Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Loaded Watermelon Salad with Pesto

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It's the end of August and I am in denial that fall is on it's way. Yes, it's still several weeks until the calendar officially says it's fall. But here in Iowa the mornings have been getting cooler (58 degrees) and I have noticed a few leaves have started to turn color ever so slightly. Part of my says NOOOOO, it can't be fall yet, I am not ready! The other part of me is really enjoying the comforting warmth of my hot tea during the cool mornings. TBH this August has not felt much like August … [Read more...]

Avocado Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

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You know those moments when you are starving and hangry and NEED a quick and super easy lunch or even dinner? You go to the fridge only to discover that you are out of anything that's already made or that needs minimal prep?! And then you quickly run to the pantry hoping to find some kind of soup or prepared pantry staple that you can quickly heat up - you come up empty handed again. Except there is a can of tuna hidden behind the can of chickpeas and bags of tortilla chips. Hmmm, but you're all … [Read more...]

Loaded Caprese Salad with Shrimp

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Caprese salad is a true beauty to behold. Fresh Mozzarella cheese with sliced tomatoes, all the basil leaves you can get your hands on and a little drizzle of olive oil. Perfect combo! Yes, I do love the flavors of that salad, BUT a lot of times when I eat it I want it to be more. I want a bunch of lettuce and some other veggies thrown on there. Can it be done without detracting from the amazing fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, and fresh tomato combo? I think so! And loaded caprese salad … [Read more...]

Summer Zucchini Noodle Salad with Creamy Basil Avocado Sauce

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I have a zucchini growing in my garden right this very minute, pretty sure it's ready to be picked today! I know exactly what I'm going to do with my zucchinis as they continue to grow, make this delicious summer zucchini noodle salad! I mean isn't summer just amazing like that?! So many fresh vegetables to be devoured. Zucchini noodles, or zoodles are a trend that has been around a while. With good reason too, I mean why not turn your zucchini into a noodle shape? It's more fun to eat in a … [Read more...]

Easy Gluten Free Lo Mein

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Lo Mein isn't just for eating at Chinese restaurants anymore! It's for a quick weeknight side dish or a weekend lunch. Because guess what guys, it only takes about 25 minutes to make lo mein. Who knew?! I mean I always thought Lo mein was this sacred recipe that only Chinese restaurant chefs could make. Reality check, it's super easy!! Even though I don't follow a gluten free diet I do usually opt for rice over lo mein when eating at a Chinese restaurant. I often find that pasta weighs me … [Read more...]

Fresh Carrot Juice (Without a Juicer)

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No this is not that V8 carrot juice that has sat on a shelf for who knows how long. This is fresh carrot juice that we made all by ourselves and without a juicer! Go us, we are rocking it today! Unless you are cool like that and have a juicer.  (<- can we be best friends?!) BUT for those of us who don't want to make a commitment to buying an expensive juicer there is still hope! But first, let's talk more about this carrot juice. No, it doesn't taste like you're drinking a … [Read more...]

How to Make Vinaigrette Dressing for Salads

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CALLING ALL SALAD LOVERS!!! Sorry to yell at you but I have been super excited to share this post with you! How to make vinaigrette dressing for salads has been on my mind since like day one when I started this blog back in 2014. That's a long time to be thinking about a post. I think it's about time, my friends. If you don't already know this about me I love a good salad. Don't believe me? Check out all my salad recipes! Any good salad requires a delicious dressing, one that is flavorful, … [Read more...]

One Pan Shrimp in White Wine Sauce

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Hi everyone, this week has been a little crazy. If you tuned in for last Friday's post you know that we got a kitten last week! If you follow me on Instagram stories you have seen how cute and how much energy she has. I promise to write a post about her later complete with some pictures. For now, I will just say that I wasn't aware that a 6 week old kitten would need so much attention. If she doesn't want to play she wants to be cuddled until she falls asleep in my arms. Which isn't so bad, she … [Read more...]

15 Minute Italian Salad

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Are you ready for this super simple 15 minute Italian salad?!?! Cause we all need a good Italian salad in our lives! Don't you agree?! This Italian salad was inspired by my dairy free zuppa toscana soup that I made way back in February. Have you made the zuppa toscana soup it yet?! If not, you really need to get on that because it's sooo good! Anyways, I served that soup to some friends one night along with a quick side salad that I threw together. Since the soup is Italian and both of my … [Read more...]

Spring Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad

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  Beautiful sunny spring days are here, graduation parties are here, Memorial Day is just around the corner, picnics, pot lucks, backyard BBQ's, pool parties, all the fun filled outdoor parties are to be had - friends, you need an easy salad to bring to those parties. This Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad is just the one! Also, can I just mention how much I LOVE spring and summer and all of those parties, it's THE BEST! Besides I am always looking for easy dishes to bring to these kinds of … [Read more...]