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Healthy Lunch Ideas
Healthy Tomato and Olive Quiche Recipe
Healthy Lunch Ideas

Healthy Tomato and Olive Quiche Recipe

Indulge in this healthy lunch idea which is made from fresh ingredients and is easy enough for even a beginner in the kitchen. Make sure you have a shell pre-baked (it’ll make the process shorter), then you can fill it and bake the quiche in the oven!

RELATED: Crustless Broccoli Quiche Recipe

Ingredients

Pastry shell

1 whole egg

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup kalamata olives

2 cloves garlic

2 onions (sliced)

2 cups tomato puree

Black pepper and salt

Parmesan cheese

Method

  1. Start off with the pastry shell, and bake at 200ºC (400ºF) for 5-10 minutes until it softens. Take it out of the oven, and leave aside to cool.
  2. Mash up the kalamata olives into a fine paste.
  3. Saute the garlic and onions in a medium-sized pan until they begin to glaze. Add the tomato puree and cook until the mixture has thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Take the pan off the heat, then add the 1 whole egg, followed by the 3 egg yolks. Grate some Parmesan cheese over the top, then arrange the sliced tomatoes.
  5. Cook for 30 minutes until golden brown, then drizzle some olive oil over the top.

Image via One Hot Stove

3 Fruity Summer Salad Recipes
Healthy Lunch Ideas

3 Tasty Summer Salad Recipes

Enjoy a light and healthy salad this summer by experimenting with some of your favourite seasonal fruits and vegetables. We have compiled just a few tasty recipes below which are sure to be the hit at the next dinner party!

RELATED: Summer Beetroot Salad Recipe

Couscous salad

Ingredients: 300g couches, 1 red pepper, 1 green pepper, 1 tomato, 2 tablespoons mint, honey, 1/2 lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Pour the couscous over 300ml of boiling water. Cover the bowl then let it stand for 5 minutes for the grains to fluff up.

2. Dice the peppers, tomato and mint, then whisk through the honey and lemon dressing.

3 Fruity Summer Salad Recipes

Chef’s salad

Ingredients: 1/2 lettuce, 1/2 cucumber, 1 tomato, 1 stick celery, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 cooked chicken breast, 50g ham, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to season.

Instructions

1. Line each bowl with lettuce leaves, and top off with celery, tomato and cucumber.

2. Add half of a hard-boiled egg to each dish, and divide the ham, cheese and chicken strips as well.

3. For the dressing, combine the Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey, lemon and olive oil into a jar and shake. Pour it over the salad and season with salt and pepper.

3 Fruity Summer Salad Recipes

Nicoise salad

Ingredients: 200g potatoes, 1/2 lettuce, 1 can white tuna, 3 tomatoes, 40g black olives, 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Peel and boil the potatoes until soft and tender. Drain well, then dice into quarters.

2. Arrange the lettuce on the bottom of each bowl, then add the tuna, tomatoes, potatoes and olives. Garnish with olive oil and cracked black pepper. Red chilli flakes also add a kick of flavour to this traditional dish.

3 Fruity Summer Salad Recipes

Images via Nutritious Life, Taste Spotting, The Tolerant Vegan

Grilled Salmon Sliders, Salmon Recipes, Sliders, Salmon, Nibbles, Easy Meals
Healthy Lunch Ideas

Grilled Salmon Sliders Recipe

Make these delicious nibbles the next time you’ve got some salmon leftover, or if you want to create a quick and tasty lunch. The recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and tastes amazing with avocado sauce, a touch of mayonnaise and some steamed vegetables.

RELATED: Quick and Easy Smoked Salmon Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 kilogram salmon (skinless, cut into smaller pieces)

3 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp chilli flakes

1/2 tsp salt

Lemon juice

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cumin

Slider rolls

Instructions

  1. Combine the chilli flakes, salt and pepper into a small bowl. Season the fish in the mixture with some olive oil. In the meantime, pre-heat the grill.
  2. Place the salmon skin on the bottom of the aluminium foil and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Remove from the grill, then season with cracked black pepper and some extra lemon. Slice the salmon into smaller strips, then place them in each slider.

Image via Eat Drink Love

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes Under $5
Healthy Lunch Ideas

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes Under $5

Tired of wasting all of your money on food and drinks? So are we! Prepare your own healthy meals at home to save some extra cash, plus you will know exactly what’s included in your food. We have tracked down five easy lunch ideas under $5 for those who don’t mind being a bit thrifty.

RELATED: Healthy BLT Sandwich Recipe

BLT Sandwich

Ingredients: 2 rashes bacon, 2 slices wholemeal bread, Iceberg lettuce, 1/2 ripened tomato, 1 teaspoon mayonnaise or tomato sauce.

Who can resist a classic BLT Sandwich, yum! We love them so much that we even provided a recipe on SHESAID, but this one is even better (and will save you some extra money as well).

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes Under $5

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients: 1/2 kg chicken mince, olive oil, butter lettuce, 1 tablespoon chilli flakes, 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Use chicken mince instead to save a little extra money (plus, it’s so quick and easy to cook – even for beginners in the kitchen). Season with chilli flakes, then transfer into a bed of lettuce.

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes Under $5

Couscous Salad

Ingredients: 1/2 cup couscous, 1/4 cup crumbled feta, olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 red grapes

A delicious couscous salad is perfect if you’re watching your weight, but still want to feel satisfied after your meal. Enjoy with crunchy red grapes and crumbled feta cheese over the top for extra flavour. Replace the grapes with cherry tomatoes or olives if they’re not your thing.

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes Under $5

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Ingredients: 2 beets, 2 tablespoons walnuts, 1 cup mixed greens, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, crumbled goat cheese

Try this light spring/summer take on a traditional salad for a healthy lunch or dinner meal. Perfect for those who are vegetarian, make sure to add some of your favourite seasonal vegetables into the mix.

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes Under $5

Turkey Pesto Panini

Ingredients: Leftover bread, 1/2 cup pesto, 1/3 cup mozzarella, 1 cup chopped turkey, 2 tomatoes, 1/2 avocado

Make use of that panini and leftover turkey for this yummy snack for lunch time. Place all of the ingredients into a lunch press and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

5 Healthy Lunch Recipes Under $5

Images via Food, Damn Delicious, Two Peas and Their Pod, Clean and Delicious

Healthy Lunch Ideas

5 Tasty Ways To Cook Quinoa

Include this healthy wholegrain, superfood into your weekly diet to benefit from the large volumes of calcium, vitamin E, and did we mention that it’s also gluten-free?

Even though quinoa is so healthy, it doesn’t necessarily mean that is tastes bad. If you want to start cooking with quinoa, pair it with these tasty dishes which are nothing to be feared.

RELATED: Quinoa and Goji Berry Breakfast Cookies

Black bean wrap

Use one cup of dry quinoa with boiled black beans, feta cheese, and avocado for a quick snack which is perfect if you’re on-the-go. The meal is filling enough for dinner or lunch, and is best stored in an air-tight container for freshness.

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Chicken

Quinoa can be used in lieu of rice or couscous, without the extra fatty feeling on your hips. This particular meal uses spicy charcoal chicken breast, fresh vegetables and fluffy quinoa – yum!

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Egg and broccoli breakfast bowls

Treat yourself to a luxurious Sunday brunch made with spinach, fried eggs, broccoli and fluffy quinoa. It’s the perfect alternative to a standard porridge dish.

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Butternut squash salad

If you’re giving your body a bit of a carbohydrate detox, then a salad is always a great option. This beauty combines roasted squash, quinoa, capsicum and coriander for an aromatic dish which works well as tomorrows leftovers.

3

Quinoa bars

Indulge in delicious breakfast bars with all of your favourites including chocolate chips, fruits, muesli and healthy quinoa. Prepare the bars the night before, and store them in the fridge for that fresh crunch.

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Images via Skinny Mom, Half baked Harvest, The Cafe Sucre Farine, Delicious As It Looks, ETC All The Rest

Tuna And Couscous Salad Recipe
Healthy Lunch Ideas

Tuna And Couscous Salad Recipe

Rather than relying on takeaway as your number one option for lunch, why not prepare a delicious tuna and couscous salad the night before?

RELATED: Healthy Nicoise Tuna Salad Recipe

This recipe is packed with protein, flavour, and will keep your stomach full for hours to come. Add some of your favourite seasonal vegetables into the mix for a delicious meal, which is also perfect for dinner.

Serves 2

Ingredients

150g couscous

1/2 can sweet corn (drained)

1 tin tuna

1 red pepper (diced)

1 tsp honey

1 tbsp olive oil

Juice from 1/2 lime

Method

  1. Add the couscous into a pan of boiling water, and leave for 5 minutes. Drain out the excess water and transfer the couscous into a bowl.
  2. Add the red pepper, sweet corn and tuna into the mixture.
  3. Whisk the honey, lime and olive oil then pour it over the entire dish.

Image via Taste

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Healthy Lunch Ideas

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Chips Recipe

Swap the potato chips for a healthy zucchini instead. Why? Not only are they half the calories, but they taste the same, if not better!

There’s no time than now to take advantage of zucchini season and test out this dish with family and friends.

RELATED: Zucchini Fig Smoothie

Ingredients

3 large zucchinis

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 crumb wholemeal bread crumbs

1/2 Parmesan cheese

Pinch of freshly ground pepper

Pinch of salt

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC (392ºF), and line a tray with baking paper.
  2. Slice each zucchini into thin rounds, and season with the pepper, salt, and even some freshly chopped garlic. Brush on some olive oil over the top before cooking in the oven.
  3. Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the zucchini.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Image via The Kitchn

The Best Leftover Meals 
Healthy Lunch Ideas

The Best Meals Made From Leftovers

There is no denying the fact that leftovers aren’t always the most glamourous of meals. But they sure save some time after a long day of work!

Although, does anyone else agree that some meals just taste better the next day? Below are just a few quick and easy meals to warm-up and enjoy if you don’t have much time on your side.

RELATED: Prosciutto and Rocket Pizza Recipe

Curry

Not only do the flavoursome ingredients of a yummy red curry marinate overnight, but they actually taste so much better! Warm them up over a hot stove, and serve with fresh rice and a glass of dry white wine.

The Best Leftover Meals 

Lasagne

Any type of lasagne tastes good on the second day, and there is no denying that fact! Serve with a side of fresh vegetables and you have a winning lunch or dinner meal.

The Best Leftover Meals 

Lentils

If you aren’t a fan of piping hot lentils, then enjoying them for leftovers is the second best option. The lentils themselves actually double in size, and the consistency of the entire soup is deliciously thick and filling.

The Best Leftover Meals 

Meatballs

Fry them, bake them, or simply pop them in the microwave for 2 minutes – meatballs taste good any way you choose to prepare them! Especially if they were baked in a tomato and garlic sauce which tastes amazing the next day. However, you might need some gum to cover up the garlic afterwards..

The Best Leftover Meals 

Casserole

Casseroles take no less than 5 minutes to prepare for lunch the next evening, and they taste exactly the same as they did the previous day. The past filling is especially warm and fluffy, which is perfect for those cold winter days!

The Best Leftover Meals 

Pizza

There’s just one food that taste good all the time, and that has to be pizza. If you’re warming in up the next morning, don’t waste your time with the oven or microwave which can turn it into a soggy mess. Simply lay it flat or an empty frying pan, and cook for 5 minutes. This way, you have a deliciously crunch pizza snack.

The Best Leftover Meals 

What are some of your favourite leftovers?

Images via Dinner Was Delicious, Joanne Eats Well With Others, Feeling Foodish, Damn Delicious, Girl Versus Dough

Healthy Ham and Pasta Frittata
Healthy Lunch Ideas

Healthy Ham and Pasta Frittata

A healthy frittata dinner makes for delicious leftovers for lunch or even dinner the next day, since it can be served warm or cold.

Our favourite dish combines wholemeal pasta with delicious Parmesan cheese, and a handful of spinach for extra texture and flavour. This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, and serves up to four people.

RELATED: Baked Eggs in Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients

1.5 cups wholemeal pasta

4 tbsp Parmesan cheese

4-5 slices of ham off the bone (you could also use bacon)

5 eggs

3-4 parsley leaves

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
  2. Cook the pasta until al dente. Then remove and set aside to cool down.
  3. Whisk the eggs until they are of a smooth consistency. Then add the Parmesan cheese, ham, and parsley. Feel free to also season with salt and pepper to your liking.
  4. Combine the pasta and egg mixture, then transfer into a pan and cook for 20 minutes.

Image via Nugget Market

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Yummy Ways To Cook Feta Cheese

The next time your meal is tasting somewhat lack-lustre, sprinkle some feta cheese over the top if you love it’s salty texture. Just a few cubes of this delicious cheese is bound to have your taste buds yearning for more, and create a taste sensation!

Try just some of the following snacks if you want something savoury throughout the day.

RELATED: 3 Winter Breakfast Recipes

Cucumber feta bites

There’s no denying that cucumber and feta cheese are a match made in heaven, so create these delicious crackers the next time you’re in need of a quick snack.

Use a chopped cucumber as a base, a spoonful of Greek yoghurt for the filling, then top-off with some walnuts for added protein. Serve with a lemon slice for extra zest!

Feel free to slice a cucumber, add the yoghurt and walnuts instead, then roll-up with a toothpick as a tasty appetiser.

Yummy Ways To Cook Feta Cheese

Spinach feta grilled cheese

Bring a little life to your toastie by substituting that yellow cheese for some feta instead. Add a few baby spinach leaves in your focaccia, then grill for 2-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Yummy Ways To Cook Feta Cheese

Feta and scrambled eggs

Not only are eggs delicious at any time of the day, but they are packed with protein to keep your tummy full (and hopefully snack-free). Add some crumbled feta cheese into your eggs and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Enjoy with a side of leafy greens and kale for a healthy, guilt-free meal.

Yummy Ways To Cook Feta Cheese

Feta-cheese pizza

Instead of using mozzarella cheese on your next pizza, add some feta instead. The saltiness of the feta cheese is a match made in heaven with capsicum (especially red), and the smell is amazing!

Yummy Ways To Cook Feta Cheese

Watermelon feta salad

Bring some life to your watermelon by seasoning with mint, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. The sweet and savoury flavour are delicious, and ideally made for the warmer months of the year.

Yummy Ways To Cook Feta Cheese

How do you enjoy feta cheese?

Images via The Blond Cook, My Wife Can Cook, The Daily Morsel, Goodlife Eats, Budget Bytes

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Delicious Ways To Cook Green Beans

Green beans are an excellent source of dietary fibre, and can be cooked in a variety of different ways. Keep a pack of frozen green beans in your fridge for a quick stir-fry, or even add into your favourite soup for a boost of Vitamin A, B, and an excellent source of Folate.

Below are just a few different ways to steam, bake, puree, or boil green beans for a tasty meal at any time of the day.

RELATED: Chicken Salad with Greens and Peas Recipe

Balsamic Green Bean Salad

Whip-up a delicious summer salad with cherry tomatoes, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and white feta for a fresh taste. Boil the green beans under they are tender, then strain and finely chop some delicious cucumber over the top.

Delicious Ways To Cook Green Beans

Baked Parmesan Green Bean Fries

While this option may not be the healthiest alternative, it’s definitely one to try out! Try a fresh Parmesan cheese if you love it’s distinct taste, and sprinkle with some sea-salt for extra Mediterranean taste.

Delicious Ways To Cook Green Beans

Shrimp and String Bean Pesto Pasta

Why not add a few chopped string beans into your pasta for taste and texture. Lightly boil the beans so they still hold some of their signature crunch.

Delicious Ways To Cook Green Beans

Baked Green Bean Fries

Hold back on the calories and serve some green beans for a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips. Bake with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and lightly simmer until they are golden brown in colour.

Delicious Ways To Cook Green Beans

Images via Dashing Dish, Pinterest, How Sweets

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Healthy Herbed Bistro Fries 

Who isn’t guilty of indulging in a few baked fries every now and then? Not only are these delicious healthy herbed bistro fries easy to make, but they are baked to save you from the extra calories!

Sprinkle some of your favourite chopped herbs over the top for a delicious seasoning that the entire family won’t be able to resist.

RELATED: Healthy Baked Asparagus Fries Recipe

Ingredients

2 pounds red potatoes (cut into small wedges)

1/2 cup chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 cup chopped fresh thyme

Salt for seasoning

Olive oil to drizzle over the chips

Method

  1. Place the chopped potato wedges into a large bowl of ice water, this will make it easier to remove all the starch and allow the potatoes to have a crispy texture.
  2. Scoop them out with a ladle, then transfer them directly over to a tray lined with baking paper.
  3. Season with olive oil, rosemary, and thyme before baking in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Season with salt for a tasty treat.

Image and Recipe (modified) from The Good Stuff Cookbook

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Oven-Roasted Roots Frittata Recipe

Ever find it difficult to stick to your daily serving of greens and vegetables? Not only are frittatas a delicious lunch-time meal, but they work with almost any filling you give them! Although this recipe better suits autumn/winter veggies, you can still experiment with your favourites for an irresistible midday snack.

RELATED: Smoked Salmon, Asparagus and Ricotta Frittata Recipe

Ingredients

600g autumn/winter vegetables (shallots, onions, carrots, squash, pumpkin, parsnip, celery, beetroot, and potatoes for the filling).

1 large garlic clove (chopped)

3 tbsp olive oil

7-8 large eggs

Mixed herbs (parsley, chives, thyme)

20g Parmesan cheese

Sea salt and cracked pepper

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 190ºC, and while that’s heating up peel the shallots or onions and slice into halves.
  2. Peel the carrots and cut into small slices, deseed the pumpkin/squash then cut into 2-3cm cubes. Do the same to the parsnip, celery, and beetroot before cutting the potatoes slightly smaller (1-2cm cubes).
  3. Load the vegetables into an oven-proof dish and garnish with garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper before tossing well. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and beginning to caramelise.
  4. Beat the eggs with a handful of chopped herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables, then carefully place the Parmesan cheese over the top. Cook for a further 10-15 minutes or until the egg starts to colour.
  5. Leave to cool, then transfer to a chopping board before cutting into thin slices.

Image and Recipe courtesy of The Telegraph

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Delicious Hemp Seed Tabouli Recipe

If you haven’t tried tabouli before, this is the perfect homemade recipe which is quick and easy to prepare for a lunch or dinner snack. This high protein dish is delicious when served raw, and is perfect for those who are vegan, gluten free, nut-free and refined-sugar free- so there are absolutely no excuses why you shouldn’t try this for yourself!

Ingredients

1 cup fresh parsley

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

1/4 tsp sea salt

4 medium yellow vine/jersey tomatoes (chopped)

1 cup shelled hemp seeds

2 tbsp hemp oil (or olive oil)

2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine the parsley, mint and sea salt into a food processor with an ‘s’ blade until finely minced.
  2. Empty the herbs and salt into a large mixing bowl before adding the tomatoes, hemp seeds, hemp oil (olive oil) and lemon juice. Mix well, then serve immediately or pop into the fridge for a refreshing lunch meal.

Image and Recipe via Oh She Glows

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Kale, Sweet Potato and Hazelnut Salad Recipe

Create this delicious lunch meal by adding your favourite vegetables, nuts and fruits to really customise this fulfilling dish. Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to the starchy potato since they are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, copper and even vitamin B6 which is essential for producing red blood cells.

Ingredients

80g kale, stalks removed

40g red quinoa

40g black quinoa

100g sweet potato

15g roasted hazelnut, mashed

10g toasted coconut

15g goji berries

100g hazelnut dressing

10g salt for cooking quinoa

40g coconut oil

1/2 ripe avocado

Hazelnut dressing (optional):

40g roasted hazelnut

5g maple syrup

25g red wine vinegar

75g olive oil

2 tablespoons hazelnut oil

Salt and pepper for seasoning

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 190ºC and pop the coconut in for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, then combine with the roasted hazelnuts before setting aside.
  2. Peel the sweet potato and then cut into small cubes (2-3cm). Toss into a bowl with 20g of coconut oil, salt/pepper and then put them into the oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Combine the red and black quinoa into a pot with water and 1 teaspoon of sea-salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for 12-15 minutes.
  4. Chop the avocado into cubes, remove the stalks from the kale and cut into 2cm chiffonade.
  5. Combine the kale, sweet potato, quinoa, avocado and hazelnut dressing and massage softly with coconut oil. Top with roasted hazelnuts, coconut flakes and goji berries before serving.

Image and Recipe via Sous Style

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Grilled Peach And Burrata Salad Recipe

Tired of having the same old, plain salad? Spice it up by trying out this grilled peach and burrata recipe, which is simple and easy to recreate. If peach isn’t in season, feel free to use another sweet fruit, which will also work just as well. Onto the recipe!

Ingredients

1 small red onion

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 peaches or nectarines (sliced in half, pitted)

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cups argula

1 ball burrata cheese

Method

  1. Prepare the caramelised onions by first heating the olive-oil over low heat. Spread them carefully in a single layer across the pan, and let them cook slowly for 20-30 minutes. When onions are brown, add a touch of the balsamic vinegar and cook for just a few more minutes. Then set aside.
  2. For the glaze, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar into a saucepan over medium heat. As the mixture starts to simmer, turn down to a low heat and cook for 10 minutes before setting aside to cool down.
  3. Brush the peaches with olive oil, then heat up a pan over medium heat and sizzle until they are brown. This should only take a few minutes, then set aside.
  4. Layer the argula, peaches and caramelised onions to create the salad. Then slice the burrata into small pieces before adding the balsamic glaze.

Image and Recipe via Two Red Bowls

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Want to try a nutritious meal which is perfect for the colder weather? This homemade tomato soup is made from scratch at home, so you have complete control over what is going into your meal. Add a touch of basil for a fresh taste, and enjoy for dinner or simply on-the-go!

Ingredients

4 tomatoes (peeled, seeded and diced)

4 cups tomato juice

14 leaves fresh basil

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

  1. Add the tomatoes and tomato juice in a large pot over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, before adding the basil leaves.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of butter, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Keep stirring until the butter has completely melted. Serve with a side of toasted bread.

Image and Recipe via All Recipes, Jenny Steffens

recipe, burger, beetroot, black beans
Healthy Lunch Ideas

Beet And Black Bean Burger Recipe

Vegetarians rejoice! This beet and bean burger is an easy, tasty, healthy meal for you and the kids. Black beans are a great source of fiber and protein, and beets are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The burger has a nice texture and makes a great balanced meal when served with salad.

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 large red beets (1 pound), diced

½ cup brown rice (raw)

1 yellow onion, diced

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 juiced lemon

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp parsley

1 teaspoon coriander

½ teaspoon thyme

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Slices of Provolone cheese to serve

Method

  1. To cook rice, bring a pot of water to the boil and add rice and a pinch of salt. Simmer for approximately 35 minutes. Drain and put aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with oil to grease. Cook diced onion, then stir in beets. Cover and cook until beets are tender, stirring occassionally. Add garlic and cook for further 30 seconds.
  3. Empty the drained black beans into a large bowl and mash them a bit. Add the cooked rice, beet/onion mixture, lemon juice, olive oil and parsley, coriander and thyme. Combine. Add salt and pepper if necessary. Add the flour and stir until flour is completely mixed.
  4. Heat a skillet over high heat. Add some olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Using clean hands, scoop a handful of mixture and flatten into a burger-pattie shape in your hands. Place patties in pan and reduce to medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Place provolone cheese on hot pattie to melt.

To serve, place beet and bean patty between wholemeal burger buns and add your choice of salad. Tomato and lettuce recommended.

Bon Appetit!

healthy lunch ideas, lunch recipes, vegetables, salad, meal types
Healthy Lunch Ideas

5 Easy Lunches To Bring To Work

How often do you find lunches which are both nutritional and tasty at the same time? Stop buying lunches from the store, and why not save some money and prepare a healthy meal at home. You can personalise the meal to your taste, and also create something new and different for each day. Well, what are you waiting for? Get inspired by some of these yummy lunch ideas which the entire family can try.

1. Salad in a jar

This is probably the perfect idea for a filling and tasty lunch meal. Although, why in a jar? Not only does it look more presentable, but it keeps the salad from getting soggy (then you’ll be less likely to throw it out!). Fill the bottom with dressing so it doesn’t interfere with the rest of the ingredients. The second layer will be mostly vegetables such as cucumber, carrots and beans. The third layer will hold avocado, meats, cheese and the main filling, the the top will be for the spinach or lettuce. When it’s lunch time, simply remove the food from the jar and mix together.

2. Vegetable pizza roll-ups

Not only do these rolls look exactly like cinnamon buns, but they are filled with loads of vegetables and are extremely rich in protein. This fun meal will surely keep you fuller for longer, and works perfectly with any of your favourite vegetables for a yummy taste.

3. Grilled eggplant and capsicum salad

This extremely filling sandwich is certainly unlike any other you’ve seen or tasted before. Packed with nutritious eggplant, red capsicum and avocado on wholewheat bread, it is a perfect lunch which is sure to keep you full until dinner time, at least.

4. Spring rolls with peanut sauce

These aren’t your typical spring rolls, but a much healthier alternative packed with carrots, cucumber, fresh chicken and broccoli pieces. Prepare the spring rolls overnight, then simply bring them into work and warm them up when you’re ready to eat. If you want an even healthier alternative, make the wrap out of lettuce instead of rice paper for an added crunch.

5. Greek salad sandwich

A portable and easy meal to eat if you’re constantly on-the-go, and want a snack to tide you over for the rest of the afternoon. On the bread, prepare a cream spread made from chickpeas, parsley, feta cheese and lemon juice. For the toppings be sure to include some chopped red onions, cucumber and tomato for genuine Mediterranean flavour.

Ideas via Petit Foodie, Closet Cooking, Babble, Food and Other Stuff

Images via Food and Other Stuff

By Felicia Sapountzis

Dinner Ideas

Rosemary Lamb With Balsamic Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Get two meals out of one of our favourite dinner ideas: succulent rosemary lamb becomes lamb pita pockets for the kids’ school lunch boxes the next day.

Serves: 4 (plus leftovers)

Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
1kg whole lamb rumps (about 4-5), trimmed of fat
2 red capsicum, cut into wedges
1kg pumpkin, cut into wedges
2 red onions, cut into wedges
2 1⁄2 tbsp olive oil
250g haloumi cheese, cut into 2cm pieces
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp rosemary leaves, chopped
1⁄2 cup basil leaves
Green salad, to serve

Method
1. Take the lamb out of the fridge to allow it to come to room temperature.

2. Preheat oven to 180oC. Toss the capsicum, pumpkin and red onion with 2 tbsp of the oil and spread on a lined baking tray, cooking for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Add the haloumi pieces to the tray and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Bake the vegetables and haloumi for a further 15 minutes or until the haloumi is golden brown.

3. Place a large frying pan over a high heat. Rub the lamb with the remaining oil and cook for 2 minutes on both sides or until browned (lamb does not need to be cooked).

4. Rub the browned lamb with rosemary and place in a roasting dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cooked to your liking. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

5. Slice the lamb and serve with roasted vegetables, haloumi and basil leaves. Serve with a green salad.

lambpita

Turn leftovers into lunch: Homemade lamb pita pockets

Serves: 2
Preparation time: 5 minutes

Split 2 wholemeal pita pockets and spread with hummus, sliced lamb, sliced tomato and shredded iceberg lettuce.

What’s your favourite leftover recipe?

Healthy Lunch Ideas

How to Pack a Healthy and Delicious Lunch Box

With kids about to go back to school, you want to make sure they have a healthy lunch but one that they’ll enjoy too. Accredited practising dietitian Kate Di Prima shares her best lunch box tips to keep you and the kids happy.

1. Plan to cook extra at dinner so there are dinner leftovers for sandwich and wrap fillings.

2. Pre-cut fruit and salad vegetables (score mango, slice peach, peel slice carrot, chop cucumber) and wrap in plastic wrap or store in containers in the fridge.

3. Pre-slice cheese to reduce the need for kids to use sharp knives.

4. Bake at home on the weekends and store items in an airtight container or wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze. Baking at home is also a great way to secretly include more fruit and veggies in the lunch box.

5. Buy yoghurt and custard tubs in 100-125ml ready to grab portion packs.

6. To reduce the need for plastic wrap, purchase small containers that can fit in the lunch box and be washed out at the end of the day.

What are your kids’ favourite school lunch recipes? Share your lunch box ideas in the comments!

 

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Detox Salad Recipe

Naturopath Michèle Wolff, author of Digestive Solutions, shares an easy January cleanse recipe for detox salad. The salad rids the body of toxins, cleanses your digestive system and gives your body a boost of vitamins and nutrients. Eat it anytime you need a healthy pick-me-up!

Ingredients

Large handful of rocket
Large handful alfalfa sprouts
Large handful chopped parsley
Sprinkle of sunflower and sesame seeds
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Olive oil to taste
Crushed garlic, if desired

Method

1. Combine all ingredients together and serve. You can also add a boiled or poached egg, and goat’s cheese for added flavour.

Michèle Wolff is a leading health practitioner and a qualified naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist and nurse, owner of Ultimate Detox Solutions. Her new book ‘Digestive Solutions – 101 Proven Methods to Solve Your Tummy Problems Naturally’ is available from bookstores and good online booksellers. Visit www.digestivesolutions.com.au.

Healthy Lunch Ideas

Mushroom and Halloumi Bruschetta Recipe

Whether as a snack, light meal or dinner party canapé, these mushroom and halloumi bruschetta are packed with rustic Italian flavours and really easy to make. For an easy dinner for one, we like to top these tasty toasts with a fried egg, or when friends come over they make an elegant bite-size snack to serve with bubbly.

Serves: 4 

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Talinga Grove Extra Virgin Olive Oil
300g small button mushrooms, quartered
125g halloumi cheese, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon balsamic (we like Lomondo Aged Caramelised Balsamic)
8 slices crusty Italian bread
2 cloves garlic, halved
Talinga Grove Garlic Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Method

1. Heat Talinga Grove Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a small frypan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

2. Add halloumi cheese and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until just tender. Stir in fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar.

3. Toast bread on both sides.

4. Rub one side of each with a cut garlic clove.

5. Top bread slices with mushroom mixture. Drizzle lightly with Talinga Grove Garlic Infused extra virgin olive oil. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve.

Recipe courtesy of Talinga Grove. Talinga Grove olive oil is available from Olive Trader.

What’s your favourite dinner for one recipe?

Chicken Recipes

Healthy Lunch Ideas: Spicy Pineapple Chicken Salad Recipe

Sick of the same old sandwiches and looking for some healthy lunch inspiration? This spicy chicken pineapple salad is packed with bright, bold flavours and is delicious on its own, or we also like it with leftover rice or noodles. Try it for a tasty, light spring dinner as well.

Serves: 4-6
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

1/2 cup ZOOSH Kung Pow Sweet Chilli with a hint of Garlic Dressing
2 skinless chicken breast fillets
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
Olive oil spray
1 medium pineapple, peeled, cut in half lengthways, cored and thinly sliced
1 large red capsicum, thinly sliced
1/3 cup coriander leaves
1-2 red chillies, seeded and finely chopped

Method

1. Pour 2 tablespoons of the dressing over chicken fillets, refrigerate and marinate for 2 hours. Reserve remaining dressing for salad.

2. Combine the sugar and water in a heavy based small saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring only until sugar has dissolved. Continue boiling until golden amber in colour. Working quickly and carefully, add the peanuts to the toffee and then spread using 2 forks in a single layer on a foil lined tray. Allow to cool.

3. Remove the chicken from marinade (discard the marinade), spray with oil and chargrill or panfry for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through. Cover and rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.

4. Arrange the pineapple, capsicum, chicken and coriander in a serving bowl. Add chilli to the remaining dressing and toss through the salad. Garnish with candied peanuts. Serve immediately.

Do you usually buy your lunch or make your own?

Easy Dinner Ideas

Quick Dinner Ideas: One-Pot Farro with Tomatoes

This delicious quick dinner recipe comes from Deb Perelman’s Smitten Kitchen food blog, where it has become a bit of a cult classic in just a few months. And for good reason. This is going to become a dinner staple recipe (it has for me).

This one-pot recipe couldn’t be easier to make and is a real 30-minute meal. If you’ve always wanted to try farro, or want to eat more of it but are looking for new farro recipes, this is the dish for you. It’s a healthy dinner but feels luxurious. You simply add farro to a pot, throw in a few basic ingredients (as Deb says, who doesn’t have an onion and some tomatoes that need to be used up?) and you have an easy dinner that is much more than the sum of its parts. The farro cooks in its own delicious stock of garlic and tomatoes, the onions become soft and sweet, and it’s finished with a glug of good olive oil and a showering of parmesan. This is one of those dishes where it’s worth dusting off that expensive gift bottle of olive oil that you never use, as you’ll really taste it as the seasoning at the end.

Even better, this recipe is a blank canvas for other flavours and ingredients. I like to throw in a handful of rocket or baby spinach in the last minute of cooking just until it wilts. Have a few loose mushrooms rolling around the fridge? Slice and add them. Throw a fried egg on top. Not sure about farro? Use couscous. And leftovers make a great next-day lunch idea.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup farro
1/2 large brown or Spanish onion
2 cloves garlic
250g cherry tomatoes
1 1/4 teaspoons sea salt
Up to 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optonal)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
Few basil leaves, cut into thin ribbons
Freshly-grated parmesan cheese, for serving

Method

1. In a medium cast-iron pot or saucepan, add the water and farro while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. Add each ingredient to the pot as you finish preparing it: thinly slice the onion into quarter-moons. Thinly slice garlic cloves. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Add salt, pepper flakes (to taste) and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot, and set a timer for 30 minutes.

3. Bring uncovered pot (you won’t need a lid) up to the boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. When the timer rings, the farro should be perfectly cooked (tender but with a pleasant chew), and the cooking water should be almost completely absorbed. Check for seasoning. If the farro is still hard, keep it simmering for another 5 minutes.

4. Serve with a glug of your best extra-virgin olive oil, basil leaves and shavings of freshly-grated parmesan.

What’s your favourite one-pot meal?

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