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healthy recipes

5 In food/ Recipes

Monster energy bites

Monster energy bites - balls of rolled oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter, M&Ms and chia seeds make an easy no break breafast idea or healthy snack.

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These Monster energy bites are a great quick no bake breakfast or after school snack idea.

Kids and adults alike will love these Monster energy bites made with peanut butter, rolled oats, and chocolate chips so they taste just like Monster chocolate chip cookies. They are filled with healthy fats, fiber, and protein to keep you satisfied and give you energy throughout the day. (And if you’re looking for more easy breakfast ideas kids will love, check out these magic donuts that are packed with protein). 

The best thing about these energy bites is they are totally customizable so you can add whatever you like. Some other add ins I like are protein powder, collagen powder, flax seeds and shredded coconut!

Scroll down for my recipe and be sure to pin to save 🙂

holding a ball of monster energy bites - rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips and M&Ms for an easy no bake breakfast or after school snack

Monster Energy Bites

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups of quick rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup M&M’s
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1.) Add all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix together.

2.) Use your hands or an ice cream scoop to roll into balls. The dough may be slightly sticky.

3.) Enjoy right away or store  in a container lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator.

Balls of monster energy bites in a container with parchment paper. Storing monster energy bites.

Monster energy bites - balls of rolled oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter, M&Ms and chia seeds make an easy no break breafast idea or healthy snack.

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Jug of mini M&M's for monster cookie energy bites glass meal prep containers Premier protein vanilla powder Vital proteins collagen powder to add into monster energy bites, coffee or food

For more easy recipes for back to school check out

These back to school meal ideas

This back to school snack mix

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Monster energy bites - balls of rolled oats, chocolate chips, peanut butter, M&Ms and chia seeds make an easy no break breafast idea or healthy snack.

Monster energy bites

These monster energy bites tastes just like a cookie and are loved by kids and adults. Packed with protein, fiber and ingredients to keep you full, satisfied and give you energy throughout the day, they are an easy no bake breakfast or after school snack.
5 from 3 votes
Course Breakfast, Snack

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups quick rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup M&M's
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix together.
  • Roll into balls or use a small ice cream scoop to help shape.
  • Enjoy right away or store  in a container lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator.
Keyword baked goods, healthy, Kids snacks
8 In food

Summer Peach and Corn Panzanella Salad

peaches, corn, crusty bread, arugula, mozzarella drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for this refreshing panzanella salad of summer

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This peach and corn panzanella salad is bright, flavorful and filled with summer’s bounty.

When you’re coming home from the farmer’s market with your fresh summer produce like corn and peaches, this is the perfect salad to make. Serve with some grilled chicken, fish or burgers for the ultimate easy breezy summer meal.  (For more peach recipes check out this whipped burrata with hot honey and peaches.)

What is a panzanella salad?

Traditionally, a panzanella salad is a Tuscan salad made with old crusty bread, soaked with vinegar and the juice of tomatoes and served in a deep platter so that the bread can soak up all the juices.

Why you will like my version of this summer peach and corn panzanella salad

My version adds sweet juicy peaches and corn that are in season for the summer. I left out the tomatoes in mine since I don’t like tomatoes but you could definitely add them as they pair well with peaches.

I served mine over a bed of arugula to add some greens and more bulk and then drizzled with my homemade balsamic vinegar dressing.

You can enjoy this salad on it’s own for a light meal or it makes the perfect side dish when you don’t feel like cooking.

Summer peach and corn panzanella salad - arugula with peaches, corn, toasted bread, mozzarella with an olive oil and balsamic dressing

Summer Peach and Corn Panzanella Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil
  • salt/pepper to taste
  • 2 handfuls arugula
  • 2 ripe peaches, sliced and pitted
  • 3 ears of corn, grilled and cut off the cob
  • 1 block mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 4 Tbsp cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • chopped basil to taste

 

Directions:

1.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2.) On a parchment lined baking sheet, spread out the cubed bread. Drizzle with olive oil and salt, toss well. Bake until toasted.

3.) On a platter, add a bed of arugula.

4.) Top with sliced peaches, roasted corn, and mozzarella cheese.

5.) In a small bowl or a mason jar, add the olive oil, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar and honey. Whisk together.

6.) Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad.

7.) Sprinkle with chopped basil and sea salt. Toss.

Enjoy!

serving platter with gold trim for salads and panzanella salad ceramic etched platter for salads bamboo salad hands for tossing salad

Check out more of my favorite salad recipes here

Casesar pasta salad

Summer stonefruit and burrata salad

Kate Middleton’s watermelon salad

Lemony tuna pasta salad

 

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Summer peach and corn panzanella salad recipe

peaches, corn, crusty bread, arugula, mozzarella drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for this refreshing panzanella salad of summer

Summer peach and corn panzanella salad

5 from 4 votes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf crusty bread cut into cubes
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 handfuls arugula
  • 2 ripe peaches slilced and pitted
  • 3 ears corn grilled and cut off the cob
  • 1 block mozzarella cheese cut into cubes
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • salt/pepper to taste
  • fresh basil chopped, to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • On a parchment lined baking sheet, spread out the cubed bread. Drizzle with olive oil and salt, toss well. Bake until toasted.
  • On a platter, add a bed of arugula.
  • Top with sliced peaches, roasted corn, and mozzarella cheese.
  • In a small bowl or a mason jar, add the olive oil, dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar and honey. Whisk together.
  • Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad.
  • Sprinkle with chopped basil and sea salt. Toss.
Keyword healthy recipes, peaches, salad, summer dish
17 In food/ Recipes

How to make Kate Middleton’s Watermelon Salad

How to make Kate Middleton's Watermelon Salad - watermelon chunks with sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, with lime juice, feta and mint leaves.

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This watermelon salad is Kate Middleton’s favorite and is so refreshing for the hot summer months.

Last summer I discovered what is apparently Kate Middleton’s favorite watermelon salad and omg I couldn’t stop eating it!  Watermelon is my absolute favorite fruit. In fact, when I was pregnant with both boys, I craved it and would go through a watermelon a day. So when I saw this watermelon salad with fresh cucumbers and feta I knew I had to try it.  I dream about it all year when I can make it for summer and you will too! Scroll down for how to make Kate Middleton’s Watermelon Salad.

Why you will love this watermelon salad

Not only are watermelon and cucumber both really refreshing and pack a satisfying crunch, but they are low calorie, super hydrating foods for the summer months. Paired with salty feta cheese, this salad is the perfect combo of sweet and savory! And then rounded out with some creamy avocado for some healthy fats.

And if you love watermelon as much as I do, check out this spicy watermelon margarita!

 

I tried Kate Middleton's watermelon salad - girl eating watermelon salad with cucumber, feta, and fresh mint.

 

How to make Kate Middleton’s Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups watermelon, cut into cubes
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 lime
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 bunch of fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • salt to taste

Directions:

1.) In a large bowl, add the cubed watermelon, sliced cucumbers, avocado, feta and chopped mint.

2.) Drizzle with the juice of a fresh lime, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt then toss until evenly coated.

Enjoy!!!

Kate Middleton's watermelon salad - chunks of watermelon with cucumber, feta, mint leaves, and lime juice is a refreshing low calorie salad for summer

 

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For more Wednesday Salad recipes, you can see them all here.

 

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How to make Kate Middleton's Watermelon salad - watermelon, cucumber, feta and avocado

How to make Kate Middleton's Watermelon Salad - watermelon chunks with sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, with lime juice, feta and mint leaves.

Kate Middleton's Watermelon Salad

This watermelon salad is apparently Kate Middleton's favorite. Cool and refreshing watermelon and cucumber make this a super hydrating salad for summer. Paired with salty feta and creamy avocado this watermelon salad is both sweet and savory and will become your newest favorite healthy dish.
5 from 3 votes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups watermelon cut into cubes
  • 1 cucumber chopped
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese cut into cubes
  • 1 lime
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves chopped
  • salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, add the cubed watermelon, sliced cucumbers, avocado, feta and chopped mint.
  • Drizzle with the juice of a fresh lime, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt then toss until evenly coated. Enjoy!
Keyword healthy recipes, salad, summer dish
18 In food/ Recipes

The best Caesar Pasta Salad

The best Caesar pasta salad - glass bowl filled with romaine lettuce, pasta, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing and shredded Parmesan cheese.

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This is the best Caesar pasta salad ever. Made with a homemade Caesar dressing, this is a great summer meal, whether on it’s own or with chicken, steak or fish.

I love me some Caesar salad. It’s my fave summer meal on it’s own with a chilled glass of Sauvy B, with some fries (girl dinner), or topped with some grilled chicken.

I combined my love of Caesar salad and pasta to make this Caesar pasta salad. Adding pasta or grains to veggie salads is a great way to bulk up a salad while also keeping it lighter and not so heavy on carbs. This salad is topped with a homemade Caesar dressing that is super easy to make and I promise you’ll never want to use the bottled stuff again!

This salad can be prepped ahead of time which makes it an easy weeknight meal, side dish or to bring to a BBQ or party. Scroll down for my recipe.

The Best Caesar Pasta Salad

*Modifications – a traditional Caesar dressing has anchovies in it. I do not like anchovies, so I used capers instead, to get that salty, briny flavor.

I like to make the dressing ahead of time and keep in a bottle so that you can enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 1 box pasta
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese shreds
  • croutons

For the dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (or you can do Greek yogurt)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestshire sauce
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp capers  (you can also use anchovies or anchovy paste)
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt/pepper

Directions:

1.) Boil one box of pasta until al dente then drain and set aside.

2.) Prepare the dressing.  Add all of the dressing ingredients into a large bowl and whisk together.

Homemade caesar dressing for the best caesar pasta salad - bowls with mayo, dijon, garlic, capers, worcestshire sauce and Parmesan cheese

3.) In a large salad bowl, add the lettuce, pasta, and Parmesan cheese.

making the best caesar pasta salad - bowl of dressing, pasta, grated Parmesan cheese and chopped lettuce

4.) When ready to serve, top with the Caesar dressing, tossing well so it’s all evenly covered. Then top with croutons.

Enjoy!!!

The best Caesar pasta salad - glass bowl filled with romaine lettuce, pasta, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing and shredded Parmesan cheese.

Caesar pasta salad with homemade chicken parm

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For more Wednesday Salad recipes check out:

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Pin the recipe for the best Caesar pasta salad by Our Tiny Nest

The best Caesar pasta salad - glass bowl filled with romaine lettuce, pasta, croutons, homemade Caesar dressing and shredded Parmesan cheese.

The best Caesar pasta salad

5 from 1 vote
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Servings 5 people

Ingredients
  

For Salad

  • 1 box pasta
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese shreds
  • croutons

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (you can also use Greek yogurt)
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestshire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic minced
  • 1 tsp capers (you can also use anchovies or anchovy paste)
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • salt/pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil one box of pasta until al dente then drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the dressing.  Add all of the dressing ingredients into a large bowl and whisk together.
  • In a large salad bowl, add the lettuce, pasta, and Parmesan cheese.
  • When ready to serve, top with the Caesar dressing, tossing well so it’s all evenly covered. Then top with croutons.
Keyword healthy recipes, low carb, salad