Nourished not Famished

Healthy Made Easy: Simple, Nourishing Solutions to Healthy Eating and Living

Salads & Side Dishes

Quick-Pickled Cauliflower

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If you are looking to add more veggies to your plate, quick-pickled is a fun, easy method for preparing a big pile of veggies to enjoy all week long. Honestly, you can quick-pickle a wide variety of vegetables, but here I’m going to show you how I like to pickle a head of cauliflower.

It’s helpful to have an actual canning jar (that can tolerate high temp liquids) on hand like these 1.5 liter Weck jars and these easy, no-fuss lids so that you can pour the heated liquid directly into the jar, and store it in the fridge easily. No problem, though if you don’t have that. You can also use any pot you have on hand, and simply let the mixture cool before you pour it into your dish/jar of choice for storage.

Here are a couple of ways to enjoy this sweet, tangy, and crunchy side dish:

  • added to a pasta salad, like the one pictured below (an easy way to add plenty of tangy, acidic zip to your pasta salad AND boost the veggie content for a more balanced, fiber-rich pasta salad)
  • as a side to just about any meal – this one works with breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

make it your own

In my version of quick-pickled cauliflower, I’ve added flavor with the addition of mustard seeds and black peppercorns. Feel free to experiment with other spices if you like (ground or whole)! You could also add fresh herbs, dried herbs, garlic, or peeled and sliced fresh giner.

enoy it in a pasta salad

Easy, Veggie-Loaded Pasta and Grilled Turkey Kielbasa Salad (quick-pickled cauliflower included!)

Print Recipe
 Quick-Pickled Cauliflower
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Pack cauliflower in roomy jar* (I used a 1.5 liter Weck-brand jar). * NOTE: If you do not have an actual "canning" jar (which can tolerate hot liquids), use a large bowl or pot instead at this point. Later, after your mixture has cooled, you can pack it in any jar that fits.
  2. Combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and spices in pot and bring to simmer until salt and sugar dissolve.
  3. Pour immediately over cauliflower. Allow mixture to cool. Store in refrigerator. You can enjoy soon afterward, but the flavor really takes off and is more fully developed about 48 hours in. The pickled cauliflower will keep for a month in the fridge (though I am sure you will have eaten it all by then - too good to last!).

Zucchini Fritters with Dipping Sauce, gluten-free

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stack ’em up and eat those veggies

Finally, you can hit your veggie goals!

The struggle is real. I get it.

You know you should be eating more veggies.

You know you should be feeding yourself and your household more veggies.

You actually like vegetables, but you feel like you’re working way too hard “selling” veggies to your kids/spouse/partner/roomie.

This veggie-loaded Zucchini Fritter recipe is your answer to delicious veggies that you and your household will actually be excited to eat! They’re easy to prepare, and any extras are perfect for a quick reheat & eat anytime later in the week. In my house, we enjoy these fritters at any meal of the day, or even for a snack.

Keep the shredding step quick and easy by using a food processor! This is the one I use in my kitchen, and I love it.

But wait, there’s more!

Yes, more veggies. . . you can make these fritters with a variety of different veggies! It doesn’t have to be zucchini. This means you can use up all of those forlorn veggies in your fridge that have been, ahem, patiently waiting for you to finally eat them.

Building a meal with fritters

When adding these to a meal, I typically plate them with some additional protein (i.e. poultry, eggs & egg white scramble, Greek yogurt, seafood, tempeh, etc.), and little bit more slow carb such as fruit or a starchy veggie like squash or sweet potato. The fritter itself is, of course, a good source of non-starchy veggies, but also contains some slow carb (from the chickpea flour), a lil’ bit of protein (from the chickpea flour and the egg), and nourishing fat (from the avocado oil and the egg).

This meal combination works well for my needs, but please do what works for YOU. Your individual needs with regard to protein, carbohydrates and fat may vary, which means you might choose to build your plate differently than mine.

  • Add to your dinner or lunch plate for a delicious, filling, satisfying boost of veggies.
  • Add to your breakfast plate to start your day with some veggies (we love them plated with Trader Joe’s maple breakfast sausage on the side, and some Fage Greek yogurt and fresh fruit).
  • They are easy to pack up for a portable, balanced snack.

And if you have a garden and you are STILL trying to use up the last of your zucchini from this growing season, this is your ace in the hole. Just keep doubling the recipe until you’ve used up your last zucchini. That’s what I do!

Here’s the quick & dirty on this easy recipe: (full recipe below)

what you need:

  • shredded zucchini
  • a few dried herbs, salt
  • some flour (I used chickpea flour, which is a slow-acting carb, and also happens to be gluten-free. Experiment with whatever kind of flour suits you, honestly. It’s all good.)
  • egg
  • oil

what you do:

  • Shred zucchini, salt it, let it sit for a bit, and then wring it out.
  • Mix dry ingredients.
  • Add whisked egg, zucchini, and dry ingredients to bowl and combine.
  • Heat little bit of oil in skillet, and pan-fry mixture by the spoonful for a few minutes on each side.
  • That’s it. If you want to get extra about it, you can make a quick dipping sauce, too.
Print Recipe
 Gluten-free Zucchini Fritters with Dipping Sauce
Course Appetizers, Breakfast, Salads & Side Dishes, Snacks
Servings
Ingredients
Zucchini Fritter batter
Dipping Sauce:
Course Appetizers, Breakfast, Salads & Side Dishes, Snacks
Servings
Ingredients
Zucchini Fritter batter
Dipping Sauce:
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded zucchini with 1 teaspoon kosher (or coarse) salt. Set aside for ten minutes.
  2. Wring out shredded zucchini by bundling it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and gently squeezing OR by pressing in a colander. Do not skip this step! This ensures the perfect texture fritters (instead of watery, soup-y batter that won't cook properly).
  3. Combine zucchini with remaining fritter ingredients.
  4. In a large, heavy skillet, heat oil over medium high heat (until gently shimmering). Plop batter by spoonful into heated oil. Gently smooth flat with spoon. Optional (but highly recommended): Place a spatter guard over the pan.
  5. Cook 3-4 minutes each side. (Reduce heat to medium as needed.)
  6. Place on a paper-towel lined plate or platter to cool slightly before serving.
  7. Optional: Combine dipping sauce ingredients. Serve on side, for dipping or drizzling.

Rosemary Roasted Butternut Squash

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The perfect balance of savory and sweet, Rosemary Roasted Butternut squash is a cinch to make and is a perfect, versatile batch-cooking item to have on hand to add to meals all week long. Butternut squash is a colorful, starchy vegetable, which means it is not only super-fueling, but also loaded with plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

all batch-prepped and ready for the week!

Ways to enjoy this easy recipe:

  • As a colorful, veggie addition to any basic meal, especially delicious with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork
  • Add to a comforting, nourishing bowl meal, along with other veggies, protein of your choice (for example, egg, tofu, tempeh, poultry, pork, beef, or lamb, etc.). Drizzle bowl with a delicious sauce or dressing, and add some beans, too if you like.
  • Add to a breakfast bowl, with eggs and sauteed greens.
  • Roll it over into a soup: puree with broth, and add a splash of something creamy like cream or coconut milk
  • Add to a salad
  • Mash it, and use as a “bed” at the bottom of your plate, and top with grilled meats and other veggies.
  • Use it in place of tomato sauce on a flatbread or pizza. Mash the cooked squash, spread on your pita/dough/crust, and add cheese and mushrooms for an amazing combination!

what you’ll need

Print Recipe
 Rosemary Roasted Butternut Squash
Sweet, savory, and garlicky, this easy recipe is a great addition to your batch-cooking favorites!
roasted squash on sheet pan
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
roasted squash on sheet pan
Instructions
  1. Place oven rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Combine all ingredients thoroughly. (You can do this directly on your sheet pan, or in a bowl.)
  3. Spread squash out evenly on sheet pan. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until squash begins to brown slightly.
Recipe Notes

Note: If you double this recipe, use two sheet pans, or roast just one batch at a time if you've only got one sheet pan. Avoid "crowding" the squash on the sheet pan, because that will result in steamed rather than roasted squash.

Quick Pickled Red Onions

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Quick-pickled red onions are an easy, delicious way to add a bright, tangy burst of flavor to a savory dish that needs that perfect finishing touch. It’s amazing how the small addition of something acidic can transform a meal!

Here are a few ways you can enjoy this simple side:

bowl of pork carnitas with sides
perfect topping for a pork carnitas bowl

Store your pickled onions in a glass or ceramic jar. Plastic will absorb the flavors, and a metal container will likely react with the vinegar.

Print Recipe
 Quick Pickled Red Onions
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
Optional flavorings: (suggestions)
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Ingredients
Optional flavorings: (suggestions)
Instructions
  1. Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat on low, stirring occasionally until salt and sugar dissolve.
  2. Add water. Let mixture cool.
  3. Add red onions to a jar or bowl (with lid) along with optional flavorings.
  4. Pour liquid into jar. Let sit at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate. (As the onions pickle, they will release some of their water, and you will ultimately end up with a little bit more liquid in your container.)
  5. Onions will keep in fridge for two weeks.

Cilantro Lime Slaw

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Need to add more delicious veggies to your life, but you’re short on time? This recipe is for you! Also, it’s the perfect side to just about any taco, burrito, or carnitas meal (grab my pork carnitas recipe here).

To keep things simple, I’ve started with pre-shredded cabbage/ slaw mix. If you prefer, feel free to shred your own cabbage using a food processor. I’m guessing that a half a head of cabbage would yield a similar amount. Savoy cabbage or regular green cabbage works nicely here. Red/purple cabbage is also another good option.

bowl of pork carnitas with sides
This cilantro lime slaw is the perfect accompaniment to pork carnitas.
Print Recipe
 Cilantro Lime Slaw
bowl of cilantro lime slaw
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings
servings
Ingredients
bowl of cilantro lime slaw
Instructions
  1. Combine lime juice, cumin, cilantro, and garlic. Stir to combine.
  2. Whisk extra virgin olive oil into lime and spice mixture to make the dressing.
  3. Combine the cabbage, cilantro, and dressing in a large bowl (include optional red pepper if using). Stir gently to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Easy, Pantry-friendly Bean Salad

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I have always been a cheerleader for a “recipe-ish” approach to cooking, because I discovered that it makes all things meal planning and meal prep so much easier. Sure, recipes have their place, and are so helpful when you want to try a new dish, a new ingredient, or a new technique. Recipes are wonderful training wheels that help you gain momentum with your cooking skills. But when it comes to your day-to-day, in the trenches, get-it-done cooking, a recipe-ish approach is a LOT more sustainable.

Instead of strict steps to follow, recipe-ish is about letting a template guide you. It’s easier and quicker than fussing with a recipe, and also gives you the flexibility to work with what you’ve got. Doesn’t that sound like just what you need right now?

bean salad made with Great Northern beans, EVOO, red wine vinegar, parsley, cumin, and mirepoix (celery, carrot, and onion)

Here is my basic recipe-ish approach to a simple pantry-friendly bean salad. It’s so easy to make, and keeps for DAYS in the fridge. It’s a wonderful side dish, is delicious added to a big salad, and also can be gently heated in the skillet and served with a fried egg on top. You could even repurpose it into a soup by reheating with some broth and additional veggies and/ or starch.

This template allows you to work with whatever you’ve got on hand (or not!):

BEANS – Canned is fine, or cook up your own dried beans. (Here are my super-easy instructions for cooking dried beans in your Instant Pot.)

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AROMATICS – Aromatics are those humble beginnings that elevate all of the other flavors in a dish. Here I’ve used celery, carrot, and onion. Feel free to add other veggies like diced red pepper, garlic, or substitute with some scallions, red onion, leeks, chives, ginger, etc. There are endless combinations to try, and each with a different regional influence. And technically, “aromatics” often refers to the foundational spices and herbs that might also be included . . .

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HERBS – Use what you’ve got, fresh or dried.

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SPICES – Dig out those jars. There you’ll find the perfect addition to bring something interesting to your dish.

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ACID – Vinegar or citrus are great options. There is a whole wide world of vinegars out there – red wine, balsamic, white balsamic, champagne, sherry, rice vinegar, and tons more. Experiment to discover your favorites!

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FAT – Here I’ve used extra virgin olive oil. Work with what you’ve got, and if you can, try to stay away from highly refined oils.

Combine all ingredients, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy immediately, and store leftovers in the fridge for repeat joyful eating. And no blah leftovers here – I’ve noticed that a good bean salad tastes even better the next day or two!

What do you have on hand that you think you could toss together to make your own bean salad?

Print Recipe
 Easy, Pantry-friendly Bean Salad
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings

Apple & Cabbage Slaw with Maple Tahini Dressing

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In the depths of winter, I find it hard to warm up to tender, leafy, summery salads. In fall and winter, I find myself craving a heartier crisp and crunch to my salads, and more robust flavors. This classic combination of crispy apples, crunchy cabbage, and toasted walnuts satisfies completely every time.

I especially find myself reaching for this recipe after the holiday season of rich foods. The bright, tangy flavors reawaken my palate after a steady diet of Christmas cookies and egg nog! Also, apples, cabbage, and walnuts are foods that naturally support liver function, which means you can skip the shady detox teas and detox supplements and just eat this tasty salad instead. 

This salad typically tastes best the day you prepare it, but there are some ways you can jump start your prep ahead of time.

JUMP START:

  • toast the walnuts
  • make the Maple Tahini Dressing (Even better – offload this task to someone else if possible. Conscript your kids, your spouse or significant other, roomate, whatever.)

If you’re going to spend time making this recipe, you might as well leverage your efforts and make a little bit extra of some of the ingredients to repurpose in other meals during the week. I like to call these my “Now & Laters” – I’m prepping some for now, and some for later use in other meals, with hardly any extra effort.

NOW & LATER:

  • In addition to the chopped apples for this salad, slice up an extra apple or two, and store in the fridge for snacks during the week. A little squeeze of fresh lemon will keep them from browning.
  • Good news: the dressing recipe included below yields plenty extra, which means you can store it in the fridge and enjoy it all week long. It’s delicious over roasted chicken or roasted squash, as a salad dressing, or even as a dip for veggies. 
  • Toast extra walnuts, and store in the fridge for adding a little sprinkle of tasty, crunchy healthy fats to your plate now and then. They’re great on your morning oats or Greek yogurt, or sprinkled on a salad or a bowl meal.
  • Slice/shred the remaining half head of cabbage, and repurpose it into a stir fry or a classic slaw the next day or two.
Maple Tahini Dressing

Print Recipe
 Apple & Cabbage Slaw with Maple Tahini Dressing
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
as a side
Ingredients
Slaw:
Dressing:
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
as a side
Ingredients
Slaw:
Dressing:
Instructions
  1. Combine slaw ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Combine dressing ingredients in a medium jar or bowl, and whisk to combine.
  3. Add Maple Tahini Dressing to the salad, and toss gently to combine. (I used about half of the dressing amount on the salad.)

Roasted Delicata Squash

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Fair warning: I will be obsessing about delicata squash this squash season. And rightfully so, because not only is it perfectly sweet and tender, it is also super easy to prepare. Unlike any other types of squash, it is a breeze to slice before cooking, and there’s no need to peel the edible, thin skin. And, as usual, it’s a good idea to make a big batch so you can leverage one cooking sesh into multiple meals.

   
Give roasted delicata squash a go if you want to add a true taste of fall to your plate.  Are you a delicata fan, too? Who’s adding it to their meal prep this weekend?


Print Recipe


Roasted Delicata Squash

Course Salads & Side Dishes

Servings
(depends on amount of squash)


Ingredients

Course Salads & Side Dishes

Servings
(depends on amount of squash)


Ingredients


Instructions
  1. Slice off ends, and then slice squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds (and save for roasting for snacks or salad topping!).

  2. Slice into 1/4"-1/2" thick slices. Toss (directly on baking sheet) with some oil, spices, salt & pepper. My favorite combo for delicata squash is melted coconut oil, chili powder, cumin, and a little bit of salt. .

  3. Cook at 425 degrees for 20-30 minutes, turning over once halfway through. Timing will vary, so watch carefully.

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower

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Want an easy way to get a few more veggies into this week? Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower is a little gem of a side dish that really is a superstar. It’s super-quick to make, and so delicious that eating more veggies becomes effortless! You’ll probably find yourself eating all of it, right from the pan, no plates necessary. If you love food that tastes good AND is good for you, this is a win-win. Turmeric brings a rich, complex flavor and gorgeous golden hue to any dish, and it’s loaded with innumerable health benefits.

This dish is generously spiced with turmeric, and also contains black pepper and fat (olive oil or avocado oil), both of which aid the body in digesting and absorbing the beneficial compounds found in turmeric. The main active ingredient in turmeric is a compound called curcumin. Here’s why curcumin is a nutrient superstar:
– is a very strong anti-oxidant
– has powerful anti-inflammatory effects
– boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), linked to improved brain function and a lower risk of brain diseases
– may help reverse some steps in the heart disease process
and the list goes on . . . .

If you want to geek out on more info on its health benefits check out Ten Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin.

 

Print Recipe
 Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Cuisine Indian
Servings
1-cup servings
Ingredients
Course Salads & Side Dishes
Cuisine Indian
Servings
1-cup servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450F.
  2. Remove and discard (compost it if you can!) the cauliflower core. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
  3. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
  4. Add cauliflower pieces to large bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat well.
  5. Spread out cauliflower in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
  6. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower begins to brown.

Grilled Veggie Party Platter

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Headed to a party or barbeque this week? Or maybe you just want to stock your fridge with ready-to-eat veggies to help yourself hit your veggie goals? Stack the deck in your favor by making this fun platter, loaded with veggies, good fats, and legumes (optional addition, I used lentils here, but any kind of white bean would work well in this, too).

Weekends in particular are a vulnerable time for getting off track, so boost your odds for success by piling your plate with real food. This will help crowd out the junk, and also will nip cravings in the bud.

This summer party platter is pretty straightforward to make. I grilled a veggie combination of zucchini, summer squash, and eggplant, then piled some cooked french lentils* on top of the veggies, and drizzled it all with a delicious sauce (see suggestions below).

Making a sauce is super easy – just dump all ingredients into blender and you’re good to go! (As an alternative, you could top with a different sauce of your choice.)

Sauce and toppings ideas

*I like French lentils versus regular brown lentils because I prefer their flavor and they are firmer than brown lentils. To make, combine 1 cup French lentils, 1 bay leaf, and 3 cups broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer, uncovered for approx. 20 minutes (check to avoid overcooking). Drain before serving.

To make the grilled veggies, I cut zucchini, summer squash, and eggplant into 1/2″ slices lengthwise, and red onion about 1″ thick. I sprayed both sides with avocado oil, and sprinkled with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I grilled the veggies over medium heat, flipping halfway (maybe 5-8 minutes each side??).

So, if you’re headed to that party or barbecue, bring this crowd-pleasing veggie platter, enjoy that party, dig in, and stay on track.  Or, if you’re simply trying to set yourself up to enjoy delicious, nourishing, veggie loaded meals, this recipe will help you make that happen. You got this!

Print Recipe
 Grilled Veggie Party Platter
Course Appetizers, Main Dishes, Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
varies
Ingredients
Course Appetizers, Main Dishes, Salads & Side Dishes
Servings
varies
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat grill to medium heat. Spray both sides of each veggie slice with avocado oil (or, instead, brush with oil), and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill the veggies over medium heat, flipping halfway (cook approximately 5-8 minutes each side).