Category: Vegetarian Recipes

Grilled Fig and Quinoa Salad

grilled fig and quinoa salad recipe

This grilled fig and quinoa salad marks the first time I have used figs in a recipe, ever. For some reason, I have had a really hard time finding them – and I go to a lot of different grocery stores. Then last week I found these Black Mission Figs. They did not disappoint. Super ripe and sweet. I have many staples that I use regularly, but it is so much more interesting to try cooking with different and exotic ingredients. If it turns out bad, well I eat it anyway. This salad is perfect for when you are craving sweet and savory flavors. The fig and goat cheese compliment each other so well. I’ll be pairing them together again soon, maybe on a flatbread.

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Grilled Fig and Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

  • 4 figs, halved
  • Leafy greens, I used a mix of baby kale, chard and spinach
  • 1/2 c dry quinoa
  • 1/3 c soft herbed goat cheese
  • 1/3 c red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to directions. Allow quinoa to chill 30 minutes after cooking.
  2. Preheat grill to 350. Grill figs cut side down for 3 minutes. Remove from grill and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar.
  4. Add red onion to bowl and toss.
  5. Assemble greens on serving platter.
  6. Top with chilled quinoa then assemble onions and figs.
  7. Drizzle balsamic honey dressing over the top and finish with dollops of goat cheese.
https://freshandfit.org/grilled-fig-salad-and-quinoa-salad/

Seasonal Chopped Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese Dressing

Seasonal Chopped Salad Recipe

Farmers markets and grocery stores are full of vibrant produce this time of year. You can find many unique varieties of old favorites. Just today I saw “Apple-cots” which I am guessing is a hybrid of an apple and apricot. I couldn’t resist picking up purple bell peppers. They were something I have never seen before, so I thought they would be perfect for today’s salad recipe. I am going to serve this creamy herbed goat cheese dressed salad tonight alongside some grilled sausages. This seasonal chopped salad has some great springtime favorites in addition to the purple peppers; crunchy radishes, cool cucumbers and tender fingerling potatoes. My favorite part is the creamy herbed goat cheese dressing with fresh lemon and dill.

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Seasonal Chopped Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese Dressing

Seasonal Chopped Salad with Herbed Goat Cheese Dressing

Ingredients

  • 1 c fingerling potatoes
  • 1 c radishes, quartered
  • 1 c bell pepper, diced
  • 1c seedless cucumber, diced
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/3 c olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 handful of dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp soft herb goat cheese
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to boil. Add potatoes. Simmer 15 minutes or until fork tender. Strain potatoes and chill for at least 20 minutes.
  2. In the meantime, chop vegetables and combine in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, goat cheese, garlic, lemon juice and dill until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. When potatoes are cool, slice them in half and add with the rest of vegetables.
  5. Pour dressing over vegetables and stir. Refrigerate until serving.
https://freshandfit.org/seasonal-chopped-salad-with-herbed-goat-cheese-dressing/

 

Harvest Blend Salad

harvest blend recipe
Today I have another 2 for 1 rice/salad recipe for you. I came across this exotic rice blend at Trader Joes the other day and thought it would make a great cool rice salad for the warmer months. The blend includes israeli couscous, red quinoa, baby garbanzo beans, and orzo.  This salad is a hybrid of a tabouli and a balela; I am just going to call it “Harvest Blend Salad.” Fresh ingredients like parsley, mint, basil and fresh squeezed lemon make this a nutrient dense dish with pops of clean flavors. The addition of black beans and chickpeas amp up the protein making this an ideal dish for vegetarians. It is also a great dish to bring to parties and would travel very well without spoiling.

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Harvest Blend Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 c trader joes harvest blend rice
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 c red onion, minced
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 c finely chopped parsley
  • 2 medium mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 large basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 c olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook rice according to package. Cool in refrigerator while preparing the rest of ingredients.
  2. Combine tomatoes, onion, and beans in a large bowl.
  3. Add chopped herbs. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add rice and stir to combine.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
  6. Drizzle dressing over salad. Stir to coat.
  7. Refrigerate until serving.
https://freshandfit.org/harvest-blend-salad/

Strawberry-Kiwi Mojito and Pina Colada Popsicles

strawberry kiwi and pina colada popsicles

It’s that time of year again; the days are getting longer and the weather is heating up. We’re all reaching for something refreshing to cool us off. What is more reminiscent of summer vacation than Popsicles? These two delicious recipes for strawberry-kiwi mojito and piña colada popsicles have no added sugar and are much healthier than the store bought ones I grew up eating. Get the kids involved and make them together. They are named after tropical cocktails, but there is no liquor – feel free to add some though!

 

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Strawberry-Kiwi Mojito and Piña Colada Popcicles

Ingredients

  • Strawberry-Kiwi Mojito Popsicle
  • Makes 2 pops
  • 1/2 c strawberries
  • 1 kiwi, skin removed
  • 3 mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 c coconut water
  • Pina Colada Popsicle
  • Makes 2 pops
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew or almond milk
  • 1/2 c shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/2 c pineapple chunks

Instructions

  1. Add ingredients to blender. Blend until smooth
  2. Pour into Popsicle mold.
  3. Freeze at least 3 hours
https://freshandfit.org/strawberry-kiwi-mojito-and-pina-colada-popsicles/