holiday

03.17.19

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Posted on by Lexi , Views: 114085
Slow Cooker Beef Stew [paleo-friendly, grain-free, dairy-free] | Lexi's Clean Kitchen

This Slow-Cooker Beef Stew is the perfect healthy comfort food for cold days! It’s hearty, flavorful, packed with veggies, and easy to make right in your crock pot. Make it for a cold winter night, or a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal! Beef stew is a simple recipe that will wow everyone who tries it.

Traditional Beef Stew Recipe

The Slow Cooker is an amazing phenomenon in my opinion. Even those friends of mine who aren’t big cookers use it! Throw all the ingredients in with the right flavor combo and BOOM: the perfect stew. It’s hands off, easy to use, and safe!

What is Irish stew made of?

Filled with beef, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and potatoes is the perfect main dish for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The beef is so tender, it just melts in your mouth!

Tips For Slow Cooker Beef Stew

  • Brown your meat
  • Don’t use too much liquid
  • Don’t skimp on the cook time
  • Layer your beef and veggies
  • Set it and forget it! The beauty of a slow cooker!

Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This stew is: hearty, flavorful, tender melt-in-your-mouth beef, and packed with veggies! It is also paleo-friendly, dairy-free, whole30 compliant and has no sugar added… does it get any better than that? I love making this soup at the beginning of the week and enjoy it all week long!

What defines a stew?

  • In a stew you aren’t looking for the consistency of a soup, so minimizing added liquids is helpful!
  • Beef stew doesn’t need to be super, super thick. You’ll most likely be using potatoes, and their starch will naturally thicken your stew! If not, don’t worry, this stew thickens whithout it, too.

What kind of beef is used for stew?

You can buy beef stew meat, which is cut and cubed and is generally chuck or round! Beef round cuts (bottom and eye) are generally leaner than chuck (shoulder, leg and butt) and very well-suited to stew.

I always add beef stew meat to my ButcherBox order in the cold weather months. Each month, ButcherBox  curates a one-of-a-kind selection of the healthiest, tastiest meats, humanely raised and free of antibiotics and hormones. Or you can customize your box and select your favorite cuts and get 20% more meat.The price works out to less than $6.00/meal and shipping is always free. You can also space it out so it’s not every 4 weeks, too! ButcherBox delivers your meat for the month, saves you money, and is the best quality! Order Today and get this amazing deal:

  • Get FREE bacon
  • FREE Shipping
  • $15 OFF!

Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker?

You certainly can, but for this beef stew recipe, we prefer to sear the meat first to bring out the amazing flavor that you’ll get!

Easy Beef Stew

Tools used to make this easy slow cooker beef stew recipe:

  • Slow Cooker: Inexpensive and works great. I’ve had mine for years!
  • Cast Iron Skillet: I like a nice, hot cast iron skillet to sear our stew meat!
  • Chef’s Knife: My go-to chef’s knife. Use whatever you have on hand!
  • Tongs: To easily flip the meat while searing.
  • Cutting Board: A good cutting board, of course! To chop all those veggies!

Want other slow cooker recipes? Try these favorites:

If you like this beef stew recipe, make these other St Patrick’s Day Favorites:

Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

Print shopping list
Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 8 hr Total Time 8:10 Serves 6

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sear meat for about 3 minutes on each side, until brown. Set aside.
  2. Place meat and vegetables in the crockpot
  3. Add in broth, tomato paste, tapioca, and spices
  4. Mix well to combine
  5. Set on low for 8-10 hours
  6. After 7 hours, taste and adjust spices to your liking (i.e. add additional salt, cayenne, or red pepper flakes)
  7. Remove bay leaf and serve hot
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There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!
11.16.18

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 (Something for EVERYONE!)

Posted on by Lexi , Views: 11723

My 2018 holiday gift guide is HERE and it’s jam-packed with my favorite products for him, for her, for the cook, for the fitness lover, for the traveler, for the teen, for the cookbook collector, and STOCKING stuffers!! Aside from the standard links and prices for you, I’ve also included a virtual shop area for each one! SO helpful and easy. So, if you’ve loved my 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 gift guides, this one takes the cake!

Holiday Gift Guide 2018 (Something For EVERYONE!)

Holiday Gift Guide FOR HER 2018

For your mom, sister, MIL, wife, girlfriend, friend, and so on!

  1. Ugg Slippers ($129)
  2. Mini Lip Gloss Valut ($89)
  3. PJ Pants ($44) or PJ Set ($59)
  4. Silk Pillowcase ($85)
  5. Necklace ($48)
  6. Hair Wand ($60)
  7. Dyson Hair Dryer ($400)
  8. Shimmer and Shine Body Set ($59)
  9. Beanie ($24.95)
  10. Scarf ($29)
  11. Robe ($130)
  12. Hanging Earring Gift Set ($58) or Stud Earring Gift Set ($68)
  13. Ugg Boots ($120)
  14. Limited Edition Cleansing Balm ($89)
  15. Ugg Blanket ($98)

Bonus Favorites:

Click an image below to shop!

Holiday Gift Guide Stocking Stuffers 2018

For Coworkers, Teacher gifts, friend gifts, etc.

  1. Letter Mug ($10) or Plaid Letter Mug ($5)
  2. Lip Balm Set ($18 + 10% off with code LEXI)
  3. Stainless Steel Straws ($7.99)
  4. Hand Cream Trio ($30: great gift to break apart and have for 3 gifts)
  5. Diamond Pop Socket ($13)
  6. Nude Lip Gloss Trio ($49: great gift to break apart and have for 3 gifts)
  7. Monogram Travel Jewelry Case ($59)
  8. Agate Coasters ($14)
  9. Two Minute Gratitude Journal ($11.91)
  10. Candle ($36)
  11. Transforming Lip Duo ($30)
  12. Warm & Cozy Mug ($14.99)
  13. Touchscreen Gloves ($39)
  14. Cable Knit Beanie ($29)
  15. Bluetooth Speaker ($99)

Bonus Favorites under $30:

Click an image below to shop!

 

Holiday Gift Guide For HIM 2018For dad, FIL, husband, brother, boyfriend, friend, coworker, etc.

  1. Adidas UltraBOOST Sneakers ($200)
  2. Ugg Jogger Pants ($85)
  3. Counterman Travel Set ($45)
  4. Ugg Zip Hoodie ($95)
  5. Bose Ear Buds ($199)
  6. Charcoal Set ($49)
  7. Slippers ($39)
  8. Mizzen & Main Shirt ($145)
  9. Men’s Nail Set ($14.88)
  10. Mike’s Favorite Long Sleeve Tee ($59.50)
  11. Shinola Watch ($700)
  12. Apple AirPods ($144)
  13. Ted Baker Belt ($65)

Bonus Favorites:

Click an image below to shop!

Holiday Gift Guide For The Cook 2018

  1. Le Creuset Dutch Oven ($379)
  2. Vitamix (this link for a discount + FREE Shipping)
  3. All-Clad Roasting Pan ($129)
  4. Two Set Green Pan Ceramic Non-Stick Pan ($99)
  5. Instant Pot Pressure Cooker ($69) — Best deal so far is here!
  6. Thermoworks Thermapen (Our kitchen BFF) ($99)
  7. Citrus Juicer ($199)
  8. Hand Mixer ($99.99)
  9. Stand Mixer ($227)
  10. Le Creuset Skillet ($149.95)
  11. Air Fryer ($299)
  12. Pie Pans ($59.95)
  13. Slow Cooker ($139.99)
  14. Shun Knife Set ($249)
  15. Green Pan Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set ($399)

Bonus Favorites:

  1. The Inspiralizer ($34.95)
  2. Silicone Baking Mats ($8.38)
  3. Espresso Machine ($499)
  4. Salad Serving Set ($39)
  5. Recipe Cocktail Shaker ($39)

Click an image below to shop!

Holiday Gift Guide For The Traveler 2018

  1. Travel Body Wash Essentials Set ($35)
  2. Sony A6000 ($650) + 50mm Lens ($248)
  3. Portable Steamer ($30.99)
  4. Ugg Blanket and Eye Mask ($79)
  5. Reusable Mug and Water Bottle Combo ($24.99)
  6. Neck Pillow ($30)
  7. Lip Conditioner ($22)
  8. Passport and Luggage Tag ($25)
  9. Wireless Headphones ($149)
  10. Luggage Set ($223)
  11. Eye Masks ($5)
  12. Portable Charger ($48.79)
  13. Travel Jewelry Case ($104.50)
  14. Cozy Sweatshirt ($49)
  15. Slip On Sneakers ($39)

Click an image below to shop!

Want a few more guides?

For the TEEN:

For the FITNESS LOVER:

For the COOKBOOK COLLECTOR:

Other favorite places to shop for the holidays:

  1. *Beautycounter
  2. *Primally Pure – 10%-off with code LEXI
  3. *ButcherBox– FREE BACON FOR LIFE!
  4. 23andMe
  5. Abercrombie
  6. Nordstrom
  7. Amazon Cookbooks
  8. Anthropologie
  9. Madewell
  10. Crate and Barrel
  11. Amazon
  12. Bloomingdales
  13. J Crew
  14. Loft
  15. Kohl’s
  16. Ann Taylor
  17. Express
  18. Macy’s
  19. Old Navy
  20. Wayfair
  21. Francesca’s
  22. Urban Outfitters
  23. West Elm
  24. Dicks Sporting Goods
  25. Ulta
  26. Nordstrom Rack
  27. H&M
  28. Banana Republic
  29. Gap
  30. Bauble Bar

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Every item is something I truly love and think you will, too!

10.03.18

Gluten Free Apple Pie

Posted on by Kelli Avila , Views: 23227

This Gluten Free Apple Pie has all the markings of the classic version we all know and love: a buttery crust with thinly sliced juicy apples laced with cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s the perfect pie to serve during the holidays or a fun weekend baking project to mark the fall season! It’s made using unrefined sweeteners and uses the BEST gluten-free crust.

gluten free apple pie almond flour

Gluten Free Apple Pie

If you must know how to make one pie out there, THIS IS THE ONE. We knew when we were planning our apple recipes for this month that we had to include a Gluten Free Apple Pie because it is such an iconic American dessert, and for good reason! Apple pie is a must-make during the fall season: at least once!

This recipe is definitely staying true to what we believe is a classic apple pie with juicy cinnamon and spice apples encased in a buttery pastry. We turned to our favorite pie dough that uses almond and tapioca flour and butter. If you are dairy free and are looking for a substitute for the butter in the crust, palm shortening or a non-dairy butter can work but it alters the flavor of the crust a bit. We also use tapioca flour in the filling to thicken the pie.

We use a combination of gala and granny smith apples in this pie, but if those aren’t available check out this apple guide to figure out which apples are best for baking.

almond flour pie crust with butter

TIPS to make pie baking easy peasy:

  1. Make the crust 1-2 days ahead of time.
  2. Roll the crust out ahead of time. Place the bottom crust in a tin and cover with plastic. Place the top crust on a parchment lined baking sheet, and cover with plastic wrap. This ensures it doesn’t dry out. You can do this a day ahead or a few hours ahead of time. It also makes it easier to work with the crust since it’s already cold. If you are choosing to weave a lattice do so on a piece of parchment paper. When ready to place on the top crust of the pie simply invert the lattice from the parchment on to the filled pie.
  3. When peeling and slicing the apples, squeeze apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. When placing the apples inside of the rolled out dough, make sure to pack them in tightly! This reduces the chance that the filling will shrink when baking and leave a gap between the apples and top crust.
  5. Make sure the crust is cold when rolling it out and working with it. If it’s getting too warm and melty, place it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
  6. Make the whole pie a day ahead of time! You can leave it at room temperature, covered, for 24 hours. Simply place in the oven at 350 for about 10-15 minutes to warm up, if desired.

almond meal tart crust

We chose to weave a lattice to top our apple pie, to show it can be done with gluten-free crust, but it is totally not necessary. You can simply place a rolled out crust on top with a few slits for steam to escape, or you could roll out the crust and stamp a few decorative designs or apple cut outs on it. If you do want to do a lattice, it’s easier with this crust if you use bigger strips of pastry. And, I may sound like a broken record here but make sure your pastry is cold while you are working with it! We definitely had to place the pastry back in the refrigerator at least once between the rolling out the pastry and weaving the lattice. So when in doubt, chill the pastry for 10 minutes and you’ll have an easier time.

We used these kitchen tools in this recipe:

apple pie recipe

If you like this pie recipe, check out these others:

Gluten Free Apple Pie

Print shopping list
Prep Time 00:40 Cook Time 01:00 Total Time 01:20 Serves 10

Ingredients

For Crust

For Filling

Directions

To Make Pie Crust:

  1. In a food processor combine almond flour, tapioca flour, and cold butter and pulse until the butter is broken down into pea-sized pieces.
  2. Add in egg and honey and process until the dough comes together.
  3. Shape dough into two round disks, wrap in plastic wrap and transfer to refrigerator until cold, at least 4 hours or overnight. 

To Prepare Crust and Filling:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Remove one dough disk from the refrigerator (leave the other chilling). Between two sheets of parchment, roll out dough to fit the size of a 9 inch pie tin, about a 12 inch circle. Removing one sheet of parchment and invert the pie dough into your tin.
  2. To make the filling: In a large mixing bowl combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, coconut sugar, tapioca, vanilla, salt and spices and toss until combined. Spoon apple mixture inside pastry lined tin and place back in refrigerator while rolling out the top crust. (See note)
  3. Roll out the remaining dough disk to an 11" circle. If you are making a lattice, cut the dough into 8 or 10 strips (depending on your lattice ability!) and weave the lattice on a sheet of parchment.
  4. Remove chilling filled pie from refrigerator and either invert lattice on to the top of the pie, or place the whole rolled pastry on top. Seal the pastry pieces together, and crimp the crust, if desired. If covering the pie make sure to slice in a few holes to let the pie vent. If at any point during the process of making a lattice or placing on the pastry the pie crust gets too warm and is difficult to work with place in the refrigerator on sheet tray until cool enough to handle 10-15 minutes.

To Bake Pie:

  1. Brush crust with egg wash, and coarse sugar, if using and place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until apples are tender, about 1 hour. If crust is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil. Bake until apples are tender and filling is bubbling.
  2. Let cool at least 1 hour before serving, but best to wait at least 4 hours. Once baked the pie can remain at room temperature for about 24 hours. Any longer than this and it should be stored in the refrigerort and briefly warmed up before serving.

Recipe Notes

  1. We use a deep dish 9" pie plate to make our pies and fit about small to medium apples. If you pie pan isn't a deep dish, you may want to use 1-2 less apples.
  2. When placing the apple mixture inside, try to leave as little space as possible between apple slices by moving them around a bit to help them fit as tightly as possible. This makes sure you can pack in as much apple flavor in your pie, and so that your apple filling doesn't sink during baking.
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There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!
09.17.18

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Posted on by Kelli Avila , Views: 15328

Homemade Vanilla Extract requires only two ingredients, and we’re going through the step-by-step process of how to make it. It’s better quality than anything you can buy at the store, for less money and it makes a great gift!

how to make your own vanilla extract

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Here at LCK, we treat vanilla extract like liquid gold. We love using it in all of our baked goods like muffins, cookies and cakes. A good vanilla extract can make a big difference in a recipe, especially ones that only have a few ingredients in it. The price of vanilla beans fluctuate from year to year, and currently they are trending to be very expensive causing the cost of store-bought vanilla extract to rise. In addition to this, there are often quite a few added ingredients besides vanilla bean in the extract that are questionable. All this being said, it makes total sense to make it at home because Homemade Vanilla Extract is SO EASY to make. All you need are two ingredients (vanilla beans and vodka) and about 10 minutes of time to put together a batch!

We’ve included instructions to make a one cup batch, but this is something that is so easy to double or triple to make a great big batch to last a while, or to give out as gifts during the holidays.

how to make vanilla extract from vanilla beans

How Do You Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

It is so simple! All you need to do is scrape out the beans from 5 vanilla pods (beans) and cut the pods to fit the size of your jar. It is best to use grade B vanilla beans which are better for making extract because they are drier than grade A, which are better for baking with. Place the scraped beans and the cut pods inside of a clean jar and top with 1 cup of alcohol and close with a tight-fitting lid. Scraping the beans leaves the extract with flecks, which we think makes it more authentic, but you can also skip this step and just slice open the beans and place in the jar, or strain it if you don’t want any flecks.

vanilla extract ingredients

What Kind of Alcohol is Used To Make Vanilla Extract?

Any neutral tasting alcohol like vodka is a good choice, but really any 80 proof alcohol like brandy, rum or bourbon is fine so long as you are okay with it imparting a slight flavor. We like to use a gluten-free vodka, like Tito’s.

best bottles for homemade vanilla extract

How Long Does Homemade Vanilla Extract Last?

The jar sits at room temperature and is ready to use at 6 weeks, though it is best to leave it as long as possible. We’ve tasted it at 6 weeks, when it is similar to store-bought extract, and then at 6 months where it is pretty phenomenal and after a year, it is truly the most amazing extract you have ever smelled. Pure extracted vanilla in alcohol has an indefinite shelf life.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

If you make more than one jar at a time you can make sure you never run out. When one jar starts to get low, place in a few more scraped vanilla beans and top it off with some vodka and set it aside while you start on your second jar.

BONUS: You can also give these out as gifts by purchasing some small jars and putting on a cute label and with some ribbon.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

If you like this “how-to” recipe, try these others:

Watch the video:

P.S. We buy our grade b vanilla beans here.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Print shopping list
Prep Time 00:10 Total Time 00:10 Yields 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 5 grade B vanilla beans
  • 1 cup gluten-free vodka (We Like Tito's)

Directions

  1. Using a sharp pairing knife, slice vanilla beans in half. Scrape out beans using the back of the knife and place inside of a clean 8 ounce jar. Continue with the remaining vanilla beans. Once they have all been scraped, cut beans in half or to fit jar.
  2. Place cut beans inside the jar and pour in 1 cup of vodka and cover with a tight fitting lid. Let sit at room temperature for at least 6 weeks before use. The longer you let it sit, the more flavor it has.

Recipe Notes

  1. We love to have the flecks of the vanilla beans in the extract, but if you'd like to have a clearer extract you can save the beans for another use, or strain the extract before use.
  2. To make more extract at once, double or triple the recipe.
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There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation, at no cost to you! However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use in my own home! Thank you for supporting Lexi's Clean Kitchen when you shop! See my privacy policy for more information about this, the information we save, and more!

09.08.18

Healthy Game Day Recipes

Posted on by Lexi , Views: 70252

Football season is here! Do you entertain? Go out weekly for games? It is such a tempting time to sit around with friends, drinking and eating all sorts of delicious, yet unhealthy foods. These clean eating game day recipes will be a hit with everyone. Here are Healthy Game Day Recipes that are perfect for Football entertaining!

Healthy Game Day Recipes #football #superbowl #glutenfree #paleo Healthy Game Day Recipes

Game Day Appetizers

Appetizers are a game day must! These cleaned up appetizers are perfect, delicious, and indulgent in a guilt-free way!

Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, and Gluten-free. Use Ghee or Extra-Virgin Olive Oil in the sauce to make this recipe Whole30 approved)

Ultimate Charcuterie Board (Gluten-Free if using gluten-free crackers)

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (Gluten-free, paleo,Whole30 if omit cheese)

Sliders (Vegetarian, Gluten-free, omit the cheese to make this dish Paleo-friendly)

Sweet Potato Chili Fries (Dairy-free, Gluten-free, and Grain-free)

Loaded Nachos (Dairy-free, Gluten-free, and Grain-free)

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas (Grain-free and Gluten-free)

Dry Rub Wings (Gluten-free, paleo,Whole30)

Spinach Dip Stuffed Mushrooms (Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegetarian, omit cheese for dairy-free)

Fried Buffalo Chicken Bites (Nut-free, Omit the butter to make this Whole30 approved, Paleo-friendly)

Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries (Vegetarian, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Sweet Potato Fries & 10 second Honey Mustard (Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly)

Moroccan Cauliflower Bites (Vegan, Dairy-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Bacon Wrapped Sriracha Lime Chicken Bites (Whole30 Approved, Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Dairy-free)

Zesty Paleo Chicken Bites (Whole30 Approved, Paleo-friendly, Grain-free)

Carne Asada Nachos (Gluten-Free, Paleo-Friendly, Keto minus tortilla chips)

Game Day Dips

Everyone loves game day dips! Here are out favorites!

Spanish Eggplant Dip (Paleo-friendly, Dairy-free, Gluten-free)

5-Ingredient Buffalo Chicken Baked Hummus Dip (Gluten-Free)

Southwestern Baked Hummus Dip (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

Homemade Guacamole (Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly, Whole30 Approved)

Spinach and Artichoke Dip (Vegetarian and Grain-free. Omit the optional cheese to make this dip Whole30 Approved, Dairy-free and Vegan)

Crudite with Tzatziki Sauce (Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Paleo)

Aji Salsa (Grain-free, Dairy-free, Whole30 Approved, Vegan)

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Grain-free, Gluten-free. Omit the cheese to make this dish Whole30 approved and Paleo-friendly)

7 Layer Mexican Dip (Grain-free, Gluten-free, Nut-free)

Restaurant Style-Blender Salsa (Grain-free, Dairy-free, Whole30 Approved, Vegan)

Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Hummus Dip (Gluten-Free, Nut-Free)

Game Day Meals

Ultimate, easy main dishes to serve your guests!

Lasagna Soup (Gluten-Free)

Spaghetti Squash Enchilada Bake (Gluten-Free, Paleo-Friendly)

Game-Day White Chicken Chili (Whole30 Approved if you omit the optional white beans, Paleo-friendly if you omit the optional white beans, Grain-free, Dairy-free)

Buffalo Chicken Chili (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Whole30 approved, and Dairy-free)

Pecan Popcorn Chicken (Whole30 Approved, Paleo-friendly, Grain-free)

Sweet Potato Chili (Vegan, Grain-free, Dairy-free)

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, whole30, Instant Pot)

Ultimate Taco Meat (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, whole30, Instant Pot)

Slow Cooker Baked Potato Bar (Grain-free, Use Ghee instead of butter and omit cheese to make this Whole30 Approved)

DIY Lettuce Wrap Bar: Crock-Pot Shredded Chicken and Fixings (Paleo-friendly, Whole30 Approved, Grain-free)

Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Instant Pot)

Turkey Chili (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Instant Pot)

Meatball Subs (Paleo-friendly, Dairy-free, Grain-free)

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Gluten-free)

Sheet Pan Steak Tips (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, Whole30)

Two Ingredient Salsa Chicken (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, whole30, Instant Pot)

Eggplant Pizza Crust (Gluten-free, Paleo-friendly, Vegetarian)

BLT Pasta Salad (Gluten-free)

Beef Barbacoa (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Instant Pot)

Crock-Pot Beef & Veggie Bowls (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Dairy-free)

Sheet Pan Buffalo Chicken and Veggies (Gluten-free, Paleo-friendly)

Paleo Sandwich Rolls with deli meat (Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly, Grain-Free)

Roasted Poblano and Chicken Soup (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten-free, Vegetarian)

BBQ Chicken Pizza (Nut-free, Dairy-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Thai Turkey Burgers with Spicy Slaw (Nut-free, Dairy-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Pizza Stuffed Peppers (Grain-free and Gluten-free. Omit the cheese to make these Whole30 Approved and Paleo-friendly)

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Slow Cooker Ribs (Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, Dairy-free)

Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese (Gluten-free)

Sausage and Veggie Pasta (Gluten-free)

Cauliflower Pizza Bites (Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, Keto, Dairy-free)

Pulled Pork (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, Keto, Dairy-free)

Buffalo Chicken Tenders (Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, Keto Dairy-free)

Meat Sauce (Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, Dairy-free)

Game Day Treats

Don’t forget about dessert!

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups (Paleo-friendly, Grain free, Dairy-free)

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly)

Secret Ingredient Brownies (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Double Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies (Dairy-free, Grain-free, Gluten-free)

Lemon Bars (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Nutella Pizza (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Dairy-free)

Brownies Bites with Protein Frosting (Dairy-free, Paleo-friendly)

Cookie Dough Dip (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly, Vegetarian)

Roasted Citrus with Salted Vanilla Whipped Cream (Paleo-friendly, Grain-free, Dairy-free)

Matcha Cupcakes (Gluten-free, Grain-free)

Cookie Bars (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

Easy Meringue Cookies (Gluten-free, Grain-free, Paleo-friendly)

S’mores Pie (Gluten-Free)

Enjoy!!

02.06.18

Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing (Video)

Posted on by Lexi , Views: 77551

This Harvest Salad has all the ingredients you’ll want in a Winter kale salad recipe! Packed with chopped kale, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans and topped with a super easy & delicious Maple Balsamic Dressing for the absolute perfect holiday salad all Fall and Winter Long!

Winter Kale Salad Recipe in bowlHarvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

My fabulous blogging girlfriends are here with me today bringing you healthy sides for your Thanksgiving feast. I am in love with this month’s round up because I mean… check out these recipes! Gorgeous, delicious, and good-for-you! I call it a WIN. Your family and friends will thank you, too!

Maple Balsamic Dressing

You guys, I’ve been putting this dressing on EVERYTHING. It is my favorite dressing that everybody loves and it is SO easy to make. You need to make it immediately. 

Want other salad recipes?

Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing pouring

How do you soften kale for a salad?

To prepare kale for a salad, massage the kale with oil and lemon for 1-3 minutes.

Can I use anything aside from kale?

Yes, use any leafy green that you love! 

Watch the video: 

Harvest Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

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Prep Time 00:10 Cook Time 00:40 Total Time 0:50 Serves 4

Ingredients

    Salad

    Maple Balsamic Dressing

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Slice kabocha squash and toss with olive oil and spread across a lined baking sheet.
    3. Roast squash for 30-40 minutes until fork tender. Remove and set aside.
    4. In a blender combine all dressing ingredients and blend until smooth.
    5. Place pecans on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 5-7 minutes, tossing halfway through, watch to avoid burning.
    6. Massage kale with olive oil for 1-2 minutes.
    7. Assemble salad: kale, squash, pomegranate seeds, toasted pecans. Top with dressing and serve.
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    healthy-holiday-sides-update

    Cauliflower Stuffing from The Healthy Maven

    This healthy, low-carb cauliflower rice stuffing will convince your Thanksgiving guests to jump on board the cauliflower rice train, while secretly getting them to eat more veggies! Plus it’s ready in under 20 minutes.

    Green Beans with Caramelized Shallots and Almonds from Eating Bird Food

    Add some green to your holiday table with this flavorful recipe for tender crisp green beans tossed with caramelized shallots, toasted almonds and fresh parsley.

    5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce from Running to the Kitchen

    This simple cranberry sauce is made with just 5 ingredients. Make it in the slow cooker and save the stove-top space for all the other Thanksgiving sides.

    Vegan Scalloped Sweet Potatoes from Food Faith Fitness

    These easy scalloped sweet potatoes are SO creamy and flavorful, you’ll have a hard time believing they’re secretly healthy and paleo and vegan friendly!

    Balsamic Sea Salt Brussels Sprouts from Fit Foodie Finds

    Make these delicious Balsamic Sea Salt Roasted Brussels Sprouts this holiday season for the most delicious vegan and paleo side that everyone will gobble up!