Creamy Avocado Pasta with Lemon and Garlic

This creamy avocado pasta with lemon and garlic is ready in less than 30 minutes with the help of our sponsor, Barilla, available at Walmart. 

You know when you’ve been so busy the whole weekend and then realize you completely forgot to come up with a game plan for dinner on Monday night? This is the meal I make when that happens. And wouldn’t you know? it happens more often than not. 

Luckily avocados are in season right now and we can go pick a few off our neighbor’s tree (after asking of course) to use when we need them. Our lemon tree is doing quite well too so pairing the two flavors together make for a pretty delicious meal pairing. 

One thing I love about this meal is that it uses ingredients I either always have on hand or have readily available with little effort. We try and stock our pantry with must-have items like Barilla Whole Grain pasta and sauces. Not only are they great for meals in a pinch, but I also know that my family is getting a meal that meets their nutritional needs. 

Barilla Whole Grain pasta is a great source of fiber and is made with 100% whole wheat. My family is getting 56g of whole grain in each serving of pasta. It also pairs perfectly with lean proteins like salmon or chicken but can hold it’s own as a full meal as well, just like this recipe. 

Normally we make creamy avocado pasta and pair it with salmon when we have it on hand, but if we don’t, we can forgo the lean protein and just eat this dish as a full meal. I’ve also been known to throw some shrimp into the dish as an alternative option. The creaminess of the avocado adds to the delicacy of the seafood. And who doesn’t love the flavor of garlic and lemon with salmon and shrimp? 

Creamy Avocado Pasta with Lemon and Garlic

  • 6 ounces Barilla Whole Grain Linguini
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided in half)
  • 1/4 cup onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Barilla pesto
  • 1/2 avocado (diced & mashed)
  • salt to taste
  • Saute onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
  1. Saute onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
  2. Cook Barilla Whole Grain Linguini according to package directions. Drain and add to a heated pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. Add sauteed onions and garlic and Barilla pesto to pasta and cook 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add mashed avocado and stir to combine. Remove from heat and serve.

Serving size: 1/2 cup of pasta

What’s your favorite springtime flavor to pair with pasta? 

Looking to save a little more than time on this quick and easy dinner? Grab a coupon from Ibotta to use at Walmart when you’re stocking up on your favorite Barilla pasta and sauces! 

Find more great recipes to enjoy with your Barilla pasta and sauces by following this Pinterest board for simple, delicious pasta dishes inspired by Barilla. 

Love this recipe? Check out a few more: 

Pin this article for later! 

Click the Pin button on the image below to save for later. 

Soy Ginger Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The a2 Milk Company™. All opinions are 100% mine.

Soy Ginger Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Remember when I shared about the awesomeness of a2 Milk®? Well we’re sharing some more with this yummy soy ginger marinated chicken drumsticks. Not only is this recipe easy to make, it has a fresh and delicious flavor that’s perfect for spring. Paired with some rice and roasted veggies and you have yourself a complete meal for the whole family. You could even throw this on the grill if the weather is nice outside!

Since this recipe can serve a crowd if doubled (or tripled) using a2 Milk® ensures that all of your guests will be able to enjoy eating it without tummy troubles. As I’ve mentioned before, a2 Milk® doesn’t have the A1 protein that gives some people issues after consuming dairy. That means this would be an awesome recipe for the next family barbecue or game day event! 

 Soy Ginger Marinated Chicken Drumsticks - how to build the marinade

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Soy Ginger Marinated Chicken Drumsticks - roasted in the oven

As I mentioned when I shared my strawberry vanilla overnight oats recipe, my 14 month old has been drinking more and more cow’s milk. And instead of hesitating, I’ve actually been more willing to give her milk because there is no A1 protein in a2 Milk®.

And so far, so good!

We’ve noticed a smooth transition from all breastmilk to breastmilk and cow’s milk and I couldn’t be happier. That means that Grandma is happier too because she can watch Norah longer and during the day.

Soy Ginger Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with green onions

Do you use a lot of marinades?

Interested in more info about a2 Milk®? Check them out on Twitter and Facebook or find where you can purchase it by using their Product Locator! Or check out the great recipes they have on Pinterest. And right now you can take advantage of this a2 Milk® $1 Off Coupon.

Visit Sponsors Site

Vanilla Raisin Oatmeal Squares

This is a sponsored post

Vanilla Raisin Oatmeal Squares

I don’t know about you but Daylight Savings Time is really kicking my butt. I’m pretty sure we’ve been late to school drop off every day this week and for some reason I just can’t adjust as easily this time around as I have in years past. I’ve been putting the kids to bed a little earlier each day to adjust their schedules but the baby still isn’t waking up until right before we have to leave for school. Poor kid!

I haven’t been able to drink enough coffee to get me going in the mornings. And that’s even when I use my new favorite creamer in the mix!

In an effort to make things easier I’ve been using a few tips to streamline our mornings. Sticking with a morning routine has saved us the hassle of forgetting things, being too late, or just feeling rushed in the mornings. And no one wants to feel rushed as you start the day. And having a go-to breakfast that you can make ahead is my #1 tip for making mornings easier. I may have to take my coffee to go but at least the kids are getting fed!

Vanilla Raisin Oatmeal Squares with International Delight Simply Pure Vanilla

Tips for Making Mornings Easier

  1. Make breakfast ahead of time.
  2. Have the kids pick out their clothes the night before.
  3. Pack lunches ahead of time OR create a snack area for easy to grab lunch options.
  4. Hang back packs by the door so they’re ready to go.
  5. 10 minutes before you have to leave the house, make sure the kids are dressed (including socks and shoes!) and lunches in back packs so nothing is forgotten.

Vanilla Raisin Oatmeal Squares with coffee

Vanilla Raisin Oatmeal Squares

  • 1½ cups quick cooking oats
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup Vanilla creamer
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x13 baking dish.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl then spread out evenly in the baking dish.

Bake 20-25 until the edges are golden brown.

Tips for Making Mornings Easier

How do you make mornings easier? 

No Cook Chocolate Avocado Pudding: A Healthier Alternative

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The a2 Milk Company™. All opinions are 100% mine.

No Cook Chocolate Avocado Pudding - a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe

Dessert is one of my family’s favorite parts of our meal. And most of the time when we all get together for a family meal, dessert is served. However I’ve noticed a few relatives who’ve declined dessert over the past few get togethers. After chatting with one of them about the reason, I found out that they’ve realized that they have an issue with lactose and since most of the desserts served have some sort of milk product, it’s easier to say no than deal with the consequences later. While they haven’t been formally diagnosed with lactose intolerance, by avoiding dairy they’ve reduced their tummy troubles. 

Because I hate seeing people feeling left out I figured I’d play around with one of my favorite pudding recipes and replace the dairy with a2 Milk®. Then I went a step further and figured out a way to make it thick and creamy without cooking it! Since I already use bananas and avocados in my smoothies to make them creamy and thick, I thought they’d be amazing together in this pudding recipe as well. And the best part? I mix everything together in the blender! Takes less than 5 minutes for everything to come together. 

No Cook Chocolate Avocado Pudding in blender

Haven’t heard of a2 Milk® before? It’s pretty awesome. Originally, all milk contained only the A2 protein. Over time a genetic mutation occurred in cows and a new type of protein developed called A1. This A1 protein causes digestive discomfort and is in all cows’ milk in-stores today, even organic milk.  a2 Milk® is the only fluid milk on the US market that is guaranteed A1 protein free.

How do they do it? 

The a2 Milk Company™ has partnered with U.S. family dairy farmers in upstate New York and the Midwest to expand the a2™ herd. Their cows naturally produce milk with only the A2 protein. And their farmers are certified in the humane treatment of animals, their cows are fed a vegetarian diet and never given hormones or rBST, and the milk is antibiotic free and contains no artificial ingredients or additives. Pretty cool huh? And it tastes no different than regular milk! My kids love it and haven’t caught on that it’s any different.

No Cook Chocolate Avocado Pudding ingredients

No Cook Chocolate Avocado Pudding

  • 1 avocado
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup honey* (or other sweetener)
  • 1/2 cup a2 Milk®

Add all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Process until completely blended. Serve right away with some berries or chill in the fridge if you prefer cold pudding.

* If you’re making this for children under 1, use an alternative to honey like agave or maple syrup.

No Cook Chocolate Avocado Pudding with raspberries

The results are an amazingly creamy and chocolaty pudding that the kids (and adults) all gobble down! I call that a success.

What’s your go-to dessert when family come over?

Interested in more info about a2 Milk®? Check them out on Twitter and Facebook or find where you can purchase it by using their Product Locator! Or check out the great recipes they have on Pinterest. And right now you can take advantage of this a2 Milk® $1 Off Coupon.

Visit Sponsors Site

10 Ways to Cook Carrots {From Garden to Table}

10 Ways to Cook Carrots {From Garden to Table}

I know winter just arrived but I’m already thinking about my garden and what I am going to plant in it as soon as I find the time! Now that we’ve moved our chickens to another part of the yard, I can get my garden going again without the fear of them eating just about everything in there. One thing that the kids love to plant is carrots.

Not only are they super easy to grow, they’re also delicious in many different ways. From pulling them up and eating them right out of the ground (after a little washing) to cleaning and chopping them up into our favorite soups, to throwing them in the new Vitamix I got and juicing them!

There are quite a few ways to cook carrots but sometimes you just go with what you know. I find myself just roasting them up or steaming them but I could be doing so much more! Below are 10 ways to spruce up how you’re using carrots. And I’m pretty sure my kids wouldn’t  think twice if I put a few in their mac and cheese!

Ways to Cook Carrots clean after you pick them

10 Ways to Cook Carrots

  1. Maple Glazed Carrots with Bacon | Confessions of an Overworked Mom
  2. Shredded Potato, Beet and Carrot Latkes for Easter Brunch | Handmade in the Heartland
  3. Steamed Honey Glazed Carrot Medallions | It Happens in a Blink
  4. Carrot and White Bean Veggie Cutlets | Amuse Your Bouche
  5. Sneaky Carrot Mac and Cheese | White House Black Shutters
  6. Carrot and Bok Choy Slaw | Confessions of an Overworked Mom
  7. Carrot Orzo Risotto | Food Done Light
  8. Carrot and Sage Soup | Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen
  9. Cucumber, Carrot and Edamame Salad | Sarah’s Cucina Bella
  10. Fresh Carrots with Butter and Dill | A Family Feast

Ways to Cook Carrots - eat raw

What’s your favorite way to incorporate carrots into a meal?

Easy Dinner Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

Chicken with Campbell's Cheesy Broccoli Oven Sauce

Since having my third child, dinner is usually the farthest thing from my mind at the end of the day. Between working from home, dropping off and picking up the older kids, and entertaining my baby throughout the day, It’s just not as important as my kids or my work (unless making dinner is work!).

Over the past few months I’ve become a little pro-active in making sure that I don’t have to worry about anything once dinner time arrives by doing a lot of meal prep on the weekends! I’ve been stocking up on various oven and crock pot sauces to help me out and make dinnertime a breeze. All I have to do is remember to grab the right protein, veggie and sauce and I’m on my way to making a delicious meal for the family.

Our current favorite? Cheesy chicken and broccoli. So easy to make in a snap! Almost as easy as our favorite slow cooker freezer meals.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli with Campbell's Cheesy Broccoli Oven Sauce

Easy Dinner Slow Cooker Freezer Meals - Campbell's Slow Cooker Sauces There are quite a few sauces that you can easily incorporate into your freezer meal plan. With these pantry staples you really can make dinner a quick and painless part of the day. And don’t get me started on the delicious oven sauces like the cheesy broccoli chicken featured above.

Today I’m sharing one of my favorites: Tavern Style Pot Roast! Not only is this slowcooker sauce amazingly delicious, it’s something I can keep in my pantry until I need it.

Easy Dinner Slow Cooker Freezer Meals - meat and veggies

Easy Dinner Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

How To Prep Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

To create this simple slow cooker freezer meal all you have to do is gather up a few ingredients. I included a beef roast, chopped carrots, chopped potatoes, and one onion, cut into large chunks.

Then I simply labeled a gallon size freezer bag with the name of the meal and the date I’ve prepared it to freeze. That way I know exactly what meal to grab when I’m looking to start dinner. Once everything is ready to go I add all of the ingredients to the bag and pop it in the freezer for later. Slow Cooker Freezer Meals - label gallon bagSlow Cooker Freezer Meals - pot roast For other dishes that are just as simple I do a similar meal prep. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Hawaiian Pork – Add pork roast, green beans (fresh or frozen), and pineapple chunks to the bag. Stock up on frozen rice and serve pork and green beans over rice.  

Beef Stew – Add beef, diced potatoes, carrots and, onions (fresh or frozen) to the bag. Serve with a nice salad. 

Shredded Beef Tacos – Add beef roast, onions, peppers, kidney and/or black beans and corn to the bag. Use with taco shells or as a filling for burritos or enchiladas.

Easy Dinner Slow Cooker Freezer Meals - slow cooker sauces

What’s your favorite freezer meal to prepare?

Fueling Up To Play: Microwavable Egg Scramble

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We’re keeping our kids active and continuing to learn how we can Fuel Up To Play with help from our sponsor, California Milk Advisory Board. With this easy microwavable egg scramble we can start our day right with some calcium and protein so that we have the energy to play and learn. 

Fueling Up To Play Microwavable Egg Scramble

Whether it’s a week day or the weekend, my kids cannot wait to get out of the house and play. In an effort to keep them fueled through the morning, I’ve tried to come up with a few easy breakfasts I can make ahead. But when I run out, I always opt for an easy microwavable egg scramble. Not only is it filled with protein to keep them fueled up, it is a great source of dairy with Real California milk and cheese scrambled inside. Another option to add inside? Some leftover veggies from last night’s dinner!

I’m not the only one trying to keep the kids fueled up for a day of play and learning. With the help of the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, more kids will be encouraged to fuel up and get outside to play. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council (NDC) and National Football League, in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). As a result of the program, 38 million students are eating healthier by adding nutritious foods like low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains to their meals. How awesome is that? 

I love that this program is helping so many kids. As a parent I know that I’m not the only influence in my kids lives. When they see others eating healthy and getting out to exercise and play, they’re more apt to get out and make the right decisions too. My son is very much a homebody but when his friends are out playing soccer or throwing a football, he has no problem heading out to join them. 

Fueling up to play - finding fun games for the whole family

Since having a third child, our family has come even more active than a year ago. We’ve continued to encourage play as a family for at least 60 seconds a day in addition to the play the kids get at school during the day. Even if that means pulling my son from his game of Minecraft to jump on the trampoline with us or go on a family walk after dinner. Family walks are a great way for us to reconnect at the end of the day after we enjoy a meal together. And it gets the wiggles out before we start our bedtime routine.

We are also starting to cook together as well so that we can not only lead by example but teach by example as well. By showing our children how to prepare delicious, healthy meals for themselves, we can instill great life skills they can use as they grow. My daughter helped make the egg scramble recipe (shared below) with me this morning and last night my son helped clean and cut the cauliflower for our dinner. I love that they’re so interested in helping prepare our meals and learn more about becoming more self sufficient.

Fueling Up To Play Microwavable Egg Scramble - easy to make on a busy morning

Microwavable Egg Scramble

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/8 cup Real California milk
  • 1/4 cup Real California cheese, split
  • 1 pre-cooked sausage patty OR 2 pre-cooked sausage links, crumbled
  • salt and pepper

Grab an 8oz ramekin and spray with nonstick cooking spray or coat in butter. Add eggs, milk and salt and pepper to greased ramekin. Whisk with fork until combined. Crumble sausage patty or sausage links into egg mixture and sprinkle with 1/2 the cheese. Using the fork, combine sausage and cheese in egg mixture. Top with other 1/2 of cheese.

Microwave for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave for an additional 45 seconds to 1 minute or until egg is cooked. Carefully remove ramekin from microwave – it will be hot – and turn upside down onto a plate. Serve hot with a side of fruit, some toast, and a large glass of Real California milk.

Fueling Up To Play Microwavable Egg Scramble - playing football

What’s awesome about this program, in addition to educating kids and encouraging healthy living, you can encourage your school to apply for this program! Qualifying California schools participating in Fuel Up to Play 60 are eligible for up to $4,000 during the school year and funding eligibility for the 2015-2016 school year is held through a competitive program designed to support schools that implement plays from the 2015-2016 edition of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Playbook.

For schools that would like to apply to receive funding, Fall 2015 Fuel Up To Play 60 grant applications are open to California K-12 schools interested in supporting health and wellness initiatives through November 4, 2015. For more information on Fuel Up to Play 60 and to sign up an eligible school, visit here: http://bit.ly/1Mij4OW

How do you encourage healthy eating and play in your home?

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of California Milk Advisory Board.

Fall Favorites: Pot Pie + Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

This shop featuring our fall favorites including Pot Pies and this delicious brussel sprouts with bacon recipe has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PotPiePlease #CollectiveBias

Fall Favorites Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon

I have a confession to make. I never had brussel sprouts until two years ago when I had them at a restaurant event. One of their specialty sides was their fried brussel sprouts with pancetta. And oh my word were they good! That’s when I started making brussel sprouts at home. And I’ve finally perfected the recipe. I don’t know why but eating them just feels comforting. Savory, tasty, good.

The best part? They pair perfectly with all of our favorite fall meals. Including our favorite pot pies from Marie Callendar’s. They go with just about every variety too. So when my husband wants to enjoy a delicious turkey pot pie but I want chicken, we can still enjoy the same side dish with our meal. I always keep a bag of brussel sprouts in the fridge and pot pies in the freezer for that last minute comfort food meal.

Fall Favorites Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon dinner

The best part about keeping a well stocked freezer – with plenty of Marie Callendar’s pot pies – around this time of year are the guests we have stopped by unexpectedly around the holidays. I already know that both my mom and my brother are making their way out here in a two months so instead of planning then when everything will be crazy, I plan now and grab a few extra when we’re at Walmart.

Marie Callendar's Pot Pies at Walmart

You can find Marie Callendar’s pot pies in the Dinner aisle of the freezer section. They’re super easy to spot next to the other Marie Callendar’s meals in the freezer.

Oh, and a little bonus tip: you can use pre-cooked bacon in this recipe OR regular bacon. Whatever floats your boat. Also? Pancetta is a welcomed substitution as well. Yum! This meal takes a total of 20 minutes to take and that’s more than welcomed around the holidays so we can spend more time with our family instead of in the kitchen.

Fall Favorites Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon side dish

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4-6 pieces bacon, diced
  • 1 pound brussel sprouts, sliced
  • drizzle of olive oil

Grab a large skillet and heat on medium high. Add butter and cook until it is browned and smells nutty.

Add onions and garlic. Cook until translucent. Add bacon. Reduce heat to medium and toss in brussel sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil. Let saute for about 15 minutes or until brussel sprouts become golden brown.

Serve and enjoy!

Fall Favorites- Pot Pie + Brussell Sprouts with Bacon 30 minute meal

What’s your go-to comfort meal to have on hand in case guests come over during the holidays?

 

Easy One-Pot Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes

Feeding the family on weeknights should be easy. This one-pot pot roast recipe is the perfect way to do just that. And while the humans are enjoying the pot roast, I’m serving my dog The Nutro™ Company as part of a sponsored series with Socialstars. #HonestToDog

Easy One-Pot Pot Roast - a simple meal with delicious results

Sometimes the hardest part about dinner for me is coming up with a great rotation of meals that my family loves. Mixing old favorites with new recipes is always a challenge. Especially with my more picky choosy eaters. You know… my husband. I kid. But creating new recipes like this easy one-pot pot roast – even if they’re a spin off of an old favorite – keeps me happy because I’m not serving the same old thing (buttered noodles anyone?) and the family is well fed.

However, the easiest family member to please by far in this house is our dog, Scout. With his old age, I’ve started to see him lose the excitement he once had for his daily meals. So as I spruced up our own dinner menu, I also decided to spruce up his as well. With NUTRO™ Rotations™ I can add variety to his diet without worrying about his stomach. If we’re having Chicken and Rice, so can he. And if he’s enjoying Lamb and Potatoes, we’ll enjoy this delicious pot roast with potatoes. Confession: I’ve only had lamb in a gyro. Maybe I should try a lamb dish next week!

And I knew he’d be interested in the change when I came home to find that he had helped himself to one of the bags of NUTRO™ Rotations™ in the pantry. Yes, he’s a pretty smart dog and was able to open the pantry door to feed himself. Guess he loved the Salmon and Barley. I love Salmon too so I don’t blame him. 

Nutro Rotations - Lamb and Potatoes

Nutro Rotations for Dinner

What I love about dinnertime is that it’s the one time of the day that the whole family is around the table – including Scout. While we can talk about our day and go over what was our favorite part, and our not so favorite part, he can eat along side us or lay down and take a rest while enjoying our company.

And as I try and feed my family the most natural food I can, I’m at ease in knowing that Scout’s getting that same quality food in his natural dog foodReal Meat, poultry or fish is the first ingredient followed along with whole grains and the finest fruits and vegetables. What I’m putting on the table for my husband and kids is what he’ll be enjoying in his dog dish. 

Easy One-Pot Pot Roast - the perfect Sunday dinner on Wednesday

Easy One-Pot Pot Roast

Easy One-Pot Pot Roast

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, whole
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2lb beef pot roast
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces
  • 1 potato, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces

Heat olive oil in a dutch oven on the stove. Add garlic cloves, onions, and rosemary. Cook until onions are transparent.

Remove onions, garlic, and rosemary from the pot and set aside. Add butter and let melt. Season both sides of roast in salt and pepper and sear on each side in dutch oven, about 3 minutes or until browned.

Remove roast and add carrots and potatoes into the dutch oven. Cook until slightly browned. Then nestle pot roast in carrots and potatoes and top roast with onions, garlic and rosemary.

Cook in oven until roast is done, about 30 minutes. Let meat rest for about 5-10 minutes and enjoy!

Easy One-Pot Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes - Scout's spot at the table

How do you share the dinner table with your pooch?

For more ideas on how to feed your pooch well, visit The Nutro Company on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

®/™Trademarks of © The Nutro Company 2015

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings

This shop featuring a Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings recipe and mediterranean dinner ideas has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SpringIntoFlavor #CollectiveBias

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings

One thing I absolutely love about summertime are the fresh flavors of summer. Everything seems to get lighter while still staying just as tasty. And I love including some light fare when hosting friends over for dinner or lunch. Especially when most of the meal is make ahead!

I recently hosted a small group of friends over for a light dinner and went with a mediteranean themed menu including a quinoa tabbouleh with onion rings, delicious sweet potato fries drizzled with homemade tzatziki sauce, and some veggies and pita bread with tzatziki dip. Paired with a great wine, this was a fabulous meal to kick of summer.

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings and veggies

All I needed to do was prep a little ahead of time by pairing a quinoa brown rice blend I had left over from dinner the night before and making the tzatziki sauce that morning, I was able to throw this all together in about 10 minutes after the sweet potato fries and onion rings baked.

By prepping 1/2 of my meal ahead of time, I’m able to enjoy my guests and throw things together right before we eat. That means more quality time with my friends and less time in the kitchen.

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings and sweet potato fries

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 cup english cucumbers (sliced and quartered)
  • 8 ounces feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa and brown rice blend (cooled)
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 5-6 onion rings (baked and chopped)
  1. In a large bowl, mix together tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese, and parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and combine.
  2. Add quinoa mix to the bowl and squeeze 1/2 a lemon over the mixture. Salt and pepper to taste and stir once more.
  3. Add chopped onino rings and lightly toss. Serve with whole onion rings on the top and enjoy!

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings mediterranean spread

By using high quality ingredients like Alexia onion rings and sweet potato fries and pairing them with fresh, in-season produce, a delicious meal can be created with little effort. And you won’t be missing out on flavor.

Every single bite of this tabbouleh is filled with fresh flavor and the perfect texture. Normally a tabbouleh is not made with onion rings but the crunch of these baked rings of deliciousness is an amazing addition.

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Onion Rings bite

You can find Alexia products in the freezer section of your local Walmart. I was able to find a handful of varieties all together right next to one another in the frozen potato aisle.

I absolutely love that Alexia products are made with all natural ingredients and love to keep these on hand for quick meals with the family or when friends come over. Next time I’m picking up a bag of the new Alexia Rosemary fries to try out with my tzatziki sauce!

Alexia Onion Rings and Sweet Potato Fries at Walmart

How do you keep meals light during the summer months?



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