Tag: cilantro

Fish · Vegetables

Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce

cathysmahaLeave a comment

This bowl has so many delicious flavors. I’ve seen it posted all over the internet. I used quinoa as the base and love the extra mango and avocado on the side. The mango salsa, by itself, is very good and could be used in a variety of recipes. This is a light, refreshing meal for summer!

Shrimp and Avocado Bowls with Mango Salsa & Lime-Chili Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
  • For the Bowls:
    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1–2 ripe avocados, sliced
    • 1 large ripe mango, diced
    • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
    • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
    • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • For the Lime-Chili Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • Zest and juice of 1 lime
    • 1 tsp honey or agave
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Mango Salsa:
    • 1 diced mango
    • 1/4 cup diced red onion
    • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
    • Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Prepare the mango salsa by combining diced mango, red onion, jalapeno (if using), lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside in the fridge.
  2. Make the lime-chili sauce by whisking together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chili powder, lime zest and juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry and season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
  4. Assemble the bowls by adding a base of cooked rice or quinoa to each bowl. Arrange grilled shrimp, sliced avocado, and mango salsa on top.
  5. Drizzle lime-chili sauce generously over the bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe by Mediterranean Recipes for Beginners

Asian Dishes · Salads

Thai Crunch Salad with Peanut Dressing

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Thai Crunch Salad is a repeat dish in my house and my daughter’s house. We discovered this recipe a few years ago from one of our favorite sources, IowaGirlEats. The dressing is so good, I could eat it by the spoonful. The salad keeps well, as long as you put the dressing on immediately before serving. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you can omit the chicken.

Thai Crunch Salad with Peanut Dressing

INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 cups coleslaw mix, green cabbage, red cabbage, carrot mix
  • 1/2 red pepper, sliced into thin matchsticks
  • 1 chicken breast, cooked then shredded
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons peanuts, finely chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • For the Thai Peanut Dressing:
    • 4 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
    • 2 Tablespoons honey
    • 2 Tablespoons hot water
    • 1-1/2 Tablespoons gluten free reduced-sodium Tamari, or soy sauce if not GF
    • 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1/2 lime, slice remaining 1/2 lime into wedges
    • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
    • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
    • 1/4 teaspoon heaping ground ginger
    • 1 large or 2 small cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
    • salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Add ingredients for Thai Peanut Dressing into bowl then whisk to combine. Taste then adjust lime juice for more acid, and/or add water to thin if necessary.
  2. Add remaining ingredients into a large bowl. Drizzle desired amount of dressing on top then toss well to combine. Scoop into bowls then serve with lime wedges.

Recipe from IowaGirlEats

Asian Dishes

Sesame Peanut Sauce Noodles with Grilled Chicken

cathysmahaLeave a comment

I’ve posted many recipes by Iowa Girl Eats and this recipe is another winner. I added grilled chicken to add protein and it was delicious. I ate leftovers cold from the refrigerator and thought it was equally delicious!

Sesame Peanut Sauce Noodles with Grilled Chicken

INGREDIENTS:
  • 8 oz gluten free spaghetti or ramen noodles
  • 3 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter
  • 3 Tablespoons gluten free reduced-sodium Tamari, or soy sauce if not gluten free
  • 1 Tablespoon coconut sugar , or brown sugar or white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Siracha chili sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 small clove garlic, pressed or minced
  • 1 lime, sliced in half, one half sliced into wedges
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons roasted peanuts, minced
  • Toppings: chopped cilantro, minced peanuts, chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add gluten free spaghetti or ramen noodles and cook until al dente. BEFORE DRAINING, carefully scoop out 1 cup pasta cooking water then set aside. Drain pasta then return to pot.
  2. Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, gluten free Tamari, coconut sugar, sesame oil, Siracha chili sauce, ground ginger, garlic, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice in a small bowl then stir to combine – it’s ok if the sauce isn’t completely smooth.
  3. Add sauce, green onions, and minced peanuts to the hot pasta, plus a few Tablespoons pasta cooking water, then stir until noodles are coated and the sauce is completely smooth. Add more pasta cooking water as needed to reach a smooth consistency.
  4. Scoop into bowls then serve with lime wedges and toppings and grilled chicken

Recipe from IowaGirlEats

Asian Dishes · Poultry

Basil Butter Chicken

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Basil Butter Chicken is a very flavorful dish. I chose the crockpot method on the high setting and it was tender and delicious. I will make this again but I will reduce the amount of garam masala to 1 tablespoons. Perhaps add or reduce according to your taste. While the dish is not hot in heat it has a bold flavor with all of the spices.

Basil Butter Chicken

INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons garam masala (I would recommend starting with 1T)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (I did not add)
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 can (6 ounce) tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 ounce) coconut milk
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 zucchini, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
DIRECTIONS:
  1.  Crockpot:
    • In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the chicken, yogurt, curry paste, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt.
    • Toss to coat the chicken. Let sit 10 minutes.
    • Add the onion, tomato paste, and coconut milk.
    • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
    • During the last hour of cooking, mix in the butter and zucchini. Crank the heat to high. Stir in the basil and cilantro. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes until thickened.3.
    • Serve the chicken, zucchini, and sauce over bowls of rice with fresh basil and cilantro. Enjoy!
  2. Oven:
    • In a baking dish, toss together the chicken, yogurt, curry paste, garlic, ginger, garam masala, chili powder, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let sit for 5 minutes.
    • Preheat the oven to 400°F.3. To the chicken, stir in the onion, tomato paste, and coconut milk. Top with zucchini. Then add slices of butter.
    • Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. Top with basil and cilantro.4.
    • Serve the chicken, zucchini, and sauce over bowls of rice with fresh basil and cilantro. Enjoy!

Recipe from HalfBakedHarvest

Mexican Dishes · Soups and Stews

Green Chile Enchilada Chicken Soup

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Green Chile Enchilada Chicken Soup is a quick recipe for busy families. My daughter, Megan, made this one night while I was visiting. Since the family has a love/hate relationship with beans and other ingredients, she served rice and beans separately as well as cheese, cilantro and chips. Each family member was in charge of their final bowl of soup and it was delicious!

Green Chile Enchilada Chicken Soup

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 to 1 can green enchilada sauce (we used 1/2 can to please younger kids)
  • 1/2-1 tsp. oregano
  • 2 boxes chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2-3 cups shredded, cooked chicken
  • 1.5-2 cups corn
  • salt and pepper
  • Serve with:
    • cooked white rice
    • chopped fresh cilantro
    • cooked great northern beans
    • shredded cheese
    • tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Saute the onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add green enchilada sauce, oregano, broth, and water. Bring to a soft boil
  3. Add chicken and corn and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Serve bowl of soup and add rice, fresh cilantro, beans, cheese and chips as desired.

Recipe by daughter, Megan

Appetizers · Mexican Dishes · Salads

Mexican Street Corn Salad

cathysmahaLeave a comment

What a delicious salad or dip! I’ve never had Mexican Street Corn but this is amazing! You can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeno. I enjoyed it as a dip as much as a salad. What a wonderful dish to share with friends and family!

Mexican Street Corn Salad

INGREDIENTS:

  • Dressing:
    • 3 tbps Greek yogurt
    • 3 tbps mayo
    • 1 large clove garlic, minced
    • 1 lime, half zested + fully juiced
    • 1/2 tsp chili powder (or Sriracha)
    • salt to taste
  • Salad:
    • 4 ears corn
    • 2 tbps butter
    • 1/2 large bell pepper, fine chop
    • 1 small jalapeño, fine chop
    • 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
    • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Grill your buttered corn on your BBQ to get those lovely black grill marks and smokey flavor.  You can also use frozen corn (heated through in some boiling water), roast in the oven or boil the ears.  Allow to cool and then slice off the kernels and add to a large bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, lime juice, zest, chili powder + salt. Taste and adjust if needed. Sometimes I add 1/2 tsp sugar to compliment the spicy.
  3. Pour this mixture over the shaved corn and mix to combine.
  4. Note: You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt.

Recipe from HungryHappens

Asian Dishes · Salads

Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Thai flavors are so delightful that I can’t seem to get enough. This Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing is so delicious and packed with protein. I used spinach and the salad kept well for a couple of days. You could optionally serve the dressing only at the time of serving to better preserve the lettuce or spinach. A delicious favorite of mine!

Thai Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing

INGREDIENTS:
  • For the Salad:
    • 1 cup cooked quinoa
    • 2 big handfuls mixed greens OR baby spinach
    • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped or thinly sliced
    • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
    • 1/2 cup shelled edamame
    • 2 green onions, chopped
    • 3 tablespoons peanuts, minced
    • handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • For the Peanut Dressing:
    • 1/4 cup peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1-1/2 Tablespoons gluten free Tamari
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
    • heaping 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 large or 2 small cloves garlic, pressed or minced
    • juice of 1/2 lime (other half sliced into wedges)
    • 1/8 teaspoon salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
    • 2 Tablespoons hot water
DIRECTIONS:
  1. For the Peanut Dressing: Add all ingredients to a bowl or mason jar with a tight fitting lid then whisk or shake well to combine. Set aside.
  2. Divide remaining salad ingredients between two bowls then drizzle with dressing and serve with lime wedges.
  3. Optional: Cook quinoa in chicken stock for more flavor. You can also add chicken or another protein.

Recipe from Iowa Girl Eats

Poultry · Salads · Vegetables · Vegetarian

Southwest Shredded Chicken Salad

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Summer Salads are a favorite and this salad is full of protein and healthy vegetables. It is delicious for make-ahead meals. Another rotation in the summer salad schedule!

Southwest Shredded Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS:
  • SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
    • 1-1.5 lbs. chicken tenderloin (I used rotisserie chicken)
    • ¾ cup black beans, rinsed, drained and dried
    • ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced
    • ¾ cup chickpeas, rinsed, drained and dried
    • ¾ cup whole kernel corn, rinsed, drained and dried
    • ¾ cup cucumber, cored and diced
    • ⅓ cup shallots, finely diced
    • ¼ cup jalapeno, finely diced (optional)
    • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped small
    • ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • kosher salt, to taste
    • cracked black pepper, to taste
  • CHILI LIME YOGURT DRESSING
    • ½ cup 0% Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh squeezed
    • 2 tablespoons diced green chilis, mild, canned works best
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 tablespoons warm water, add more or less based on your preferred thickness
  • OPTIONAL GARNISHES
    • 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped small
    • ½ avocado, thinly sliced
    • 1 lime, cut into wedges
    • tortilla chips
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Boil a pot of water and add the chicken tenderloin. Cook for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Drain off the water and allow the chicken to cool. Then shred the chicken using two forks. (I used a cooked rotisserie chicken).
  2. Next, grab a small mixing bowl and combine the 0% Greek yogurt, fresh squeezed lime juice, mild canned diced green chilis (with the juice), garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt and warm water. Whisk well and set aside. For a thicker dressing add less water, for a thinner dressing add more water. You can adjust based on your preference.
  3. Then, prep all the veggies and herbs. You’ll need, drained and rinsed black beans, drained and rinsed chickpeas, drained and dried whole kernel corn, diced cucumber (be sure to remove the core), diced red bell pepper, finely diced shallots, finely diced jalapeno (remove the veins and seeds).
  4. Add the shredded chicken, vegetables, shredded cheese and herbs to a large mixing bowl. Season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust accordingly. Then, pour as much or as little chili lime yogurt dressing as you desire. I used about half. Toss until everything is well coated.
  5. Extra dressing can be stored covered in the refrigerator for three to four days. Garnish with chopped green onions and sliced avocado. Serve with tortilla chips and lime wedges.

Recipe from HealthyishFoods

Asian Dishes · Salads

Special Rice Noodles

cathysmaha1 Comment

The official name of this dish is ‘My Brother’s Special Rice Noodles’, but since this wasn’t from MY brother I felt weird saying that. Ha! This is such a refreshing salad and I love the combination of flavors. I’m a big an of cilantro (and it doesn’t taste like soap to me) so I add a handful to the salad. You could easily add a protein to the salad, if you desire.

Special Rice Noodles

INGREDIENTS:
  • For the Noodles:
    • 1 tbsp. Avocado Oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 large yellow onion, sliced in strips
    • 6 small shitake mushrooms, sliced
    • 8 oz. pad Thai rice noodles
    • 1 cup red cabbage, sliced in thin strips
    • 1 cup cucumber, sliced in thin strips
    • 3 scallions, sliced
    • 2 tbsp. peanuts, chopped
    • fresh cilantro leaves for serving or in salad (optional)
    • sliced Fresno chili for serving (optional)
    • salt & pepper
  • For the Sauce:
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 1 tbsp. white vinegar
    • 1 tbsp. Tamari or soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp. chili garlic sauce
    • 2 tbsp. sesame oil
    • 1 tbsp. maple syrup (I used agave)
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the noodles.
  2. Mix together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
  3. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the garlic and onions in 1 tbsp. avocado oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until onions are mostly tender (3-4 minutes) then add the mushrooms and sauté until tender (3-4 minutes).
  4. Boil noodles according to package directions, then add to the pan with the veggies; mix together, then turn off the heat and mix in the cabbage, cucumber, scallions, peanuts and sauce.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and red Fresno chili slices and enjoy!

Recipe of My brother’s special noodles from MaxisKitchen

Asian Dishes · Fish

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Our family loves to cook together and this recipe was on our list. The flavor was delicious and the slaw was yummy enough to serve by itself. The rice paper shells were fun to watch crisp-up in the oil. The shells quickly get saturdated with the moisture from the slaw and the shrimp, so a fork and knife may be needed.

The next day I ate the leftover shrimp and slaw with rice and it was equally delicious.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, finely chopped
  • Spicy Mayo:
    • 3 tbsp. mayonnaise
    • 2 tsp. Green yogurt
    • 1-2 tbsp. Siracha (or to your taste)
    • 1 tbsp. honey
    • 1 tsp. soy sauce
    • 1/2 tsp sesame oil
  • Slaw:
    • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
    • 3 tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro
    • 3 tbsp. rice vinegar
    • 1 tsp. sesame oil
    • 2 tsp. honey
  • Rice Paper Shells
  • Optional: chopped avocado, green onions, black sesame seed
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Cook shrimp. Cool. Chop as directed
  2. Mix together all ingredients of spicy mayo. Pour over cooled shrimp. Mix to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Shred purple cabbage (I used a food processor). Add chopped cilantro. Mix together rice vinegar, sesame oil and honey. Pour over cabbage and stir to mix. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Heat enough oil (about 2″ deep) in a shallow pan until sizzling. Place a rice paper into the oil and press down in the middle. Quickly add a piece of nori and once it crisp up, fold it over and remove. Note: make sure the oil is really hot. The rice paper puffs up instantly so be prepared to do this quickly.
  5. Spoon slaw and shrimp into shell. Top with avocado and green onions if desired. Eat as soon as you make as the rice shell absorbs the juices. You could also just eat this in a flour tortilla.

Recipe slightly adapted from Caitlin Greene on Instagram