Tag: olive oil

Winter Gnocchi With Spinach & Mushrooms

Categories Recipes1 Comment on Winter Gnocchi With Spinach & Mushrooms

This Winter Gnocchi With Spinach & Mushrooms is such a cozy and comforting cold weather meal.  It’s buttery, lemony, and full of veggies, sausage, and cheese.

I chose to use a mushroom flavored chicken sausage that I felt melded nicely with the flavor profile of this dish.  However, if there’s another variety you love, or if you’re a vegetarian and want to substitute veggie sausages, feel free to experiment!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Garlic Press
  • A Knife & Cutting Board
  • 1 Medium Pan
  • 1 Medium/Large Pot
  • A Large Wok (or equivalent) 

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz Bilinski’s Wild Mushroom Chicken Sausages (or equivalent), sliced
  • 1 Tsp + 2 Tbsp + 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
  • 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 5 oz Baby Spinach
  • 16 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/8 Tsp Salt
  • 2 lb Gnocchi
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • Juice Of Half A Lemon
  • 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1/4 Cup + 2 Tbsp Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Salt + Black Pepper To Taste

TO SERVE (To Taste)

  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese
  • Fresh Parsley, finely chopped

Directions:

PREP

Peel and mince the garlic (I use a press to make it quick!)

Wash and dry the spinach and mushrooms

De-stem and chop the mushrooms

COOK 

In a medium pan, brown the sausages in 1 tsp of olive oil

Remove the sausages from the heat, and slice

In a wok, warm up 2 tbsp of olive oil and the prepared garlic over medium heat

Add the prepared spinach and mushrooms to the oil and garlic, and cook until the veggies are thoroughly wilted and the majority of extra liquid has evaporated

Mix in 1/8 tsp of salt, then turn off the heat

Cook and drain the gnocchi according to the package instructions

COMBINE

Add the cooked and drained gnocchi immediately into the wok along with the sausage slices (with the spinach and mushroom mixture)

Turn the heat back on on low, and mix in the butter and lemon juice

Mix in 1 final tbsp of olive oil, the red pepper flakes, and the parmesan cheese

Add in salt and black pepper to taste

SERVE

Serve with additional red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh parsley to taste

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be sealed airtight in the refrigerator.]

Want more spinach and mushrooms?  Try this Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta!

Easy Mediterranean Halibut

Categories Recipes1 Comment on Easy Mediterranean Halibut

Baked beneath a medley of tomatoes, olives, and herbs, this Easy Mediterranean Halibut is packed with fresh and savory flavor!  It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and pairs perfectly with a garlic and olive oil couscous on the side.

Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness and cut of your fish, but just keep an eye out for a nice flaky consistency!  The recommended timing used for this recipe is for a fillet on the thicker side.  If your fish is thinner and finishes early, feel free to remove it from the oven and leave the topping in the pan to finish cooking.

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Knife And Cutting Board
  • A Garlic Press
  • 1 Large Bowl
  • A Lemon Squeezer
  • A 9 x 13 Baking Dish

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

TOPPING

  • 1 Dry Pint Grape Tomatoes, halved
  • 30 Kalamata Olives, pitted and halved lengthwise
  • 4 Small Cloves Garlic, crushed
  • 1 Tsp Capers
  • 3 Tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 Tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Pinches Of Sea Salt + Black Pepper

FISH

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil To Grease The Baking Dish
  • 1.5 lbs Halibut
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Pinches Of Sea Salt + Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

TO SERVE

  • Fresh Italian Parsley, chopped to taste
  • Prepared Couscous (A Garlic & Olive Oil variety highly recommended!), served to taste on the side

Directions:

PREP THE TOPPING

Halve the tomatoes and olives, and crush the garlic

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, olives, garlic, capers, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs

After stirring the above together, add in pinches of sea salt and black pepper and stir again until evenly combined

Set the topping aside

PREP THE FISH

Preheat the oven to 425º

Prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish by greasing it with a small amount of olive oil

Remove the fish skin if your fish has it

Pat the fish dry, then place it in the prepared pan

Coat it with 1/2 tbsp of olive oil on each side

Next, on each side of the fish, season it with a pinch of sea salt, a few pinches of black pepper, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Pour 2 tsp of fresh lemon juice on top

Add the tomato/olive topping evenly over top of and around the fish

(Just before placing the fish in the oven is a great time to start up the stove to prepare your couscous or other side dishes!)

BAKE & SERVE

Bake the fish in the oven for 28-30 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky

Prepare the parsley for garnishing

Remove the pan from the oven, and plate the fish with parsley on top and couscous on the side

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored airtight in the refrigerator.]

Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Categories Recipes1 Comment on Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Basil-y, garlicky, and cheesy, this Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is packed with flavor!  It’s a dinner that’s highly customizable, so be sure to check out the variation possibilities!

Feeding a group:

Follow the instructions as they are!

Not feeding a group:

If you’re only feeding one or two people, and the entirety of the dish will not be consumed on the first night, I recommend keeping the components separate.

Make the batch of pesto and store it in the refrigerator.  For each new day:

  • Make the pasta fresh
  • Stir in a serving of the pesto from the fridge
  • Add in the sausages, cheeses, and sun-dried tomatoes

This is because pesto and sun-dried tomatoes do not always reheat well without getting an oily consistency, and it’s a meal that overall tastes ideal when fresh!  (It’s best not to microwave this one.)

Can you use store-bought pesto?

Feel free to experiment!  You can adjust the add-ins to taste based on what variety you use.  This recipe uses the basic ingredients of my Nut-Free Pesto.

Other variations:

This meal is super versatile if you have any dietary restrictions!

  • Gluten-free?  Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Dairy-free?  Use vegan cheeses.
  • Vegetarian?  There are tons of veggie sausages out there!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Food Processor
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • A Large Pot
  • A Colander
  • 10 x 15 Baking Or Serving Dish (or equivalent)

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

PESTO

Equates to approx. 1 1/4 Cups if substituting store-bought

  • 3 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves, packed
  • 3 Cloves Garlic
  • 1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3/4 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

PASTA

  • 1 lb Penne, or pasta of choice

ADD-INS

  • 12 oz Spicy Italian Chicken Sausages, cooked and chopped
  • 1 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, blotted to remove excess oil, and chopped/halved
  • 4 oz Crumbled Feta
  • 1/4 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese

TO SERVE

  • Extra Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • Optional – Red Pepper Flakes, to taste

Directions:

PESTO

Wash, dry, and de-stem the basil leaves

Peel the garlic cloves

Blend the basil leaves and garlic cloves in a food processor, then add in the olive oil and blend again until thoroughly mixed

Once smooth, pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the 3/4 cup parmesan

Add sea salt and black pepper to taste

Set aside

PASTA

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions

Drain in a colander and set aside

SAUSAGES

While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausages according to the package instructions

Chop into small bite-sized pieces

Set aside

SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Blot the tomatoes to remove the excess oil from the jar, and chop in half into bite-sized pieces

Set aside

ASSEMBLE

Add the pasta, sausage pieces, and sun-dried tomatoes into a 10 x 15 baking or serving dish (or equivalent)

Stir in scoops of the pesto until well-coated

Mix in the feta and the 1/4 cup parmesan 

Serve with extra sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper to taste

Enjoy!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Categories Recipes, Sides1 Comment on Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Summer is pasta salad season, and this Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious contribution for your next barbecue or picnic!  It works as a side or a light vegetarian lunch or dinner.  It’s herby, lemony, and cheesy, as well as very customizable if needed.

The texture of the cooked pasta absolutely tastes the freshest the day of cooking, so while leftovers are still tasty, I definitely recommend serving it straight away if possible!

I love the shape of rigatoni, but any similarly-sized pasta, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, would work great!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Large Pot
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • A Colander
  • 10 x 15 Glass Baking Dish (or similar for serving, see Directions)

Servings: 6 Bowls, Or 12 Small Sides

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Pasta Of Choice, rigatoni or equivalent size
  • 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1 Dry Pint Grape Tomatoes, halved 
  • 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice From 1 Large Lemon
  • 2 Tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Plus Extra For Serving, finely grated
  • Sea Salt And Black Pepper, to taste

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot

While the pasta is cooking, halve the tomatoes and set aside

Grate the cheese if it is not pre-grated

Drain the pasta in the colander, then let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes

Transfer the pasta into a large baking dish or bowl that will be used for serving, and potentially storing in the fridge (such as a 10 x 15 glass baking dish)

Coat the pasta in the olive oil, stirring evenly

Stir in the halved tomatoes

Add in the lemon juice and mix in evenly

Mix in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder

Add the parmesan and evenly stir it all in

Sprinkle and stir in sea salt and black pepper to taste, taste testing until it reaches your preference

Serve immediately at room temperature, or store leftovers sealed in the refrigerator**

Include optional extra parmesan when serving

**Leftovers can be brought back to room temperature before serving

Enjoy!

Want more pasta salad?  Try my Easy Greek Pasta Salad!

Peppered Parmesan Fries

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks2 Comments on Peppered Parmesan Fries

If you love cheese and potatoes, these crispy Peppered Parmesan Fries are for you!  They have just the right amount of kick from the red pepper flakes, and the garlic powder ties all of the flavors together.  The parmesan creates the ultimate crispy coating, and whether you’re in need of a side for burgers or a late night snack, I promise they will be devoured!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Peeler
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Large Bowl
  • A Colander
  • Paper Towels
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Large Baking Sheet  

Servings: 2 – 3 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 4 Medium** Russet Potatoes, peeled
  • 1 Heaped Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Just Under 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

**Aim for potatoes that are approximately 7 oz each before peeling.  After peeling they will be reduced to closer to 4 – 5.5 oz each.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

A great-tasting extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese really make all the difference!

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

PREP

Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch fries, keeping the size consistent for even cooking time

Place the potato slices in a large bowl, and fill it with chilled water and a few ice cubes

Let the potato slices soak for 45 minutes to remove the excess starch

While the potatoes are soaking, preheat the oven to 425º 

Prepare the grated cheese (if not pre-grated) and set aside

Rinse the potato slices well in a colander when the time is up, then blot them dry with paper towels

Thoroughly clean the bowl used for soaking before reusing it in the next step to get rid of all of the starch that was removed in the soaking process

In the cleaned large bowl, coat the potato slices with the olive oil

Once evenly coated, toss with the red pepper flakes, sea salt, and garlic powder

Toss again with the cheese until evenly covered

BAKE

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread the prepared potatoes evenly across the baking sheet, keeping them from overlapping as much as possible to allow them to crisp

They will bake for a total of 45 minutes with the following mixing and flipping times:

Pause your timer when removing them from the oven at these intervals while you’re stirring/flipping the fries

At the 15 minute mark, gently stir the fries around the pan, flipping them over as well

Repeat the above at the 30 minute mark

At the 40 minute mark, the fries can be left alone, but turn the pan around in the oven for the final 5 minutes

At 45 minutes, they should now be crispy enough for most, but if you enjoy them on the crunchier, more burned side, feel free to add an extra 2 minutes!

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm

Enjoy!

Loved these fries?  Try my Rosemary Parmesan Fries!

Rosemary Parmesan Fries

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks3 Comments on Rosemary Parmesan Fries

Perfectly crispy and herby with a subtle hint of cheese and spice, these oven-baked Rosemary Parmesan Fries are the perfect side to have on hand for the summer burger season!  They’re also delicious all on their own when you’re in need of a flavorful savory snack.

I choose to go small-batch with these fries as they really do taste best when they’re fresh!  Of course if you’re serving more people, doubling the ingredient amounts is simple!  The given quantity fills up one standard large baking sheet.

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Peeler
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Large Bowl
  • A Colander
  • Paper Towels
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Large Baking Sheet

Servings: 2 – 3 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 4 Medium** Russet Potatoes, peeled
  • 1 Heaped Tbsp + 1/2 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tsp Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Just Under 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

**Aim for potatoes that are approximately 7 oz each before peeling.  After peeling they will be reduced to closer to 4 – 5.5 oz each.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

A great-tasting extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese really make all the difference!

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

PREP

Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch fries, keeping the size consistent for even cooking time

Place the potato slices in a large bowl, and fill it with chilled water and a few ice cubes

Let the potato slices soak for 45 minutes to remove the excess starch

While the potatoes are soaking, preheat the oven to 425º 

Prepare the fresh rosemary and grated cheese and set aside

Rinse the potato slices well in a colander when the time is up, then blot them dry with paper towels

Thoroughly clean the bowl used for soaking before reusing it in the next step to get rid of all of the starch that was removed in the soaking process

In the cleaned large bowl, coat the potato slices with the olive oil

Once evenly coated, add in the chopped rosemary, sea salt, and red pepper flakes

Stir until the herbs have evenly covered the potatoes

Add in the grated parmesan and stir again

BAKE

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread the prepared potatoes evenly across the baking sheet, keeping them from overlapping as much as possible to allow them to crisp

They will bake for a total of 45 minutes with the following mixing and flipping times:

Pause your timer when removing them from the oven at these intervals while you’re stirring/flipping the fries

At the 15 minute mark, gently stir the fries around the pan, flipping them over as well

Repeat the above at the 30 minute mark

At the 40 minute mark, the fries can be left alone, but turn the pan around in the oven for the final 5 minutes

At 45 minutes, they should now be crispy enough for most, but if you enjoy them on the crunchier, more burned side, feel free to add an extra 2 minutes!

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm

Enjoy!

In need of a great thick-cut versatile fry? Try my Crispy Potato Wedges!

Olive Oil Cake With Citrus Glaze

Categories Recipes1 Comment on Olive Oil Cake With Citrus Glaze

When the weather is warm, nothing beats a citrusy dessert!  This Olive Oil Cake With Citrus Glaze will be a hit on any spring or summer table!

The cake is super moist and fluffy, and has just the right amount of olive oil flavor.  The glaze adds a light lemon touch, and the hefty quantity of orange zest in the cake subtly brings it all together!

The glaze is incredibly easy with only 3 ingredients.  It’s the same 3 that I use on my Iced Lemon Cake!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A 10 Inch Springform Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Baking Sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • A Zester Or Cheese Grater
  • A Whisk
  • Toothpicks
  • A Cooling Rack

Servings: 8 Large Slices, Or 12 Small Slices

Ingredients:

CAKE

  • 1.5 Cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil (+ enough to grease the pan)
  • 3 Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 Cup Cane Sugar
  • 1/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 3 Tbsp + 1 Tsp Lemon Juice
  • 3 Tsp Lemon Zest, lightly packed
  • 1/3 Cup Orange Zest, lightly packed
  • 1 + 1/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp Whole Milk
  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

GLAZE

  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 Tsp Lemon Zest
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • This makes a generous amount of glaze – I prefer to use the majority, but add as much or as little as you like!
  • To thicken: add more powdered sugar / To thin: add more lemon juice

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Flour

Directions:

CAKE

Grease a 10 inch springform pan with olive oil, add a layer of parchment paper across the bottom, then lightly grease again

Take a baking sheet, add a layer of aluminum foil (in case of any slight leakage), and place the springform pan on top of it

Set the baking sheet with the pan on it aside

Preheat the oven to 325º

In a large bowl, use a fork to gently whisk together the olive oil and the eggs

Add the sugars, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange zest, and milk, and gently stir with fork until combined

In a second smaller bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder with a fork until evenly mixed

Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and mix gently until well combined – Start with a spoon, then gently use a whisk until batter is smooth

Add the batter to the pan, and bake for 60 min – A toothpick will come out clean, and the cake will have risen

Carefully transfer the springform pan off of the baking sheet and onto a cooling rack

Let cool completely before removing from the pan

GLAZE

While the cake is cooling, mix up the glaze:

Stir together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl

Once the cake has cooled, spread the glaze evenly across the top

To let the glaze solidify, it’s best to let it sit and harden for a few hours

Enjoy!

[Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, and in the refrigerator after the first day.  Slices can be brought back to room temperature if desired before eating, or can also be enjoyed cold!]

Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta

Categories Recipes4 Comments on Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta

When it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals, baked pastas are crowd-pleasers!  This Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta is super simple to make and reheats flawlessly when it’s time for leftovers!

  • Vegetarian? No problem! The ground beef could easily be swapped with your favorite meat alternative!

  • Different pasta preferences? No biggie! I used penne, but any similarly shaped pasta will work great.

  • Looking for serving ideas? This dish is really tasty served with a bit of extra parmesan cheese on top and some garlic bread on the side!

Servings: Approx. 6

Ingredients:

TO COOK

  • 12 oz Pasta, penne or equivalent
  • 3 Small Zucchini, finely chopped
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (+ enough to grease the pan)
  • Pinches Of Sea Salt And Black Pepper
  • 2 24 oz Jars Arrabiata Pasta Sauce
  • 10 Mozzarella Cheese Slices
  • 1/2 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese

TO SERVE

  • Fresh Basil To Garnish
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese To Top
  • Optional – Garlic Bread On The Side!

Directions:

PREP

Very lightly grease a 9 x 13 pan with olive oil

COOK ZUCCHINI & BEEF

In a large wok or pot, add the zucchini and the 1 tbsp of olive oil, and cook on medium heat until well done (lightly browned and soft)

Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper

Remove the cooked zucchini from the wok/pot, and set aside

Add the other 1 tsp of olive oil to the wok/pot along with the ground beef

Cook the ground beef on medium heat, breaking it up as you go, until browned

Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper

Add the cooked zucchini into the cooked beef, along with 1/2 of the first jar of pasta sauce

Turn the heat off for the zucchini/beef mixture

PREPARE PASTA

Preheat the oven to 350º while you prepare the pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions

Drain the pasta, and add it into the zucchini/beef mixture, along with the rest of the first jar of pasta sauce

LAYER & BAKE

1 – Transfer 1/2 of the zucchini/beef/pasta mixture into the baking pan, until the bottom is covered

2 – Layer on 1/2 of the second jar of pasta sauce

3 – Add on 6 of the 10 mozzarella slices, spread evenly

4 – Add the other 1/2 of the zucchini/beef/pasta mixture

5 – Spread on 1/4 more of the second jar of pasta sauce (The final 1/4 can be saved for if leftovers get dry)

6 – Top with the other 4 slices of mozzarella along with the parmesan

Bake for 40-42 min – The cheese will be melted, and the exposed pastas on top will be a little bit firm and chewy.  If you prefer it more underdone, or a softer pasta texture, you can absolutely bake it for less time!  Start checking it at around 30 min.

SERVE

Serve and garnish with fresh basil, with extra parmesan available

Optional – Serve with bread or garlic bread on the side

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored sealed/airtight in the baking pan in the refrigerator.]

Want more layered and baked meals?  Try my Baked Eggplant Parmesan!

Greek Chickpea Salad

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks4 Comments on Greek Chickpea Salad

Delicious all on its own, atop a slice of toasted fresh bread, or served with pita slices to share, this Greek Chickpea Salad is such an easy, fresh, springtime meal, snack, or party contribution.  It also works wonderfully as a meal prep option to have on hand in the fridge throughout the week.

This recipe could very easily be made vegan if the feta was replaced with a vegan cheese.

If you’re feeding a larger group, it’s simple to double the quantity.

Finally, it’s super versatile if you prefer to add more or less of any of the ingredients!

Servings: Approx. 5

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp Finely Chopped Fresh Dill 
  • 1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 Finely Chopped Cucumber
  • 21 Sliced Kalamata Olives
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 3 Cups Prepared/Canned Chickpeas
  • 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
  • 1/2 Cup + 2 Tbsp Feta Cheese Crumbles
  • 2 Chopped Medium Tomatoes
  • Sea Salt, To Taste
  • Black Pepper, To Taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes, To Taste

Directions:

Chop the fresh herbs, cucumber, tomato, and olives, and set aside

Squeeze the lemon juice and set aside

Drain, rinse, and dry the chickpeas

Optional – Peel the chickpeas (This is not required, but I find them to be more enjoyable this way!  After the rinsing process, you will see the outer layer beginning to peel off of them naturally.  They will pop out of their casings easily.)

Place the chickpeas in a large bowl

Add in the olive oil, cucumber, lemon juice, and herbs, and stir

Add in a small amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper, and stir again (You can add more later if needed.)

Next, mix in the feta, tomatoes, and olives

Add additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper to taste

Serve, and enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.]

Love these types of flavors?  Check out my Easy Greek Pasta Salad too!

Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta

Categories Recipes, Sides3 Comments on Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta

If you love cheese, eggs, and veggies, you cannot go wrong with this easy Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta!  From the red pepper and garlic to the salty eggy coating to the cheesy bites of mushroom, this simple dinner is a winner when you need a tasty weeknight meal.

While this combination is inherently vegetarian, you could easily add in a meat option such as traditional or chicken sausages.  You could also keep it vegetarian but add some extra protein with veggie sausages as well.  It works perfectly as a side or light main meal as it is, and can be transformed into a heartier main meal with this optional addition!

Servings: 4 Mains or 8 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz Pasta Of Choice
  • 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
  • 2.5 Cups Diced Baby Bella Mushrooms
  • 5 oz Baby Spinach
  • 4 Eggs
  • 2 Slices Mozzarella Cheese
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper, To Taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes, To Taste
  • 1 Tsp Dried Basil
  • Parmesan for serving

Directions:

Prep by mincing the garlic with a press, dicing the mushrooms, and measuring the spinach 

Boil water to prepare to cook the pasta according to package instructions

While the water is boiling and the pasta cooks, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic to a large wok or skillet and warm up the garlic on medium heat

Add in a few red pepper flakes, to taste

Add in the mushrooms and spinach, and cook until the veggies are done to your liking

Turn the heat down to low

Scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside

Just before draining the finished pasta, take out about 2 spoonfuls of the boiling water and mix it into your scrambled eggs

Drain and rinse the pasta, then add it into the veggie mix and coat evenly, adding in the third tablespoon of olive oil as well to keep it from sticking

Add in salt and black pepper to taste, the basil, as well as another pinch of red pepper flakes

(I would recommend starting with less red pepper and having more available for serving so that you don’t accidentally add more than you’d like)

Add the scrambled egg mixture, tossing the pasta mix continuously for a minute or two, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking

Tear up the cheese slices and mix in until melted evenly

Taste test to determine if additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes are needed

Serve with parmesan cheese along with extra salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.]

Love eggy pastas?  Try my Egg & Sausage Carbonara!