and make some noise to fix what is wrong with the state of nutrition in our country. Thanks to Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry initiative and education of the general public through documentaries like A Place at the Table, the food plight of millions of American’s is being exposed.

When I walk into my daughter’s classroom in the morning, that’s when the notion that this is a real problem hits home. As I look around the continually changing and growing faces, I watch and wonder about who had what for breakfast. Do they look deflated because it’s early and they didn’t want to crawl out from their covers or because breakfast didn’t give them the energy their growing minds need? If they did eat was it a meal balanced with protein, whole grains and calcium or did they swiftly down a sugar soaked cereal that will bring them to a mid-morning crash? Or maybe they had nothing at all?

My daughter and I have an after school routine where she tells me three things about her day. The one I always care about most is about her lunch and how much she ate. While I loved school lunch as a kid, I pack my Smudge’s lunch instead. I want her meal to be balanced. I want to know what is in it and I want to know how much of it she’s eating. I’m not totally hard core about organic and avoiding sugars at all costs, but I definitely don’t want her eating frozen pizza or deep fried french fries everyday in lieu of fresh fruit and whole grains. The funny thing is she doesn’t even know what she’s missing. She doesn’t like french fries anyway. Is that why?

I’m pretty sure the majority of the children’s families in my daughter’s school have a pretty healthy notion of eating. But even having money to buy food doesn’t necessarily translate into buying the right food. You still have to make good choices. continue to the recipe… about Quinoa and Avocado Chimichurri Salad for Food Bloggers Against Hunger