Category Archives: Vegetables

Lentil and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

January 3, 2019 by pamflo

Happy 2019! The weather feels more seasonal in Boston with the temperature dropping this week. Start the year with this warm and comforting salad that’s easy to make. Lentils are a legume filled with fiber and protein. When combined with butternut squash, a nutrient-dense vegetable, this healthy dish will brighten the cold winter months. Green lentils tend to hold their shape better than red lentils when cooked, and are ideal for salads or mixed with other grains. This recipe is […]

Categories: Beans/Legumes, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Leave a comment

Grilled Mushroom Eggs “Benedict”

December 27, 2018 by pamflo

Preparing for a holiday brunch? Here is an easy and delicious dish to add to your menu. Although this recipe doesn’t have a classic hollandaise sauce, it has an avocado sauce that is a healthier version for sure! Instead of toast or an english muffin, I filled a big portobello mushroom with bacon, a poached egg and topped it with an easy avocado puree. Over a bed of lettuce or topped with fresh chopped herbs this is a perfect breakfast.

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dips/Sauces, Eggs, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Grill, Whiz

Leave a comment

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

November 29, 2018 by pamflo

Need an idea for an easy weeknight dinner? I created healthy recipes using beautiful artisan greens for a sustainable produce company. This dish has all the wonderful flavors of tacos, but with lettuce leaves as the shell. Serve these yummy lettuce wraps with salsa, fresh guacamole, shredded cheese and fresh cilantro. I also roasted bell peppers and onions in olive oil, salt, pepper and a dash of sherry vinegar to serve with the wraps. The cayenne pepper provides the heat and […]

Categories: Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Sautéed Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

November 15, 2018 by pamflo

Green beans are a Thanksgiving staple, and this dish is fun and easy to make. Even if you’re not hosting or contributing a dish for the holiday, this green bean dish elevates a weeknight dinner to something a bit more special. I prefer a two step process when cooking green beans. The first step is blanching which is a quick dip of about 3-4 minutes in rapidly boiling salted water, then into an icy cold water bath to halt the […]

Categories: Beans, Cooking Tips, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Blanch, Sauté

Leave a comment

Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

November 1, 2018 by pamflo

Pumpkin purée is low in calories, high in nutrients and readily available. It is a great source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin A. Don’t mistakenly purchase pumpkin pie filling which is spiced and already sweetened. Canned pumpkin is cooked and pureed pumpkin flesh, nothing more. I usually grab a few extra cans this time of year for soups/chilis, pancakes/waffles, as an addition to oatmeal, and of course baked goods. I thought it might be fun to make a fall inspired pumpkin […]

Categories: Beverage, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Low Sugar, Smoothies/Shakes, Vegetables • Tags: Whiz

Leave a comment

Kale, Red Pepper and Sausage Sauté

October 25, 2018 by pamflo

As we head into November, many of the outdoor Farmers Markets in the Boston area are coming to a close. With one last run, I purchased all the ingredients for this dish. This one-pot meal is a quick and easy dinner idea. I also roasted beautiful, creamy fingerling potatoes to serve alongside the sauté. One nice thing about using crumbled sausage meat after removing the casings, is the meat is already seasoned and flavorful. Once you cook the sausage, leave some […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

Leave a comment

Delicious Chicken Soup

October 11, 2018 by pamflo

The leaves on the trees are changing into beautiful colors, although it still feels like summer in Boston. The start of flu season is coming and though not a cure for the common cold, chicken soup is certainly a way to ease the symptoms and make you feel better quicker. There are many recipes for chicken soup, but this one is foolproof and makes a beautiful and flavorful chicken broth. This broth is so delicious that you can drink it […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Simmer

Leave a comment

Sautéed Yellow Zucchini with Pistachios and Mint

October 4, 2018 by pamflo

What does sauté mean? It’s a method of cooking food over high heat in a little bit of hot fat. This is a great way to cook vegetables while still maintaining their flavor and texture. Choose a wide bottom pan so the vegetables aren’t overcrowded. A quick sauté in olive oil is my choice for this recipe, but a combo of olive oil and butter add a nice depth of flavor. Coconut oil is a good option. This is an easy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté

Leave a comment

Honey Glazed Rainbow Carrots

September 13, 2018 by pamflo

These beautiful multi-colored carrots provide a wallop of Vitamin A and a solid dose of Vitamin C. They make a perfect side dish for dinner or a great contribution to a holiday meal. When roasting vegetables, make sure the chunks or pieces of veggies are about the same size, so they’ll roast evenly. Save the slightly bitter carrot tops for a zippy pesto, fun addition to a salad or as a leafy green garnish for soup.

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

Summer Charcuterie Platter

August 30, 2018 by pamflo

Shopping at your local farmers market is the best way to connect to what is fresh and seasonal. It supports the local farmers and minimizes the impact on the earth, with less distance to travel to your plate. With the amazing array of produce and no cooking required, I assembled fresh fruits and vegetables paired with cheese and meat, accompanied by crispy crackers…and a glass of rosé wine! There is an unlimited choice of the freshest fruits and vegetables in […]

Categories: Appetizer, Fruit, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

Quinoa Veggie Bowl with a Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette

July 19, 2018 by pamflo

Some of the best salads I’ve had this summer have been a combination of vegetables, greens and grains with a protein. This is a very easy meal to prepare, especially if you recycle your leftovers. I composed my own bowl with leftover tri-colored quinoa and sautéed broccolini, fresh basil from my garden, sweet tomatoes, avocado and a hard boiled egg. Grains like brown rice, farro or freekeh work well. Add nuts or seeds for crunch or any type of greens […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Rice/Grains, Salads, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Whisk

Leave a comment

Frico Salad Cups

June 21, 2018 by pamflo

Called frico, these crisp cracker cups are made entirely of melted cheese. They’re easy to make and can elevate your cheese platter, make a beautiful salad holder, or just be a fun snack. It’s as simple as making mounds of cheese on a sheet tray and baking until melted and lightly browned. I placed the hot lacy crackers in an empty muffin tin to create a perfect serving bowl. I filled my cups with a fresh radish and cucumber salad, […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cheeses, Crackers, Dressing, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Provençal Tuna Salad

May 17, 2018 by pamflo

Pan Bagnant is a favorite French sandwich that literally means “bathed bread”. This popular sandwich is usually filled with many vibrant vegetables, hard boiled egg, canned tuna and then the bread is soaked in a zesty vinaigrette. With so many beautiful, nutrient dense ingredients, I thought it might be fun to deconstruct this sandwich and serve it as a salad. I roasted the peppers but you can use jarred roasted peppers instead. The dressing elevates an otherwise ordinary salad to […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Dressing, Eggs, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Salads, Seafood, Vegetables • Tags: No Cooking

Easy Veggie Frittata

May 10, 2018 by pamflo

A warm, custardy vegetable frittata is easier to make then you think! A great brunch idea for Mother’s Day, here are some tips that will help perfect your frittata. Use the right pan for the job, that is either a non-stick oven safe skillet or a well seasoned cast iron pan. After sautéing your potatoes and veggies until almost fully cooked on the stove top, add your vigorously whisked eggs to the pan and it will go into the oven […]

Categories: Appetizer, Breakfast Ideas, Cooking Tips, Eggs, Gluten Free, Greens, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Bake, Sauté

Root Vegetable Chips

May 5, 2018 by pamflo

Note to readers: I apologize and ask for your patience as I experiment with a new recipe format. This yummy root vegetable recipe was posted last week but was never emailed in my Thursday newsletter. Enjoy! Looking for a healthy way to enjoy potato chips? Making your own vegetable chips are healthier, simple and very rewarding. I took a combination of sweet potatoes, turnips and beautiful red beets sliced super thin, and roasted low and slow with just a little […]

Categories: Appetizer, Cooking Tips, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Pickled Cauliflower

April 19, 2018 by pamflo

Unable to get a taxi on a cold and rainy spring day many years ago, we decided to brave the weather and walk to a highly recommended Israeli restaurant. Although it’s located in New York’s trendy NoLita neighborhood, Balaboosta was so unassuming we walked by it twice before stepping inside. Small and homey with marvelous aromas coming from the kitchen, we immediately felt welcome. Our meal was so delicious that I bought chef Einat Admony’s cookbook and returned for dinner […]

Categories: Appetizer, Seeds, Side Dish, Spices, Vegetables • Tags: Boil, Fermented

Leave a comment

Shaved Asparagus Salad

April 12, 2018 by pamflo

Spring is here…I think?! Regardless of the crazy weather, the fresh, beautiful stalks of asparagus are in season. Asparagus is a great source of vitamin C and folate. This shaved asparagus salad is fresh and super easy to prepare. I briefly steamed the asparagus prior to shaving it into thin slices with a vegetable peeler. You are welcome to shave it raw, but a little heat increases the nutrient benefits. Trim the spears by snapping one and cutting the rest […]

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

Leave a comment

Zucchini and Lemon Pasta Salad

March 22, 2018 by pamflo

Adding lightly roasted zucchini really seems to elevate a dish. With a little imagination, the zucchini half-moons might remind you of eating candy! This is a delightful meal with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and fresh basil. Perfect for an easy lunch, or perhaps you serve it with a protein for a hearty dinner. It’s impressive that there are many brands of gluten-free pasta. It takes a little experimenting to find a brand where you like both […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

Spicy Skirt Steak Fajitas

February 22, 2018 by pamflo

Firing up your outdoor grill in Boston this week is not completely out of the question, as the temperature has been in the mid 60’s! These super tasty steak fajitas were grilled in my trusty stove-top grill pan. Both skirt and flank steak benefit from a few hours of marinating as they’re typically tougher cuts of meat. The secrets to juicy tender steak is letting the meat come to room temperature for about 30 minutes or so before cooking, and […]

Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Meat/Poultry, Vegetables • Tags: Grill, Marinate

Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Caper Sauce

January 4, 2018 by pamflo

Welcome to 2018! For many years I worked for Weight Watchers helping people achieve their weight loss goals, one step at a time. It was more about teaching people to establish a healthy lifestyle instead of just following another diet. There isn’t one plan that works for everyone. It’s about figuring out what works for you as an individual, based on your genetic makeup, preferences, food allergies and health issues. Although I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions, healthy […]

Categories: Appetizer, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Sear

Squash with an Egg-in-the-hole

November 2, 2017 by pamflo

Naturally low in fat and nutrient dense, winter squash is a healthy substitute for the toast in the classic breakfast dish of egg-in-the-hole. There’s a beautiful assortment of squash available and you can use any variety of winter squash, although acorn is the best with its sweet and tender flesh. These squash are small and heavy when ripe, with a tough outer skin that’s eatable after cooking. I used the small sweet dumpling squash as I was drawn to its […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Dairy Free, Eggs, Gluten Free, Lunch Ideas, Vegetables • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

← Older posts

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Vegetables

Lentil and Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

Grilled Mushroom Eggs “Benedict”

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sautéed Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes

Pumpkin and Apple Smoothie

Kale, Red Pepper and Sausage Sauté

Delicious Chicken Soup

Sautéed Yellow Zucchini with Pistachios and Mint

Honey Glazed Rainbow Carrots

Summer Charcuterie Platter

Quinoa Veggie Bowl with a Lemon Mustard Vinaigrette

Frico Salad Cups

Provençal Tuna Salad

Easy Veggie Frittata

Root Vegetable Chips

Pickled Cauliflower

Shaved Asparagus Salad

Zucchini and Lemon Pasta Salad

Spicy Skirt Steak Fajitas

Cauliflower Steaks with Lemon Caper Sauce

Squash with an Egg-in-the-hole