Super food = super delicious! I'm trying to find ways to replace meat with something "meaty" that will keep me fuller, longer. Butternut squash is perfect for this! Toppings can be substituted for whatever you have on hand, the possibilities are endless.
Time: 30
Ingredients:
- 1 handful chopped kale (or kale salad with cabbage & carrots)
- 1 cup diced butternut squash (I bought mine already diced from Shoprite!)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon sliced black olives
- 1 tablespoon sliced pepperoncinis
- 3-4 grape tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt/pepper to taste
Recipe:
- Roast the diced butternut squash with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, salt and pepper on 375 degrees for about 30 mins. Depending on the size of your dices, this could take more or less time.
- While your squash is roasting, you can prepare the rest of the salad. Throw all remaining ingredients (including the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and salt/pepper) into a small/medium basin and toss to combine.
- Once the squash is roasted - let it cool completely so that it doesn't wilt the kale when added to the salad.
Serving suggestion: Put the salad mixture on your plate or bowl first, then top with the cooled squash. Enjoy!
Feeling lazy at lunchtime? Try my spinach tortellini lunch salad! It's quick - it's easy - it's delicious!
Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach tortellini
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup grape tomatoes, whole
- 1 tablespoon roasted garlic slices
- 1/4 cup olives of your choice
- salt/pepper to taste
Recipe:
- Bring 2 cups water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt
- Strain when cooked through and let cool
- Toss in a bowl with desired toppings
- Sprinkle with salt/pepper to taste
- Eat cold or at room temperature
Add these burgers to a sandwich or use them without bread for a simple scrumptious lunch salad!
Time: 30 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 pack ground lamb (~2 lbs)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or more if you like things garlicky)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dark chili powder
- Salt/pepper to taste
Recipe:
- Mix all the above ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Form burger shapes with your hands - you will need to push a little dent in the middle of each patty with your thumb, so they cook evenly as a patty and don't have a mountain in the middle when they're on the grill.
- Grill or pan-sear the burgers for about 3 mins on each side or until rare to your liking.
- Enjoy!
Looking to squash some extra belly fat while still having a flavorful meal? Try out my spiced butternut squash recipe! I used spices that remind me of the holidays - and my apartment smelled amazing while this was cooking.
This recipe is great as a snack, side dish, or even throw it into a salad for lunch! I actually had it as a full meal for dinner last night!
Time: 30 - 35 mins
Ingredients:
- Small/medium sized butternut squash
- About 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil depending on the size of your squash
- Salt/pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika to taste
- Ground cinnamon to taste
Recipe:
- Peel and cut the butternut squash into small bite-sized cubes
- Lay the cubes out on a cookie sheet that's covered with foil
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the squash pieces
- Sprinkle desired spices - I used smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and salt & pepper
- Bake on 400 degrees for about 20 - 25 mins or until the tops are golden brown and you can easily stick a fork into the pieces.
Enjoy!
FYI - there are several health benefits of butternut squash. These gourds are high in Vitamin A and B-complex. They have no saturated fats or cholesterol and are a rich source of dietary fiber. They are also great for controlling your cholesterol and weight. Read more about their benefits here: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/butternut-squash.html
TIP: Save the seeds! Butternut squash seeds are also really high in fiber! Wash them thoroughly after scooping them out of the squash and roast them (try my roasted pumpkin seed recipe with these seeds, use whatever spice you like!)
