Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

Sweet Potato Toast

May 26, 2022 by pamflo

Sweet potato toast is a delicious breakfast, fun snack or just a great substitute for a slice of bread! You’re going to carefully cut the sweet potatoes into even slices, roughly 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Then coat the slices in olive oil, add a pinch of salt and bake the slices in the oven until lightly browned and slightly softened. Choose the orange skinned potatoes as they are sweeter and less starchy and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Snack, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

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Chilled Avocado Soup

May 12, 2022 by pamflo

This is a beautiful, simple avocado soup that is gluten and dairy free. The avocados are blended with sparkling water, lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil. The soup is then chilled. Although avocados are calorically dense they are a great source of healthy fats, fiber and potassium. Hass avocados have a higher percentage of oil than other varieties, making the texture more creamy. If you want to jazz up your soup, you can add toasted pumpkin seeds, additional red pepper […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetarian • Tags: No Cooking, Whiz

Spicy Shrimp and Farro Bowl

March 17, 2022 by pamflo

Farro is a hearty wheat-based grain that has a rich, nutty flavor. It is a good source of fiber and protein. Look for the pearled farro or semi-pearled farro as the cooking time is less than cooking the whole grain. You can make a large batch of farro as it’s a great addition to soups, salads and hot cereal. Sambal oelek is a spicy Indonesian paste made with hot red chili peppers, vinegar and salt and it adds a fantastic spicy kick […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Grains, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: Sauté, Simmer

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Roasted Lamb Chops with Blood Oranges

March 3, 2022 by pamflo

Blood oranges and other delicious citrus are at their peak in the winter months. Blood oranges are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. They may also be linked to improved gut health and better immune function. Blood oranges are less acidic than navel oranges, have a hint of sweetness and contain less seeds. I eat a piece of citrus everyday and thought it might be fun to make a savory recipe with oranges. The blood orange slices roast […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Roast

Pan Seared Scallops

February 3, 2022 by pamflo

Many years ago, I was a guest on a television show and was asked a few personal questions to wrap up my cooking segment. The host asked if my mother was a positive cooking influence in my life. Without filtering my thoughts, I stated that my mom was an awful cook and had ruined my joy of eating scallops…oops! Although this was true, I profusely apologized to my mom. We still laugh about it! The secret to a delicious scallop […]

Categories: Appetizer, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Sear, Whiz

Spicy Chicken Chili

January 13, 2022 by pamflo

Spices are the secret to making a super flavorful chili! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months and whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili recipe has a variety of dried spices to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Fennel and Carrot Soup

October 28, 2021 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C. Cooking fennel slowly in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and silky, you’ll find this soup quite tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables or cooking until softened and the moisture is released, brings out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

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Salmon and Mango Ceviche

October 14, 2021 by pamflo

Although this post comes at the tail end of mango season in the United States, hopefully you can find imported mangoes in your market as it’s the highlight of this ceviche recipe. The mango is an aromatic fruit that is part of the cashew family and a solid source of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Mangoes have immune boosting properties and are beneficial for digestive health. You can use any type of fresh salmon that you like, but make sure […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: No Cooking

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Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

October 7, 2021 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options at the markets now. They’re harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for a while. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is delicate and eatable. When purchasing squashes make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Squash brimming with a scrumptious filling, is a beautiful dish to serve. The squash can be roasted ahead of time and then […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

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Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken

September 23, 2021 by pamflo

This is a guest post from one of my “zesty” sons, Jacob. I developed this crispy chicken recipe over the past couple of months and I just had to share it so you can make it too. It’s super easy and is inspired by German schnitzel and Japanese katsu. My tip is to make extra chicken and have it for leftovers or to share with friends.The crispy chicken is served over a salad in this blog post, but with the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Sandwiches • Tags: Fry

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

September 9, 2021 by pamflo

Although fall is in view, this chilled soup is a throwback to summer and you can use the remainder of the beautiful ripe tomatoes. This is a refreshing tomato soup that is light and simple to make. It’s actually a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. The fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery flavor. If you’re unable to find it you can substitute fresh thyme or basil leaves. A good blender, Cuisinart, or immersion blender is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Whiz

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Grilled Romaine Salad

August 12, 2021 by pamflo

Romaine lettuce is the hero of a Caesar salad, mild tasting with sturdy leaves and a thick rib down the center. Perfect for grilling! Many variations of Caesar salad are still popular on restaurant menus today. The lettuce can be grilled in a grill pan or on your outdoor grill. I grilled the romaine hearts on the stove-top and dressed the leaves with a tangy citrus Caesar dressing. Anchovy paste adds that “umami” flavor to the dressing, but Worcestershire sauce or […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dressing, Gluten Free, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

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Halloumi Caprese Salad

July 29, 2021 by pamflo

I’m participating in a fun virtual global cooking class that provides a box of diary ingredients for each class. The last class was a tour of Greece along with a nutrition presentation and cooking demonstration. My box of Greek inspired dairy products came with a block of halloumi cheese. Having never had halloumi cheese, I did a bit of research to find out that grilling the cheese, which I did on the stove top in a grill pan, is the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads • Tags: Grill

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

July 22, 2021 by pamflo

Classic Japanese yakitori chicken is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over a fire. Hesitating to fire up the grill because it’s been so hot and humid this summer, I baked these easy and delicious chicken skewers in the oven at a high temperature instead. I used boneless skinless chicken thighs, but boneless breasts work too. There is an added step of boiling down the sauce to the point that it coats the back of a spoon, this intensifies the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

July 15, 2021 by pamflo

Grilling season is in full swing! Flank steak is an inexpensive and versatile cut of meat, and is perfect for tacos, lettuce wraps, over a salad, or as a main dish. This beefy flavored, lean and fibrous cut of meat benefits from a marinade. Marinating the meat at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking, both tenderizes the meat and helps with even cooking. If you want to marinate your meat for longer, it can be refrigerated for up to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry • Tags: Grill

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Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

July 8, 2021 by pamflo

Sautéing corn kernels in a combination of olive oil and butter adds tremendous flavor to this salad. It’s simple, delicious and a perfect dish for these steamy summer nights. I added fresh avocado, jalapeño pepper, tomatoes, fresh basil and a sprinkle of feta cheese. My son finished the salad before I had the chance to dress it! It was so flavorful that it didn’t need dressing. I just finished it with a pinch of sea salt and a generous squeeze […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

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Summer Fish Stew

June 24, 2021 by pamflo

Wow, the combination of the fennel, white wine and dill make this a fantastic, flavorful stew. The fish is simmered slowly in a combination of white wine and water, on a low heat which helps retain its tenderness. Sliced raw fennel adds a sweet licorice flavor, but if you sauté, roast or grill it, it softens the licorice flavor. Served with hearty greens, this is an easy weeknight meal. Pick a firm white fish with a delicate flavor. I tried […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Seafood, Soups/Stews • Tags: Simmer

Salad Niçoise

June 10, 2021 by pamflo

This beautiful salad originated in the French city of Nice and is traditionally made with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, and tuna or anchovies. You can be as creative with the ingredients as you like! I added sliced cucumbers and grilled artichokes. It takes a little time in the preparation of each item, but you can cook the green beans, potatoes and eggs ahead of time. It’s a great dish for a potluck dinner or feeding a crowd. I recommend […]

Categories: Appetizer, Beans, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Steam

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Easy Poached Fish Fillets

May 13, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal, this spicy tomato poached fish is perfect for you! We try to eat fish often and poaching is a healthy way to cook fish with firm white flesh. I used haddock fillets but cod, flounder, and halibut are good choices too. Poaching is a method of cooking using moist heat by submerging food in liquid and heating it at a low temperature. My poaching liquid is a combination of water and […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Pan Sauce, Seafood • Tags: Poach

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Italian Wedding Soup

April 22, 2021 by pamflo

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 large batch of meatballs with a combination of pork and beef, and baked them in the oven, instead of the traditional step of simmering the meatballs in chicken broth. Delicious! Once the soup was done, I stored each soup component separately – the broth, meatballs and noodles in order […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Greens, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Simmer

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Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

April 8, 2021 by pamflo

Spring is here, although some days still feel like winter! Lately, I’ve been thinking about tomatoes as I gaze out at my stark little garden. With that thought in mind, I made this bright roasted tomato caprese salad, and topped it with a nut-free arugula and basil pesto. I just tossed whole cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh thyme sprigs and then roasted these little gems in the oven until they burst open. It’s funny that […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Side Dish • Tags: Roast

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Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Lunch Ideas

Sweet Potato Toast

Chilled Avocado Soup

Spicy Shrimp and Farro Bowl

Roasted Lamb Chops with Blood Oranges

Pan Seared Scallops

Spicy Chicken Chili

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Crispy Panko Crusted Chicken

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

Grilled Romaine Salad

Halloumi Caprese Salad

Yakitori-Style Chicken Thighs

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Sautéed Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Feta

Summer Fish Stew

Salad Niçoise

Easy Poached Fish Fillets

Italian Wedding Soup

Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad