Quinoa Salad with Olives, Feta and Cucumber

Quinoa Salad with Olives, Feta and Cucumber

This is my go to quinoa salad 100% because of the feta and olives. I love the simplicity and flexibility of the recipe that allows you to make adjustments to your personal preference.

I know I can’t be alone it this approach… do you have grocery list staples? Things you buy every week no matter what? Well, I do. And that is how this salad was made. These veggies are every week buys. And the olives and feta we get at Costco, because we use them so often.

INGREDIENTS + DIRECTIONS

One of the easiest things about this recipe is the measurements. When in doubt add 1 cup of the ingredient. Take a look below you’ll see!

  • Quinoa (1 cup dry)
  • Feta (1/2 – 1 cup crumbles)
  • Kalamata olives or Mixed Greek olives (1 cup pitted and chopped)
  • Cucumber (1 cup chopped)
  • Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup chopped)
  • Bell Pepper (1 cup chopped)
  • Red Onion (1/4 – 1/2 cup diced)
  • Garlic Olive Oil (1 TBSP)
  • Balsamic Vinegar (2-3 TBSP)
  • Cracked Black Pepper
  • Red Pepper Flake (optional)

ingredients for quinoa salad

DIRECTIONS

Cook your quinoa per the package directions. I am personally, not into the pre-rinse step of quinoa. I know that may be controversial, but mine turns out just fine without it.

Chop up all the veggies and olives and toss them into whatever you will serve the quinoa salad in, less dishes is always a good thing. Toss the veggies and olives in the garlic olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cracked black pepper.

After the quinoa has cooled down put that in the bowl with your dressed veggies and combine. Add your feta and give it a taste test, you may want to add a bit more oil or vinegar because the quinoa will really soak it up. Top it off with some red pepper flakes if you like a little kick and you are done.

Chill the dish in the fridge before eating or serving!

On my life it really is that easy. And I find it gets better day 2. So easy for weekday dinners, weekend dinner parties and your packed lunches.

COMPANION DISHES

In all honesty I could eat just this quinoa salad for any meal, but when I’m feeding a room I like to include this salad with any Mediterranean theme dish like a spinach stuffed chicken breast or garlic shrimp kabobs on the grill. I also think it pairs well with lemon and pine nut roasted asparagus.

I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer – Mike did not eat this. He will turn and run from quinoa. There is no cheese or olive game strong enough to make Mike eat quinoa. 

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

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3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

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Sheet Pan Feta Gnocchi

Sheet Pan Feta Gnocchi

This week I am bringing you a crowd pleasing, easy prep, minimal clean up recipe called Sheet Pan Feta Gnocchi.

This recipe came out of a need for fast recipes and our families love for pasta. I love recipe that are “cook in one pot” or bakes on one sheet. And last year we shared 3 sheet pan recipes that can be seen in Friday Favorites: Sheet Pan Recipes for Fall. So if you need more inspiration look at that article.

Let’s get back to this recipe.

Prepping this recipe is extremely easy. There is hardly any chopping, dishes, or steps involved. You can adjust your ingredients to add more veggies or protein based on your preferences. Keep reading for ingredients, substations and other ideas.

Ingredients + Directions for Sheet Pan Feta Gnocchi

  • 12 oz Pre-made gnocchi
  • 1 large red pepper
  • 1 container of cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 6 oz container of feta
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp basil
  • 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes
  • Olive oil
  • 2 huge handfuls of spinach

In addition to these ingredients I highly recommend using a silicone baking sheet. It will save you time in prep and clean up. I have used a variety of brands – just make sure you get the size that correlates best to your baking sheet.

I also suggest a rimmed baking sheet. It will keep the juices and oil from spilling in your oven.

  1. Pre heat oven to 425.
  2. Chop red pepper into a mouthful size.
  3. Mix all the ingredients, except the spinach, in a bowl and mix.
  4. Spread on a silicone mat on your baking sheet and put in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
  5. You MUST mix everything halfway through. This prevents the gnocchi and feta from crisping too much on one side.
  6. After baking put it all back into the bowl you mixed in and toss in spinach. Cover for 2 minutes to help spinach wilt.
  7. ENJOY!!

KEY POINTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS for Sheet Pan Gnocchi

I can’t stress the middle of the bake mix. As a person who hates this step in all other recipes, it is necessary. Don’t skip it.

You can easily add a protein like chicken or sausage into the bake. I would cube whatever meat you choose to keep every bite size at serving.

You could easily use kale instead of spinach, but it doesn’t wilt as fast. You may need to keep it covered longer or just enjoy the different texture.

If you are not a fan of spice you can scale back the red pepper flakes, but Freddy (my 1 year old son) wasn’t bothered one bit by the spice.

Save your mixing bowl for serving! This saves you a dish, but you also get to take advantage of all the delicious flavor that was in the bowl.

SHOP MY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Here are some of my favorite kitchen items – from cooking to plating . Thank goodness for Crate and Barrel! And if you are looking for another recipe idea check out Homemade Tostadas.

I do earn a commission on some of these links, but there is no charge to you. Your support is appreciated!

DISH SOAP CONTAINER | PERSONALIZED KITCHEN TOWELS | SHUN KNIFE| DUTCH OVEN

GARLIC PEEL AND PRESS | MIXING BOWLS

kitchen cooking essentials

METAL PLATTER | FLATWARETOBEN PLATE | WOOD CUTTING BOARD | DUTCH OVEN | SHUN KNIFE

 

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Are you ready to start a new workout program that focuses on building strength in a simple and effective manner? Then you are in the right place! My Dumbbell Only Workout Program is your answer to achieving your fitness goals. Let's explore why my program is the...

read more
3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

Owning your own training business can be an exciting and yet overwhelming thought. But ask yourself... Are you committed to the long term? Does passion and knowledge fuel your desire to work with clients everyday? Are you looking for more career advancement...

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Easy Green Smoothie with Protein To Keep You Full

Easy Green Smoothie with Protein To Keep You Full

This is one of my favorite smoothie recipes because it keeps me full. A huge bonus is that my son loves it too! As many mom’s know sometimes feeding ourselves starts to fall down the importance scale. This recipe is packed with greens, protein and fiber. Great for energy!

And since I am in training for my third IronMan, fast, nutrient packed snacks are necessary. This smoothie checks my mom and athletes boxes!

Kid friendly green smoothie

EASY GREEN SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Scoop Pure Choice Whey Protein Powder – Vanilla or Unflavored
  • Large Handful Spinach
  • 1/2 Cup Oat Milk (add 1/2 cup water if you like a thin smoothie)
  • 1 TBSP Chia Seeds
  • 1 TBSP Hemp Seeds
  • 1 TBSP Ground Flax Seed
  • 1 Cup Frozen Mango (or use ice for less sugar)

I am a huge fan of Pure Choice Farms whey protein. The quality of the product and the brand are second to none. My favorite thing about this protein, besides it being a small business, is that it is a food grade protein, not a supplement.

So what is the difference?

Well food grade means there there is nothing added to the whey. Commonly when you buy protein it has ingredients like amino acids added, making it a supplement. Not Pure Choice Farms whey protein.

It is also a cold filtered whey protein isolate making it of the absolute best quality. Minimal ingredients, high quality manufacturing process, small business … check, check, check. Head over to their website and check them out. Use code purefitness for free shipping!

Green Smoothie Ingredients

DIRECTIONS FOR AN EASY GREEN SMOOTHIE WITH PROTEIN THAT KEEPS YOU FULL

I use a single serve smoothie attachment for my Ninja. When you use this type of a blender I think the order you fill your cup matters. Here is what I did.

Frozen mango, all seeds, protein powder, oat milk and then greens. Put the top on, flip and blend!

Other than that there is nothing to it! The recipe doubles well and kid approved. Mix your kid’s favorite fruit and you’ll have a crowd pleaser.

Green Smoothie Keeps You Full

SUBSTITUTIONS FOR AN EASY GREEN SMOOTHIE WITH PROTEIN THAT KEEPS YOU FULL

The combination of oat milk and the seeds makes for a delicious creamy texture. But I love a THICK smoothie. Some people might prefer this recipe as a smoothie bowl. If you want to thin it out I would add 1/2 c of water.

You can also swap the frozen fruit for ice. This could be a way to reduce sugar, but it will change the taste profile. Mango definitely gives this smoothie some sweetness. You can add stevia as a sweetener if you are looking for something simple.

And, of course, you can do any fruit that you prefer. I just happen to love mango.

Remember to check out Pure Choice Farms and use the code purefitness at checkout.

Green Smoothie Keeps You Full

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Are you ready to start a new workout program that focuses on building strength in a simple and effective manner? Then you are in the right place! My Dumbbell Only Workout Program is your answer to achieving your fitness goals. Let's explore why my program is the...

read more
3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

Owning your own training business can be an exciting and yet overwhelming thought. But ask yourself... Are you committed to the long term? Does passion and knowledge fuel your desire to work with clients everyday? Are you looking for more career advancement...

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SPICY TORTILLA SOUP

SPICY TORTILLA SOUP

I have been on a “vegan kick” recently. It isn’t because I am trying to eat vegan, but rather I have been looking for ways to incorporate some new foods into my diet.

In this case I am looking for ways to incorporate coconut milk products for the fat content. There is some support for full-fat coconut milk helping increase your good cholesterol and there are conversations around it’s anti-inflammatory benefits.

I am not a coconut expert or a dietician. Please don’t take my words and start preaching coconut milk saves lives. But do read this recipe and make it for dinner tonight!

Spoiler alert – this recipe contains coconut milk.

INGREDIENTS + DIRECTIONS

  • 1 medium red onion (diced)
  • 6 medium cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 2 jalapeños
  • 2 ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 TBSP cumin
  • 3 tsp adobo sauce (or cajun)
  • 1 can fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can/bag fire roasted corn
  • ¾ c red lentils
  • 1 can full fat coconut milk
  • 32 ounces of tomato juice
  • Lime
  • Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt + black pepper
  • Tortilla chips

There are a few specific ingredients I would recommend after making this dish. I love to the fire roasted corn frozen from Trader Joes. And while you are there get the Mexican riced cauliflower and serve it as a side with this dish. I use spicy V8 for my tomato juice because I like the heat and extra flavors. Finally, buy Santitas tortilla chips – they are down right delicious.

Alright, one more thing. This really only takes 20 minutes to make and 10 minutes to prep. So in 30 minutes you have a meal that can feed the whole family. AND the tortilla chips make it fun for eating at any age. Just adjust your spice levels to your crowd. 

Sauté the onion for 3-5 minutes on medium heat, then add 1 diced jalapeño, the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, adobo sauce and fire roasted tomatoes. Mix and heat until the seasonings blend together and cover the tomatoes. Approximately 1-2 minutes.

Combine black beans, corn, lentils, coconut milk and tomato juice and bring to a low boil. Toss in some salt + black pepper (I like to go heavier on the black pepper) cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes. You are really looking to cook the lentils and let the flavors mingle.

Just before serving squeeze 1-2 limes depending on your flavor preference. Taste and adjust salt + pepper.

Top individual servings with sliced jalapeño, cheese and tortilla chips.

Enjoy!

SHOP MY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Here are some of my favorite kitchen items and exactly what I used to set-up my pictures. Thank goodness for Crate and Barrel! I do earn a commission on some of these links, but there is no charge to you. Your support is appreciated!

kitchen cooking essentials

METAL PLATTER | FLATWARETOBEN PLATE | WOOD CUTTING BOARD | DUTCH OVEN | SHUN KNIFE

 

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Are you ready to start a new workout program that focuses on building strength in a simple and effective manner? Then you are in the right place! My Dumbbell Only Workout Program is your answer to achieving your fitness goals. Let's explore why my program is the...

read more
3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

Owning your own training business can be an exciting and yet overwhelming thought. But ask yourself... Are you committed to the long term? Does passion and knowledge fuel your desire to work with clients everyday? Are you looking for more career advancement...

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HOMEMADE TOSTADAS

HOMEMADE TOSTADAS

Hey guys! I have a delicious recipe for you today – TOSTADAS!

Let’s talk about tostadas. They are amazing. It is basically an open faced hard shell taco.

What’s the best part of hardshell tacos? The crunch. You can’t argue that.

What’s the draw back to hardshell tacos? The fact that the entire taco can crack and then you have a crumbling mess in your hands, it’s all over your face and your dinner date is just shamefully shaking their head at you.

Tostadas to the rescue!

In all seriousness, these are two great spreads for your next tostadas dinner and I have some of my kitchen essential you can shop. Tell me what you think in the comments!

tostadas plated

INGREDIENTS + DIRECTIONS

  • Tostadas
  • Feta or cotija cheese
  • Spanish rice – i like to serve this as a side, super easy on the stovetop

AVOCADO SPREAD

tostadas plated

  • 2 avocados
  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 2 large cloves of garlic
  • 20 sprigs of cilantro
  • Juice 1 lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 2 Tablespoon of olive oil
  • optional to add jalapeño if you like an extra kick!

This is possibly the easiest step. Toss everything, at once, into a blender or food processor and mix until smooth. If yours is too thick add water by the tablespoon to find your preferred consistency. This keeps really well in the fridge for a few days. We often eat left overs with chips the next day or on other dishes like breakfast burritos and southwest tortilla soup.

SWEET POTATO SPREAD

  • 1 c white onion diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 3 c sweet potato diced
  • 2 c diced tomatoes
  • 2 c salsa
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 6 oz cream cheese
  • 1 can of black beans (drained)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil

I took this recipe from an enchilada recipe that I love (thanks Libby!). I added some jalapeño to kick it up a notch, lowered the cream cheese and added an extra simmer to let it thicken up into a better spread.

Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil for 3-5 minutes on medium heat. Add the sweet potato, tomatoes, salsa and jalapeño and bring it to a boil. Then lower it to a simmer and cover for about 40 minutes. Mash everything until smooth (relatively) and then add cream cheese and black beans. Stir and simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

PICO DE GALLO

tostadas plated

  • 4 medium tomatoes diced
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 1 cucumber diced (optional, but highly recommend)
  • 15 sprigs of cilantro chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Sea salt to taste

Dice everything up and toss it together. This gets better with time. Pop it in the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle before eating.

SHOP MY KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Here are some of my favorite kitchen items and exactly what I used to set-up my pictures. Thank goodness for Crate and Barrel! I do earn a commission on some of these links, but there is no charge to you. Your support is appreciated! 

METAL PLATTER | RAMEKIN | TOBEN PLATE | WOOD CUTTING BOARD | NINJA BLENDER | SHUN KNIFE

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Sculpt Your Goals: Dumbbell Only Workout Program

Are you ready to start a new workout program that focuses on building strength in a simple and effective manner? Then you are in the right place! My Dumbbell Only Workout Program is your answer to achieving your fitness goals. Let's explore why my program is the...

read more
3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

3 Reasons to Own Your Own Training Business

Owning your own training business can be an exciting and yet overwhelming thought. But ask yourself... Are you committed to the long term? Does passion and knowledge fuel your desire to work with clients everyday? Are you looking for more career advancement...

read more
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lifestyle articles
nutrition articles
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We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.