We’ve got a nourishing line-up this week with a few favorites that are just right for Valentine’s Day. If you are looking to cook up something for the Super Bowl inspo, I just posted this round up of 15 game-day recipes.
Pasta with Creamy Beet Sauce, Walnuts, and Parmesan
This shockingly pink pasta is thanks to a combination of tender beets and ricotta blended into a creamy sauce. You honestly don’t have to be madly in love with beets to love this pasta. The method is simple and the results, delicious. Tip: get it on the table as soon and you toss the sauce with the pasta and dig in. For something a bit more traditional, check out this Cheese Souffle for Two
Harvest Bowls with Glossy Green sauce
These nourishing bowls are a fan favorite in my house. Roasted sweet potatoes, brown rice, black beans, and avocado get dressed up with a tangy, slightly spicy cilantro sauce. Add pickled jalapeños, Cotija cheese, toasted pepitas or whatever else strikes your fancy.
Turkey Chickpea Smash Burgers
Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Sauce
The star of this recipe is the Chipotle Lime Sauce that gets spooned over cooked shrimp under a heap of crunchy slaw. Feel free to toss the shrimp on the grill and warm up homemade or canned pinto or black beans to serve on the side.
Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Greens
A stupid simple recipe that you can make either in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of meal that is a longtime blog favorite. You can use virtually any type of leafy greens and serve it over pasta, any grain, or roasted cauliflower.
Dark Chocolate Coconut Rice Krispy Hearts
I routinely make these for Valentine’s Day because 1) they’re darn cute 2) the combo of chocolate, Rice Krispies, and shredded coconut is a 10 in my book. No cookie cutters are required, just a willingness to get messy with melted goodness.
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
These pancakes are super tasty and packed with protein, which means they’re terrific fuel to get you through a morning. Even better? They’re a snap to whiz up in a blender.
SHOPPING LIST
Harvest Bowls with Glossy Green Sauce
2 medium to large sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (one 15-ounce can)
1 large ripe avocado
1 bushy bunch cilantro (2 cups chopped)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
Optional additions: pickled jalapeños, crumbled Cotija, roasted pepitas
Instant Pot Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Greens
2 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken thighs
1 bunch swiss chard
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 red large onion
4 whole cloves garlic
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 26-ounce box or 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Whole grain pasta, brown rice, polenta, other favorite grain
Parmesan cheese (optional)
Shrimp Tacos w/ Chipotle Lime Sauce
1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
1 chipotle pepper en adobo
1 pound raw medium peeled and deveined shrimp
2 limes
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 medium green cabbage
2 medium carrots
3/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
8 corn tortillas
Pasta with Creamy Beet Sauce
8 ounces beets
12-ounces spaghetti
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
2 tablespoons fresh mint (optional)
Turkey Chickpea Smash Burgers
One 15-ounce can chickpeas
¾ cup crumbled feta (3 1/2 ounces)
1 generous handful fresh spinach
½ cup roughly chopped fresh dill
4 scallions
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound ground turkey or other ground poultry/meat
6 whole-wheat pitas
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups shredded hearts of Romaine lettuce
1 cup diced English or Persian cucumber
2 medium tomatoes
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Dark Chocolate Crispy Coconut Hearts
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup crisp rice cereal, such as Barbara’s or Rice Krispies
1/3 cup unsweetened finely grated coconut
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
4 eggs
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice