Lemon Blueberry Arugula Salad
Summer always brings about a craving for lighter dishes, crisp vegetables and a recipe that instantly gives that fresh taste and appearance. I always find myself desiring less indulgent, but equally flavorful options during some of the hottest months of the year.
Summer always brings about a craving for lighter dishes, crisp vegetables and a recipe that instantly gives that fresh taste and appearance. I always find myself desiring less indulgent, but equally flavorful options during some of the hottest months of the year.
The last couple of weeks in Kentucky have definitely been pushing the heat index. This past weekend, my husband and I were invited to the First Annual Neighborhood Barbeque for our subdivision and community. I absolutely love impromptu get-togethers, such as these, in the Summer and I was so excited for the opportunity to meet my neighbors on a more personal level.
I received an invite in my mailbox requesting each household bring either a side dish or dessert in accordance with their last name. The latter half of the alphabet was tasked with bringing side dishes - that's us!
The day was destined to be a scorcher, so of course I wanted to bring something more on the lighter side, but also just as flavorful. This salad came together in no time and had the beautiful colors of Summer, as well as the great taste of the season's ripest blueberries!
Blueberry Lemon Arugula Salad
Ingredients
1 package of Brussel Sprouts and Kale Salad Mix (you can also make your own, but these kits are so easy!) (I did not use the toppings or dressings that came with the kit in this recipe)
1 package of Baby Arugula
1 pint of Fresh Blueberries (or more if you like!)
1 Cucumber (deseeded, cut into quarters)
1 1/2 purple shallot (minced)
1/2 Cup of Lemon Dressing (Again, you can make your own, but I used the Simply Lemon Dressing. So easy!)
1/2 Cup of Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
1/3 Cup of Unsalted Sunflower Seeds (Optional)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Directions:
1. Mince the shallot and chop the cucumber.
2. In the bottom of a large serving bowl, pour the Lemon Dressing. Layer the shallot, the cucumber and the blueberries.
3. Add the Brussel Sprouts Salad Kit (you can use the toppings/dressing that comes with this in your salads for lunch later in the week). Add the Baby Arugula.
4. Add the cheese and the sunflower seeds last, on the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Just before serving, toss all ingredients in the bowl.
We had an absolutely wonderful evening at the Neighborhood Barbeque. I am so thankful and blessed to live in a neighborhood with such a great community. We had a great time getting to know everyone on a more personal level. The salad was a huge hit!
Amber Madden is a Licensed Counseling Associate specializing in Eating Disorders and Obesity. She is the Clinical Director at Madden Wellness Counseling, PLLC. She utilizes her skills in addiction to assist her clients in with Binge Eating, "food addictive" patterns, and develop a positive approach to overall health and wellness. She has a passion for assisting clients in achieving their health goals and learning to love nutritious foods and exercise. For more information visit www.maddenwellnessky.com .
MADDEN WELLNESS SERVICES
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM! ----- AMADDENWELLNESS
Home Chef Review (and Referral Code!)
In recent weeks, I have found myself less than inspired in the kitchen. Meatloaf, Baked Chicken, Chicken Bratwursts and Burgers have made waaay too many rotations in the meal plan. I often advise my Madden Wellness clients that a thriving meal plan also includes experimentation and trying new foods as a means to keep from becoming bored. Boredom with foods and meals often leads to take-out and fast-food when you feel like there's nothing to look forward to at home!
Home Chef seemed to offer a great selection for the week I first reviewed.
In recent weeks, I have found myself less than inspired in the kitchen. Meatloaf, Baked Chicken, Chicken Bratwursts and Burgers have made waaay too many rotations in the meal plan. I often advise my Madden Wellness clients that a thriving meal plan also includes experimentation and trying new foods as a means to keep from becoming bored. Boredom with foods and meals often leads to take-out and fast-food when you feel like there's nothing to look forward to at home!
A couple of years ago when Blue Apron was the newest service on the market, I gave it a try. I remember really enjoying the meals and the ease of having meals already somewhat pre-chosen for me each week. I decided I wanted to give the meal delivery service another try. A quick Google search revealed there are many other options for meal delivery service rather than just Blue Apron.
Home Chef seemed to offer a great selection for the week I first reviewed. From their website:
We’re here to help busy people like you to skip the grocery store and whip up delicious meals in 30 minutes. Every week you get knockout new recipes and all the fresh, pre-portioned ingredients delivered straight to your door. Say goodbye to long grocery lines, parking lot power-struggles, and Pinterest-induced food fails that leave you ordering takeout at 11 PM.
Plus, it didn't hurt that I received a referral code from a friend for a discount! ;)
On the site, you are able to choose from 2, 4, or 6 serving options with meals costing approximately $9.95 per serving. Every week offers 10 dinner options, new breakfasts, a fruit basket and a fresh smoothie option. Customers are able to filter meal selections to fit low carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, meat and seafood, as well as low-calorie.
My first selection of meals included:
- Flat Iron Steak and Bleu Cheese Salad
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Coconut Curry Lentils with Wild Rice
- P.S. - (YUM!)
First Impression:
My box arrived on time and I even received an email the morning of reminding me my delivery would be arriving later in the day. Very handy for busy individuals that may forget and risk having their box sit for too long.
When I opened the box, I discovered all the recipes for the week were printed on full-color, cardstock pages already prepared to place in a binder. I also received a binder to keep the recipe cards in (nice!).
Ingredients for each meal were separated in plastic wrapping and labeled appropriately. The meat was separate and stored in between ice packs in the box. This made it super simple to just grab the bag of ingredients when getting ready to prep the meal for dinner each day.
Flat Iron Steak and Blue Cheese Salad
This meal was AMAZING and out of the 3 options in my box, I believe this one stole the show! The flavors were fantastic together and even the husband enjoyed having "just a salad" for dinner. ;)
Chicken Quesadillas
At some point through the week, I received another email from Home Chef advising the spice blend for one of the recipes was an "abnormally spicy blend". They advised to use caution and add according to spice sensitivity. I, unfortunately, got confused when cooking my meal and thought this email was in reference to the steak seasoning for one of the other meals. It was only after I added ALL the Quesadilla spice to the chicken in this meal that I quickly realized it must have been for this one. I couldn't even finish cooking without coughing every time I breathed from the spice!
Note: The broccoli and carrots were my own addition leftover from a previous meal.
Needless to say, I was very concerned the dish was going to be so spicy that I would not even be able to eat or enjoy it. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I was still able to enjoy the meal and it was delicious! I will say, it definitely had a bit more heat than I would've preferred. Nonetheless, I was impressed that Home Chef took the time to give proper warning to customers via email to advise them of the extra heat factor!
Coconut Curry Lentils and Wild Rice
This meal was absolutely delicious! The lentils and wild rice combination was SOOOOOO good! I had never really tried lentils before and I definitely think I'll be incorporating them into my diet more often! This dish felt like a comfort food dish and warmed the soul in all the right ways. The husband was especially approving of this dish which is saying a lot for someone who has never even heard of a lentil!
Note: I added chicken (not included) to this plate because it was the husband's plate and I knew he would want the added protein. Mine was without the chicken.
Overall Conclusions:
Pros:
- Fast Delivery
- Amazing Customer Service and Communication
- Impressed with Ingredient Grouping in the Bags
- All Ingredients Fresh and Amazing
- Impressed with Recipe Cards and Binder (this made for a nice recipe stand while cooking, as well!)
Cons:
- Honey arrived in squeeze packets that were a bit messy to use.
- Chicken needed to be sliced in preparation which took extra time. (Honestly not sure about this complaint. It may be this is the healthiest, freshest and safest way for the chicken to be transported/delivered.)
Would I Order Again?
Absolutely!! And I have for the last 2 weeks!! All the meals I have received since have been equally as delicious as this first one. I think I am totally hooked on this meal delivery thing! I love having my meals somewhat chosen for me each week. This makes for a little less stress each week.
Referral Code
Would you like to try Home Chef for yourself? Use my referral code here and you'll receive your first order at $30 off! That's a total of 6 servings for less than $20 (with the 2 servings/3 meals option). You can cancel anytime you wish and also skip meals in between weeks if you don't see something you like that week or maybe if you're out of town. (With the referral code, I also receive a discount on my own purchase. Thank you!) For your discount, click here!
Amber Madden is a Licensed Counseling Associate specializing in Eating Disorders and Obesity. She is the Clinical Director at Madden Wellness Counseling, PLLC. She utilizes her skills in addiction to assist her clients in with Binge Eating, "food addictive" patterns, and develop a positive approach to overall health and wellness. She has a passion for assisting clients in achieving their health goals and learning to love nutritious foods and exercise. For more information visit www.maddenwellnessky.com .
MADDEN WELLNESS SERVICES
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
Easy Healthy Meatloaf
This recipe is based on a meatloaf recipe from my sweet mama. She has made meatloaf the same way for years and when I officially moved out into adulthood, of course I wanted the recipe! No worries, though. No super secret family stuff here!
This recipe is based on a meatloaf recipe from my sweet mama. She has made meatloaf the same way for years and when I officially moved out into adulthood, of course I wanted the recipe! No worries, though. No super secret family stuff here!
With a couple of substitutions and shortcuts, I have found a way to prepare this meatloaf mixture in just 5 minutes. The ingredients are completely clean and a great way to get in some protein and vegetables for the entire family!
Easy Healthy Meatloaf
Makes 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 lb. of Lean Ground Beef (92% or higher)
1 c. Old Fashioned Oatmeal
8 oz. Can Italian Tomato Puree
2 c. Frozen Pepper and Onion Vegetable Mix
1 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
1 Large Egg
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Black Pepper
Remainder of Italian Tomato Puree for Topping
Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. (For easy work, mix on low setting using a Stand Mixer).
Spray loaf pan and spread mixture into pan.
Smooth the remainder of the tomato puree on top of the loaf to create a topping.
Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour.
Easy Tips:
Mix and prepare ahead of time. Can be kept in fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
Use a stand mixer to mix ingredients.
Buy bagged, frozen vegetables to avoid chopping time.
Pair with frozen, steamable bags of vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for easy quick sides.
Amber Madden is a Licensed Counseling Associate specializing in Eating Disorders and Obesity. She is the Clinical Director at Madden Wellness Counseling, PLLC. She utilizes her skills in addiction to assist her clients in with Binge Eating, "food addictive" patterns, and develop a positive approach to overall health and wellness. She has a passion for assisting clients in achieving their health goals and learning to love nutritious foods and exercise. For more information visit www.maddenwellnessky.com .