You’re going to love this one! 

What You Will Need For This Recipe:

Cooked quinoa

Mixed greens

Diced Apple

Peeled & Diced Orange

Pomegranate seeds

Pistachios 

Goat cheese

Apple cider vinegar 

Olive oil

Garlic powder 

Dijon mustard

Honey

Salt

Pepper

Other Healthy Recipes: 

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. The flavors are so summery which I love because I’m hanging onto summer for as long as possible, anyone else?

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!

Vegan & Gluten Free Caesar Pasta Salad

This vegan and gluten free caesar pasta salad is the perfect healthy side dish! I can’t wait to bring this to a bbq this summer. It’s so tasty, people won’t even know that it’s vegan and gluten free. Packed with fiber, nutrients, and flavor. You can use any caesar dressing but I like to make an extra creamy, homemade version.

Winter Quinoa Salad

Such an easy & tasty salad! Anything with goat cheese is my favorite. This salad doesn’t take long to make & it is delicious!

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Serves

4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Salad:

1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa

2 1/2 cups mixed greens

1 small apple, diced

1 orange, peeled &  diced

1/3 cup pomegranate seeds

1/3 cup pistachios 

2 ounces goat cheese

Dressing:

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder 

2 teaspoons dijon mustard

2 teaspoons honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions 
2. Let it cool then assemble the salad 
3. Add spinach, quinoa, orange slices, pomegranate seeds, apples, pistachios, & goat cheese to a large bowl 
4. Toss the salad 
5. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients together 
6. Pour over the tossed salad 
7. Serve & enjoy!

Did You Make This?

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

The post Winter Quinoa Salad appeared first on Choosing Balance.

What You Will Need:

Coconut Sugar

Water

Vanilla

Butter extract

Espresso 

Milk of choice

Other Healthy Recipes To Try:

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!

Healthy Frozen Coffee

This healthy frozen coffee is the best way to start your day! A fun and easy at home coffee drink that will make you feel like you’re at your favorite coffee shop. It’s ready in less than five minutes, packed with protein, and absolutely delicious! A great way to get some chocolate for breakfast too haha.

PB Chocolate Collagen Oatmeal Cups

I am all about easy, healthy breakfasts in the morning. A grab and go breakfast or snack is always a good choice. Do yourself a favor and make these on the weekend to have on hand to grab throughout the week. It’s a gluten free, chocolatey, protein packed breakfast. Is there any better combo than the peanut butter-chocolate one?! These PB Chocolate Collagen Oatmeal Cups are the perfect recipe to have on hand!

Sugar Cookie Latte

Let’s save some money and make your favorite Starbucks drink at home! You can make a big batch of this sugar cookie syrup to use for 2 weeks for a fraction of what it costs to get a coffee out!

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

5 Minutes

Serves

4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Syrup:

(Makes enough for 4 drinks) 

1/4 cup coconut sugar 

1/4 cup water 

3 tsp vanilla 

1/2 tsp butter extract

Sugar cookie latte:

1–2 tbsp sugar cookie syrup 

2 oz espresso 

1 cup milk of choice

Method

Sugar Cookie Syrup:

Add everything to a small pot and heat over medium heat until combined. It should only take a few minutes! 

Remove from heat, let cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

 

Sugar Cookie Latte:

Stir together 

Frothed milk on top + sprinkles

 

Did You Make This?

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

The post Sugar Cookie Latte appeared first on Choosing Balance.

What You Will Need For This Recipe

Vegan vanilla ice cream 

Spinach

Vegan vanilla protein powder –  It’s so hard to find protein that mixes well and isn’t chalky. I love Ritual’s vegan vanilla protein. It blends so well on its own or in recipes.  I have a discount code to save you 20% on your first purchase! It’s code PeytonP20 and it’s linked here! 

Peppermint extract 

Frozen bananas 

Vegan milk of choice

Topping Ideas

You can enjoy this shake on its own but I love adding some toppings. To make it feel more like a shamrock shake, add some crushed oreos on top and some almond milk whipped cream! 

Other Healthy Recipes

Vegan & Gluten Free PB&J Oat Loaf

Vegan & gluten free pb&j oat loaf! A healthy breakfast that is perfect to meal prep for the week. Is there anything more classic than a pb&j?!

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 used to have 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. The icing for this recipe is made with just two simple ingredients and is my go to icing recipe!

Vegan Banana Bread Bites

I love banana bread in any form but these bites just hit different. Mini form anything is just more fun and therefore tastier, right? Plus these are made with only 5 ingredients and are gluten free + vegan. We’ve been trying to eat more plant based recipes lately and these bites are a great plant based breakfast, snack, or dessert. Basically, these vegan banana bread bites are tasty any time of time!

Vegan Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

This vegan cinnamon roll smoothie is a great healthy breakfast that is ready in less than 5 minutes. Packed with healthy fats, carbs, and protein. This smoothie tastes like your favorite cinnamon roll but only has sugar from bananas! You can add in a little maple syrup if you want to make it sweeter. I added a yogurt rim with cinnamon which is so fun to do for smoothies.

Vegan Shamrock Shake

Easy vegan shamrock shake. You only need 6 ingredients to make this recipe. 

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Serves

2

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup vegan vanilla ice cream 

Handful of spinach (can add more to enhance the color) 

2 tbsp vegan vanilla protein powder 

1/2 tsp peppermint extract 

2 frozen bananas 

1 cup vegan milk of choice

Method

Add everything into a blender and blend until smooth.

Add more spinach to make your shake greener! 

Topped with  almond milk whipped cream and Oreos.

Did You Make This?

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

The post Vegan Shamrock Shake appeared first on Choosing Balance.

What You Will Need: 

Goat cheese

Greek yogurt 

Honey 

Pistachios 

Optional: berries or pomegranate seeds 

Other Healthy Recipes To Try:

Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

These hot honey brussels sprouts are the best side dish to compliment any meal. They aren’t too spicy but pack enough punch to add a little flavor to a meal. You only need 5 ingredients to make these! I love making them to eat on their own or to pair with grilled chicken, salmon, etc.

Vegan Spinach & Artichoke Dip

This vegan spinach and artichoke dip is a delicious appetizer that is perfect for a get together or football Sunday recipe. You might want to make a double batch, just a warning. It’s made with cashews and coconut milk as the base. It also reheats well so I’ve been snacking on this all week!

Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

A delicious new vegan recipe! This is a delicious take on the classic buffalo chicken dip. Don’t get me wrong, I love some buffalo chicken dip! But I wanted to make a vegan version because chickpeas are way more affordable than chicken. Also it’s fun to try new things in the kitchen, especially plant based. I always love experimenting with vegan recipes! Hope you all enjoy this vegan buffalo ‘chicken’ dip.

Honey & Pistachio Goat Cheese Dip

5 Minute Appetizers are the best. Perfect for a last minute get together! And with only 4 ingredients, this dip couldn’t be simpler.

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Serves

2

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

12 ounces of goat cheese

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 

3 tbsp honey 

1/4 cup crushed pistachios 

Optional: berries or pomegranate seeds on top

Method

In a food processor, mix the goat cheese and yogurt until smooth. 

Stir in the honey 

Sprinkle pistachios on top and add more honey!

Did You Make This?

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

The post Honey & Pistachio Goat Cheese Dip 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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

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?

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

The post Cranberry Ginger Mocktail appeared first on Choosing Balance.

What You Will Need For This Recipe:

Salmon 

Honey 

Lime

Strawberries

Jalapeño 

Red Onion

Salt & Pepper

Other Healthy Recipes To Try:

Healthy 30 Minute Strawberry Jalapeño 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. Why? Because Trader Joe’s come out with some new strawberry jalapeño chips and it has me obsessed with that flavor combo! I feel like that always happens to me, I discover something new at Trader Joe’s and get inspired. Trying new food always gives me a lot of inspo which is a great excuse to always try new food haha.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

This honey mustard chicken salad is a delicious salad for spring and summer. This recipe makes enough for 4-5 salads so it is a great meal prep option for the week too! I marinated the chicken breasts in the same recipe as the dressing. Keeps things super simple and minimizes the amount of ingredients you need for the recipe.

Shrimp Cobb Salad With Avocado Dressing

This shrimp cobb salad with avocado dressing is ready in under 20 minutes and packed with flavor! I love this avocado dressing for salads in the spring and summer. It requires only 5 ingredients and takes no time to make. It seems like all I’ve been making recently are salads and smoothies haha. But not mad about that when I have tasty salads like this for lunch!

Honey Lime Salmon with Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa

Honey Lime Salmon with strawberry jalapeño salsa.

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Serves

4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Salmon

1 lb salmon 

1/4 cup honey 

Juice of 1 lime 

1/2 tsp lime zest 

Strawberry jalapeño salsa:

1 pound fresh strawberries, diced

1 jalapeño (I recommend seeding this so it isn’t super spicy but do whatever works!), diced 

1/3 cup red onion, diced

Juice of a lime

1/2 tsp lime zest 

Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Method

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, & lime zest 

Add to the salmon 

Preheat your air fryer to 400F and air fry for 10-12 minutes 

While the salmon cooks, assemble the strawberry salsa. Add all of the salsa ingredients to a bowl and mix together with a spatula 

When the salmon is done, slice, & top with the salsa.

This makes about 4 servings

Did You Make This?

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

The post Honey Lime Salmon with Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa appeared first on Choosing Balance.

What You Will Need For This Recipe:

Sweet potatoes 

Olive oil 

Garlic 

Salt 

Sprinkle of pepper 

Ground chicken

Diced bell pepper

Diced onion

Chopped spinach

Chopped mushrooms

Chili powder

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Cayenne

Salt

Other Healthy Recipes To Make:

Healthy Chicken Burgers

A delicious and healthy dinner that feels like summer. I love grilling and barbecue but sometimes it’s nice to be able to do it on the stovetop! These healthy chicken burgers were made in a grill cast iron skillet on the stovetop. The skillet allows them to have that char on the outside but also allows you to make them in the comfort of your kitchen vs outside on the grill

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Need a new easy, healthy recipe to spice up your meal plans for dinner? These baked buffalo chicken tenders are the perfect way to do that. Easy to make in the oven, they are a no fuss recipe. Coated with an egg and almond flour mixture then brushed with hot sauce after they’ve baked.

Air Fryer Buffalo Tofu Bites

A delicious and fun plant based recipe that you can make for dinner, as an appetizer, or even a healthy snack! We’re trying to do more meatless dinners over here but it can get boring if you rely on the same recipe as your go to. I definitely fall into that habit. Well the good thing is nothing is boring about these air fryer buffalo tofu bites ! Even if you fall into the rut of making them over and over again (which you might because they’re amazing).

Chicken & Fries Sheet Pan Meal

Chicken tenders and fries but made in the oven on just one pan!

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Serves

4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes: 

2 sweet potatoes 

2–3 tbsp olive oil 

1 tsp garlic 

1/2 tsp salt 

Sprinkle of pepper 

Chicken burgers:

1 lb ground chicken

1/4 cup diced bell pepper

1/4 cup diced onion

1/4 cup chopped spinach

1/4 cup chopped mushrooms

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cayenne

1/4 tsp salt

Method

Preheat oven to 400F 

Slice the sweet potatoes into fries 

Add to a bowl 

Add olive oil and spices 

Add to a sheet pan 

Add to the oven and bake for 15 minutes 

While those cook, prepare the burger ingredients. 

Chop the pepper, onion, mushrooms, and spinach.

In a small bowl, mix all the spices together  to create your fajita seasoning (you could use a pre-made packet as well!)

In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, veggies, and spice mixture. Mix everything together with a spatula then form burgers.

Makes 5-6 burgers.

Add to the sheet pan

Cook for about 7 minutes on each side. I always use a meat thermometer to check the temp! 

Store in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Did You Make This?

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

The post Chicken & Fries Sheet Pan Meal appeared first on Choosing Balance.

Healthy 4 Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade It’s the easiest spring/summer drink! It’s so frothy & delicious! I love that it’s made with real fruit, so you can get some extra nutrients in while cooling off on warm days. These fun drinks even rival the beloved Starbucks refreshers or slushies. You can make them in just a few minutes for an outdoor gathering, BBQ, pool party, or just as an afternoon treat. Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think.

What You Will Need: 

Strawberries 

Water

Sparkling water 

Honey 

Lemon juice

Ice

Other Healthy Recipes To Try:

Spicy Watermelon Margaritas

These spicy watermelon margaritas are delicious and so refreshing. I love a little bit of spice and these margaritas are just that. Sweet but not overly sweet. Spicy but not *too* spicy. It’s a fun recipe and really easy to blend a big batch for a crowd.

Bang Bang Tofu

This bang bang tofu is vegan and gluten free, a delicious plant based meal. It’s perfect for dinner or for an appetizer. I love making this sauce for shrimp too so if you aren’t vegan, that’s a great recipe too. But this tofu version is so good whether you’re fully plant based or just want a tasty recipe!

Vegan Peaches & Cream Overnight Oats

Let me introduce you to the easiest breakfast this summer, these vegan peaches and cream overnight oats. They are a great vegan, gluten free, plant based recipe to have all week long. A great way to start the day and beat the summer heat. It takes about 10 minutes to prep enough for the whole week so in my mind it’s a no-brainer to make these for the week.

4 Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade

Healthy 4 Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade The easiest spring/summer drink! It’s so frothy & delicious!

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Serves

4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups halved strawberries 

2 cups water 

3 cups sparkling water 

1/4 cup honey 

1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 7 lemons squeezed) 

1 cup ice

Method

Add all of the ingredients to a blender & blend until smooth

Enjoy! 

 

Makes about 4-5 servings!

Did You Make This?

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

The post 4 Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade appeared first on Choosing Balance.