With the weather cooling down, I’m switching gears towards making cozier, heartier dishes for dinner. Soups always make my meal prep list during fall and winter months because of how comforting and nourishing they can be…

In the past, I’ve made a simpler version of this soup that was delicious and satisfying but it lacked that extra oomph of the restaurant version. After a little research, I realized that wine was the flavor I was missing… Not only did I feel like Ina Garten cooking with wine for the first time, but the recipe finally tasted like the classic french onion soup I was longing for!

Vegetable hashes are a great way to add a variety of different veggies to your plate. They can be sides, the base for a brunch egg bowl, or served on top of greens and grains, like in this nourishing warm bowl. In this Roasted Root Vegetable Hash, carrots, turnips, onion, beets, and sweet potato all come together in bright, caramelized goodness. Paired with fresh “poultry’ herbs — rosemary, thyme, and sage — they practically ooze cozy comfort. It’s flavorful and unique enough to…

I honestly haven’t been a fan of chicken salad until I made it myself. I always thought it had too much mayonnaise and not enough of the good stuff — the nutty pecans, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and tart, chewy cranberries.

My loaded chicken salad made with shredded rotisserie chicken has about as much of the “extras” as it does chicken and is much lighter on the mayo. The perfect ratio, if you ask me!

The magic of corn chowder is that, despite being a hot soup, it’s a late summer classic. Admittedly — aside from Mexican street corn, tortilla chips, and polenta — I’ve never been a corn lover. While exploring the Oregon coast this weekend, I had an amazing bowl of clam chowder. Even though it was a sunny 80 degrees out it still felt like the perfect, nourishing lunch. I wanted to try my hand at creating a lighter summer soup at home to capture that feeling.

I decided on a corn chowder because of the accessibility of the ingredients. I also didn’t want to spend an entire afternoon in the hot kitchen because it is still August after all. In this recipe, vegetable stock and coconut milk provide the light yet creamy base to the soup while frozen corn, potato, and onion add hearty texture.

In this recipe, rich and tangy teriyaki pairs with the tart taste of pineapple, sweet onions, and the bright, juicy crunch of red bell peppers. It’s one of my favorite weeknight meals because it reheats easily for lunch the next day. This sauce can also be used for marinating kebabs or with tempeh or tofu for my vegan friends!

Teriyaki is a Japanese tradition of cooking sliced meats with a sauce made of soy sauce, mirin (rice wine), sugar, and sake (also rice wine). The word itself derives from teri, referring to the sheen the sauce gives, and yaki, which refers to the cooking method of either grilling or broiling. Traditionally…

Growing up, Chicken Alfredo was one of my favorite comfort meals. I can’t think of anything I enjoyed more than the creamy, peppery, tangy blend of parmesan cheese, herbs, and heavy cream…

In this recipe, soaked cashews blend with a handful of other ingredients including lemon juice, parsley, and garlic to create a rich, satisfying sauce that feels just a little bit lighter than the original. The addition of lemon juice mimics the sharp tang from parmesan cheese perfectly. While this recipe requires just a little bit of prep ahead of time (presoaking cashews overnight), it will be worth the effort!

If you were to ask me right now what I’d want my death row last meal to be, I would tell you pasta shells with some variation of pesto. Or maybe thats just because I was going through all my pictures of pesto for this post?

The great thing about pesto is that its actually so versatile! If you follow me on Instagram, you’re familiar with how often I customize my pesto to what ingredients I have on hand. My favorite being the classic, basil and pine nut combo! I’m also a huge fan of using walnuts instead of pine nuts for a cheaper, nuttier option.

To make a pesto work, you need:…

This is one of my all time favorite summer meals because it is so light, colorful, and bursting with bold fresh flavors! Its simple to prep and only takes 15 minutes to cook - perfect for when you’re minimizing oven use in the warm weather! Plus, it pairs perfectly with a margarita!

Salmon is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids which have shown to have health benefits on…

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your plant-based meals, look no further. Lentil Sloppy Joes have become a fast favorite in my home and are an easy staple dinner during the warmer months!

Lentils make a great swap for ground meat in recipes because they’re a great source of protein, iron, folate, and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, also found in whole grains, are great for supporting healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels and improving digestion.

This veggie packed bowl is a gut boosting powerhouse! Fiber found in the vegetables and lentils serve as prebiotics, or food for your gut bacteria, while the yogurt acts as a probiotic by adding beneficial microbes to the party. Fresh herbs, pomegranate and curry spice which includes turmeric, ginger and coriander, provide antioxidants to support your gut, immune system, skin and more.

Lentils are my favorite plant-based protein. Not only are they incredibly versatile, they are also inexpensive, easy to store, and nutrient dense… One pound of lentils could cost as little as a $1 at most grocery stores and provides up to 14 servings! Because they are sold dry, they can also be stored for extended periods of time without going bad making them an excellent pantry staple.