Category Archives: Greens

Farro and Arugula Salad

October 27, 2016 by pamflo

A few of the outdoor Boston Farmer’s Markets are coming to a close for the season. I wanted to make a dish that incorporated some of the remaining beautiful fresh produce. The credit for this tasty salad goes to New York chef Charlie Bird. Farro can be bland on it’s own, but in this recipe it’s slowly simmered in fresh apple cider with a bay leaf. My version of this dish has just a few embellishments, feel free to alter it as […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Israeli Chopped Salad

August 11, 2016 by pamflo

Raw. Simple. Fresh. A perfect salad for a hot summer night, as a side dish or a quick lunch. An Israeli salad is defined as a finely chopped salad of raw vegetables, tossed with a simple dressing. Middle Eastern restaurants serve variations of this salad in pita pockets, on it’s own or to accompany falafel, a deep-fried chickpea fritter. Traditionally, the salad contains tomatoes, Kirby or Persian cucumbers, onion and peppers. I added carrot and radishes and skipped the onion and pepper. […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking

Sesame Soba Noodle Salad

May 26, 2016 by pamflo

There’s a limit to how many lettuce-based salads one can eat in the course of a week. It was time to add a new healthy, flavorful salad to the rotation. My industrious intern wanted to try this recipe and it turned out to be a winner. You can modify both the salad and the dressing to suit your mood. Roast chicken left over from a previous meal, combined with the soba noodles and some seasonal vegetables made the perfect cold salad. This dish is terrific for […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dressing, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Nuts/Seeds, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Toss, Whisk

Italian Wedding Soup

October 29, 2015 by pamflo

There is a slight chill in the air, evoking memories of the snowiest winter that even the heartiest Bostonians can’t forget. However, it has been a beautiful fall with mild weather and colorful foliage. I felt the urge to unearth my soup pot and put it to work. Wedding soup actually means the “marriage” of meat and greens. There are so many wonderful versions of this soup, and feel free to vary it as you wish. I made a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Side Dish, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

Grilled Peaches over Greens

September 24, 2015 by pamflo

Happy Fall! No complaints about the weather here in Boston as it has been sunny, warm, and dry. The peaches are as abundant as the apples at the local markets. Plump and juicy, the peaches are perfect in September. When buying peaches, let your nose do the work, they should smell ripe and delicious. I had a hankering for grilled peaches and put this salad together for lunch. Make sure to use a neutral-flavored oil to grill the peaches. If you […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grill, Whisk

Pan-Roasted Corn Salad

September 3, 2015 by pamflo

I will be the girl crying in the empty parking lot, at the end of October when the local Farmer’s Market closes for the season. Truly, the best time to eat local corn is now and the bins are brimming. I usually buy the Butter & Sugar Sweet Corn, but will soon experiment with other varieties. For this recipe, remove the raw corn kernels and pan-roast them in butter. Add avocado, fresh tomatoes or onion, or keep it simple like I […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Sauté

Olive Oil Fried Egg

July 16, 2015 by pamflo

Farm fresh eggs, extra-virgin olive oil and a skillet…that’s all you need…and salt and pepper of course. Sizzling goodness! Crispy edges and a warm gooey yolk, a perfect breakfast, a great lunch, or an easy dinner. I love the combination of the peppery taste of arugula, with a simple dressing of olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice. A perfect place for my fried egg. Extra virgin olive oil packs a flavor punch and has a higher smoke […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Snack • Tags: Dairy Free, Fried, Gluten Free

Summer Minestrone Soup

June 18, 2015 by pamflo

There are many ways to make a delicious soup. The success of a soup is in the depth of flavors. I prefer recipes that have fewer ingredients, but this soup is worth the effort. The first layer of flavor is the pancetta, cured and salted pork belly. Olive oil is a good substitute for those who do not want to use pancetta. Another layer of flavor is the aromatics, vegetables used as a base flavor including (but not limited to) celery, carrots, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Gluten Free, Simmer, Whiz

Pan-Seared Sea Scallops with Gremolata

May 28, 2015 by pamflo

As a kid, scallops were one of my least favorite meals (sorry mom)! I remember them dry and overcooked. The secret to a delicious scallop is a perfect sear and it only takes 4-5 minutes. The goal is a caramelized outside crust and a creamy, sweet center. I embellished my gremolata sauce, which is traditionally made with parsley, garlic and lemon zest. Feel free to add fresh herbs or other citrus fruit. It’s a great addition to many dishes, soups and makes a bright, flavorful […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Greens, Seafood • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grill, Whiz

Grilled Caesar Salad

May 21, 2015 by pamflo

What are you making for dinner? I hear that question quite a bit. I often have a plan in place, but tonight I did not. As I stared blankly at my almost empty refrigerator, it was obvious that all I could muster was some sort of salad. It’s time to fire up the grill, after the long winter, I thought. Grilled salad, what a brilliant idea, if I say so myself! If a grill isn’t available to you, a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: Gluten Free, Grill, Shake

Swiss Chard with Lentils, and Poached Eggs

April 2, 2015 by pamflo

Wow, this is my 100th post to Zest for Cooking! It’s been a great run to one hundred. My followers inspire me and I really look forward to more feedback going forward. Let me know what inspires you to cook and what food topics interest you? San Francisco is one of my favorite foodie cities. I spent a few days there visiting family and friends, and of course eating! This salad was inspired by a lunch dish I had […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans/Legumes, Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Boil, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Poach, Sauté

Chopped Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad

March 19, 2015 by pamflo

After two months of hibernating indoors with such a cold and snowy winter, I finally went for a walk outdoors and actually heard the birds chirping. With the thought of spring arriving soon, I made this fresh crunchy salad. Feel free to mixed it up, use almonds, pistachios or pepitas and tart dried cherries as a substitute for the cranberries. Yum! SALAD: 1 cup walnuts, chopped 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved and thinly sliced 1 pound Tusan or curly kale […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens, Nuts, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Gluten Free, Toast, Whiz

Vegetable Frittata

January 15, 2015 by pamflo

A healthy breakfast option, a quick snack, or maybe a satisfying lunch paired with a crisp salad, this veggie frittata is all of that. Feel free to use whatever vegetables and greens you have on hand. Just don’t skip the thinly sliced red potatoes, a scattering of your favorite cheese and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. I’m hosting a brunch in a few weeks, and this frittata will be on my menu! 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 3 red potatoes, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Gluten Free, Greens, Snack, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free, Sauté

Walnut Basil Pesto

September 4, 2014 by pamflo

Basil is in abundance this time of year. It’s so fragrant, you can smell it from far away! The beautiful, green leaves are great for making fresh pesto. Consider making a big batch of pesto and storing it in ice cube trays so you can use it in single servings or to enhance sauces. Pesto isn’t just for pasta, it’s great as a spread for sandwiches, as a dip or salad dressing, added to soups, and as a marinade for […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dips/Sauces, Gluten Free, Greens, Side Dish • Tags: Gluten Free, Toast, Whiz

White Gazpacho

May 29, 2014 by pamflo

Cool, refreshing, healthy and no cooking required! Even if you’re not a cold soup fan, this is tangy and delicious. This soup is a Spanish classic and provides a nice break from a traditional tomato-based gazpacho. It does require a hearty blender or food processor. Give it a try! 2 pounds seedless green grapes, stemmed 1/2 cup whole blanched almonds 2 garlic cloves 6 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons good-quality sherry vinegar 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 1 […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Paleo

Bibb Lettuce Salad with Parmesan Crisps

May 22, 2014 by pamflo

Fresh, crisp greens with a creamy, mustardy dressing. Sometimes there’s nothing better than a beautifully made salad! This is a really simple salad and the combination of the tangy dressing and crunchy lettuce are a winner. The frico or parmesan crisps are the big bonus. Frico is just a mound of fresh parmesan cheese that’s baked and becomes this delicious, lacy crisp. If the creamy dressing is not for you, then sprinkle the salad with good olive oil and a squeeze of […]

Categories: Appetizer, Gluten Free, Greens • Tags: Bake, Gluten Free, Toss

Watermelon Salad

May 15, 2014 by pamflo

Simple, fresh, quick! Watermelon season is approaching, but I couldn’t hold out so I bought some and made this refreshing salad. I served it as a first course, but you could serve this for dessert as well. There are many variations to this dish but I liked the simplicity of this recipe. Feel free to experiment…tomato or cucumber might add a nice crunch. You could skip the cheese, but it does add a light saltiness to the dish. Try ricotta or halloumi instead […]

Categories: Fruit, Gluten Free, Greens • Tags: Gluten Free, No Cooking

Shakshuka

April 24, 2014 by pamflo

A dish of soft poached eggs in a steaming, flavorful tomato broth with peppers, onions and spices. In Israel is it called shakshuka, and is traditionally served for breakfast. This delicious dish is a staple not only in Israeli, but in Tunisian, Moroccan and Egyptian cuisine. Many other cuisines have their own version of this dish. Shakshuka is usually served in a cast iron pan with bread to soak up the sauce. There are many ways to make this comforting […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Sauté, Simmer

Kale and Mango Salad

April 3, 2014 by pamflo

Yes, I am massaging my kale! Massaging the kale softens its fibrous texture. This is particularly helpful if you’re serving raw kale. Kale is a very trendy vegetable right now, but is quite nutritious. It actually has more than twice the amount of vitamin C as an orange. There are many kale recipes available, but I like this recipe because it combines sweet, juicy mango and lightly salted seeds. 1 bunch kale (black kale is especially good), stalks removed and discarded, leaves thinly sliced […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens, Paleo, Vegetables • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, No Cooking, Paleo

Steak Lettuce Wraps

January 9, 2014 by pamflo

All the wonderful flavors of tacos, but without the shell! We eat these weekly as it’s a favorite in my household. I serve these yummy lettuce wraps with spicy salsa, fresh guacamole, shredded jack cheese, raw red onions, and light sour cream. I sauté red bell peppers and onions in olive oil, add a dash of balsamic vinegar, and serve it alongside, or in the tacos! I bet this dish would be delicious with beans and rice too. A healthy dish […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Greens, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grill, Paleo

Garlicky Kale Chips

October 31, 2013 by pamflo

Crispy, crunchy, garlicky…this is what my family loves about kale chips! Kale is super healthy and provides many nutrients. It’s high in fiber, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium, as well as helps reduce inflammation. Kale chips are also a healthy and wonderful replacement for potato chips 🙂 When your shopping for kale leaves, look for firm, dark colored leaves with hardy stems. The smaller leaves will be more tender and milder in flavor. The leaves range in color […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Greens • Tags: Dairy Free, Garlic, Gluten Free, Kale, Olive oil, Paleo, Roast

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Zest For Cooking

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