Healthy - Kitchen Treaty Recipes https://www.kitchentreaty.com/category/all-recipes/light-healthy/ A food blog with easy & flexible vegetarian recipes Wed, 20 May 2026 21:38:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 Quick Pickled Red Onions https://www.kitchentreaty.com/quick-pickled-red-onions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=quick-pickled-red-onions https://www.kitchentreaty.com/quick-pickled-red-onions/#respond Wed, 20 May 2026 21:17:37 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=54388 Say hello to my favorite easy homemade condiment of all time: Quick-Pickled Red Onions! These tangy, zippy, and colorful onions are SO easy to throw together, with only 4 ingredients (including the salt) needed + and just 15 minutes to make. Why You’ll Love Quick Pickled Red Onions Pickled Red Onion Recipe Ingredients How to […]

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Say hello to my favorite easy homemade condiment of all time: Quick-Pickled Red Onions! These tangy, zippy, and colorful onions are SO easy to throw together, with only 4 ingredients (including the salt) needed + and just 15 minutes to make.

quick-pickled red onions in a jar

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Quick Pickled Red Onions

  • The missing element! Ever eat a burger or grain bowl and feel like there’s something missing? What you might need is a pickled element! This is the “acid” in the “salt, fat, acid, heat” equation and it really does help complete a meal.
  • Surprisingly fast! Are you used to pickles taking forever to be ready? No need to wait days, or even hours. These quick pickled red onions are ready in minutes.
  • Last forever! Keep your pickled red onions covered in their brine in the fridge and they’ll last several days or even weeks.
quick-pickled red onions in a mason jar with red onions in the background

Pickled Red Onion Recipe Ingredients

  • Red onion – One medium onion is great. You can easily double this recipe, too; just use a couple of jars or one larger jar.
  • Apple cider vinegar – I like the extra tang and note of flavor that apple cider vinegar brings, but you can swap in regular white vinegar if you prefer.
  • Water – Without it, the brine will be too strong.
  • Sugar – Seems like a strange ingredient for pickled onions, but sugar really helps round out the flavors, adding the slightest touch of sweetness and mellowing out the acidity.
  • Salt – I like to use kosher salt, but any salt will work fine.

How to Make Pickled Red Onions

  1. Have a quart-size mason jar ready (or two smaller ones). Another type of glass container will work too if that’s all you have.
  2. First, you’ll want to slice the onions as thinly as possible. You can use a sharp knife or even a mandolin if you have it. Be careful while slicing!
  3. Stuff the onions into your jar/container.
  4. Place a small saucepan on the stove and add the remaining ingredients, then bring the brine just to a boil.
  5. Carefully pour the liquid over the onions, pressing the onions down to make sure they’re nice and submerged.
  6. Let the onions sit for at least 15 minutes at room temp, then they’re ready to serve! Store them in the fridge after this.
thinly sliced red onions on a cutting board for quick-pickled red onions
thinly sliced red onions in a mason jar with the brine being poured over the top for quick-pickled red onions
quick-pickled red onions in a mason jar with a white background

I hope these quick-pickled red onions are as life-changing for you as they are for us! They’re so delicious on burgers, sandwiches, grain bowls, salads, on cheese boards … endless options.

quick-pickled red onions being lifted out of a jar
quick-pickled red onions with a silver fork
Print

Quick Pickled Red Onions

All you need is 15 minutes to make tangy pickled onions for burgers, grain bowls, salads, and more!
Keyword pickled red onions, quick pickled red onions
5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 14kcal
Author Kare

Equipment

  • 1 mason jar quart size mason jar

Ingredients

  • 1 medium red onion peeled, halved, and sliced thin
  • 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar can sub white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Slice the onions as thinly as possible and place them in a quart-size mason jar. If you don't have a mason jar, you can use a medium-size bowl or storage container.
  • Add the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a small saucepan. Place over high heat and bring just to a boil.
  • Carefully pour the liquid over the onions. Press the onions down with a spoon to make sure they're submerged in the vinegar liquid.
  • Let the onions sit at room temp for 15 minutes, then enjoy!
  • To store, place the lid on the jar and keep your quick pickled onions in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the onions stay submerged in the liquid.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 14kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.02g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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Marinated Baked Tofu https://www.kitchentreaty.com/baked-tofu/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=baked-tofu https://www.kitchentreaty.com/baked-tofu/#respond Wed, 13 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=54562 The Marinated Baked Tofu is tangy, a little salty, a little sweet, and the perfect caramelized texture. It’s great on salads, in grain bowls, in stir frys, and just for snacking. Plus, Baked Tofu is super easy to make – most of the time is hands off! The Story Behind the Recipe I know people […]

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The Marinated Baked Tofu is tangy, a little salty, a little sweet, and the perfect caramelized texture. It’s great on salads, in grain bowls, in stir frys, and just for snacking. Plus, Baked Tofu is super easy to make – most of the time is hands off!

Baked tofu on a white plate and wooden charger

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I know people like to make fun of tofu, but it’s honestly one of my favorite foods. It’s such a great source of plant-based protein, and it’s a chameleon – it can take on so many different flavors and textures.

I’ve shared recipes for crispy pan-fried tofu, amazing air fryer tofu, tofu bacon (so good!), saucy buffalo tofu, and even a scrambled tofu fried rice. But today, I thought I’d share my favorite baked tofu.

Baked tofu on a plate with scallions in the background

This tofu is SO easy to make, and the long bake results in a bouncy-textured tofu with concentrated caramelized flavor. I especially love that it’s mostly hands-off to make.

Marinated Baked Tofu ingredients

Marinated Baked Tofu Recipe Ingredients

  • Tofu – You’ll want to start with extra-firm tofu for the best texture. You’ll need one block.
  • Tamari – Tamari is a gluten-free, not-quite-as-salty type of soy sauce. You can use soy sauce too, but plan on a saltier bite of tofu (which I think is delicious, but I just want to let you know!)
  • Rice vinegar – For a bit of acid and tang.
  • Brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Pure maple syrup – Adds another touch of sweetness plus helps create a sticky-delicious texture.
  • Garlic powder – You can use fresh garlic too, but I designed this recipe to need minimal chopping. If you swap in fresh, go with one large or two medium cloves of garlic.
  • Ginger – Again, I’ve opted for dried ground ginger instead of fresh. If you use fresh, use about a pinky-size piece, peel it, and finely dice it.
  • Water – To help thin out the marinade.

How to Make Baked Tofu

  1. First, press and cut your tofu into squares.
  2. Next, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the tofu and stir to coat the blocks.
  3. Soak the tofu in the marinade for about 30 minutes, carefully stirring occasionally.
  4. Spread the tofu on a baking sheet and bake, flipping one or two times during baking, until dark golden brown and caramelized.
Tofu in marinade
marinated tofu ready to bake
marinated tofu ready to bake
close up of marinated baked tofu being scooped up with a spatula

I hope this marinated baked tofu helps to transform your mealtimes like it has ours! We love to keep a batch in the fridge or freezer for easy grain bowls, stir fries, or even just a quick snack on the go!

close-up of baked tofu with scallions
Print

Marinated Baked Tofu

Tofu made unbelievably tasty! Chewy, caramelized, full of flavor hunks of tofu, made almost entirely hands-off right in the oven.
Keyword baked tofu, marinated baked tofu
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 1/2 cup servings
Calories 126kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu one block

For the marinade

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce or Tamari
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup cold water

Instructions

Press & cut your tofu

  • Open the tofu and drain the water. Using a tofu press, press the excess water out of the tofu, then cut it into roughly 1-inch squares. You can also skip the pressing step and cut it into blocks, then blot it well with paper towels.

Marinate tofu

  • In a medium-size bowl, add all of the marinade ingredients. Mix with a whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved.
  • Add the tofu to the marinade and stir until all blocks are coated.
  • Soak tofu at room temperature for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to help distribute the marinade. If you want to marinate it for much longer, I recommend refrigerating it. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Bake tofu

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the marinated tofu hunks on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes, until browned on some sides and slightly crisp in spots. Stir one or two times while baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 1686mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg

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Green Goddess Dressing https://www.kitchentreaty.com/green-goddess-dressing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=green-goddess-dressing https://www.kitchentreaty.com/green-goddess-dressing/#respond Sat, 09 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=54444 I love this Green Goddess Dressing recipe so much! It’s creamy, tangy, and herb-forward. It’s delicious on salads, for dipping veggies, and on grain bowls. Plus, it’s the prettiest shade of green! The Story Behind the Recipe I shared recently that I’ve been making a lot of buddha bowls lately, and this Green Goddess Dressing […]

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I love this Green Goddess Dressing recipe so much! It’s creamy, tangy, and herb-forward. It’s delicious on salads, for dipping veggies, and on grain bowls. Plus, it’s the prettiest shade of green!

Green Goddess Dressing in a jar with lemon, scallions, and herbs in the background

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I shared recently that I’ve been making a lot of buddha bowls lately, and this Green Goddess Dressing recipe has been getting a workout because it’s one of my favorite sauces for bowls!

I’ve tried a few variations of Greek Goddess dressing, but this version with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, capers, and fresh herbs hits the spot perfectly. SO delicious!

Green Goddess Dressing in a mason jar with ingredients all around it

Why You’ll Love Green Goddess Dressing

  • A little hit of protein – With Greek yogurt as the creamy base, you get a bonus boost of probiotics and protein.
  • Super easy to make – Just blend all of the ingredients together. Done and done!
  • DELICIOUS! This Green Goddess Dressing tastes amazing. What’s not to love?!
Ingredients for Green Goddess Dressing

Green Goddess Dressing Recipe Ingredients

  • Greek yogurt – I like to use whole-milk Greek yogurt for the richest, creamiest Green Goddess Dressing.
  • Lemon juice – From one juicy lemon.
  • Scallion – Also known as green onions! You’ll need just one or two, diced.
  • Garlic – One small clove, peeled. Love the flavor fresh garlic adds!
  • Capers – For a salty, umami kick. Necessary.
  • Parsley – My favorite herb, I had to include it in my Green Goddess Sauce recipe.
  • Tarragon – A signature ingredient in most Green Goddess recipes.
  • Dill – I just love the flavor of fresh dill, so I use it liberally here.
  • Salt & pepper – To highlight all of those amazing flavors!

Adaptations/Variations

  • You can swap sour cream for the Greek yogurt if that’s all you have.
  • For a vegan Green Goddess Dressing, use a vegan yogurt or vegan sour cream.

How to Make It

Just add it all to a mini food processor or high-speed blender and puree! Taste and add more salt and pepper, if you like. That’s it!

Green Goddess Dressing ingredients in a mini food processor.
Green Goddess Dressing blended and ready to serve
Grain bowl with green goddess sauce in a white bowl with a gold fork

I hope you’re as obsessed with this Green Goddess Dressing as we are! It’s so good on salads, for dipping fresh or roasted veggies, and of course on grain bowls.

Green Goddess Dressing in a jar with a spoon lifting some dressing out of the jar
Green Goddess Dressing in a jar
Print

Green Goddess Dressing

A vibrant, zippy dressing that's herb-forward, creamy, and absolutely delicious! Use it on salads, for dipping veggies, on grain bowls, and more.
Servings 8
Calories 18kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt I use whole milk yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 scallion/green onion diced [about 1 heaping tablespoon]
  • 1 small clove garlic peeled
  • 1 tablespoon capers drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves 10-12 leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill doesn't have to be exact
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste

Instructions

  • Place the yogurt, then all of the rest of the ingredients into a small food processor or high-speed blender (like a Vitamix).
  • Blend until completely pureed.
  • Taste and add more salt and pepper to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 18kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 110mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 374IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

More Dressing & Sauce Recipes

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Grain Bowl Formula (How to Build a Perfect Buddha Bowl) https://www.kitchentreaty.com/grain-bowls/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grain-bowls https://www.kitchentreaty.com/grain-bowls/#respond Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:59:11 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=54386 Grain Bowls might just be one of the best food inventions ever. Also known as Buddha Bowls – at least when we’re talking about a vegetarian grain bowl – these bowls full of magic are nutrient-dense, satisfying, endlessly customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Start here if you’re new to grain bowls: I know it’s […]

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Grain Bowls might just be one of the best food inventions ever. Also known as Buddha Bowls – at least when we’re talking about a vegetarian grain bowl – these bowls full of magic are nutrient-dense, satisfying, endlessly customizable, and perfect for meal prep.

Start here if you’re new to grain bowls:

Grain bowl in a white bowl with windowpane linen in the background

I know it’s going to be an excellent week when I’ve got all of my grain bowl components prepped and in the fridge for fast, easy, and healthy meals all week long.

If Grain Bowls look intimidating to you or you’re just not sure how to build one, or if you’re looking for new buddha bowl ideas, this is the article for you! My aim is to include loads of options and inspiration – I want to bowl you over with grain bowl ideas! I know, I know, that was a stretch. Carrying on …

What is a Grain Bowl?

Grain bowls aren’t actually new – they’re more like a modern name for a very classic way of eating: building a meal around a grain, then adding vegetables, protein, and sauce.

Across many food cultures, this “base + toppings” structure has existed for centuries. In Asia, it shows up in rice bowls like bibimbap. In the Mediterranean and Middle East, it appears in grain-and-legume-based meals paired with vegetables, herbs, and yogurt or tahini sauces. Worldwide, people have long combined starches, vegetables, and proteins in a single bowl.

What is on the newer is the Western “grain bowl” trend, which grew popular in the 2010s along with interest in meal prep, plant-based eating, and customizable “build-your-own” meals. The appeal is simple: grain bowls are flexible, balanced, and endlessly adaptable.

What is a Buddha Bowl?

A Buddha Bowl is essentially a grain bowl but vegetarian or vegan. It’s more veggie-forward and often served cold or room temp, which makes it even easier to prep ahead (no reheating when serving!)

But why is it called a Buddha Bowl? Apparently because a full bowl resembles the rounded “belly-like” appearance of Buddha. It could also be because it’s connected loosely to Buddhist-inspired vegetarian eating traditions.

top view of grain bowl

Why You’ll Love Grain Bowls

  • Perfect for meal prep – I’ll often prepare a grain, roast a vegetable, clean some greens, and make a sauce, then keep the components in the fridge. Then it’s just a matter of opening a can of beans, chopping up an avocado or another veg, and assembling the bowl.
  • Solves the lunch conundrum – I don’t know if it’s just me, but lunch is the most difficult meal of the day! It’s so hard to come up with healthy vegetarian options that come together quickly (it’s the time of day when I have the smallest amount of time). So when I’ve got grain bowl ingredients prepped and ready, lunch is a breeze.
  • SO easy – Once you have the components prepped, it’s super easy to assemble grain bowls for quick nutritious meals.
  • Endlessly customizable – Hate kale? Swap in some arugula! Not a fan of tofu? There are plenty of other protein options available! It’s super easy to create your very own “house” grain bowl that is fine-tuned to your tastes.
Sweet Potato Chickpea Grain Bowl Ingredients

Buddha Bowl Recipe Ingredients (Easy Grain Bowl Formula)

A great grain bowl follows a simple formula:
Grain + Protein + Vegetables + Sauce + Garnish/Crunch

Choose a Grain

You’ll want about 1/2 cup of grains at the base of your bowl. Options for grains include:

  • Rice (white or brown)
  • Farro
  • Quinoa (which is technically not a grain, but a seed! However, it acts like a grain and is excellent in buddha bowls, so I’m listing it here.)
  • Bulgur
  • Couscous (a tiny pasta, but also behaves like a grain)
  • Buckwheat

Choose a Protein

I like to use right around 3/4 cup of protein. I’m including vegetarian protein ideas for grain bowls here, but of course, if you want to use meat you can do so.

Choose Some Veggies & Greens

I recommend 1 cup vegetables – I like to do about 1/2 cup roasted or fresh veggies plus 1/2 cup greens.

Roasted Vegetables

  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Roasted butternut squash
  • Roasted cauliflower
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Roasted carrots

Fresh Vegetables

  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Shredded carrots
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Sliced bell peppers

Greens

  • Baby arugula
  • Baby spinach
  • Shredded or massaged kale
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Shredded romaine lettuce
  • Mixed spring greens

Choose Garnishes/Toppings

I usually add around 1/4 cup of at least one garnish or topping. This is where you can really add texture – creamy, crunchy, perfect.

  • Avocado
  • Pickled red onions
  • Fresh herbs
  • Shredded or crumbled cheese (if dairy is ok)
  • Micro-greens
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Chopped nuts
  • Olives

Choose a Sauce

Your sauce or dressing brings it all together! I use around 3 tablespoons. Here are some of my favorites:

How to Make A Grain Bowl

  1. First, add your grain base.
  2. Next, arrange the main veggie(s) to the side.
  3. Add the protein.
  4. Pile on the greens.
  5. Add toppings and garnishes.
  6. Drizzle with sauce.
  7. Devour!
Adding grains (or quinoa) to grain bowl
Add sweet potatoes to grain bowl
Add sweet potatoes to grain bowl
How to Make a Buddha Bowl - add the protein
How to Make a Buddha Bowl - add toppings
How to Make a Buddha Bowl
top view of buddha bowl in a white bowl

Easy Grain Bowl Recipe Ideas

With all of the ingredient options available to you, the combos are pretty much endless. But here are some of my favorites:

Sweet Potato & Chickpea Grain Bowl

Quinoa with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, shredded kale, and a delicious green goddess dressing, lots of pickled red onions, pepitas, creamy avocado, and micro-greens.

Black Bean & Sweet Potato Grain Bowl

Brown rice topped with crisp lettuce, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and cilantro lime dressing. Pepitas are a great addition too!

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Rice, farro, or bulgur with roasted or fresh red bell peppers, cucumber, spinach, and chickpeas with crumbled feta and Kalamata olives. Drizzle with Greek salad dressing or Tzatziki sauce, or add a generous dollop of hummus.

Peanut Thai Veggie Grain Bowl

On a base of brown rice, add crispy pan-fried tofu, fresh spinach, steamed broccoli, and sliced bell peppers. Drizzle with peanut sauce and garnish with salted peanuts.

Veggie Sushi Grain Bowl

Seasoned rice with carrots, cucumbers, avocado, edamame, sesame seeds, and sesame-wasabi dressing. Yum!

Veggie Roll Rice Bowl with Creamy Sesame-Wasabi Dressing recipe - All the flavors of veggie sushi rolls, in the form of a tasty and satisfying grain bowl.

Meal Prepping Grain Bowls

One of the best things about buddha bowls? They’re perfect for meal prep.

I pick a protein and a grain, and start with prepping those. Place them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge, then prep your veggies. Store those in the fridge, and whip up some sauce. Place that in a jar or container. Now you have a whole grain bowl meal prep kit on your refrigerator shelf for super easy lunches and dinner all week long!

Grain bowl in a white bowl with micro greens

I hope that having more information about how to make a grain bowl is inspiring to you! I just love that they’re so great for meal prep and are so easy to customize to match any craving I might have. Here’s to beautiful Buddha bowls in your future!

Top view of a buddha bowl with chickpeas and sweet potatoes
Print

Grain Bowl Formula (How to Build a Perfect Buddha Bowl)

Grain bowls (also known as Buddha Bowls) are my favorite way to make sure I'm getting a good amount of veggies and fiber in my diet. They're full of nutrients, ridiculously satisfying, perfect for prepping ahead of time, and endlessly customizable!
Course dinner, lunch
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword buddha bowl, grain bowl
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 bowl
Author Kare

Ingredients

1/2 cup grain base (choose one)

  • rice white or brown
  • farro
  • quinoa not a grain but a seed that acts like a grain
  • bulgur
  • couscous a pasta, but behaves like a grain
  • buckwheat

3/4 cup protein (choose one)

  • tofu baked tofu, pan-fried tofu, or air-fryer tofu
  • edamame
  • chickpeas
  • black beans
  • white beans like navy beans or cannellini beans
  • cooked lentils
  • peas
  • chopped hard-boiled eggs

1 cup veggies (1/2 cup roasted or fresh veg + 1/2 cup greens)

  • roasted sweet potatoes
  • roasted butternut squash
  • roasted cauliflower
  • roasted broccoli
  • roasted carrots
  • sliced cucumbers
  • shredded raw carrots
  • cherry tomatoes
  • sliced bell peppers
  • baby arugula
  • baby spinach
  • shredded kale
  • shredded cabbage
  • shredded romaine lettuce
  • mixed spring greens

1/4 cup garnish/toppings (choose one or more)

  • avocado
  • pickled red onions
  • fresh herbs
  • cheese if dairy is ok
  • micro-greens
  • pumpkin seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • sesame seeds
  • hemp seeds
  • chopped nuts
  • olives

3 tablespoons sauce/dressing (choose one)

  • lemon tahini sauce
  • green goddess dressing
  • cilantro lime sauce
  • pesto
  • peanut sauce
  • vinaigrette

Instructions

  • Place the grains in a medium-size serving bowl. Arrange the protein, veggies, greens, and garnish/toppings over the grains. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Notes

Cooking time is basically just for assembly, not for cooking individual components. 

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Lemon Poppyseed Fruit Salad Dressing https://www.kitchentreaty.com/lemon-poppyseed-fruit-salad-dressing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lemon-poppyseed-fruit-salad-dressing https://www.kitchentreaty.com/lemon-poppyseed-fruit-salad-dressing/#respond Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:35:12 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=41214 Listen, I’m all about a savory salad dressing, but sometimes, you just need a great Fruit Salad Dressing! So here I am with this Lemon Poppyseed Fruit Salad Dressing for all of your delicious fruit salad dressing needs. You’re going to love this one! The Story Behind the Recipe I first created this fruit salad […]

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Listen, I’m all about a savory salad dressing, but sometimes, you just need a great Fruit Salad Dressing! So here I am with this Lemon Poppyseed Fruit Salad Dressing for all of your delicious fruit salad dressing needs. You’re going to love this one!

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I first created this fruit salad dressing recipe when I needed to dress my Summer Fruit Salad. I wanted luscious and creamy but also something that really elevated the fruit.

I’ve noticed that a lot of people aren’t necessarily on the hunt for fruit salad, but they do sometimes want to find a fruit salad dressing! And considering this creamy dressing isn’t just great on summer fruits but it’s excellent on strawberries, blueberries, apples, and more, I thought I’d create a post just for this fruit salad dressing so that it can really shine on its own.

Be free little dressing recipe!

summer fruit salad covered with Lemon Poppyseed Fruit Salad Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s super simple and easy. Just 3 ingredients and 5 minutes to make!
  • So tasty – something about the creamy yogurt + brightness of the lemon + kiss of vanilla + the tiny crunch of poppyseeds is irresistible!
  • Make-ahead – Super easy to whip up and then keep in the fridge until it’s time for brunch or the like.

Fruit Salad Dressing Recipe Ingredients

  • Yogurt – I like to grab a tub of vanilla yogurt for this fruit salad dressing. If you don’t have vanilla yogurt on hand, you can swap in 2/3 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, but you’ll probably want to add a teaspoon or two of sweetener like honey, granulated sugar (stir until dissolved), or pure maple syrup and a touch of pure vanilla extract.
  • Lemon – You’ll need the zest and the juice. When I’m using citrus zest, I like to buy organic fruit.
  • Poppyseeds – Just a teaspoon! You’ll find poppyseeds in the spices and baking aisle of most grocery stores.

How to Make It

Just mix the ingredients together in a small bowl and pour it over some fresh fruit! Easy peasy.

Tip for Success

  • You can make this fruit salad dressing up to 3 days ahead of time. Just mix together, place in an airtight container, and plop it in the fridge until you’re ready to mix it up with some fruit.

Ideas for Serving This Dressing for Fruit Salad

Summer Fruit Salad

  • Toss with pineapple, melon, grapes, nectarines, plums, and blueberries.

Autumn Fruit Salad

  • Mix with apples, pears, and grapes. Top with chopped pecans. Yummy with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg mixed in too.

Winter Fruit Salad

  • Place segmented oranges, kiwis, and pomegranate arils in a large bowl and top with dressing. Mix.

Berry Fruit Salad

  • Mix with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Great with some chopped fresh mint too.

Holiday Fruit Salad

  • Toss together red and green fruits like strawberries (if you can find them in the winter), raspberries, red apples, pomegranate arils + kiwi fruit and green grapes. Mix with fruit salad dressing.

I hope you love this fruit salad dressing as much as we do! It’s creamy and easy and especially good on strawberries and summer fruits.

Print

Lemon Poppyseed Fruit Salad Dressing

A super easy, lemony fruit salad dressing recipe that elevates any fruit salad! With a lemon juice, poppyseeds, lemon zest, and a kiss of vanilla. So delicious!
Course Salad
Keyword creamy fruit salad dressing, fruit salad dressing, lemon dressing, lemon poppyseed fruit salad dressing, poppyseed dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 tablespoons
Calories 20kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup vanilla yogurt* about 5 ounces
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from one medium lemon
  • 1 teaspoon poppyseeds

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, add the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppyseeds. Stir with a whisk to combine.
  • Pour over cut fruit and toss gently to coat each piece.

Notes

Vegan option:

Substitute a dairy-free/vegan vanilla yogurt. 

*Substitution info:

You can swap in 2/3 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, but you’ll probably want to add a teaspoon or two of sweetener like honey, granulated sugar (stir until dissolved), or pure maple syrup and a touch of pure vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 20kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 52mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites https://www.kitchentreaty.com/no-bake-chocolate-peanut-butter-energy-bites/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=no-bake-chocolate-peanut-butter-energy-bites https://www.kitchentreaty.com/no-bake-chocolate-peanut-butter-energy-bites/#respond Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:58:49 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=53884 These No-Bake Energy Bites are the perfect anytime snack! With peanut butter and chocolate chips, they taste like a little treat, but they’ve got lots of good stuff in them too. Kid-friendly, adult-friendly, everything-friendly! The Story Behind the Recipe My guy and I have an addiction to Perfect Bars. They’re a refrigerated bar with simple […]

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These No-Bake Energy Bites are the perfect anytime snack! With peanut butter and chocolate chips, they taste like a little treat, but they’ve got lots of good stuff in them too. Kid-friendly, adult-friendly, everything-friendly!

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

My guy and I have an addiction to Perfect Bars. They’re a refrigerated bar with simple ingredients and basically taste like cookie dough. We discovered them a few months ago at Costco, and they’re, well, perfect for mornings when we’ve had a few sips of coffee and are ready to eat something but don’t want to make a full-on breakfast yet.

My favorite is the peanut butter chocolate flavor – so good! But the little buggers get expensive, and I’m working on relegating them to occasional treat status vs. an everyday affair.

Enter these homemade No-Bake Energy Bites! These also have a chocolate peanut butter flavor profile, but they also have good stuff like rolled oats, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds. They’re SUPER easy to make, hang out in the fridge for a good long while, and are perfect for when we’re feeling a little snackish but don’t want (or are avoiding making) a full meal.

I love that these peanut butter energy bites are so easy to make. Literally just mix together the ingredients, scoop, roll, chill, and eat!

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Energy Bites

  • Super convenient – Just as convenient as an energy bar, but homemade!
  • Frugal option – Listen, I love energy bars, but they get pricey! These no-bake energy bites are such a budget-friendly alternative.
  • Wholesome & kid-friendly – I know some kids won’t go there, but many will because they’re a touch sweet with chocolate chips and peanut butter flavor … they’re really good!
Ingredients for No-Bake Energy Bites

Ingredients

  • Oats – Thick rolled oats work best in these energy bites.
  • Mini chocolate chips – Grab your favorite brand.
  • Flaxseed meal – For a nice little dose of healthy fats and fiber, plus it acts as a binder holding these energy bites together.
  • Chia seeds – If you don’t have any on hand, you can add more flaxseed meal if you like.
  • Kosher salt or sea salt – To help balance and enhance the flavors.
  • Peanut butter – I like to use crunchy peanut butter to add texture and heartiness.
  • Honey – To add sweetness and help the energy bites stick together. If you prefer, you can swap in pure maple syrup instead.
  • Vanilla extract – Just a smidge of pure vanilla extract really elevates the flavor of these bites.

How to Make No-Bake Energy Bites

  1. Add the oats, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, salt, and chocolate chips to a medium-size bowl and mix.
  2. Stir in the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla.
  3. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon-size measuring spoon to scoop up bits of the mix. Form them into balls with your hands and line them on a platter or baking sheet.
  4. Chill for about an hour.
  5. Devour!

I hope these No-Bake Energy Bites hit the spot for you like they do for us! They’re easy to make and absolutely delicious, perfect for when you’re feeling a bit peckish and craving something wholesome.

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Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Bites

These wholesome energy bites come together quickly and are full of good stuff! Slightly sweet with a touch of vanilla, plus peanut butter & chocolate perfection. A favorite snack around here!
Keyword chocolate peanut butter energy bites, no bake energy bites, protein bites
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 18 bites
Calories 235kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal aka ground flaxseeds
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or substitute 1 more tablespoon flaxseed meal
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • To a medium bowl, add the oats, chocolate chips, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and salt. Mix well.
  • Add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir with a strong spatula until well-combined.
  • Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoon at a time (I use a small cookie scoop). You can also use a tablespoon measuring spoon and mound the mixture in it. Roll into a ball and line up on a baking sheet or freezer-safe platter for freezing.
  • Freeze for one hour to harden. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. They keep in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 2balls | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 2mg

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Kale Walnut Pesto https://www.kitchentreaty.com/kale-walnut-pesto/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kale-walnut-pesto https://www.kitchentreaty.com/kale-walnut-pesto/#respond Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:19:54 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=53813 This easy Kale Walnut Pesto transforms nutrient-rich kale into a savory sauce without basil – and it’s ready in less than 10 minutes! Kale Pesto is an amazing-tasting, nutritious alternative to traditional pesto that’s perfect on pasta, stirred into soup, served up with eggs, on sandwiches … this versatile kale and walnut pesto is a […]

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This easy Kale Walnut Pesto transforms nutrient-rich kale into a savory sauce without basil – and it’s ready in less than 10 minutes!

Kale Pesto is an amazing-tasting, nutritious alternative to traditional pesto that’s perfect on pasta, stirred into soup, served up with eggs, on sandwiches … this versatile kale and walnut pesto is a fave in our house!

Kale and Walnut Pesto

I love to make this kale and walnut pesto all winter long, when the fresh basil for more traditional pesto isn’t as available.

The Story Behind the Recipe

I originally shared the recipe for this Kale Walnut Pesto all the back in 2012, when I tossed it with bow-tie pasta and cherry tomatoes for an easy pasta dish.

But I love this kale pesto recipe so much, I thought I should share it all on its own! I love to add a dollop to vegetarian minestron soup or pasta e fagiole to add even more flavor, or toss it with pasta or gnocchi. It’s great on pizza, avocado toast, grilled cheese, grilled veggie sandwiches, and so much more.

Basically, this is a super versatile pesto to keep in your fridge to level up just about everything!

So it deserved a little limelight of its own.

Kale and Walnut Pesto

Why You’ll Love Walnut & Kale Pesto

  • Superfood nutrition! With all the vitamins that kale brings to the table (source) + omega-3s and more nutrients thanks to the walnuts (source), this kale walnut pesto is as healthy as it is delicious.
  • Versatile! Put it on pasta, gnocchi, stir it into soup, add it to sandwiches, top scrambled eggs, drizzle over roasted veggies … just keep a jar of this walnut kale pesto in your fridge to elevate savory dishes any time you want.
  • Economical – Kale is less expensive than basil, so it can save you a buck or two too.
Kale and Walnut Pesto

Kale Pesto Recipe Ingredients

  • Walnuts – Plain walnuts that you’ll toast up for optimal flavor.
  • Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves
  • Kale – Any kind works! Curly, tuscan, you name it.
  • Parmesan cheese – For that classic pesto flavor.
  • Olive oil – Grab your favorite extra virgin olive oil.
  • Salt & pepper

Adaptations/Variations

  • Add a squeeze of lemon for a punch of zippy bright flavor.
  • If you have it, throw in some fresh herbs for more flavor. A little bit of basil, some parsley, a few thyme leaves … all delicious!
  • Vegan Option: Omit the parm and add a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast or more, to taste. You’ll probably need a bit more salt and a squeeze of lemon goes a long way!
Kale and Walnut Pesto in a small mason jar

How to Make Kale Walnut Pesto

  1. First, toast your walnuts. In a saute pan over medium heat, stir the walnuts until just lightly toasted, about two minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Pulse the garlic in a food processor or high speed blender until it’s finely chopped, then add the kale, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse until chopped, turning it off periodically and removing the top/scraping down to press the kale down toward the blade if necessary.
  3. With the food processor or blender running on low, stream in the olive oil in in a steady stream until it forms a sauce.
  4. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you like. That’s it!

Jump to recipe for the full, printable instructions & directions

Kale and Walnut Pesto
Kale and Walnut Pesto
Kale and Walnut Pesto
Kale and Walnut Pesto

Tip for Success

  • When roasting nuts, you want to stop RIGHT before they get browned and toasty. Why? Because even off heat, they’ll continue toasting for a bit. So err on the side of less toasting vs. more.
Kale and Walnut Pesto

I hope you love this Kale Walnut Pesto as much as we do! It’s versatile, easy, and a nutritional flavor powerhouse!

Kale and Walnut Pesto
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Kale Walnut Pesto

Kale is a surprisingly delicious swap for basil in this pesto recipe! The addition of walnuts brings rich flavor and another punch of nutrients. This versatile pesto is so good in pasta, soups, stews, on roasted veggies … the possibilities are endless!
Keyword kale and walnut pesto, kale pesto, kale walnut pesto, walnut kale pesto
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 tablespoons
Calories 237kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup walnuts raw; whole is fine but chopped work too
  • 2 medium garlic cloves chopped
  • 3 cups kale any kind; roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium saute pan over medium heat, stir the walnuts until just lightly toasted, about two minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  • Pulse the garlic in a food processor or high-speed blender until finely chopped, then add the kale, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Pulse until chopped, turning it off periodically and removing the top to press/scrape the kale down toward the blade if necessary.
  • With the food processor running on low, pour the olive oil in in a steady stream until it forms a sauce.
  • Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
  • Store in an airtight bowl or jar in the fridge for up to 7 days. You can also freeze this pesto for up to 3 months.

Notes

Vegan Option:

Omit the parm and add a couple of tablespoons of nutritional yeast or more, to taste. You’ll probably need a bit more salt and a squeeze of lemon goes a long way!

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 187mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 842IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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Easy 5-Bean Chili https://www.kitchentreaty.com/easy-5-bean-chili/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=easy-5-bean-chili https://www.kitchentreaty.com/easy-5-bean-chili/#respond Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:47:38 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=52062 This 5-Bean Chili is a little spicy, a lot hearty, and super easy to make! It’s my new favorite vegetarian chili recipe, to be honest. With pinto, kidney, navy, and black beans along with a can of chili beans, this 5-Bean Chili has the best texture and is brimming with flavor. The Story Behind the […]

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This 5-Bean Chili is a little spicy, a lot hearty, and super easy to make! It’s my new favorite vegetarian chili recipe, to be honest.

With pinto, kidney, navy, and black beans along with a can of chili beans, this 5-Bean Chili has the best texture and is brimming with flavor.

bowl of 5 Bean Chili with garnishes and cornbread in the background

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I love, love, love a good slow cooker vegetarian chili, but lately, I’ve been wanting to add some stovetop chili recipes to my arsenal. Sometimes I just don’t have time to plan ahead!

I wanted to create a vegetarian chili recipe that was a bit new and interesting, but still falls firmly into traditional (meatless) chili territory. I had a hunch that adding several different types of beans would lend an interesting texture to a vegetarian chili, and I’m pleased to report my hunch was right!

This 5-Bean Chili recipe is one of those recipes that was, in my opinion, perfect on the first try. I love when that happens! I’ve made it a few times since though, and it’s *chefskiss* perfect every time.

top view of 5 Bean Chili in a pot

Why You’ll Love Five Bean Vegetarian Chili

  • Easy stovetop chili recipe – No planning ahead like with Crock Pot recipes(well except for making sure you have the groceries on hand!)
  • Just a few minutes prep time – Most of the cooking time is dedicated to simmering so that the flavors can really develop. Whip up some cornbread, watch Bachelor in Paradise, do some embroidery. You’ve got time!
ingredients for 5 Bean Chili

Ingredients

  • Olive oil – For sautéing the veggies
  • Green bell pepper
  • Onion – I tend to use standard yellow onions in my chili, but if all you have is a red onion, white onion, or sweet onion on hand, that will work too.
  • Garlic – Three cloves, minced finely. It adds so much flavor!
  • Chili powder – If you prefer a spicy chili, seek out a hotter chili powder. Or grab a mild chili powder for less heat.
  • Ground cumin
  • Dried oregano
  • Smoked paprika
  • Tomatoes – I like to use canned whole tomatoes for this chili because they’re nice and saucy and add great texture. Smash them with a potato masher to your desired consistency as soon as you add them.
  • Cocoa powder – Just a couple of teaspoons really adds depth of flavor. Don’t knock it until you try it!
  • Beans – Chili beans in sauce, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Love this combo!
  • Salt – To taste.

Adaptation/Variation

  • 5-Bean & Corn Chili – Stir in a cup of frozen corn kernels towards the end of cooking.

How to Make 5-Bean Chili

  1. Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over low heat and add the olive oil, then saute the onions and green peppers until soft.
  2. Add the garlic and seasonings and cook, stirring, for another minute or so until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomatoes and smash them with a potato masher to your desired consistency. I don’t like huge pieces of tomato in my chili so I pretty much pulverize them.
  4. Add the veggie broth, cocoa powder, salt, and all 5 cans of beans.
  5. Increase to high to bring the 5-Bean Chili to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  6. Simmer until thickened, which takes roughly 35 minutes.
  7. Taste, add more salt if you want, and serve topped with sour cream, avocado, cheddar, scallions, and/or whatever else you love to top your chili with!
making 5 Bean Chili
adding tomatoes to 5 Bean Chili
white ladle scoops out a serving of 5 Bean Chili

I hope you love this vegetarian 5-Bean Chili as much as we do! It’s such an easy vegetarian chili recipe yet so heart and absolutely full of flavor.

top view of 5 Bean Chili with cornbread and avocado in the background
5 Bean Chili
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Easy 5-Bean Chili

This super hearty vegetarian chili has, yep, FIVE different beans for a variety of flavors and textures! An easy stovetop chili that comes together quickly and simmers until perfect.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chili
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 502kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced [1 1/2 cup]
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced [about 2 cups]
  • 3 medium cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
  • 15 ounces chili beans in sauce 1 can; NOT drained
  • 15 ounces kidney beans 1 can; drained
  • 15 ounces black beans 1 can; drained
  • 15 ounces pinto beans 1 can; drained
  • 15 ounces navy beans 1 can; drained

Instructions

  • Place a large pot over low heat. Add the olive oil. When hot, add the onions and green peppers. Saute, stirring occasionally, until soft, 8 minutes or so. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, for another minute.
  • Add the tomatoes. Use a potato masher to smash the tomatoes. Stir in the vegetable broth, cocoa powder, salt, and beans.
  • Increase heat to high. When the chili comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Simmer until thickened, 30-40 minutes.
  • Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve with sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheddar, and tortilla chips and/or cornbread.

Notes

Freezer notes: This chili freezes really well. Just let it cool then scoop leftovers into a freezer bag, label, and freeze.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 502kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 930mg | Potassium: 1566mg | Fiber: 30g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 584IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 171mg | Iron: 9mg

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Greek Mosaic Salad https://www.kitchentreaty.com/greek-mosaic-salad/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=greek-mosaic-salad https://www.kitchentreaty.com/greek-mosaic-salad/#respond Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=52068 This unique Greek Salad is arranged in mosaic salad form for a gorgeous and colorful presentation (that just also happens to taste delicious!) It’s made in the horiatiki style, with a focus on veggies, no lettuce, and a simple (yet delicious) dressing. The Story Behind the Recipe Have you seen mosaic salads? They’re so pretty! […]

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This unique Greek Salad is arranged in mosaic salad form for a gorgeous and colorful presentation (that just also happens to taste delicious!) It’s made in the horiatiki style, with a focus on veggies, no lettuce, and a simple (yet delicious) dressing.

top view of Greek Mosaic Salad with ingredients scattered around

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

Have you seen mosaic salads? They’re so pretty! So far I’ve seen melon mosaic salad (or “Tetris salad”) like this, this and this, and that presentation is just *chefskiss* perfect. Love.

I knew I wanted to bring that mosaic concept to a different type of salad. I originally wanted to do something that was fall-inspired, like apple, pear, and cheddar (and that’s still swirling in my brain), but when I was eating a Greek salad at a restaurant recently, it all clicked for me. The ingredients in horiatiki-style Greek salad would be PERFECT arranged mosaic-style!

unique Greek Mosaic Salad close-up

So I got to work, settling pretty quickly on cherry tomatoes nestled into squares secured by feta, cucumber, and green bell pepper squares.

Then I scattered on some Kalamata olives, red onions, fresh herbs, and a simple oregano olive oil dressing. Gah, love at first sight (and then more love at first bite!)

Greek Mosaic Salad on a ruffled white platter

Why You’ll Love Greek Mosaic Salad

  • Crowd-pleaser: There’s no way this mosaic Greek salad won’t impress!
  • Unique spin on a classic horiatiki-style Greek salad: Horiatiki Greek Salad is made simply with veggies and a straightforward dressing; no lettuce involved. It’s the perfect style of salad for the mosaic treatment!
  • Surprisingly easy: This Greek salad isn’t just easy to put together, it’s really not fussy. No need to be precious about it and get the squares exact; it’s going to look amazing no matter what!
Greek Mosaic Salad ingredients

Greek Mosaic Salad Recipe Ingredients

  • Red onion – You won’t need much onion; just enough to thinly slice and arrange over the top. I like to soak the onion in ice water to help mellow it out.
  • Cucumber – I use one large English cucumber for this mosaic Greek salad. You can use different types of cucumber if you prefer, just make sure it’s large enough to cut into cubes.
  • Green bell pepper – One large one with flat, even sides if you can find it.
  • Feta cheese – You’ll want a block of solid feta. Blot it with a paper towel to help sop up some of the moisture.
  • Cherry tomatoes – Try to find some cherry tomatoes that are smaller in size, or you can cut them in half.
  • Kalamata olives – Just a few, halved and scattered across the top.
  • Dressing – Just olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and kosher salt.
  • Fresh oregano and/or or mint leaves – Arrange on top to make it extra pretty.
  • Bonus: I don’t have these in pics or ingredients but a few capers scattered along the top will never hurt!
Greek Mosaic Salad on a white platter

How to Make It

  1. First, you’ll want to slice up your onions and place them in a bowl of ice water. This will help to both mellow out the flavor and crisp them up nicely.
  2. Next, cut the sides off of your cucumber so that it’s a square shape, then cut it into cubes.
  3. Cut the sides off of your green pepper, making the pieces as large as possible. Then cut them into similar size squares as the cucumbers.
  4. Cut the feta into cubes.
  5. Grab a large rimmed platter and arrange the cucumber, feta, and bell peppers in a single layer, alternating colors and leaving room for the cherry tomatoes.
  6. Add the cherry tomatoes to their little spots.
  7. Drain the red onion and scatter over the top. Add the olives, too.
  8. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and salt. Drizzle it evenly over the top.
  9. Sprinkle the salad with a pinch of coarse salt and decorate with a few fresh oregano leaves and/or fresh mint.
soaking the onions in ice water for Greek Mosaic Salad
arranging veggies and feta cheese for Greek Mosaic Salad
pouring the dressing over Greek Mosaic Salad
top view of Greek Mosaic Salad on a platter

Tips for Success

  • Cut everything into roughly the same size cubes. I go for about 3/4-inch.
  • To prep ahead, cut up your feta and veggies then store them separately in an airtight container in the fridge (bell pepper and onion can flavor the other ingredients if stored together). Assemble right before serving.
serving of greek mosaic salad on a stack of plates with a silver and wood fork

I hope you love this fun spin on Greek salad! It’s one of my favorite recipes I’ve created lately. I’ve always loved a horiatiki Greek salad, and I think the mosaic presentation brings it to the next level!

close-up of Greek Mosaic Salad
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Greek Mosaic Salad Recipe

Sweet cherry tomatoes are nestled in between squares of cool cucumbers, crisp green bell peppers, and creamy feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple red wine viniagrette, top with red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs and dazzle your guests!
Keyword greek mosaic salad, horiatiki greek salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 209kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced soaked in ice water for 15 minutes
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 1/2 large green bell pepper
  • 4 ounces feta cheese in block form; drained
  • 1 cup small cherry tomatoes if large, you can cut them in half
  • 10-12 kalamata olives halved
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10-15 fresh oregano or mint leaves optional

Instructions

Soak the onions

  • Thinly slice the onion and place it in bowl. Submerge it in ice water. Let it soak for 15 minutes. (This helps mellow out the flavor and makes them nice and crisp.)

Cut the veggies & feta

  • Meanwhile, cut the four sides off of the cucumber to square it off, leaving some green peel on the corners for color. Cut into roughly 3/4-inch cubes.
  • Cut the sides off of the green pepper, as large as possible. Square the edges then cut each piece into 3/4-inch wide squares.
  • Cut the feta into approximately 3/4-inch squares.

Arrange the salad

  • On a large rimmed platter, arrange the cucumber, feta, and bell peppers, leaving room for a cherry tomato here and there.
  • Plop the cherry tomatoes into the blank spaces.

Top with onion and olives

  • Drain the red onion slices and arrange over the top. Scatter the Kalamata olive halves over the top, too.

Add the dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Drizzle dressing over the top of the salad.

Garnish

  • Sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt. Decorate with fresh oregano or fresh mint if desired.
  • To serve, use a flat server or large serving spoon and scoop salad pieces onto a plate or into bowls.

Notes

Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish.
To store leftovers, wrap the platter tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I’ve also simply moved the ingredients into a storage bowl for easier storing (even if the mosaic presentation is lost!)

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 559mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 583IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 1mg

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Roasted Fall Vegetables https://www.kitchentreaty.com/roasted-fall-vegetables/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roasted-fall-vegetables https://www.kitchentreaty.com/roasted-fall-vegetables/#respond Sun, 12 Oct 2025 01:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=52093 These Roasted Fall Vegetables are covered in seasonings then roasted until caramelized, tender, and divine. We’ve got perfectly roasted butternut squash, red onions, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with seasonal herbs. Yum – these fall roasted veggies are my favorite side for fall! The Story Behind the Recipe There’s not much of a story for this […]

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These Roasted Fall Vegetables are covered in seasonings then roasted until caramelized, tender, and divine. We’ve got perfectly roasted butternut squash, red onions, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with seasonal herbs. Yum – these fall roasted veggies are my favorite side for fall!

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

There’s not much of a story for this one – roasted vegetables are pretty straightforward! Essentially, I wanted to create a solid recipe for roasted veggies with lots of fall vibes – autumn produce seasoned with spices that evoke Thanksgiving. Poultry seasoning is a spice mix that has all those delicious fall spices – sage, rosemary, nutmeg – so I thought I’d use a mix of those spices to give these fall veggies a lift. The result was really delicious!

Roasted Fall Vegetables on a plate

Why You’ll Love Roasted Fall Vegetables

  • Simple side – It’s super easy to dice and roasted veggies for a simple, easy, yet elegant side dish all season long.
  • Colorful – A variety of pretty colors means these roasted fall vegetables can be fancy enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for every day.
  • Easy to prep ahead – Chop up the veggies beforehand or even roast them a day or two before you want to eat them. They’re great for meal prep!
Ingredients for Roasted Fall Vegetables

Ingredients

  • Butternut squash – You’ll want about 1/2 of a small butternut squash. Here are some tips for how to peel and cut a butternut squash.
  • Brussels sprouts – I absolutely adore roasted Brussels sprouts, and thought they’d add a great pop of color, plus, they’re perfect for the season!
  • Carrots – While not necessarily a fall veggie, carrots are such a powerhouse veg and are delicious roasted. Plus, I love the deep orange color they add to this medley of fall vegetables.
  • Red onion – I love to add onion to my roasted veggies for some texture/flavor variety.
  • Olive oil – For tossing the veggies in before roasting, ensuring the roasted fall vegetables don’t dry out and form a caramelized exterior.
  • Sage – Go with dried rubbed sage for an easy way to incorporate the flavor.
  • Thyme – 1/2 teaspoon dried, or if you prefer fresh, I recommend 1 teaspoon full of thyme leaves.
  • Rosemary – 1/4 teaspoon dried, so not very much. A little goes a long way. You can also use 1/2 teaspoon fresh.
  • Marjoram
  • Nutmeg – Just a touch of freshly ground nutmeg lends that unmistakably fall vibe. I love it on roasted vegetables!
  • Salt & pepper – I like to add salt and pepper both before roasting and after to finish the veggies.

Adaptations/Variations

  • Use poultry seasoning – simplify this recipe by using 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning mix in place of the individual herbs and seasonings.
  • Add garlic powder and/or onion powder – Both add a nice touch of flavor to roasted veggies.
Roasted Fall Vegetables on a plate with a wooden spoon

How to Make Roasted Fall Vegetables

  1. Preheat your oven then get to cutting up your veggies. Cut them into roughly the same size hunks.
  2. Spread the veggies on a large baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil, seasonings, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss until the veggies are evenly coasted with the oil and seasonings.
  4. Bake for about 20 minutes, toss, then bake for another 15-20 minutes more, until very tender and browned on some sides.
  5. Finish with more salt and pepper and enjoy.
Adding oil to Roasted Fall Vegetables
Adding seasonings to Roasted Fall Vegetables on a baking sheet
Roasted Fall Vegetables ready to bake
Roasted Fall Vegetables on a large baking sheet
Roasted Fall Vegetables on a plate

Tips for Success

  • Cut everything roughly the same size. From carrots to squash to the Brussels sprouts, aim for a similar size so everything cooks evenly. I go for around 3/4-inch size pieces.
  • Cook for longer vs. shorter. If you’re not sure, I recommend roasting your veggies for a longer amount of time vs. less. The more caramelization and brown bits the better!
  • Use a large baking sheet. You don’t want your veggies to be crowded, or they’ll steam more than roast.

I hope this roasted fall veggies recipe serves as a jumping-off place for you to work roasted vegetables into your week, all season long. They’re tender and full of flavor and absolutely packed with nutrients. A win-win all around!

Roasted Fall Vegetables on a white plate
Print

Roasted Fall Vegetables

Sweet butternut squash, tender carrots, crispy-edged Brussels sprouts, and savory onions, all tossed in seasonings, then roasted to caramelized, golden perfection. The best side dish for the season!
Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword fall roasted vegetables, fall vegetables roasted, roasted fall vegetables, roasted fall veggies
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 190kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1/2 small butternut squash 2 cups; peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts 2 cups; washed, halved, outer leaves removed
  • 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into chunks; 1 cup
  • 1 medium red onion peeled, cut into chunks
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Set out a large baking sheet.
  • Add the squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onion to the baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
  • Use a wooden spoon or your hands to coat the veggies evenly with the oil and seasonings.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, tossing at the 20 minute mark, until tender and browned on some sides.
  • Finish with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Warm in the microwave or in the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 632mg | Potassium: 741mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 18044IU | Vitamin C: 73mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 2mg

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