Why You’ll Love This Sandwich

• Ready in under 15 minutes
• Packed with protein and healthy fats
• Sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory flavors in every bite
• Easy to customize with your favorite bagel and cheese
• Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a quick dinner

Tips & Variations

• Swap turkey for chicken or ham for a different twist.
• Pepper jack, cheddar, provolone, or Swiss all work great for this sandwich.
• Add sliced tomatoes or red onion for extra freshness and crunch.
• Want it warm and melty? Pop the assembled sandwich into a panini press for 2–3 minutes.

What to Serve With It

This sandwich pairs perfectly with:

• Sweet potato fries
• Fresh fruit
• Pasta salad
• Chips and pickles
• A simple side salad

Storage

The honey mustard sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, assemble the sandwich fresh before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Turkey Avocado Bacon Bagel Sandwich is one of those easy recipes you’ll keep coming back to. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet — everything you want in a satisfying sandwich. Perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a quick homemade meal that tastes restaurant-quality.

Honey Mustard Turkey Avocado Bacon Sandwich

This Honey Mustard Turkey Avocado Bacon Bagel Sandwich is loaded with savory turkey, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, peppery arugula, melty cheese, and a homemade honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

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Ingredients

Sandwich

• 1 bagel of choice
• 3–4 slices turkey
• 1 slice cheese of choice
• 2–3 slices crispy bacon
• Arugula
• 1/4 avocado, sliced or mashed

Honey Mustard Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
2. Toast the bagel until golden brown or layer the turkey, cooked bacon, and one slice of provolone on and toast until the cheese is melted
3. Layer turkey, cheese, bacon (if you haven’t already), avocado, and arugula onto the bottom half of the bagel
4. Spread the honey mustard sauce generously on both halves of the toasted bagel.
5. Top with the remaining bagel half and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
• Add tomato or red onion for additional crunch and freshness.
• The honey mustard sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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If you’re looking for a quick high-protein lunch idea that actually tastes amazing, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to. Packed with lean protein, bold buffalo flavor, and a creamy texture without heavy mayo, this recipe is perfect for anyone trying to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

Lately, I’ve been focusing on easy healthy lunch recipes that don’t require a ton of prep—and this one checks every box. It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in minutes, and is ideal for meal prep, weight loss goals, or busy weekday lunches.

Buffalo Chicken Salad (High-Protein & Easy)

This healthy buffalo chicken salad is a lighter twist on the classic. Instead of mayonnaise, we use cottage cheese, which adds creaminess while boosting the protein content even more. Combined with shredded chicken and crunchy veggies, it creates a satisfying, balanced meal you’ll actually crave.

Great for meal prep
High protein
Low carb & gluten-free (depending on how you serve it)
Ready in just 10 minutes

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Salad

Making this easy buffalo chicken salad couldn’t be simpler:

1. Shred your cooked chicken and chop the celery and green onions into small pieces.
2. Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
3. Stir everything together until fully combined and creamy.

In just a few minutes, you’ll have a high-protein chicken salad that’s ready to eat or store for later.

Best Ways to Serve Buffalo Chicken Salad

One of the reasons this recipe is on repeat in my house is its versatility. You can enjoy it in multiple ways depending on your preferences:

• As a buffalo chicken wrap for an easy grab-and-go lunch
• On whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich
• With crackers for a quick snack or light meal
• Over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb, keto-friendly option
• With celery sticks or bell peppers for extra crunch

This makes it perfect whether you’re planning healthy lunch ideas for work, quick meals at home, or even a protein-packed snack.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

If you’re into meal prepping healthy lunches, this recipe is a must-try. It stores beautifully and tastes even better after the flavors meld together.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
• Stir before serving for best texture
• Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches

Having this ready in your fridge makes it much easier to stay consistent with healthy eating habits throughout the week.

Why This is a Great High-Protein Lunch

Protein is key for staying full, supporting muscle recovery, and maintaining energy levels throughout the day. This buffalo chicken salad delivers a powerful protein punch thanks to both the chicken and cottage cheese.

It’s a great option if you’re looking for:

• High-protein meal prep recipes
• Low-carb lunch ideas
• Healthy chicken recipes for weight loss
• Quick and easy meals that don’t require cooking every day

Tips for Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Salad

Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy variations:

• Add shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrients
• Mix in a little ranch or Greek yogurt for a milder flavor
• Use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie for a smokier taste
• Adjust buffalo sauce to control the spice level

You can easily make this recipe your own while keeping it healthy, high-protein, and delicious.

If you’ve been stuck in a lunch rut or need new easy lunch ideas, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is a total game-changer. It’s quick, flavorful, and keeps you full for hours—exactly what a great lunch should do.

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Salad

A quick and easy high-protein buffalo chicken salad made with shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and bold buffalo flavor. Perfect for meal prep and healthy lunches.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

Serves

4 servings

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Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped green onion
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Method

• Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
• Chop the celery and green onion, then add to the bowl with the chicken.
• Add cottage cheese, buffalo sauce, and lemon juice.
• Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Mix everything together until fully combined and creamy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for later.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Stir before serving for best texture.
• Adjust buffalo sauce for more or less heat.
• Great served in wraps, sandwiches, lettuce cups, or with crackers.

 

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Grab These Football Punch Buckets

You can grab the football punch buckets here on Amazon!

*Note I may earn a small commission from a purchase

It comes together in minutes, serves a crowd, and looks just as good on your snack table as it tastes. Bonus: it’s mocktail-friendly, so everyone can join in on the fun.

Why You’ll Love This Game Day Punch

• Quick & easy — one pitcher, no complicated steps
• Refreshing & crowd-pleasing — fruity with a splash of sparkle
• Make it boozy or booze-free — perfect for all guests
• Game-ready — prep ahead so you don’t miss a play

The Ultimate Drink for Game Day Hosting

When it comes to game day drinks, convenience is key. You don’t want to be stuck behind the bar while the action is happening on the screen. That’s why a large-batch punch like this one is perfect for football parties.

You can mix everything together in one pitcher or punch bowl, set it out with garnishes, and let guests help themselves. It’s a stress-free option that looks impressive without requiring any bartending skills.

This football punch recipe is especially great if you’re serving a crowd, since it can easily be doubled or tripled depending on how many fans you’re hosting.

What Makes This Super Bowl Punch So Good

This punch strikes the perfect balance between sweet, citrusy, and bubbly. The pineapple and orange juices bring natural sweetness, the lemon juice adds brightness, and the prosecco keeps things light and refreshing. A splash of grenadine not only enhances the flavor but also gives the punch a bold, festive color that looks great on any game day table.

The rum adds warmth and depth, but it’s subtle enough that the punch stays smooth and easy to sip—ideal for long games and second (or third) refills.

Mocktail-Friendly for Every Guest

One of the best things about this Super Bowl Football Punch is how easy it is to make non-alcoholic. Simply swap the prosecco for ginger ale and skip the rum. The result is still fizzy, fruity, and totally delicious.

This makes it a great option if you’re hosting kids, designated drivers, or guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. You can even serve both versions side by side so everyone feels included.

Make-Ahead & Serving Tips

To keep this punch tasting its best, chill all of your ingredients ahead of time. If you’re prepping early, mix everything except the prosecco (or ginger ale) and add the bubbles right before kickoff to keep it fizzy.

Serve the punch in a clear pitcher or punch bowl so guests can see the vibrant color, and garnish just before serving with orange slices, lemon wheels, and maraschino cherries for a polished, party-ready look.

Perfect for More Than Just the Super Bowl

While this recipe is perfect for Super Bowl Sunday, it’s also great for:

• Football Sundays
• Playoff parties
• Tailgates
• Game nights
• Casual get-togethers with friends

Anytime you need an easy punch recipe for a crowd, this one delivers.

Super Bowl Football Punch (The Ultimate Game Day Drink)

This easy Super Bowl Football Punch is the ultimate game day drink. Made with prosecco, rum, pineapple juice, and citrus, it’s refreshing, bubbly, and perfect for serving a crowd. Includes a simple mocktail option.

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Ingredients

Punch Bowl

• 1 (750 ml) bottle prosecco*

• ½ cup rum*

• 2 cups pineapple juice

• 1 cup orange juice

• ½ cup lemon juice

• ¼ cup grenadine

Optional Garnishes

• Orange slices

• Maraschino cherries

• Lemon wheels

Method

• Add all ingredients to a large pitcher or punch bowl.

• Stir gently until well combined.

• Serve immediately and top with optional garnishes.

Notes

• Mocktail option: Swap the prosecco for ginger ale and omit the rum.

• For best results, add prosecco (or ginger ale) just before serving to keep the punch bubbly.

• Easily double or triple this recipe for larger parties.

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The post Touchdown Punch (The Ultimate Game Day Drink) appeared first on Choosing Balance.

Label all of your baking and cooking dishes ahead of time 

This helps you avoid a last minute scramble to find the perfect dish! Just make sure you remember to remove the labels before baking haha. This helps you from that last minute panic when you go to put your brownie ingredients in a pan only to realize you used it for a casserole earlier in the day. It takes less than 5 minutes to do but can seriously save the day!

Make your house smell like fall. 

This simple simmer pot is a natural and easy way to make your house smell amazing with minimal effort. Seriously, it’s like having your favorite fall candle lit but 10x better. 

Recipe: 2 apples, sliced + 2 oranges, sliced + 3 cinnamon sticks + sprinkle of nutmeg and cloves + 1 tsp vanilla + water to cover everything 

Refresh your carpets

Make your house feel refreshed with a simple sprinkle of baking soda on rugs and carpets. Sprinkle baking soda, let sit for 15 minutes, vacuum up, and then- clean and fresh carpets!

Simply Dishes 

I love Seventh Generation’s foaming dish spray on hand to make cleaning dishes so much easier! You seriously just spray, wipe, & rinse and your dishes are clean. Plus the ingredients are great so you have a safer option for cleaning all your dishes. Linked here.

Create Drink Labels 

You can go as extra or as simple as you want with this. I used gift tags I grabbed at target! Spend a few minutes creating labels for drinks to avoid confusion among guests and cut down on drink waste.

I hope these 5 hosting tips will make your holiday season more enjoyable! Just a little bit of planning ahead can make you feel less stressed and more excited to spend time with your loved ones. Let me know if you try any of these, or if there’s anything else you would add!

The post 5 Hosting Tips appeared first on Choosing Balance.

Outfit linked here!

Day 1: Travel Day + Hiking

This day was dedicated to traveling to Arizona! We had a little time to hike and relax, too. We flew into Phoenix, but then had to rent a car to drive to Sedona, which took about 2 hours! Before we checked into our Airbnb -which we LOVED!- we decided to go for a hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Day 1 Hike: Fay Canyon Trail (2.3 miles, fairly easy!)

This was an out & back hike which is always nice with a baby because you can turn around easier. 

Late Lunch: We grabbed a bit to eat at SaltRock Restaurant. We had the lobster tacos, chips, guac, & salsa, and their margaritas. The view here was so beautiful! And their margaritas were my favorite in Sedona.

Day 2: Hiking + Delicious Food

Breakfast: We grabbed coffee and breakfast at Local Juicery. This is a must!! Their Local Coffee drink is a coffee drink blended with almond butter. Omg it is unreal! Their smoothie bowls are also delicious. We went there almost every morning!

Hike: Gordon’s Ridge Via Boyton Canyon Trail (4.4 miles)

Overall this hike was moderate, I didn’t think it was difficult until the end. I didn’t go up into subway cave with Palmer but Eli did! It’s not difficult to get to just not very baby friendly.

Outfit linked here! 

Lunch: After the hike we enjoyed a late lunch at Whole Foods. Their sandwich bar is so underrated! Just good, simple, healthy food.

Dinner: We kept it simple and had pizza takeout for dinner from Pisa Lisa. So good! there’s nothing better than some pizza after a day of hiking and staying active. 

Day 3: Hiking + Pool Time

Hike: Chicken Point Via Broken Arrow to High on the Hog (4.6 miles)

This hike was moderately difficult but we found it manageable enough with a baby and saw another family with a baby. There was hardly anyone on this trail but it was our favorite of the trip!

The views the entire time were amazing. I can’t believe how incredible Arizona is! 

Lunch: We had a late lunch at Hideaway House. It’s 5 minutes away from the trailhead! I ordered the shrimp gnocchi and it was delicious! Their prickly pear margarita was super refreshing after the hike too. This spot was the best spot for views while eating that we went to! 

Dinner: After this we just went back to the airbnb, swam and ate leftovers for dinner. We were feeling pretty tired from all the adventure! 

Day 4: Rest Day + Jerome Excursion

Breakfast: We ate a wonderful breakfast at Mesa Grill! It was nice to just take some time to eat and enjoy, without being in a rush to the next activity.

This was our rest day! We had a chill morning and just relaxed at the Airbnb. We swam in the pool, relaxed, and just took it easy after a few busy days. 

Jerome Excursion: We went to Jerome for the afternoon. This is a super unique and funky town about 45 mins away from Sedona. They call it a ghost town but it was fun to walk in all the shops! The drive there is really pretty too. It was nice to do something a little different but still cool. 

Lunch: We had a late lunch at Haunted Hamburger in Jerome. It was a fun, themed meal that fit the trip perfectly.

Day 5: Hike + Drive To Lake Powell

This was our last day in Sedona! We checked out of our Airbnb and decided to get one last hike in to take in the breathtaking scenery before heading off to Lake Powell.

Hike: Seven Sacred Pools Via Soliders Pass to Brins Mesa Loop (5 miles)

This trail was moderate but it felt very baby friendly. I would definitely recommend it!

Outfit linked here! 

Lunch: We had a late lunch at Sedona Beer Company, close to the trailhead. This was another fun outdoor dining spot. 

Travel: After the hike and lunch, it was time to head out and drive to Lake Powell in Page, Arizona. The total drive was 3 1/2 hour without stops. Palmer was amazing the entire trip but she struggled on this car ride. It was about 2 hours of a screaming, unhappy baby. But, we all lived to tell the tale and we arrived at Under Canvas Lake Powell, where we stayed for this leg of the trip.

Day 6: Lake Powell Activities

This was our day of activities! We had a few bucket list things to check off. First, we went to Horseshoe Bend. This was so pretty but it was so crowded. I loved seeing it but it was a short stop since it was so packed. I didn’t want to stick around too long. 

Then we went to Antelope Canyon, which was incredible! Pictures can’t do it justice. It was unreal to see in person. 

Outfit linked here!

This is the kind of place you see in National Geographic. The natural beauty of it is breathtaking. But again, it was so crowded. We did Upper Antelope Canyon with Palmer because we had heard that lower antelope canyon was hard to get to. I would’ve done lower antelope canyon without a baby, though.  

Dinner: We wanted to keep it simple and easy after a busy day. Under Canvas had great food so we went back and enjoyed dinner there. 

Day 7: Last Full Day

This was our last full day and it was one of my favorite days of the trip. A perfect end to a perfect vacation! 

First, we did a boat tour on Lake Powell. We went EARLY at 8am and it was the BEST time of day for Palmer. The tour company we used was Lake Powell Experience and we loved our tour guide Lans! I would highly recommend this. We did a 2 hour tour but I wish we had done a longer boat day- it was so much fun! Then we rested for a bit and went for a hike in the later afternoon. 

Hike: Buck Tank Draw and Birthday Arch (4.2 miles)

Outfit linked here! 

This hike was moderately difficult and it wasn’t the best marked trail. We ended up not making it to birthday arch because it was too steep with Palmer but it was still a fun hike! This was right by Under Canvas which was super convenient. 

Dinner: Since we had a good routine going, we kept it easy and enjoyed a dinner at Under Canvas again. 

Day 8: Travel Day

Since we were flying out of Phoenix again, we had to make the 4.5 hour drive from Page. We left early to make sure we had plenty of time! It was hard to leave such a beautiful place.

Overall this was an amazing trip and I thought it was totally doable with a 7 month old. Of course we had to keep our plans flexible with her but I love seeing the world through her eyes. Where have you traveled with a baby?! We need more ideas! 

The post Sedona and Lake Powell Travel Guide appeared first on Choosing Balance.

What You Will Need For This Recipe:

Ginger beer 

Cranberry juice 

Orange juice 

Oranges

Cranberries

Rosemary

Sugar

Other Healthy Recipes To Try:

Sugar Cookie Baked Oats

These sugar cookie baked oats are gluten free, vegan, and so easy to make! One of my favorite breakfasts of 2021 because it legit takes like a sugar cookie. Top with a little bit of icing & you can’t go wrong! I added festive sprinkles when I made them to make them even more sugar cookie-like!

Healthy Hot Chocolate

A 4 ingredient healthy hot chocolate recipe. All you need for this recipe are 4 ingredients you probably have on hand. It’s also vegan if you follow that lifestyle! I love topping it with some coconut milk whipped cream to keep it dairy free. You can find it at Walmart!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Skillet

This peanut butter chocolate cookie skillet is the perfect dessert recipe. The skillet makes the cookie bars slightly crispy but still soft. I added lots of chocolate chips on top because you can never have too many. It’s gluten free too so if you follow a gluten free diet this will be perfect for you.

Cranberry Ginger Mocktail

A tasty and easy mocktail! I love a good mocktail and had so much fun last year when I was pregnant making them. This one only requires 3 ingredients but I highly suggest making some fun add ins to spice it up! 

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

0 Minutes

Serves

2

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups ginger beer 

3/4 cup cranberry juice 

1/3 cup orange juice

Method

Drinks:

Mix together and serve over ice 

Cranberry ice cubes: 

Add diced oranges, rosemary, and fresh cranberries to ice cube trays 

Fill the rest of the way with cranberry juice 

Freeze for a few hours 

Add to your drinks and enjoy! 

Sugared rosemary: 

Dip the rosemary in water then roll them in sugar 

Lay them on a plate 

Let them dry before adding to your drink!

Did You Make This?

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What You Will Need For This Recipe:

Lemon juice 

Pasta (I use chickpea pasta for more protein) 

Pesto (I used the Trader Joe’s vegan pesto) 

Parmesan cheese

Red pepper flakes

Other Healthy Recipes To Make:

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad, a recipe packed with protein & veggies! I used chickpea pasta to give it some extra protein but you’ll get plenty from the salmon if you want to use regular pasta.

Gluten Free & Vegan Vodka Pasta

This gluten free and vegan vodka pasta is a delicious and healthier spin on the classic pasta recipe. I love making plant based versions of my favorite recipes. This pasta is creamy and has a great flavor. You can use any pasta you want but I used gluten free chickpea pasta to pack in some extra protein.

Vegan Tortellini Pasta Salad Meal Prep

This vegan tortellini pasta salad meal prep is another easy and healthy lunch recipe. Or dinner. Or even a side dish! It works for so many different meals. 

Lemon Salmon Pasta

A light, delicious, simple pasta recipe with flakey lemon salmon, parmesan cheese, and a little bit of spice.

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Serves

4

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Ingredients

1 pound salmon filets (I cut mine into 4 pieces) 

1/2 tbsp lemon juice 

16 ounces pasta (I use chickpea pasta for more protein) 

1 cup pesto (I used the Trader Joe’s vegan pesto) 

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some spice

Method

1: Preheat oven to 400F 

2: Spread 1/3 cup pesto on top of the salmon 

3: Bake for 12 minutes at 400F 

4: While the salmon cooks, boil water for the pasta 

5: Cook the pasta al dente 

6: Drain the pasta (save a little bit of pasta water) 

7: Add cooked pasta to a bowl 

8: Add cooked salmon (cut into pieces) 

9: Add the rest of the pesto 

10: Add cheese (I did a mix of grated and shaved. I would recommend grated cheese if you only have one option!) 

11: Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes 

12: Stir everything together, top with more cheese 

13: Serve and enjoy!

Did You Make This?

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What You Will Need For This Recipe

Salmon 

Pepper

Salt

Onion powder 

Garlic powder

Paprika

Cayenne pepper 

Thyme 

Chipotle powder (optional) 

Maple syrup 

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar 

Chopped strawberries 

Salt and pepper 

Spring mix 

Onions 

Feta 

Pecans

What To Add In The Salad: 

I love adding fruit to certain salads which I know isn’t for everyone. But I think with this strawberry balsamic vinaigrette, it works! Strawberries, blueberries, & blackberries are perfect additions with the blackened salmon and dressing. I also recommend adding some type of cheese & nut. I like using feta and pecans in this salad but you can use whatever sounds good to you!

Other Healthy Recipes

Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon

One of my favorite recipes and it only takes 15 minutes to make! I absolutely love this air fryer with honey sriracha salmon. It is perfect paired with cauliflower rice or regular rice. It has an avocado pineapple salsa on top that is versatile so save that recipe to use on a bunch of other recipes! You will want to make this salmon once a week. Not only is it so tasty, you don’t have to turn on your oven.

Healthy 30 Minute Strawberry Jalapeño Chicken

This healthy 30 minute strawberry jalapeño chicken is the best easy and healthy meal. The chicken has a cilantro lime marinade and is topped with an easy strawberry jalapeno salsa.

Salmon Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

This salmon salad with green goddess dressing is a 15 minute meal that is so tasty! You don’t need a ton of time or ingredients to make this meal. Also who says you have to just make it a salad? Make the salmon and the dressing to throw in a wrap, sandwich, etc. The possibilities are endless! I like that this dressing is oil free, it feels a little lighter for spring and summer.

Healthy Orange Chicken

This healthy orange chicken is the recipe you need to save some money and replace your favorite takeout. I love a good takeout dinner but it’s always nice to have a recipe to make a healthier version at home.

Blackened Salmon Salad With Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

This blackened salmon is made in the air fryer which makes it so crispy on the outside and only takes 12 minutes to make.

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

12 Minutes

Serves

3

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Ingredients

Salmon:

1 fillet of salmon 

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp onion powder 

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 

1/2 tsp thyme 

1/4 tsp chipotle powder (optional) 

Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1 tbsp maple syrup 

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

1 tsp apple cider vinegar 

1/2 cup chopped strawberries 

Salt and pepper 

Other:

Strawberries

Spring mix

Onions

Feta 

Pecans

Method

Mix the spices for the salmon in a small bowl

Brush the salmon with olive oil and seasoning

Air fry at 400F for 12 minutes

While the salmon cooks, add the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

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The post Blackened Salmon Salad With Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette appeared first on Choosing Balance.

What You Will Need For This Recipe:

Blueberries

Cherry tomatoes

Fresh mozzarella

Basil

Balsamic vinegar

Olive oil

Salt & pepper

Other Healthy Recipes To Make:

Cinnamon Roll Muffins

Cinnamon rolls will forever be a breakfast favorite over here. We used to eat those canned Pillsbury cinnamon rolls on holidays. My mom would make extra icing to put on top and you can’t convince me there’s anything better than extra icing. If you’re looking for a healthy way to recreate cinnamon rolls at home but don’t want to go through all the trouble of actually making them- these muffins are your answer. These cinnamon roll muffins are paleo, gluten free, and absolutely delicious.

Other Fourth of July Recipes:

Sharing a roundup of my favorite snacks, desserts, side dishes, and main dishes for the long weekend ahead! Click on the title of each recipe and it will take you straight to the recipe. Hope you all have a safe long weekend. Enjoy these Fourth of July Recipes!

Bacon, Avocado, & Roasted Corn Salad

A flavorful, healthy side dish to spice up the normal salad you’d bring to a bbq or cookout. This bacon, avocado, and roasted corn salad is packed with flavor but doesn’t require much work to make. Now when you say you’re bringing the salad, you can surprise people with this tasty dish!

Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad, a recipe packed with protein & veggies! I used chickpea pasta to give it some extra protein but you’ll get plenty from the salmon.

4th of July Caprese Salad

The easiest Fourth of July appetizer! Blueberry, mozzarella, tomatoes, & basil caprese salad. It takes just a few minutes to throw together.

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Serves

8

Print Recipe

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Ingredients

1 cup blueberries

2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut into 1/4s

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, optional to cut into stars 

2 tbsp fresh basil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

Method

Assemble the tomatoes, basil, blueberries, mozzarella, & spices into a bowl 

Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic on top & toss to mix 

Arrange on a plate & serve!

Did You Make This?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

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What You Need For This Recipe:

cooked chicken 

greek yogurt 

avocados 

red onion 

garlic powder 

chopped cilantro 

lime

Salt

Other Healthy Recipe:

15 Minute Vegan Tomato Soup

This healthy 15 minute vegan tomato soup is the easy fall recipe you need! It pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese or some crackers. In my opinion, every bowl of tomato soup needs a grilled cheese to dip into it. I love easy meals and this one is so simple plus it’s packed with veggies. It reheats well if you are looking for a healthy meal prep lunch or dinner!

15 Minute Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers

Here is an easy recipe you will love! These 15 Minute Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers are a vegan, gluten free dinner that is so quick. Add your favorite burger toppings and this will be your new favorite dinner!

Apple Turkey Burgers

Another 15 minute easy, healthy dinner recipe! These apple turkey burgers just scream fall and are perfect topped with cheese, onions, basically anything you would put in your favorite fall salad. They also freeze well for a healthy meal prep for the week!

Paleo and Gluten Free Burger Bowls

These paleo and gluten free burger bowls are another healthy 15 minute lunch or dinner for you! With a homemade burger sauce, you can’t go wrong with this recipe! I love putting this burger sauce on not only these paleo and gluten free burger bowls but also regular burgers.

15 Minute Chicken & Avocado Salad

15 minute chicken avocado salad

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken (cubed small)
1/4 cup greek yogurt
2 avocados
1/3 cup diced red onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Method

Either cook the chicken ahead of time or heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil when it’s hot. Season two chicken breasts with 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side (until internal temp is 165F)
Remove, let it cool a little, then cut into cubes.
Rotisserie chicken works super well!
Add the cooked chicken in a mixing bowl along with the avocado, garlic powder, Greek yogurt, cilantro, onion, salt, & lime juice. Mash the avocado & stir everything together. That’s it! To keep it fresh, squeeze a little more lime juice on top! Keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge!

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What You Need For This Recipe:

chicken breasts

orange juice

honey

coconut aminos 

garlic powder 

ginger 

sriracha

red pepper flakes 

Salt and pepper

arrowroot flour/powder 

Other Healthy Recipes:

Air Fryer Honey Sriracha Salmon

One of my favorite recipes and it only takes 15 minutes to make! I absolutely love this air fryer with honey sriracha salmon. It is perfect paired with cauliflower rice or regular rice. It has an avocado pineapple salsa on top that is versatile so save that recipe to use on a bunch of other recipes! You will want to make this salmon once a week. Not only is it so tasty, you don’t have to turn on your oven.

Vegan Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These vegan taco stuffed zucchini boats are ready in under 30 minutes and made with only 5 ingredients! You can add whatever toppings you want, I did avocado and vegan feta cheese. I’m not vegan personally but we do meatless mondays over here so I like coming up with vegan recipes. This recipe is the perfect easy dinner for a meatless monday or any night of the week. Hope you enjoy these vegan taco stuffed zucchini boats. If you try these, make sure you leave a review and any substitutions you made!

Easy Gluten Free Pasta Salad

I love this easy gluten free pasta salad recipe because it’s loaded with vegetables and really simple to make. All you have to do is boil some pasta and chop your veggies, that’s it! I like simple recipes in the summer because who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when it’s so hot? No thank you. This recipe doesn’t require you to turn your oven on either which is nice.

Salmon Salad with Green Goddess Dressing

This salmon salad with green goddess dressing is a 15 minute meal that is so tasty! You don’t need much time or many ingredients to make this meal. Also who says you have to just make it a salad?! Make the salmon and the dressing to throw in a wrap, sandwich, etc. The possibilities are endless! I like that this dressing is oil free, it feels a little lighter for summer!

Healthy Orange Chicken

gluten free and healthy orange chicken

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Ingredients

• 2–3 chicken breasts (2 large or 3 small)
• 1 1/2 cups orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2–3 tbsp arrowroot flour/powder

Method

1. In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice, honey, coconut aminos, ginger, salt & pepper, red pepper flakes, sriracha, and garlic powder.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into cubes
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat
4. Add olive oil and the chicken
5. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, until it’s cooked all the way through.
6. Add the small bowl of sauce on top.
7. Let the mixture simmer before you add the arrowroot flour.
8. Add in the arrowroot flour and stir for a few minutes as the sauce thickens.
9. Add more as needed about 1/2 tbsp at a time if you need more! Remove and serve over rice, I prepared mine when I cooked the chicken!

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Recipe Tips:

I cooked the egg mixture in donut bans but you can use a casserole dish as well and cut the egg into small squares. Cooking time will vary a little bit! But you definitely don’t need donut pans to make these sandwiches. You can also add any vegetables you want into the eggs.

You can add bacon or sausage to these, both freeze well!

Reheating:

To reheat these sandwiches, you should try the water trick. Add a small mug of water in the microwave along with the sandwich. The water helps keep the bread from getting hard. If you try it, let me know how it works out for you!

Other Healthy Recipes:

Vegan Cinnamon Roll Minis

These gluten free and vegan cinnamon roll minis are so easy to make and so fun. Do you remember when Mcdonald’s had cinnamon rolls, I think they were called cinnamelts? Oh my gosh those were delicious. These kind of remind me of those, little perfect bites of cinnamon rolls. You make the icing for this recipe with just two simple ingredients. This recipe is my go to icing recipe!

Sheet Pan Pancakes

These gluten free sheet pan pancakes are the dream meal prep breakfast recipe! Have pancakes every morning of the week with this easy meal prep. Top the pancakes 4 different ways for a little variety all week long too. This would be a great kid friendly recipe too! I love meal prepping breakfasts and I can imagine if you have kids it makes mornings a lot easier too! What you need to make these pancakes: oat flour, eggs, yogurt, and more. I paired them with yogurt and peanut butter every day.

Vegan “Egg” Cups

These vegan egg cups are a healthy, delicious meal prep breakfast recipe. Made with chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and lots of veggies! Plus you can add in any veggies you want so you can just use whatever you have on hand. Perfect paired with some salsa or some avocado.

Cinnamon Roll Donuts

These cinnamon roll donuts are two of the best breakfast items combined into one! Paleo, gluten free, and baked vs fried. Made with almond flour, coconut flour, sweetened with maple syrup, and topped with a delicious coconut butter mixture. They’re perfect served warm, eaten room temp, or cold. The icing will harden if you put them in the fridge which tastes delicious! Hope you all enjoy donuts as much as I do because they’re the most made treat around here haha.

Freezer Healthy Breakfast Sandwiches

Healthy Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches. A healthy meal prep breakfast recipe that makes 12 sandwiches in 30 minutes. #mealprep #healthymealprep #breakfastmealprep #healthymealprep #breakfastsandwiches #mealprepping #breakfastrecipes #healthyliving

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Serves

12 sandwiches

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Ingredients

• 11 Eggs
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1 tsp garlic
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

Other:

• 1 package of bacon
• 12 english muffins

Method

1. Mix together the eggs and spices. Then add in milk, spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.
2. Grease 2 donut pans or you can use a casserole dish! If you use a casserole dish, cut them into 12 pieces when you’re done, it should be similar cooking times!
3. Bake at 400F for 20 minutes
4. Bake 1 package of bacon at 400F for 20-25 minutes at the same time
5. Assemble your sandwiches
6. Wrap in foil
7. Freeze at least overnight up to 3 months.
8. Reheat with a small glass of water in the microwave or in the air fryer/toaster oven!

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The post Freezer Healthy Breakfast Sandwiches appeared first on Choosing Balance.

You can use a bunch of different veggies in this recipe. You can use cucumbers, peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, a lot of veggies you’d have on hand would work! Feel free to get creative and switch things up.

What’s your go to dish to bring to a bbq or backyard party? I always struggle with this because you never want to bring a dish no one eats. You have to consider the occasion, what most people like to eat, and how hot it will be haha. This pasta salad is perfect for so many occasions and crowds! I hope you enjoy this easy pasta salad recipe!

Other Healthy Recipes:

Healthy Strawberry Jalapeno Chicken:

This healthy 30 minute strawberry jalapeño chicken is the best easy and healthy summer meal. The chicken has a cilantro lime marinade and is topped with an easy strawberry jalapeno salsa. I have been dreaming up so many strawberry jalapeño dishes lately and this one is so delicious!  

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Another salad recipe that is great during the summer but honestly year round! I love honey mustard anything so this salad always hits the spot.

Buffalo Chickpea Salad

hese roasted buffalo chickpeas are great on top of this salad, thrown into a tacos, or just great on their own! I love making this buffalo chickpea salad for an easy 20 minute meal or for a vegan meal prep for the week!

Easy Gluten Free Pasta Salad

Easiest Healthy Pasta Salad (gluten free). An easy healthy summer recipe to bring to a bbq, summer party, backyard get together, etc. Easy healthy recipe to make for a crowd. #easyrecipes #pastasalad #summerrecipes

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Ingredients

• 12 ounce chickpea pasta
• 1 diced avocado
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella
• 1/3 cup sliced tomatoes
• 1/3 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions
2. Add in all the veggies
3. Add olive oil and the spices
4. Mix with a spatula
5. Serve!

Did You Make This?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

The post Easy Gluten Free Pasta Salad appeared first on Choosing Balance.