Salad featuring Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Dressing
**Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad: A Timeless Flavor Pairing**
Chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing form a trio that has gained popularity as a cherished flavor pair for many. This timeless blend is not only flavorful but also adaptable, making it an ideal selection for a filling and fulfilling salad.
**Ingredients and Preparation**
The base of this salad is chicken, which can be cooked in a variety of methods. For an added kick of flavor, think about using ranch grilled chicken. This involves marinating chicken breasts in ranch seasoning prior to grilling them to perfection. Nonetheless, any cooked and sliced or shredded chicken is just as effective.
The salad itself features a combination of fresh ingredients: crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, smooth avocado, crispy bacon, and zesty onions. These elements come together to forge a well-rounded and tasty dish.
**The Highlight: Ranch Dressing**
The centerpiece of the Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad is undoubtedly the ranch dressing. A homemade ranch dressing, prepared with fresh herbs, can enhance the salad remarkably. However, if you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought ranch dressing will suffice.
**Conclusion**
Whether you are seeking a quick lunch or a light dinner, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad is a delightful option. Its mixture of textures and flavors results in a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
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Sweet Potatoes Filled with BBQ Chicken and Mexican Street Corn Salad
**BBQ Chicken and Mexican Street Corn Salad Stuffed Sweet Potatoes**
Stuffed sweet potatoes are an enjoyable and adaptable dish that can be tailored to fit different tastes and preferences. One especially tasty variation features filling tender roasted sweet potatoes with smoky BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and a lively Mexican street corn salad. This mix not only provides an explosion of flavors but also creates a visually striking and fulfilling meal.
**Ingredients:**
– Sweet potatoes
– BBQ chicken
– Cheese (your choice, like cheddar or mozzarella)
– Fresh corn
– Butter
– Jalapeno
– Green onion
– Cilantro
– Mayonnaise
– Lime juice
– Cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper
– Optional toppings: pickled red onions, guacamole, coleslaw
**Instructions:**
1. **Roast the Sweet Potatoes:**
Start by preheating your oven and roasting the sweet potatoes until they’re soft. This typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their size.
2. **Prepare the BBQ Chicken:**
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the BBQ chicken. You can either use store-bought BBQ chicken or make your own by grilling or baking chicken breasts and coating them with your preferred BBQ sauce.
3. **Make the Mexican Street Corn Salad:**
– In a skillet, char fresh corn kernels with a little butter until they have a slight brown color.
– Combine chopped jalapeno, green onion, and cilantro.
– Incorporate mayonnaise, lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper according to taste. Mix everything together until well blended.
4. **Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:**
– After the sweet potatoes are cooked, cut them open and gently mash the inner flesh.
– Fill each sweet potato with BBQ chicken and top with cheese. Return them to the oven briefly to melt the cheese.
– Spoon the Mexican street corn salad over the melted cheese.
5. **Add Optional Toppings:**
Elevate the dish with extra toppings like pickled red onions, guacamole, or coleslaw for added flavor and texture.
This recipe is ideal for savoring fresh summer corn and can be modified to include your preferred ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, these BBQ chicken and Mexican street corn salad stuffed sweet potatoes are bound to impress with their rich tastes and colorful display.
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Tasty Dishes for Summer Cuisine
**The Ultimate Summer Recipes: Simple and Quick Ways to Savor the Season’s Harvest**
Summer brings a burst of colors, delightful tastes, and gatherings under the sun. With the arrival of summer signaling the start of a time filled with heat and brightness, it’s an ideal moment to dive into recipes that showcase the finest summer ingredients. Whether you’re organizing a picnic, hosting a barbecue, or just trying to stay cool, these recipes will surely please.
**1. Grilled Veggie Skewers**
An essential element for any summer cookout, grilled veggie skewers are vibrant and appetizing. Just thread your preferred summer veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions onto skewers. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. Pair with tzatziki sauce for a cool dip.
**2. Watermelon Feta Salad**
This invigorating salad merges the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the sharpness of feta cheese. Dice fresh watermelon and mix it with crumbled feta, fresh mint leaves, and a splash of balsamic glaze. This dish is ideal for staying refreshed on a sweltering summer day.
**3. Caprese Pasta Salad**
A variation on the traditional Caprese salad, this pasta adaptation is wonderful for picnics. Cook your chosen pasta and allow it to cool. Incorporate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix everything together for a straightforward yet tasty dish.
**4. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken**
For a dish rich in protein, soak chicken breasts in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Grill the chicken until fully cooked and accompany with grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.
**5. Berry and Peach Crisp**
Make the most of summer fruits with this simple dessert. Combine sliced peaches and assorted berries in a baking dish. Top with a concoction of oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter. Bake until the topping turns golden and the fruit is bubbling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added delight.
**6. Chilled Cucumber Mint Soup**
For a refreshing starter, blend cucumbers, Greek yogurt, fresh mint, and a dash of lime juice until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator and serve cold. This soup is a revitalizing beginning to any summer feast.
**7. Mango Salsa Shrimp Tacos**
Light and tasty, shrimp tacos are a summertime favorite. Sauté shrimp with chili powder and lime juice. Serve in corn tortillas topped with a mango salsa made from chopped mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
These recipes not only honor the wealth of summer produce but also maximize the joy of outdoor cooking and dining. Whether you’re savoring a meal on the patio or packing a picnic for the park, these dishes will undoubtedly elevate your summer enjoyment. Relish the season’s harvest and the pleasure of outdoor cooking and dining!
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Grilled Chicken Sandwich accompanied by Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Chicken Sandwich
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4
An appetizing sandwich featuring BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato!
ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thinly or diced
- 2 tablespoons oil (or mayonnaise)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 8 strips bacon
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 4 slices cheese (cheddar, jack, etc.)
- 4 buns or 8 slices of bread (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional)
- 4 leaves lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
directions
- Soak the chicken in a blend of oil, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne, covered, in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to overnight.
- Fry the bacon in a large skillet and then place it on paper towels to drain while removing any excess fat from the pan.
- Sauté the chicken in the skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, roughly 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce.
- Top with cheese slices and allow them to melt before switching off the heat.
- Build the sandwiches using buns, mayo, lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, and chicken, and enjoy!
Option: Include 1 sliced avocado.
Frittata featuring Asparagus and Dill
Frittata with Asparagus and Dill
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Overall Time: 30 minutes Portions: 6
A delicious and light frittata featuring cottage cheese, asparagus, and dill!
ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese)
- 8 ounces asparagus, cleaned and sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
directions
- Combine the eggs, cottage cheese, parmesan, asparagus, dill, green onions, salt, and pepper, then pour into an oven-safe pan that is 8-10 inches wide.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 375F/190C until the eggs firm up, approximately 25-30 minutes.
Alternative: Swap cottage cheese for heavy cream or crumbled goat cheese (chevre), feta, chopped/diced cheddar, chopped/diced gruyere, chopped/diced havarti, etc.
Alternative: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
Tasty and Inventive Strawberry Dishes
**The Ultimate Recipes for Savoring Fresh Summer Strawberries**
Summer presents an ideal opportunity to relish the sweet, succulent pleasure of fresh strawberries. As the season reaches its zenith, supermarkets and farmers’ markets overflow with these striking red berries, making it the prime time to dive into a selection of recipes that showcase their adaptability. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, strawberries can take center stage in any dish. Here are some quick and effortless recipes to maximize your summer strawberry enjoyment.
**Sweet Strawberry Dishes**
1. **Strawberry Shortcake**: This timeless summer treat features layers of light biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Just slice the strawberries and dust them with a little sugar to boost their inherent sweetness. Sandwich them between homemade or store-bought biscuits, finishing with a generous spoonful of whipped cream.
2. **Strawberry Ice Cream**: For a cool delight, blend fresh strawberries with cream, sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Process the blend in an ice cream maker for a rich, homemade strawberry ice cream that’s ideal for warm summer afternoons.
3. **Strawberry Smoothie**: Kick off your morning with a wholesome strawberry smoothie. Blend strawberries with yogurt, a banana, and a splash of orange juice for a quick and nutritious breakfast option.
**Savory Strawberry Dishes**
1. **Strawberry Spinach Salad**: Mix fresh spinach leaves with sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing salad that harmonizes sweet and savory tastes.
2. **Strawberry Salsa**: Chop strawberries and combine them with diced red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. This lively salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a fruity twist to your meal.
3. **Strawberry Balsamic Pizza**: Layer a pizza crust with mozzarella cheese, fresh strawberries, and a splash of balsamic glaze. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and the crust turns golden. Top with fresh basil for a distinctive and delightful pizza experience.
**Breakfast and Snack Ideas**
1. **Strawberry Pancakes**: Incorporate diced strawberries into your pancake batter for a fruity take on a breakfast staple. Serve with maple syrup and additional strawberries on top.
2. **Strawberry Yogurt Parfait**: Stack Greek yogurt with granola and fresh strawberries for a speedy and healthy snack or breakfast choice.
3. **Strawberry Sandwich**: Spread cream cheese on whole-grain bread, layering with sliced strawberries and a dash of black pepper for a simple yet satisfying snack.
**Desserts and More**
1. **Chocolate-Covered Strawberries**: Coat fresh strawberries in melted chocolate for a simple yet elegant dessert. Allow them to cool on parchment paper until the chocolate sets.
2. **Strawberry Lemonade**: Blend strawberries with lemon juice, water, and sugar to taste for a refreshing summer beverage. Serve over ice with a lemon wedge.
3. **Strawberry Tart**: Fill a pre-baked tart shell with pastry cream and top with fresh strawberries for a stunning dessert that’s bound to impress.
These recipes highlight the extraordinary versatility of strawberries, enabling you to enjoy their sweet and tangy essence in various dishes. Whether prepping a quick snack or an elaborate dessert, fresh summer strawberries will undoubtedly enhance your culinary creations with flavor and color. Relish the season and savor every morsel!
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Zesty Sautéed Crumbled Chicken with Bell Peppers and Nuts
Kung Pao Ground Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
An effortless and swift kung pao chicken featuring ground chicken, bell peppers, peanuts, chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground (optional)
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon garlic, minced/grated
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced/grated
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
– 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (or soy sauce)
– 1 tablespoon chinkiang (Chinese black vinegar) (or balsamic vinegar)
– 1 teaspoon sugar (white or brown or palm or coconut)
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
– 2 green onions, sliced
Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Incorporate the bell pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the blend of Sichuan peppercorns, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, broth, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, chinkiang, sugar, and cornstarch, mix and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat, mix in the peanuts, toasted sesame oil, and green onions and enjoy!
Option: Substitute the light and dark soy sauce with soy sauce if they aren’t available.
Tip: Begin cooking the rice just prior to starting this recipe, and they will finish simultaneously!
Nutrition Facts: Calories 219, Fat 12g (Saturated 1g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 83mg, Sodium 553mg, Carbs 9g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 3g), Protein 29g
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Greek-Inspired Chicken and Quinoa Bowl Recipe
A flavorful quinoa bowl featuring Greek-style chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and tzatziki!
I’m a supporter of ‘bowls’ where you combine a grain, such as rice or quinoa, a protein, and various ingredients in a bowl to create a complete meal! Burrito-style bowls are among my favorite meals, and these Greek/Mediterranean bowls are another. The protein in these bowls is chicken that has been marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano prior to cooking. While rice is a good option here, I lean towards quinoa, which takes approximately the same time to prepare. The bowls are complemented with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, feta, and tzatziki sauce (link) (a delicious Greek-style cucumber sauce).
Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes Marinate Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4
A flavorful quinoa bowl featuring Greek-style chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and tzatziki!
ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced/grated
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon (smoked) paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup quinoa (or rice)
- 2 cups water (or chicken broth (link))
- 1 cup tomato, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta, crumbled
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (link)
For the marinade/dressing:
For the chicken:
For the quinoa bowl:
directions
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Marinate the chicken in the dressing for 30 minutes to overnight.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken along with the marinade and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan, cover, lower the heat, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
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For the marinade/dressing:
For the chicken:
For the quinoa bowl:
Tasty Dishes to Honor Father’s Day
**Quick and Simple Recipes to Make Dad’s Father’s Day Memorable!**
Father’s Day is fast approaching, and if you’re on the lookout for some tasty recipe suggestions to ensure this is the most delicious Father’s Day yet, you’ve come to the right spot! Whether you aim to surprise dad with a lovely breakfast, brunch, dinner, or dessert, these recipes will undoubtedly make him feel valued on his special day. Here’s a collection of some quick and simple recipes that are ideal for honoring Father’s Day.
**Breakfast and Brunch Suggestions:**
1. **Traditional Pancakes:**
– Ingredients: Flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, eggs, butter.
– Instructions: Combine dry components, incorporate wet components, and cook on a griddle. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
2. **Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs:**
– Ingredients: Bread, avocados, eggs, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
– Instructions: Toast bread, mash avocado with lemon juice, poach eggs, and construct. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Breakfast Burritos:**
– Ingredients: Tortillas, eggs, cheese, bacon, salsa.
– Instructions: Scramble eggs, fry bacon, and assemble with cheese and salsa in tortillas. Roll up and serve.
**Dinner Wonders:**
1. **Grilled Steak with Herb Butter:**
– Ingredients: Steak, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper.
– Instructions: Season steak, grill to preferred doneness, and top with herb butter made by blending butter, garlic, and parsley.
2. **BBQ Ribs:**
– Ingredients: Pork ribs, BBQ sauce, salt, pepper.
– Instructions: Season ribs, bake until soft, and finish on the grill with BBQ sauce.
3. **Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken:**
– Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lemon, herbs, olive oil, salt, pepper.
– Instructions: Marinate chicken in lemon juice, herbs, and oil. Grill until done.
**Decadent Desserts:**
1. **Chocolate Lava Cake:**
– Ingredients: Chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar, flour.
– Instructions: Melt chocolate and butter, mix with eggs and sugar, fold in flour, and bake until edges are set but center is gooey.
2. **Berry Parfait:**
– Ingredients: Yogurt, granola, mixed berries.
– Instructions: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries in a glass. Repeat layers and serve chilled.
3. **Apple Pie:**
– Ingredients: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, pie crust.
– Instructions: Slice apples, mix with sugar and cinnamon, fill pie crust, and bake until golden.
This Father’s Day, demonstrate to dad how much you appreciate him with some delightful home-cooked meals. These recipes are easy enough for the kids to assist with supervision, and they’re guaranteed to make dad’s day even more special. Enjoy the time spent together and the scrumptious dishes you prepare!
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Sautéed Chicken with Asparagus
Stir-fried Chicken and Asparagus
Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Duration: 20 minutes Yield: 4
An effortless and fast chicken stir-fry featuring asparagus and cashews!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into thin slices
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup cashews
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and stir-fry until fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes, and then set aside.
- Introduce the asparagus and stir-fry until it starts to take on a dark green hue, roughly 2 minutes.
- Incorporate garlic and ginger, cooking until aromatic, around 30 seconds.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, adding the combined mixture of broth, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch; stir and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Toss in the cashews and green onions, mix well, and cook for an additional minute.
- Finally, stir in the sesame oil and savor!
Note: If necessary, add more oil.
Optional: Tenderize the chicken by marinating it in a blend of 1 egg white, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (if using), and 1 tablespoon cornstarch for 1-2 hours, covered in the refrigerator. This will result in exceptionally tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth.