Sharing this amazing slow cooker recipe from my friend Arsy!

Today, I’m so excited I get to share a recipe from a new ebook, Real Food Slow Cooker Recipes, written by my foodie blogger friend, Arsy Vartanian from Rubies & Radishes. Arsy and I first met through the Beautycounter world, and have become friends this past year. I love keeping up with everything she’s up to, and was so excited to hear about her new ebook. You really can’t beat a nutritious, delicious meal that only requires minimal prep. A few minutes chopping, sautéing, or blending, throw it in a slow cooker and get on with your day – dinner’s ready when you are!

Not only are all of Arsy’s dishes delicious, but each of the 70+ recipes included in the ebook use strictly Paleo ingredients — no grains, dairy, sugar, natural sweeteners, legumes or alcohol. Just nutrient-dense flavor  and lean turkey protein in every comforting bite. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve really cleaned up my eating, no needless to say, all of these recipes are speaking my language.

There’s such a great variety of recipes in Real Food Slow Cooker Recipes – it’ll work for whatever you happen to have in your refrigerator. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is one that really popped out to me: Turkey Barbacoa. This easy recipe takes just a few minutes to throw together before it hits the slow cooker. Plus, it includes some of my favorite savory ingredients like onions, salt, cumin, turkey drumsticks or thighs, and tomatoes. Before you know it, the kitchen will be filled with the amazing smell of this nutritious protein option.

Berry Avocado Chicken Salad – Healthy Version

Juicy chicken breast adds a little protein to this simple berry avocado salad with a light poppyseed dressing. Throw on a little gorgonzola, candied nuts and you’ve just made the most perfect dinner salad recipe.

We chose to use Greek yogurt instead of the oil, sour cream or mayonnaise versions. We also found that because of the creaminess of the Greek yogurt there was no need to use an entire cup of sugar like many of the recipes out there. Plus bonus protein from the yogurt! I love when I can make something a little healthier and it still tastes fabulous!

Years ago my friend invited me to a girls night dinner to chat. She had a gift card for us both at a local restaurant and as we were fighting to survive unemployment (link to fighting faith) it was a blessing so I hopped in the car with her. Little did I know she was going to change my whole salad and soup life! She taught me how to turn a “nuts about berries” salad into something incredible, how to take tomato soup and creamy cauliflower soup and combine them with a little orzo on top for the best soup ever and now I’ve been making this berry avocado chicken salad ever since! I think the candied nuts and cheese are essential, but you can do any changes you’d like- feta instead of Mild Blue Cheese or gorgonzola is great too for example. See our entire list of possibilities below!

Ingredients for Chicken Berry Avocado Salad

This berry avocado salad only uses just a few wholesome and fresh ingredients. You’ll only need 4 ingredients for the light poppyseed dressing! Here is everything you will need:

• Chicken Breasts
• Brown Sugar BBQ Rub: Salt and pepper would work great too.
• Butter Lettuce
• Spinach and Kale Combo
• Avocado
• Berries: Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries and Blackberries
• Candied Pecans
• Crumbled Mild Blue Cheese, or gorgonzola

Poppyseed Dressing

• Plain Greek Yogurt
• Sugar
• Prosecco or Champagne Vinegar
• Poppy Seeds

The measurements and details for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe at the end of the post so keep scrolling!

How to Make Berry Avocado Salad

This salad recipe is so easy to make, and taking the time to cook the chicken and make the candied pecans is so worth the extra effort! Here are the basic steps!

1. Cook the Chicken: Season each chicken bread on top and bottom with the BBQ rub and cook over medium-high heat either on the grill or in a pan on the stove top with a drizzle of oil. Then turn the heat d

Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup [+Video]

This Instant Pot Italian Chicken Soup is the perfect cozy meal for a chilly day. Loaded with hearty vegetables and tender chicken, it’s a delicious twist on classic chicken soup. Plus, it can be made in just minutes using an Instant Pot. Watch the video for step-by-step instructions!

The yummiest Instant Pot chicken soup recipe I’ve ever made! It is healthy, quick and easy. This might just be my new favorite chicken soup!! And that is saying a lot because I LOVE so many soups. Pure comfort food!

If you haven’t tried “The Soup“, you have to do that! It is a staple around here, but this new Italian chicken soup recipe is light, but filling, and so, so flavorful.

And then there is our chicken tortilla soup, which is the best chicken tortilla soup that has ever existed, but still, there’s something about this Italian chicken soup that just hits the spot for me! You have to try it!

With the Instant Pot, you end up with a soup in less than an hour that tastes like it has been simmering all day!

Ingredients Needed for Instant Pot Chicken Soup

This soup is packed with veggies, rotisserie chicken, fresh herbs and orzo and topped with Parmesan and chunks of crusty bread. I’ve also seen it called chicken pastina soup or penicillin soup because it’s so nourishing to the soul that it will cure anything that ails you! Head down to the recipe card for the exact measurements, but here is your grocery list:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Vegetables: Yellow Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery and Tomatoes
• Water or Chicken Broth
• Better than Bouillon Chicken (not needed if you use chicken broth)
• Seasonings: Bay Leaves, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper
• Herbs: Fresh Parsley and Fresh Basil
• Orzo Pasta
  • NOTE: If you want to keep this gluten-free, skip the orzo and bread chunks.
• Rotisserie Chicken
• Lemon
• Parmesan Cheese
• Bread (optional)

How to Make Italian Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot

Your going to want to start this recipe by chopping all the veggies so that they are ready to add at the appropriate time. I know most people hate chopping veggies, but I kind of like it. Does that make me the nerdiest? Once the veggies are chopped, you are ready to start cooking.

1. Sauté the veggies in the Instant Pot.
2. Add broth, bay leaves, minced garlic and S&P.
3. Place lid on and set valve to sealing position.
4. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
5. Cook the orzo in a pot on the stove top and then drain it while running it under cold water.
6. Quick release the pressure cooker and remove the bay leaves.
7. Add the chopped tomato, cooked orzo, shredded chicken (see next section) and herbs and place the lid

Sharing a super easy and delicious lunch or dinner option: high protein chipotle bowl!

Hi! How is the morning going? I hope you’re having a great day so far!

Today I wanted to chat about one of my favorite easy lunch or dinner options: a chipotle bowl packed with protein. I try to have at least one palm size of protein in all of my meals and snacks.

Eating high-protein dishes offers numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being. Chipotle bowls are not only delicious but also provide a convenient way to increase your protein intake.

Today, I’m excited to share a high-protein chipotle bowl recipe that you can easily make at home.

High Protein Chipotle Bowl Recipe

What Is In A Chipotle Bowl?

A typical chipotle bowl consists of three main components: rice, protein, and toppings. The rice serves as the base, providing a hearty foundation for the bowl. Protein options include chicken breast, beans, or steak, offering essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. Toppings such as homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add flavor and nutritional value to the bowl.

How Much Protein Is In A Chipotle Bowl?

A standard chipotle bowl contains approximately 30-40 grams of protein, depending on the protein source and portion size. To increase the protein content, you can opt for double protein or add additional protein-rich ingredients to your bowl.

How To Make A High Protein Chipotle Bowl

Ingredients:

White rice (or cauliflower rice)

Chicken breast or meat of choice. You can also use tofu or tempeh!

Homemade guacamole

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

Beans (black or pinto)

Corn (I personally hate corn but if you like it, live your life lol)

Olive oil

Garlic powder

Fresh lime juice

Cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.

Step 2: Season the chicken breast (or protein of choice) with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill until cooked through and slice into strips.

Step 3: In a bowl, mix together homemade guacamole, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Assemble your chipotle bowl by layering the cooked rice, grilled chicken, beans, corn (if you like that stuff), and homemade guacamole mixture.

Step 5: Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve and enjoy your high-protein chipotle bowl!

Making a high-protein chipotle bowl at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize your ingredients to suit your taste preferences. By incorporating quality protein sources and fresh, wholesome ingredients, you can create a nutritious and satisfying meal that supports your health and fitness goals.

So tell me, friends: what’s one of your favorite quick meals?? This sushi roll in a bowl is another staple.

xoxo

Gina

More:

Our

How to Make the Best Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon is one of the quickest and healthiest ways to make salmon! This recipe includes a delicious seasoning rub and a homemade tartar sauce for extra deliciousness!

We’ve done it! We made it through another winter here in Utah and I am dying to get the grill out and kick off the summer grilling season! The first recipe on my list is this easy grilled salmon recipe.

Learning to Love Salmon

Growing up salmon was actually a really big deal. When you’re in the Pacific Northwest, you learn all about the Native Americans and salmon is represented often in totem poles etc. I have such a vivid memory of learning about “the salmon people”, their chants, songs, dances, and beautiful culture. Unfortunately I HATED salmon so that’s about as far as I got.

Now I’m trying so hard to learn and enjoy it and one of the best tricks I’ve learned is to cook it skin on and then the skin will easily slide off once it’s done. No sawing away with the knife!

And yes, one of the first times I was served salmon with the skin on the bottom of the filet I took the smallest piece and suffered through eating it, skin and all. Go ahead, Gag away. I certainly was trying not to do just that. Lol!

Ingredients for Grilled Salmon

For this recipe, we are going to make a flavor-packed seasoning rub for the salmon fillets and a homemade tartar sauce. Here is your ingredients list:

For the Salmon

• Salmon Fillets (skin-on)
• Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt
• Smoked Paprika
• Chili Powder
• Granulated Garlic
• Parsley Flakes
• Ground Mustard
• Black Pepper
• Lemon 

For the Tartar Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Dill Pickles
• Fresh Dill
• Lemon Juice
• Sugar
• Salt and Pepper

The measurements for all the ingredients can be found in the recipe card down below. This is just meant to be an overview of the items you will needs so keep scrolling for the all the details!

How to Grill Salmon

I love grilling salmon because all you do is prep the fillets and then let the grill do all the work! It really couldn’t be easier! Here are the basic steps:

1. Heat the grill to high heat.
2. Make sure the grates on the grill are clean and wipe them with an oiled paper towel. Close the grill lid and let it heat up.
3. Combine all the ingredients for the seasoning mixture.
4. Brush the flesh side of the fillets with oil and season evenly with the seasoning mixture.
5. Place the fillets with the skin side down over direct heat on the grill. Close the lid and let it cook for 6-8 minutes.
6. Gently flip each fillet and cook for another 2-5 minutes.
7. Transfer to a plate and let the fillets rest for a few minutes. Gently remove the skin from the salmon and serve