Spinach, Rice, and Mozzarella Salad Fresh Spinach and Rice Salad with Creamy Mozzarella Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and cooled white rice 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup shredded or cubed mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and black pepper to taste Optional: 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch Directions: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients. Top with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds if using. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving, or enjoy immediately. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for rice) | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #spinachsalad #ricesalad #mozzarellalove #summerlunchideas #easymeals #vegetariansalad #healthyeating #quickmeals #coldsaladrecipe #picnicrecipes #freshsalad #saladwithcheese #mealprepideas #lunchbowls #greensandgrains #lightdinners #spinachandrice #mediterraneansalad #homemadesalad #ricelovers Light, fresh, and totally satisfying—this Spinach, Rice & Mozzarella Salad is the perfect quick lunch or dinner side.

Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad Festive Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cranberries and Citrus Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice 3 cups water or vegetable broth 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped red onion 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) For the Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Rinse wild rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes until rice is tender and some grains have split. Drain any excess liquid and let cool. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with cranberries, celery, red onion, parsley, and nuts if using. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat evenly. Fold in feta cheese if using. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #wildricesalad #cranberrysalad #harvestsalad #fallflavors #grainbasedsalad #vegetarianrecipes #healthylunchideas #plantbaseddish #wholegrainsalad #festiveflavors #mealpreprecipe #easyvegetarianmeals #citrusvinaigrette #wildricebowl #makeaheadsalad #fruitandgrain #nuttysalad #cleaneats #wildricecranberry #seasonalsalads Hearty, tangy, and colorful This Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and savory!

Sardine Soup Rustic Mediterranean Sardine Soup with Garlic, Tomato, and Herbs Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 1 large tomato, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes) 3 cups vegetable or fish broth 1 can (4 oz) sardines in olive oil (boneless preferred), drained 1 bay leaf 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro Juice of half a lemon Directions: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add chopped tomato and cook until it breaks down, about 3 minutes. Pour in the broth, add bay leaf, thyme, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes. Gently add sardines and cook for another 5 minutes, breaking them slightly into the soup. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread or a wedge of lemon. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 3–4 servings #sardinesoup #mediterraneansoup #rusticmeals #cannedfishrecipes #quicklunchideas #souprecipe #sardinelove #easyfishsoup #herbygoodness #budgetfriendlymeals #fishsoupmagic #healthycomfortfood #garlicandtomsoup #oceaninspired #lightlunchideas #easyweeknightmeals #omega3boost #sardinebroth #lemonysoup #onepotmeals Don’t underestimate sardines! This rustic Sardine Soup is a flavor-packed, budget-friendly bowl of coastal comfort.

Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl Garlic Herb Chicken with Cauliflower Rice and Veggie Medley Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper, to taste 1 small head cauliflower, grated or pulsed into rice-sized pieces 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 1/2 cup diced zucchini 1/4 red onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped Optional toppings: avocado slices, sesame seeds, hot sauce, or tahini drizzle Directions: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté red onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes. Add bell pepper and zucchini and cook for another 3–4 minutes. Stir in cauliflower rice and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender but not mushy. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Assemble bowls with cauliflower rice base, sliced chicken, and optional toppings. Garnish with fresh herbs. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 360 kcal (per serving) | Servings: 2 servings #cauliflowerrice #lowcarbmeals #chickenbowls #healthylunchideas #grainfree #easymealprep #lowcarbrecipes #whole30 #paleomeal #cleanrecipes #chickendinner #healthycomfortfood #veggiebowl #simpleingredients #quicklunch #glutenfreerecipes #lightandfresh #flavorpacked #realfoodbowl #grainfreecooking Light, filling, and full of flavor This Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl is perfect for clean eating with big taste!

Chicken and Couscous Salad Zesty Lemon Chicken and Couscous Salad with Fresh Herbs Ingredients: 1 cup couscous 1 cup hot chicken broth 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 garlic clove, minced 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cucumber, diced 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped Salt and black pepper, to taste Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese Directions: In a large bowl, pour the hot chicken broth over the couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint to the couscous. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, top with crumbled feta just before serving. Chill for 15–20 minutes if you prefer it cold, or serve immediately at room temperature. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #couscoussalad #chickensalad #healthylunch #easyrecipes #summermeals #quickmeals #proteinpacked #saladrecipes #herbysalad #freshsalads #mealprep #glutenoption #mintrecipes #lunchideas #mediterraneandiet #easychickenrecipes #quickandhealthy #saladwithfeta #lowcaloriemeal #simplemeals Whipping up this Zesty Lemon Chicken and Couscous Salad is a breeze Packed with flavor and ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy days or light summer dinners!