Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of whole grain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, feta cheese

Culinary:

1. Toast the slices of whole grain bread until golden brown.
2. In a small bowl, mash the ripe avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mashed avocado evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
4. Add desired toppings such as sliced cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or crumbled feta cheese.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple yet satisfying avocado toast!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve as a refreshing and nutritious Mediterranean quinoa salad!

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten

Culinary:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender into beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
6. Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
7. Enjoy these delicious crispy baked chicken tenders as a healthier alternative to fried chicken!

Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado slices, salsa, shredded lettuce, Greek yogurt

Culinary:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, combine black beans, corn kernels, diced red onion, diced bell pepper, chopped fresh cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the mixture is heated through.
3. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave.
4. Fill each tortilla with the black bean mixture.
5. Top with optional toppings such as avocado slices, salsa, shredded lettuce, and Greek yogurt.
6. Roll up the tacos and serve immediately.
7. Enjoy these flavorful vegetarian black bean tacos for a meatless meal option!

Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Culinary:

1. Arrange sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese on a serving platter, alternating between the two.
2. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately as a refreshing and elegant Caprese salad!