Meal Prep

Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette

July 30, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life 2 Comments

Looking to up your salad dressing game? This Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette will impress with it’s slightly sweet, vibrant summer flavors.

Close up of Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette with blurred fruit salad in background

I’m one of those gals who is totally happy drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over my salad. Yep, I actually like to taste my veggies. BUT, sometimes I want something extra special. That’s when I mix up a doozy like this.

Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette is a refreshing dressing for green and fruit salads alike. It’s creamy, tangy, and a little sweet from the strawberries and a touch of honey. Plus, it comes together in less than 10 minutes—your blender does all the work for you.

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Mango Salsa

July 15, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life Leave a Comment

Mango Salsa is definitely my new favorite. It has a touch of sweetness from the mangos and a kick of spice from the jalapeños, making it the perfect stand alone dip, or use it to top all your favorite tacos and nachos.

Living in south Florida definitely has its perks when it comes to mangos. It seems like half my friends have mango trees in their backyards—if not a mango tree, then an avocado tree. Not even gonna lie, I absolutely love when they share the wealth with me. But, what do you do when one of those friends brings you a bag of ten fresh mangos?

Well, Mango Salsa of course! (And Mango Coladas 😉) It’s quick, easy, and oh so yummy. Your friends and family will thank you for sharing with them. Fair warning though, they’ll probably keep asking you to make it again, and again, and again…….

Mediterranean Three Bean Salad

July 9, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life Leave a Comment

Mediterranean Three Bean Salad is quick and easy to make and the perfect side dish for your summer grilling. I made this to accompany our grilled chicken over the weekend, and let’s just say I only had a few servings left for lunches for work.

Yep, it was that good. Do I even need to mention that it’s pretty healthy for you as well? The Cannellini beans provide a creamy contrast to the crunch of the chickpeas. And, tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese add a Mediterranean flair that is absolutely binge worthy.…

Easy Homemade Smoked Salsa

June 6, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life 2 Comments

Easy Homemade Smoked Salsa is a game changer. I’ve often purchased smoky flavored salsas, but I got to thinking, “How difficult could it be to make my own?” Answer: Easy peasy! Yes, the smoking takes some time, but it certainly isn’t difficult. Besides, the extra depth of flavor that smoking the veggies creates is totally worth the extra time. Your tastebuds and your guests, if you actually save any for them, will thank you.

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Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

May 13, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life Leave a Comment

Air Fryer Whole Chicken with Lemon and Thyme is a recipe that I’ve been making on repeat lately, at least every other week. Why, you ask? Number one—it’s tender and juicy with a deliciously crispy skin. Number two—it’s incredibly economical. Not only do you have an easy, scrumptious dinner for the night, but you also have leftover shredded chicken to incorporate into other recipes. Plus, you also have the bones to cook down into a nourishing broth for so many uses in the kitchen.

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Vegetable Minestrone Soup

April 22, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life Leave a Comment

This easy Vegetable Minestrone Soup makes use of those pantry staples so many of us have stocked up right now. One of the things I love about minestrone soup, besides the amazing flavor, is how versatile it is.

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Unstuffed Pepper Casserole

April 12, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life 3 Comments

If you like stuffed peppers, you will love how easy this Unstuffed Pepper Casserole is to make. And, even better, it’s great for meal prep—it freezes well for easy week night dinners.

Plus, it’s super easy to adapt this recipe to what you have on hand. Use any rice or grain you have in your pantry. I’ve used white, brown, or wild rice (sometimes a combination). You can even use quinoa for an extra nutritional boost. Don’t have fresh peppers? Dice up a jar of fire roasted peppers. I like to use turkey sausage in mine, but you can substitute any ground meat you have on hand. Heck, you can even go vegetarian and substitute mushrooms or eggplant for the meat. …

One Pot Chorizo and Bean Chili

March 7, 2020 by Inspired Fresh Life 2 Comments

Chorizo adds a smoky depth of flavor to chili that is absolutely delicious. This one pot Chorizo and Bean Chili will definitely become one of your favorite comfort food recipes.

Plus, it’s super easy to make and feeds a crowd. Have you ever set up a chili bar? It’s the same concept as a taco bar. Simply set out assorted toppings and let your guests serve themselves. I also like to set out additions like corn bread and baked potatoes. Yes, chili and melty cheese are delicous toppings on a baked potato. 😉…

Vegetable Sorghum Soup

October 9, 2019 by Inspired Fresh Life Leave a Comment

Vegetable Sorghum Soup is the perfect healthy soup for the cooler weather to warm you up. Serve it as a hearty lunch or a light dinner with a side salad and some crusty bread.

If you’ve never heard of sorghum, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. In the United States, sorghum has primarily been used as a crop for livestock feed and the creation of ethanol. However, it is becoming popular in cooking as it does have a number of health benefits, including being a good source of plant protein and fiber. It is also high in potassium and antioxidants. …

Easy Taco Meat

August 18, 2019 by Inspired Fresh Life Leave a Comment

Easy Taco Meat isn’t just for Taco Tuesdays. It’s a quick and easy dinner that your family will love any night of the week. Diced peppers and onions add a ton of flavor to the meat, and the spices can easily be adjusted to suit the spiciness you prefer. Top with Guacamole for the best tasting tacos this side of Mexico.

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