1. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Baked Lemon Herb Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Top each fillet with lemon slices and sprinkle with garlic, dill, and parsley.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
3. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
4. Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
4. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Crema
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, mix the mashed avocado, sour cream, and lime juice to make the avocado lime crema.
4. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp on each tortilla, then topping with a dollop of avocado lime crema and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
5. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they are tender and browned.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce.
10. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy these unique and delicious dinner ideas that are sure to impress your family and friends!
