blog

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

by Leave a Comment

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Chickpeas

Hi friend!

I’ve got an easy new salad recipe for you this week. This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for food prep and full of flavor. You can chop and mix the vegetables with the chickpeas, chicken and dressing to let the flavors develop and then toss with lettuce right before serving to keep it from getting soggy!

It’s a light, flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for everything from a busy weeknight dinner to a holiday gathering.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Chickpeas

While I include chicken in this recipe, you could easily keep this vegetarian by omitting the chickpeas and doubling the chickpeas in the recipe.

Chickpeas are an affordable pantry staple and a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re also a great source of many nutrients including magnesium and potassium. In addition, they’re a great source of iron!

If you’re looking for other recipes using chickpeas, try:

Mediterranean Chopped Chicken Salad

Chopped Mediterranean Salad Recipe Ingredients

This salad comes to life with just a few basic ingredients. You’ll need:

  • Tomatoes – grape or cherry tomatoes that can be easily quartered work well for this recipe
  • English cucumber – different than a traditional cucumber because it’s less watery. If you can only find regular cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before dicing.
  • Chickpeas – if you don’t like them, try swapping in great northern beans
  • Red onion – you can slice and soak in water for a few minutes before dicing to help make the flavor more mild
  • Bell pepper – red is my favorite but you could use yellow or orange as well
  • Feta – crumbled feta adds great flavor
  • Olives- optional. Feel free to leave them out if you don’t like them
  • Chicken- any kind of cooked chicken will do. Use up leftovers, grab a rotisserie chicken or cook some in the air fryer and dice it up!
  • Romaine lettuce – take the time to chop it up into small pieces so it mixes will with all the chopped veggies
  • Avocado – save this to add just before serving!

For the dressing you just need to combine a few pantry staples like oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard and a few spices, plus a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

How To Make Chopped Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Making this salad requires just a few simple steps and a lot of the work can be done ahead of time!

It tastes best when the chopped veggies, chickpeas and chicken have time to marinate in the dressing so feel free to chop and combine these ingredients a day ahead of time and let them sit in the fridge.

Chop the veggies and mix with drained chickpeas, cooked chicken, feta and olives.

Combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake well. Pour over the veggie mixture.

When ready to serve, toss in a large bowl with the finely chopped lettuce and add avocado.

Chopped Mediterranean Salad with Chicken and chickpeas

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Variations

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Sandwich Pitas

The finely diced parts of this salad might make it difficult to eat as a traditional sandwich but it would work really well in a wrap or pita pocket!

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing

If you’re looking for a change from the oil and vinegar dressing for this salad, it would be great with a red pepper dressing as well. Try one of these:

Chopped Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Bowl

If you want to make this more of a grain bowl, skip the lettuce and serve over rice, quinoa or farro! Or keep the lettuce and simply add your favorite grain to the mix!

Vegan Chopped Mediterranean Salad

To make this recipe vegan, leave out the chicken. You could add extra chickpeas or even toss in some crispy marinated tofu. Try this recipe for The Best Vegan Greek Tofu.

Easy Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe

Here’s how to make it:

Print

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

Ingredients

Scale

For the salad:

  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
  • half an English cucumber (more if desired)
  • 1/2 a medium red onion, diced (approx 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (14.5) oz can chickpeas, drained
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 oz can sliced black olives, optional
  • 1 pound cooked chicken, diced
  • 6 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1 medium avocado, diced

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • juice from half a lemon
  • 2– 3 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 – 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Place diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, chickpeas, feta, fresh parsley, olives and chicken in a large bowl or container.
  2. Combine all dressing ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake until well combined.
  3. Pour over the veggie and chicken mixture and let marinate at least an hour, up to overnight.
  4. When ready to serve, pour the mixture over the lettuce and toss well. Top with avocado and serve.

Chopped Salad Mediterranean FAQs

Is this Chopped Mediterranean Salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just leave off the crusty bread it is served with. This salad recipe is gluten-free as written.

How to store this chopped Mediterranean salad?

If you think you’ll have leftovers, I would not mix all the veggies and chicken mixture with the lettuce. Storing them together with cause the lettuce to get soggy.

However the veggies, chicken and chickpeas can be mixed ahead of time so feel free to prepare in advance and just store separately from the lettuce until ready to serve.

mediterranean chopped salad

Is this better than an organic Mediterranean chopped salad kit?

I think so 🙂 When you make it homemade you have total control over the ingredients, freshness, dressing type etc. But if you’re in a pinch and craving something similar, try this Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad Kit from Taylor Farms.

How can I make this a more Mediterranean crunch chopped salad?

To up the crunch factor, try adding chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. You could also mix in some coleslaw or chopped cabbage for additional crunch! You could also add pepperoncini and extra olives for more flavor.

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and a great way to repurpose leftover chicken! Let the veggies marinate and toss with lettuce just before serving!

More Mediterranean Recipes

Want more Mediterranean-inspired recipes? Try one of these:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

by 27 Comments

Try these spicy shrimp tacos for a quick weeknight dinner. Full of spicy shrimp, cabbage slaw and a flavorful avocado cilantro sauce, this recipe works for tacos, bowls and more!

spicy shrimp tacos with avocado crema

*Originally published 3/2015. Updated 1/2025.*

Hi friends!

If you’re stuck in a weeknight dinner rut, you’ve gotta try these Spicy Shrimp Tacos! We eat tacos about once a week here and although chicken and ground turkey are our staples, it’s always fun to change it up with a shrimp version.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema

These tacos are the perfect blend of spicy and refreshing. They pair spicy shrimp with a crunchy slaw and a flavorful cilantro avocado sauce that you can toss the slaw in as well as drizzle over the top of the tacos.

Spicy Shrimp Taco Variations

Spicy Slaw for Shrimp Tacos // Spicy Crema for Shrimp Tacos

I keep the slaw for these tacos super basic by just tossing chopped cabbage in a simple homemade avocado cilantro crema. To make it even easier you can skip the chopping by buying bagged coleslaw.

If you don’t get enough spice from the shrimp, try adding a jalapeno to the avocado crema to add some extra spice when you toss the slaw in it.

How To Make Spicy Mayo for Shrimp Tacos

If you’re not in love with the cilantro avocado flavor, you could try making a simple spicy mayo to toss the slaw in. Here’s an easy recipe for simple Spicy Mayo.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

If you haven’t tried it yet, shrimp and mango make a great pair. Try topping these tacos with a Fresh Mango Salsa or this Avocado Cucumber Salsa with Pineapple would be great as well.

If you’re not a fan of fruit-based salsa, just keep it simple and top with some homemade pico de gallo.

spicy shrimp tacos with cilantro lime slaw

Ingredients for Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

This recipe has a few parts:

  • Shrimp marinade – a mix of a little oil and lime juice and spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and salt.
  • Crema – a mix of plain Greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, salt, green onions and jalapeno.
  • Cabbage – to toss in the crema
  • Pico de gallo
  • Cotija cheese – or your favorite cheese
  • Tortillas

How To Make Healthy Spicy Shrimp Tacos

To make the tacos:

  • Marinade the shrimp with lime juice and spices.
  • Make the crema by combining yogurt, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, salt, garlic powder and jalapeno. Taste and then mix in green onions.
  • Toss the cabbage in some of the crema.
  • Assemble the tacos with slaw, shrimp, pico de gallo, crema and cheese.

Spicy Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

Print

Spicy Shrimp Tacos

spicy shrimp tacos with slaw
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Try these spicy shrimp tacos for a quick weeknight dinner. Full of spicy shrimp, cabbage slaw and a flavorful avocado cilantro sauce, this recipe works for tacos, bowls and more!

Ingredients

Scale

For the shrimp

  • 1 pound shrimp (fresh or thawed from frozen, shells removed)
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • juice from 1/2 a lime
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

For the avocado crema:

  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 medium avocado
  • 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
  • juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 – 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 1/2 cup green onion, sliced

For the tacos

  • 3 cups sliced/chopped green cabbage
  • pico de gallo
  • cotija cheese
  • tortillas

Instructions

  1. Place shrimp in a Ziploc bag with oil and lime juice. 
  2. In a small bowl, combine spices and add to ziploc bag.
  3. Toss to coat and let marinate for 30-60 min.
  4. In a small food processor, combine yogurt, avocado, cilantro, lime juice, salt, garlic powder and jalapeno and process until smooth. 
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings, then add green onion and pulse a few times to mix.
  6. Toss cabbage in about 3/4 of crema and reserve the rest. 
  7. Saute shrimp in a large pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until cooked. 
  8. Add slaw to tortillas, top with shrimp and top with pico de gallo, crema and cotija cheese and serve. 

Notes

*I like 50-60 count shrimp because they’re smaller and good for tacos but you can use any size

Spicy Shrimp Tacos FAQs

Could you serve spicy shrimp tacos with creamy corn salad?

Yes! If you’re looking for a corn-based side dish, this Mexican Street Corn Dip would be perfect! Or serve it with some Hot Taco Layer Dip , Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos or a Kale and White Bean Salad.

How to store spicy shrimp tacos?

You can choose to pre-mix the slaw with the avocado crema or store them separately and mix before serving. I’ve found that coleslaw is pretty hearty and holds up well when tossed with the crema for several days.

healthy spicy shrimp tacos recipe

Can I make this a spicy grilled shrimp tacos recipe?

Absolutely. If you don’t want to cook the shrimp in a pan, you could cook them on a Blackstone or thread them onto skewers and cook them on the grill.

How to make low carb spicy shrimp tacos?

If you’re looking to make these lower carb, serve all the components in a bowl with just a few tortilla chips crumbled over the top. Or try them as lettuce wraps! You could also choose a lower-carb tortilla option.

Try these spicy shrimp tacos for a quick weeknight dinner. Full of spicy shrimp, cabbage slaw and a flavorful avocado cilantro sauce, this recipe works for tacos, bowls and more!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Indoor Activities For Toddlers

by 21 Comments

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for preschoolers.

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for pre-school aged kids.

{Originally published Jan 2017. Updated Jan 2025}

Hi Friends!

If you’re looking for some fun new indoor activities for toddlers, this post is for you! It’s hard to believe it’s been so long since I first published this post. The little boy in the pictures is now 10 years old!

Easy Toddler Activities Inside

Whether you’re inside because it’s too cold, too hot, too rainy etc, these activities are helpful for entertaining little ones.

These activities have stood the test of time and I’ve enjoyed them right along with all three of my kids.

These Cheap Toddler Activities are perfect for keeping young kids entertained without spending a ton of money! Most can be done using things you probably already have around the house! Do them indoors in the winter or outside in the summer.

Indoor Toddler Activities

While this post was originally geared toward toddler activities, I’ve also included some ways to make them harder. As kids get older, some of the things they could do six months ago are getting too easy….but there are ways to add a bit of a challenge to most of them, to make them more developmentally appropriate for older toddlers and even preschoolers!

I have even more toddler activity ideas in this post: Cheap Toddler Activities. Even though some of the pictures are outdoors, most of them can be done inside!

Easy At-Home Activities For Kids

Indoor Activities For Families

If you need activities for slightly older kids – those in preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, etc….or you have multiple kids of different ages to entertain, check out these posts:

Indoor Activities for Toddlers

Balloon tennis

Fun Games To Play With Toddlers Indoors

Balloon Hockey

I blow up a couple of balloons, we each grab a fly swatter and go to town hitting them around the room. I let him hit it around for a while and then we also work on hitting it to keep it up in the air.

Make it harder:

  • Set up a goal and let them try to score.
  • Have a contest to see how long they can keep it from touching the ground.
  • Let them try to keep two balloons in the air at once!
pom pom push

Indoor Fine Motor Activities For Preschoolers

Pom Pom Push

Take a plastic container and cut holes in the top and let them push the pom poms through the holes.

Make it harder: 

  • Draw circles around the holes with a marker and let them push the blue pom poms through the blue hole, the green ones through the green holes, etc.
  • Set a timer and see how many they can get in the container in 30 seconds or a minute.
  • Give them tongs or tweezers and have them use those to pick up the pom poms
  • Have them sort the pom poms into different containers by size, color etc.
pom pom drop

Simple Toddler Activities

Pom Pom Drop

Save your toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Tape them to a door or wall and let them drop the pom poms through.

Make it harder:

  • Give them tongs or a clothespin to make picking up the pom poms more challenging.
  • Let them tape the tubes up and see if they can get the angles right so the pom poms go through all the tubes on the way down.
  • You drop the pom poms from the top and see if they can catch them in the bottom in a small bowl.
threading

DIY Toddler Activities

Straw Threading

Cut plastic straws into pieces. Let them thread the straw pieces onto the pipe cleaners.

Make it harder:

  • Have them thread the pieces on in a pattern of colors.
ring toss

Indoor Winter Activities For Toddlers

Ring Toss

Twist some pipe cleaners together to make rings and toss them into bowls or buckets.

Make it harder:

  • Have them stand farther away.
  • Set up multiple buckets and tell them to throw them into a specific one.
  • See how many they can get in a row.
  • Use something like bean bags and make the hole they’re throwing into smaller
golf tee nails

Indoor Physical Activities for 2-3 Year Olds

Golf Tee Hammering

Poke golf tees into a cardboard box and let them hammer them in.

Make it harder:

  • Give them a smaller hammer.
  • Tell them which color nails to hammer.
  • Let them practice pulling them out and setting them back up again.
ziploc bag finger painting

Fun Daycare Activities

Ziploc Bag Fingerpainting

Put a few blogs of paint into Ziploc bags. Seal them tightly and tape to a window or table. Let them fingerpaint just like they would on a piece of paper.

Make it harder:

  • Ask them to draw specific shapes or objects.
  • Talk about what colors mix together to make new colors.
card slot drop

No Prep Indoor Activities For Toddlers

Card Slot Drop

Cut a slot in the lid of a container and have them drop the cards in.

Make it harder:

  • Cut some holes as well and have them put q tips in.
  • See how fast they can get them all in.
  • Have them put them in by color or number.
cheerio threading

Easy Games For Preschoolers

Cheerio Threading

Cut pipe cleaners in half and let them push them through the holes of a colander.

Make it harder:

  • Give them the pipe cleanr to hold and have them thread the Cheerios while holding it.
car ramp

Car Ramp

Draw lanes on a cardboard box to make a car ramp. Let them race their cars down it.

Try making the ramps longer or building ramps out of blocks, magnatiles, hot wheels tracks or any combination of the three!

can stacking

Creative Activities For Toddlers

Fun with Cans

See how high they can stack them up. Set them up like bowling pins and let them bowl with a wiffle ball or tennis ball.

These simple kitchen tasks for toddlers are a great way for you spend time in the kitchen with your kids. They'll have fun learning, developing new skills and trying new things!

Things To Do With Toddlers at Home

One of my favorite things to do with my kids is get them in the kitchen with me. If you’re not sure how to start, check out these posts:

toddler meal ideas

Toddler Meal Ideas

If your kiddos are hungry after all these activities, check out these posts for meal ideas:

How To Build A Mud Kitchen for under $100

How To Build A Mud Kitchen

And when the weather gets nicer and you can go outside again, try your hand at building a mud kitchen for the backyard with these simple instructions:

How To Build A DIY Mud Kitchen

Rainy Day Activities For Toddlers

These Indoor Activities For Toddlers are perfect for winter or a rainy spring or summer day and many will help develop fine motor skills. Plus tips to make them harder for pre-school aged kids.

Let’s chat:

What’s your favorite indoor activity for the kiddos? I’m always looking for new ideas!

Need more ideas? Check out some of my favorite blogs:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini

by Leave a Comment

This Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini is the perfect dinner for a cold night. Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples makes it quick and easy.

crockpot meatball soup with tortellini

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new crockpot recipe to share with you guys today. It’s been cold here and I’ve been craving soup and at the end of the week I often find myself turning to the freezer to see what I have on hand to use up.

I always try to keep a stock of frozen meatballs (Simek’s are my favorite) and last week I pulled some out to make this soup.

If you’re looking for homemade meatball recipes, try:

Although this recipe does require a little chopping, it’s nothing major and it still comes together fairly quickly with the slow cooker doing most of the work for you. If you want to make it even easier, you can sub in your favorite frozen veggies.

Ingredients for Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini

Many of the ingredients in this soup are pantry and freezer staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Garlic and onion – for flavor!
  • Peppers and carrots- feel free to sub in your favorite veggies
  • Great northern beans – for some added fiber!
  • Diced and crushed tomatoes – if you have leftover crushed tomatoes, freeze them for another recipe!
  • Beef broth – I prefer this because it has a bit richer flavor for this recipe but you could use chicken or vegetable broth as well.
  • Frozen meatballs – Grab whatever brand you like but the smaller the better for ease of eating in this soup
  • Baby spinach – just an easy way to add another veggie but feel free to skip this if you want
  • Tortellini – I like this soup with tortellini but you can easily make it without tortellini or use whatever pasta you have on hand.
slow cooker meatball soup recipe

How To Make Crockpot Turkey Meatball Soup

To make this soup just follow a few simple steps:

  • Combine most of the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low 6- 8 hours. Save some of the broth, the baby spinach and the pasta to add at the end.
  • Cook the tortellini separately or add for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Stir in the spinach just before serving.

How to make crockpot meatball soup thicker or thinner

For a thicker broth, mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup or a cornstarch slurry. To make the soup thinner, add extra beef broth!

Crockpot Meatball Soup Variations

Mexican Meatball Soup

Swap the white bean for black beans, add some diced green chilis and swap the Italian seasoning for cumin and chili powder. Top with avocado and shredded cheese!

Crockpot Wedding Soup with Frozen Meatballs

Swap the tortellini for a smaller pasta like acini de pepe or orzo and leave out the diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. Or try a recipe like this Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup.

French Onion Soup Meatballs Crockpot

For a twist on French onion soup, brown the onions until caramelized, swap the Italian seasoning for a packet of French onion soup mix and melt some gruyere cheese on top before serving.

Slow Cooker Meatball Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Print

Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini

crockpot meatball soup
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini is the perfect dinner for a cold night. Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples makes it quick and easy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1–2 cups diced carrots
  • 1 (15 oz) can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1– 2 quarts beef broth **
  • 1 pound frozen meatballs (small or mini-sized)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 8 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley
  • parmesan cheese to garnish
  • 12 oz tortellini (or your favorite pasta)

Instructions

  1. Combine garlic, onion, peppers, carrots, beans, diced and crushed tomatoes, 1 quart beef broth, meatballs, salt and Italian season in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  2. Option 1: Cook tortellini separately and portion into bowls. Then serve soup over tortellini
  3. Option 2: Add tortellini for last 30 minutes in the slow cooker. (Tortellini may absorb some of the broth when stored so I advise cooking separately if you’re planning to have leftovers)
  4. Stir in baby spinach and fresh parsley 5 min before serving to allow spinach to wilt. Add extra beef broth if you want your soup more liquidy! Garnish with parmesan and serve.

Notes

**Depending how you like your soup, you may want to add 2-4 more cups of beef broth. I prefer a little less broth so I start with 1 quart and add more if needed.

Crockpot Meatball Soup FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Sure! If you have them on hand or feel like making them, you could brown them and let them cook right in the crockpot or add ones you’ve previously made and frozen.

Do I have to add tortellini? Can I make gluten-free crockpot meatball soup?

Nope. I made this soup for my parents and forgot to tell them to add the tortellini and they both said it was great as is. You can also easily use a different type or shape of pasta.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini or other gluten-free pasta, or leave out the pasta completely!

How to store crockpot meatball soup? Can you freeze slow cooker meatball tortellini soup?

Let cool and store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or portion into containers (like Souper Cubes – aff link) and freeze for later. If you’re planning to freeze, make the soup to freeze and cook the pasta when ready to serve.

How to reheat crockpot meatball soup with tortellini?

You can reheat this soup either in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the soup thickens after cooling or the pasta absorbs some of the liquid, feel free to add more broth when reheating.

Can I make vegetarian crockpot meatball soup?

Feel free to use store-bought plant-based meatballs, or make your own with a recipe like Vegan Meatball Soup. You could also swap the meatballs for mushrooms!

Meatball Tortellini Soup The Lean Green Bean 3

What if I’m looking for a recipe for crockpot swedish meatballs with cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re looking for a creamy meatball dish, you could definitely give this recipe a Swedish twist. Try replacing the diced and crushed tomatoes with two cans of cream of mushroom soup. You could also skip the Italian seasoning and add some Worchestershire sauce and a little nutmeg.

To keep things super simple, just throw frozen meatballs in the crockpot with cream of mushroom soup and serve over noodles.

If you need a specific recipe, try:

Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini

This Crockpot Meatball Soup with Tortellini is the perfect dinner for a cold night. Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples makes it quick and easy.

Want more soup recipes? Try:

Or if you want more pasta ideas, try this Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Red Lentil Dal {Instant Pot / Stove Top}

by Leave a Comment

This Instant Pot red lentil dal can also be made on the stovetop. It’s an easy vegan dinner recipe that’s full of flavor. Serve with a side of rice, naan, and a side salad!

red lentil dal recipe

Hi friends!

I’ve got a warm and comforting vegan recipe to share with you today! It’s made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor thanks to all of the spices.

Added bonus- the flavor develops as it sits, making it perfect for leftovers.

What Is Red Lentil Dal?

Red lentils are also known as masoor dal. Red lentils are split and have their outer skin removed which means they cook very quickly and don’t need to be soaked prior to cooking.

The term dal is typically used when lentils are split and when they are turned into a soup or stew.

Red Lentil Dal Nutrition // Red Lentil Dal Health Benefits

Red lentils are a great source of plant-based protein. They’re also high in fiber and can help you meet your daily fiber goals. In addition, lentils are a good source of iron, potassium, and manganese.

Red Lentil Dal Water Ratio

The typical ratio for cooking red lentils is 1 cup lentils to 3 cups water or broth.

instant pot red lentil dal

Red Lentil Dal Variations

Red Lentil Dal No Coconut Milk

Can you make this recipe without coconut milk? Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can leave it out. You’ll just need to add some more broth until you achieve your desired consistency.

Red Lentil Dal with Vegetables

I make this recipe with carrots and tomatoes, but the beauty of this recipe is that it’s super flexible. You could easily add more vegetables like cabbage, peas, green beans etc if you want to!

Spicy Red Lentil Dal

To make this lentil dish spicier, feel free to add some cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper, or even some dried red chili peppers.

Red Lentil Dal Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t like spinach, you can leave it out or try substituting kale. If you don’t have garam marsala, try curry powder. If you don’t have turmeric, you can add a little extra cumin as well as some paprika or sub-curry powder.

vegan red lentil dal

How To Cook Red Lentil Dal

Instant Pot Red Lentil Dal

This recipe works really well in the Instant Pot. Just use the saute function initially, then add the bulk of the ingredients and cook for 10 minutes, and then release the pressure after 5 minutes and add the remaining ingredients.

Stove Top Red Lentil Dal

You can also easily make this recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, and it cooks in about the same amount of time.

Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dal

Personally, I don’t think this recipe works great in the slow cooker. I prefer it to have a little texture and have found if it cooks too long, the lentils totally break down, and it becomes more like a soup.

You could try it if you want to, but you may need to keep an eye on it the first time you cook it to make sure it doesn’t require any extra liquid. You would need to cook on low for 6 hours or so, and I would add the coconut milk at the beginning instead of the end.

Vegan Red Lentil Dal Ingredients

This recipe is really simple and requires just a few pantry ingredients. The only thing you may need to do is stock your spice cabinet if you don’t frequently cook Indian cuisine. You’ll need:

  • Red Lentils – Their red color makes these easy to find at most grocery stores.
  • Garlic and onion – Add tons of flavor
  • Fresh ginger – Peel the skin off and finely mince just like garlic. Or use garlic paste.
  • Broth – I use vegetable broth for this recipe
  • Carrots- Dice them fairly small, so they cook along with the lentils. They help add some texture to the dish.
  • Coconut milk –
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Baby spinach – stir this into the hot dish a few minutes before serving and the heat from the dish will help it wilt

How To Make Red Lentil Dal

To make the red lentil dal, you’re going to saute the garlic, onions, carrots, and ginger with spices for a few minutes, then add the lentils and broth.

Bring to a boil and let simmer or cook in the instant pot. After the lentils are cooked, stir in the tomatoes, spinach, salt and sugar.

Serve over rice with some naan! Delicious!

Best Simple Red Lentil Dal Recipe

Print

Red Lentil Dal {Instant Pot/Stove Top}

easy red lentil dal recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Instant pot red lentil dal can also be made on the stove top. It’s an easy vegan dinner recipe that’s full of flavor. Serve with a side of rice, naan and a side salad!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 1 c diced onion
  • 1.5 cup finely diced carrots
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp garam marsala
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne, optional to taste
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • juice from 1/2 a lemon
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt, more to taste
  • 5 to 10 oz fresh baby spinach, half to full bag depending on preference

Instructions

Instant Pot:

  1. Set Instant pot to saute and add oil, onion, carrot, garlic, ginger and spices (except salt and sugar).
  2. Saute for 5 minutes
  3. Add red lentils and broth.
  4. Use manual cook button to set time to 5 minutes.
  5. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then release manually.
  6. Stir in tomatoes, coconut milk, lemon juice, salt, sugar and spinach and let simmer 5 minutes.
  7. Serve!

Stove top:

  1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven. Add onion, garlic, carrot, ginger and spices (except salt and sugar) amd saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  2. Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Add remaining ingredients and cook 5 more minutes.
  4. Serve!

Easy Vegan Red Lentil Dal FAQs

How to store red lentil dal?

Cool and store in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What’s the best way to reheat red lentil dal?

You can reheat your dal in a pan on the stovetop or microwave.

Can you freeze red lentil dal?

Yes! Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container like Souper Cubes and freeze (affiliate link). You can defrost it in the microwave, on the stove, or in the refrigerator.

Want more lentil recipes? Try:

Easy Vegan Red Lentil Dal

This Instant pot red lentil dal can also be made on the stove top. It's an easy vegan dinner recipe that's full of flavor. Serve with a side of rice, naan and a side salad!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

by 2 Comments

Looking for the best frozen chicken nuggets to choose for your family? Here are some healthy chicken nugget brands recommended by a Registered Dietitian.

best frozen chicken nuggets

*Originally published 9/2022. Updated 1/2025*

Hi friends!

It’s time for the next post in our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Today we’re talking about the healthiest chicken nuggets available right now. Because who doesn’t have a bag of frozen chicken nuggets in their freezer for a quick dinner every couple of weeks? I know I do. Even with all of my food prep, there are still nights that get busy during the week with 3 kids and freezer staples like this have saved my sanity more than once!

are frozen chicken nuggets healthy?

Healthy Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Are frozen chicken nuggets healthy?

I get this question a lot as a dietitian so let’s talk about it. Are chicken nuggets something I recommend giving to your kids every single night? No. Because variety is important and ideally we don’t want nuggets to be the only kind of chicken your kids will eat. But they can be a good starting point for introducing meat to a lot of kids, especially more selective eaters. They can contain some unnecessary fillers and be high in sodium so it is something I suggest spending some time on to find a brand that’s a good fit for your family.

Protein in Chicken Nuggets

In most cases, depending on the serving size of the nuggets, a serving of chicken nuggets will typically have 12 -15 grams of protein per serving which makes them a good source of protein

However, sodium levels vary a lot brand to brand so that’s one of the first things I look at when choosing the best brands to buy. The lower the better!

How To Make Frozen Chicken Nuggets Better?

The best way to make the most of frozen chicken nuggets is to include them as part of a balanced meal. Use them as a protein source on a veggie-packed salad. Pair them with a side of fruit and steamed veggies. Enjoy them with a smoothie packed with fruit, milk and healthy fats.

Since chicken nuggets can be high in sodium, make a conscious effort to pair them with lower sodium options and aim to include a source of healthy fats and fiber for satiety and fruits and veggies for added nutrients.

Best Chicken Nuggets for Toddlers

How to make chicken nuggets healthy for toddlers?

Remember to think about the meal as a whole when you’re serving chicken nuggets. Instead of serving with a side of fries, which can also be high in sodium, can you add some sliced fruit to the plate or a side smoothie made with frozen fruit? What about a side of roasted sweet potatoes or carrots? By adding things like fruits and vegetables you can definitely make frozen chicken nuggets part of a balanced meal!

How to choose the best frozen chicken nuggets

Here are a few things to look for:

  • Look for chicken BREAST as the first ingredient. These varieties tend to be less processed that brands that say “white chicken meat”.
  • Veggie-filled isn’t always better. It might sound good to have veggies added but a lot of times the amount added isn’t even a full serving of vegetables so it doesn’t need to be your deciding factor.
  • Watch sodium levels. I tell people to aim for 450mg or less per serving but we also need to consider the frequency. If you’re eating frozen chicken nuggets once a month I’m less concerned with the amount of sodium than if you’re eating them twice a week.
  • Look for protein. Try to find brands that have at least 12 grams of protein per serving.
  • Look for light breading if possible. Sometimes nuggets are mostly breading with very little meat which makes them higher in carbs and lower in protein.
  • Consider the amount of fat but especially saturated fat. If i’m not serving nuggets all the time, I don’t worry a ton about the amount of fat, but I do look for brands low in saturated fat.
  • Note the serving size. Know how many nuggets are in a serving and serve that, along with some fruits and veggies for a balanced meal!

I’m going to share some of the brands i liked best IN STORES AROUND ME. I recognize that there are other brands available and also that the brands listed below might not be available to you. My hope is you can use some of the things I pointed out above to look at what’s available to you and make the best choice for you and your family.

Best Tasting Frozen Chicken Nuggets

If you’d prefer to see this content in video form, along with a taste test I did with my kids of 5 of the brands I recommend, check out the video below!

Best Chicken Nugget Brands

So here are some of my favorite chicken nugget brands that are available in stores around me. This is not a comprehensive list. I’m sure there are other options out there

Just Bare Chicken Chunks

just bare lightly breaded chicken breast chunks - best chicken nugget brands

Nutritional Value of Chicken Nuggets

  • Serving size: 3 ounces
  • Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 16g protein, 540mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast, water, seasoning (sugar, salt, spices including paprika and celery, chicken fat, spice extractive, canola oil, soybean oil), rice starch. Breaded with: wheat flour, sugar, salt, nonfat dry milk, dried egg whites, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate), spice, paprika. Breading set in vegetable oil.

Costco Frozen Chicken Tenders

These are available at Costco and this is what I buy for my kids. It’s a little higher in sodium but still a good option for occasional dinners.

KidFresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets

kidfresh white meat chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 5 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 4g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 12g protein, 250mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Pureed Cauliflower, Pureed Onions, Unbleached Wheat Flour, Salt, Corn Starch, Yellow Corn Flour, Rice Starch, Yeast, Flavors, Molasses, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda), Whole Grain Millet Flour, Sea Salt. Browned in expeller pressed Canola Oil.

Perdue Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks

perdue lightly breaded chicken breast chunks - healthy chicken nugget brands
  • Serving size: 3 ounces
  • Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 15g protein, 400mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, water, wheat flour. Contains 2% or less of salt, dried garlic, sugar, wheat gluten, brown sugar, yeast, yeast extract, spice, paprika extract, onion powder, garlic powder.

Perdue has a lot of options. I like their lightly breaded options best.

Earth’s Best Chicken Nuggets for Kids

earth's best chicken nuggets for kids
  • Serving size: 4 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 9g fat, 1g saturated fat, 6g protein, 160mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Breading (Whole Wheat Flour, Corn Starch, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Yeast, Onion Powder, Spices, Sunflower Oil), Canola Oil, Batter (Whole Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Garlic Powder, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Onion Powder, Spice, Sunflower Oil, Extractives of Turmeric), Wheat Flour, Rice Starch, Water, Garlic and Onion Powders, Sea Salt, Spice.

Because of the small serving size, these might be better for/geared more towards toddlers and younger kids.

Applegate Chicken Nuggets

applegate frozen chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 6 nuggets
  • Nutrition Info: 9g fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 12g protein, 350mg sodium
  • Ingredients: White Meat Chicken, Wheat Flour, Water, Rice Flour. Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Cane Sugar, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Yeast, Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Breading Set in Expeller Pressed Canola Oil

They also have gluten-free and organic varieties that are good options if that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve personally eaten the gluten-free version and they taste just like the regular ones!

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, here are a few:

Best Store-Bought Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

In addition, there are a lot of gluten-free options out there. In many cases, the gluten-free versions taste just like regular and the main swap is just rice flour for wheat flour in the breading so I still recommend focusing on the nutrition info I pointed out at the beginning of this post. And you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet to enjoy these brands. My youngest prefers the Golden Platter brand shown below over many other options out there and he does not follow a gluten-free diet.

Caulipower Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

caulipower gluten-free chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 3oz (approx 2 tenders)
  • Nutrition info: 1.5g fat, 14g protein, 370mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Water, Rice Flour, Dried Cauliflower, Brown Rice Flour. Contains 2% Or Less of The Following: Tapioca Starch, Salt, Seasoning (Chicken Broth, Natural Flavor), Organic Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Organic Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Onion Powder, Spices, Paprika, Lactic Acid Powder, Calcium Lactate, Torula Yeast, Extractives Of Paprika.

Golden Platter Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

golden platter gluten-free chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 4 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 8g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 15g protein, 350mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken breast meat, water, rice starch, sea salt. Breaded with: Yellow corn flour, rice flour, water, yellow corn meal, rice starch, corn starch, sea salt, dextrose, garlic powder, onion powder, spice, yeast extract, breading set in non-hydrogenated soybean oil.

These are also available at Costco.

Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets

What are the best frozen vegan chicken nuggets?

I’m not going to dive into plant-based options in this post but there are certainly a lot of them out there. Based on reading a few reviews, you could try:

Best Store-Bought Chicken Nuggets FAQs

Which Chicken Nuggets Are The Healthiest? (Healthiest Chicken Nuggets Frozen)

So which are the healthiest chicken nuggets? There’s not one brand that I would recommend 100% over others because I think there are several good options out there. All in all, I think the biggest things to consider are frequency of eating, amount of sodium and saturated fat and paying attention to the serving size so that you can be aware of whether you’re actually eating more than one serving. More than one serving is fine but it also means you’d be consuming more than what’s listed in one serving on the label for sodium, fat etc. so it’s important to be aware of.

Are chicken breasts healthier than chicken nuggets?

Yes. Plain chicken breasts are less processed and typically have less added ingredients, are lower in fat and sodium, etc. But both can have a place in a healthy diet.

How do I reheat chicken nuggets?

You can reheat nuggets a variety of ways. Stick them in the air fryer or toaster oven for a few minutes, pop them in the microwave, or even put them in a pan with a little bit of oil over medium heat to crisp them back up again!

How long are chicken nuggets good for in the fridge?

Once you’ve cooked frozen chicken nuggets, you can store extras in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Which is healthier chicken nuggets or pizza?

Both are fine to eat occasionally. Chicken nuggets are typically higher in protein. Both can be high in sodium and fat, especially if the chicken is fried vs baked. Both can be paired with fruits and vegetables for a more balanced meal.

How To Make Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets/ Healthy Homemade Chicken Nuggets

If you’re looking for some homemade chicken nugget recipes to try, here are a few:

Can homemade chicken nuggets be frozen?

Yes! You can actually freeze them before or after baking. When I make my Freezer Chicken Tenders, I like to prep the tenders and freeze them before baking. Then all I have to do when I want them is pull them out and bake them straight from frozen.

air fryer chicken nuggets

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets for Air Fryer

Healthy air fryer chicken nuggets

Want to try making nuggets at home in the air fryer? Here are some recipe ideas:

Do frozen chicken nuggets work in the air fryer?

Yep. I set the temperature to 400 and air fry for about 8 minutes, shaking half way through. Be sure to not crowd the basket. If feeding several people you may need to do two batches.

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Nuggets in the Oven

The oven is an easy way to cook a large amount of frozen chicken nuggets all at once. Using one or two baking sheets, spread chicken nuggets in a single layer and bake according to package directions. To ensure even cooking, you can rotate the pans and flip the nuggets halfway through.

If you’re cooking multiple trays, consider using the convection bake option if you have one.

How much time do chicken nuggets need in the oven?

Cooking time will vary by brand as well as by oven but typically you can place frozen chicken nuggets on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 12 minutes or so.

Best Healthy Chicken Nuggets for Kids

Looking for the best frozen chicken nuggets to choose for your family? Here are some healthy chicken nugget brands recommended by a Registered Dietitian.

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (with slow cooker option)

by 8 Comments

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

*Originally published 2/2019. Updated 1/2025*

Hi friends!

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is perfect for the cold winter weather here in Ohio. If you’re looking for even more soup options, check out:

Creamy Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

One of my favorite instant pot tricks is that if you cook sweet potatoes chunks long enough, they basically fall apart when you stir them.

I often use this method to make a creamy type soup without the cream. Similarly, you can blend in a can of beans to add extra fiber and protein as well as a creamy texture.

If you decide to make this on the stove top and your sweet potatoes don’t fall apart on their own, feel free to remove the chicken and use a blender or immersion blender to blend up part of the broth to achieve a creamy texture.

The sweet potatoes in this recipe make it creamy while still keeping this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free. If the sweet potatoes falling apart make it too thick, add a little more broth!

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup with slow cooker option

Ingredients in Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

Here are a few of the ingredients you need to make this soup:

  • Sweet potatoes – if you don’t have them on hand, try butternut squash, acorn squash or carrots
  • Chicken thighs – feel free to swap in chicken breasts if you prefer.
  • Spinach – this is optional, but fresh baby spinach wilts easily into soups and is a great option for adding more veggies
  • Corn – Feel free to use fresh, frozen or canned corn
  • Seasoning – this is a basic soup recipe and there are tons of great seasoning combinations you can use – try Old Bay, McCormick’s chicken seasoning or a combination of cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper.

How To Make Sweet Potato Chicken Soup

To make this soup, pull out your Instant Pot and follow a few simple steps:

  • Combine all ingredients except the spinach and corn in the Instant Pot.
  • Cook as directed.
  • Remove the chicken and shred it and return to the pot along with the spinach and corn.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Chicken and Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Print

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup (with slow cooker option)

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it’s easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds sweet potatoes (approx 2 large or 4 cups roughly chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth (more if desired)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned or fresh)
  • 3 giant handfuls fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tsp Old Bay**
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Avocado to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and roughly chop sweet potatoes. You can also leave the skin on if you want to!
  2. Place sweet potatoes, garlic, peppers, chicken thighs, seasoning and broth in the instant pot.
  3. Seal and manually set the timer for 12 minutes.
  4. Quick release. Remove chicken to shred. Use a fork or potato masher to gently break apart sweet potato chunks as you stir. Switch to saute, return chicken to pot and stir in corn and spinach.
  5. Let simmer 2-3 minutes, taste, adjust seasonings and serve. If you want to thin it out a little, add an additional half cup of broth.

Notes

**If you don’t have Old Bay, try swapping in Montreal Chicken Seasoning or 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp curry powder.

To make it in the slow cooker, increase broth to 2 cups, cook in low for 6-8 hours until sweet potatoes break apart easily. Add spinach and corn for last 15 minutes.

See what I mean by easy?! Be sure to let me know if you try this one. Want more instant pot recipes? You can browse my instant pot archives here.

Instant Pot Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Soup FAQs

What can I substitute for sweet potato in chicken soup?

If you don’t have sweet potato, squash is a great option. Butternut squash, acorn squash or other similar squash with the peel removed will act similarly to sweet potato in this recipe. You could also use carrots but they don’t fall apart as easily and you’ll likely need to blend them by hand to make it creamy.

Is soup with chicken and sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes! This soup is packed with protein and vegetables and makes a great complete meal on a cold day. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and C. You can leave the skin on to add fiber. The spinach adds more Vitamin A and iron and the chicken adds protein.

Can you freeze Instant Pot chicken and sweet potatoes?

Yes! Let cool and then portion into containers like Souper Cubes (aff link) to freeze for later. This soup can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove top.

You could easily double this recipe and freeze half!

What to serve with chicken sweet potato soup?

This soup is fine on its own, but would be great alongside crusty bread and a side salad for a healthy, balanced meal!

What is the sweet potato chicken soup crockpot version of this recipe?

To make this recipe in the slow cooker, start with 2 cups of broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the chicken to shred and use a blender or immersion blender to blend the sweet potatoes. Add more broth as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Stir shredded chicken, spinach and corn into soup and let cook for 15 minutes more.

Can I turn this into chicken noodle soup with sweet potatoes?

To make this recipe more kid-friendly, increase the broth to 3 cups. The sweet potatoes will still dissolve right into the broth but it will be thinner and more soup-like. You can also reduce the amount of seasonings and skip the spinach if you want.

Do I have to garnish with avocado?

No! I love to use avocado as a soup garnish because it blends right in with its mild flavor and adds some healthy fats but feel free to skip it. You could add some fresh herbs or cheese on top if you want to!

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is the perfect dinner for a cold winter night. Made with simple ingredients, it's easy to throw together and can also be made in the slow cooker.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Crockpot French Dip

by 2 Comments

Discover the ultimate Crockpot French Dip recipe! Tender beef, flavorful au jus, and simple ingredients for a cozy dinner!

crockpot French dip sandwich with au jus dipping sauce

Hi friends!

I’ve got a new slow cooker recipe to share with you. My husband loves to order a French dip when we’re out to dinner but it wasn’t something I’d ever tried to make at home until recently.

Turns out it couldn’t be any easier and it was a big hit with my husband so I wanted to share in case there are any other French dip lovers out there!

In case you’re looking for more crockpot recipes, check out:

Best Crockpot French Dip Ingredients

To make this easy recipe, you just need a few basic ingredients. Here are a few of them:

  • Rump roast – You can also use chuck roast if you prefer.
  • Worcestershire sauce – A flavorful liquid used to deglaze the pan and get all the flavorful brown bits which deepens the flavor of the sauce.
  • Garlic and onion – The thinly sliced onions mix well with the shredded beef and add great flavor to the sandwiches.
  • Beef Broth – The base of the dipping sauce
  • Provolone cheese- This is my favorite cheese for this sandwich but feel free to use whatever your favorite is

How To Make French Dip in Crockpot

To make crockpot French dip sandwiches:

  • Season and sear the roast.
  • Deglaze the pan and saute the onions.
  • Transfer the roast and onions to the crockpot.
  • Add beef broth and spices and cook 8-10 hours.
  • Shred the beef.
  • Reduce the liquid to make a dipping sauce.
  • Place on buns, top with cheese and broil until cheese is melty.
  • Serve with dipping sauce.
easy crockpot french dip

Crockpot French Dip Chuck Roast

If you can’t find rump roast, chuck roast is a great option for this recipe as well. Rump roast tends to be a bit more expensive and more tender which chuck roast is from the shoulder area. Chuck roast is slightly fattier but both are good options for this sandwich.

Need more ways to use chuck roast? Try this Slow Cooker Balsamic Pot Roast or this Instant Pot Beef Stew.

Slow Cooker French Dip Sliders

This recipe would be perfect for a party! Instead of making large sandwiches, serve on slider buns for an easy, finger food meal alongside small amounts of the aus jus in ramekins.

Easy Crockpot French Dip Recipe

Print

Crockpot French Dip

easy slow cooker french dip sandwich
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This Crockpot French Dip recipe is protein-packed, full of flavor and easy to make. The perfect dinner for a cold night!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 pound rump roast (or chuck roast)
  • 1 tsp each salt and pepper
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershine sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 a medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Sub buns
  • Sliced provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan (or crockpot if you have a saute function).
  2. Season roast with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Sear roast for 3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Deglaze pan with Worchestershire sauce.
  5. Add garlic and onions and saute for 5 minutes.
  6. Place onions and roast in a crockpot.
  7. Add beef broth and seasonings and cook on low for 8-10 hours.
  8. Remove roast and shred using 2 forks.
  9. Pour juice into small saucepan. Bring to a boil and let reduce for 10 minutes.
  10. Place shredded meat on buns. Top with cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted.
  11. Serve with sauce for dipping.

Crockpot French Dip FAQs

What to serve with crockpot French dip sandwiches?

These sandwiches pair well with a side of vegetables. Keep it easy with Steamfresh veggies, or toss some green beans or broccoli in the oven to roast while the sauce is reducing. You could also serve with a side salad and some fresh fruit.

They would also be great with a side of roasted sweet potatoes

How to store crockpot French dip beef?

Store the shredded meat in a glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat in the microwave or under the broiler.

How to freeze this slow cooker French dip beef?

Portion shredded beef into 1 or 2 cup servings and freeze once cooled. Freeze the dipping sauce in a separate container. For individual sauce portions, try freezing in muffin tins into broth cubes and defrost as needed.

slow cooker french dip beef

Can I make instant pot French dip sandwiches?

I haven’t tried it myself but it should work. Follow the above directions but when ready to cook, put everything in the pressure cooker and cook for about 90 minutes. Let pressure release naturally and then shred. Cooking time for the instant pot will depend on the weight of your roast and the thickness so if it doesn’t shred easily with two forks, it needs to be cooked longer.

Here are a few other recipes: Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches or Instant Pot French Dip.

What is the best cheese for French dip?

Provolone is the most commonly used cheese. Its smokey flavor pairs well with the beef and onions. If you can’t find provolone, you could try fresh mozzarella or swiss cheese as well.

What to do with leftover French dip beef?

Try repurposing your leftover beef into something new like:

Discover the ultimate Crockpot French Dip recipe! Tender beef, flavorful au jus, and simple ingredients for a cozy dinner!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Low Sugar Yogurt | 7g Added Sugar or Less!

by 2 Comments

Here are 5 of the best low sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

best low sugar yogurt options

*Originally published 7/2022. Updated 12/2024.*

Hi friends!

I have been working on a new snack series! Today we’re talking about yogurt. Yogurt is kid-friendly, an easy protein source and can be a great addition to a balanced diet. However, if you’re not careful, it can easily fall into the dessert category based on the large amounts of sugar that is often added to it.

If you want more store-bought snack ideas, check out these posts:

Snacks from certain stores:

Types of snacks:

Best Low Sugar Yogurts – Top Brands

How to choose low sugar yogurt?

So what low-sugar yogurts are best? I went to Meijer and Kroger to find some options for you!

There is no official definition for low-sugar so opinions will vary person to person. As a Registered Dietitian, I tried to look for options that were relatively low in sugar but would still taste good.

Low Sugar Yogurt Recipes

For options lowest in added sugar, try using plain yogurt and sweetening with your own fruit like this – How To Make Naturally Sweetened Greek Yogurt – No added Sugar. You could also try making your own yogurt – How To Make Homemade Vanilla Yogurt.

Best Flavored Yogurt Options

If you don’t like those options , you’ll need to choose from flavored store-bought options and the level of added sugar varies widely by brand.

Best yogurt without artificial sweetener

Many people, including myself, don’t like the aftertaste that comes with stevia and may have digestive issues with sweeteners like monk fruit, etc. If you want to learn more about sugar substitutes, check out my post – The Ultimate Guide to Sugar Substitutes.

For this roundup, I’ve chosen to go with yogurts sweetened with traditional sugar, not sugar substitutes.

Here are five options that have 7 grams of added sugar or less. Watch the video for an overview, or scroll down to see the options:

What is the healthiest low sugar yogurt?

The healthiest low sugar yogurt for you is one that you’ll eat! You can’t get the protein and other nutrient benefits if you’re not willing to consume it!

Lowest Sugar Yogurt Brands

Here are the five options I found that are lower in sugar and still taste good.

oikos low sugar greek yogurt

Oikos Blended – Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 13 grams protein
  • 0 grams fat

Ingredients in the strawberry flavor: cultured non fat milk, strawberries, cane sugar, water, contains less than 1% of: pectin, natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice concentrate and beta carotene (for color, vitamin D3.

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

  • 5 grams added sugar
  • 12 grams protein
  • 3 grams fat

Ingredients in Vanilla: Cultured lowfat milk, water, cane sugar, natural flavors, fruit pectin, guar gum, cinnamon, locust bean gum, vanilla extract, lemon juice concentrate.

Fage Total Low Sugar Yogurt

Fage Total Split Cup – Low Sugar Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 12 grams protein
  • 2.5 grams fat

Ingredients: STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk and Cream, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei).

STRAWBERRY FRUIT PREPARATION: Strawberries, Cane Sugar, Water, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Fruit Pectin. 

siggis low sugar yogurt

Siggi’s Yogurt With Low Sugar

  • 6 grams added sugar
  • 15 grams protein
  • 2.5 grams fat (there’s also a whole milk version)

Ingredients in black cherry: Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pasteurized Cream, Cherries, Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Live Active Cultures

Icelandic Provisions low sugar yogurt

Icelandic Provisions Low Sugar Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 15 grams protein
  • 2 grams fat

Ingredients in strawberry: Skyr (Pasteurized Low-Fat Milk, Live and Active Cultures), Fruit (Strawberries, Lingonberries), Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Pectin, Carob Bean Gum, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate (For Color)

Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

What’s the difference between greek yogurt and regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is strained after it’s fermented to remove the whey and make it thicker. Skyr is similar to Greek yogurt in that it’s strained, often longer than Greek yogurt, making it even thicker. Greek yogurt can have fewer carbs and less sugar, while also having more protein than regular yogurt. For all varieties there are whole milk and lower fat options. Skyr is usually made with skim milk and can have even more protein than Greek yogurt.

Kids Taste Test Yogurt with Low Sugar

Low Sugar Yogurts for Kids

While low sugar options are great, we still need kids to enjoy them! I did a little taste test with my kids where they tasted the 5 options listed above, plus a higher sugar option and one sweetened with stevia. Watch to see which were their favorites:

Best Sugar-Free Yogurt

Is sugar-free yogurt good for you?

So what about sugar-free yogurt that use artifical sweeteners and yogurts sweetened with stevia and monkfruit? Personally and as an RD they’re not my favorite. Stevia and other sweeteners like it can cause GI distress- gas, bloating etc for some people. Some people also don’t like the taste or aftertaste. They’re also much much sweeter than regular yogurts and kids can get used to that level of sweetness. Like most things, they’re probably fine in moderation but for this post I chose ones sweetened with regular sugar because that’s my preference. If you’re looking for other options there are definitely some out there!

For Special Diets

Low Sugar Yogurts for Diatbetics

If you’re diabetic and looking for options that are specifically good for diabetics, check out this article from my friend and fellow RD who is a Type 1 Diabetic – How To Choose The Best Yogurt For Diabetes.

Low Sugar Vegan Yogurt

If you’re looking for some healthy dairy-free yogurt options check out this post – Healthy Dairy-free Yogurt That Actually Tastes Good.

Additional healthy yogurt options:

ways to reduce sugar in yogurt

Two other easy ways to reduce the added sugar in yogurt is to choose plain yogurt and mix in smashed fruit or drizzle with a little honey.

Or you can buy a flavored variety that might have a bit more added sugar and mix it half and half with plain yogurt!

Here are 5 of the best low-sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

Hope this post was helpful! Want some recipes that use yogurt, both flavored and plain?

–Lindsay–

Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

by 6 Comments

These Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars are packed with protein and fiber thanks to the addition of white beans but you’d never know it! A cross between coffee cake and blondies, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time or dessert!

blondie snickerdoodle bars with white beans

Hi friends!

I’ve got a fun new recipe for you today. These Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars are a request from a follower and they’re definitely a new favorite around here.

Someone asked me for some bars that contained beans as well as the iconic snickerdoodle flavor and although it took a few rounds of testing, I think I nailed them.

First things first, these are not a fudgy blondie. They’re definitely on the cakey side. So you need to go into it with that expectation. They are fluffly and cakey, almost like a coffee cake, but they’ve got a whole can of great northern beans inside!

If you’ve been around for a while, you know I love baking with beans and lentils. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out these recipes:

Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Blondies

The ingredients for these bars are so simple and I bet you have most of them in your pantry right now! You’ll need:

  • Great northern beans – They have such a mild flavor and they’re perfect for blending into baked goods
  • Sugar – I use white sugar, you could also try brown sugar and I haven’t tried it but you could probably sub maple syrup as well
  • Oil – I use avocado oil
  • Egg – we’re using a mix of egg and egg yolk
  • Vanilla and cinnamon – don’t skimp on these! They’re crucial for flavor
  • Flour – I used white whole wheat flour or a gluten-free 1:1 blend
  • Baking soda and baking powder
snickerdoodle blondies

How To Make Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

To make these bars you’ll need a food processor or a high-powered blender. When you’re ready to bake:

  • Combine the beans, sugar, egg and yolk, oil and vanilla and process until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients and blend until mixed.
  • Spoon into a 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake!

Recipe for Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

Print

Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

easy snickerdoodle bars
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

These Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars are packed with protein and fiber thanks to the addition of white beans but you’d never know it! A cross between coffee cake and blondies, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time or dessert!

Ingredients

  • 1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk

  • ¼ cup oil (i use avocado oil)

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup flour

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • For topping: 1 Tbsp sugar mixed with ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. Combine beans, sugar, egg and egg yolk, oil and vanilla in a food processor and process until smooth.

  3. Add cinnamon, salt, flour, baking soda and baking powder and process until just combined.

  4. Scoop into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper. 

  5. Use your fingers to sprinkle cinnamon and sugar mixture over the entire top of the pan.

  6. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. 

  7. Let cool before cutting and serve.

Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars FAQs

Can I make these snickerdoodle bars without beans?

I would not recommend this specific recipe without the beans. If you’re looking for a more traditional dessert, try:

How to store blondie snickerdoodle bars?

These bars are moist and don’t do well in a sealed container. I would store on the counter loosely covered with foil for 2 days or so and then transfer to a container in the fridge.

Can I freeze snickerdoodle blondies?

Yes! Cool completely and then cut and freeze in a ziploc bag. Thaw on the counter when ready to eat.

Can I make gluten-free snickerdoodle bars?

Yes, just use a 1:1 Gluten-free flour blend. My favorite is King Arthur’s measure for measure.

Can I make vegan snickerdoodle bars?

To make this recipe vegan, I would substitute a flax egg. Here’s how to make a flax egg. You might have to experiment and see if you like the results better with one or two flax eggs.

These Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars are packed with protein and fiber thanks to the addition of white beans but you'd never know it! A cross between coffee cake and blondies, they're perfect for breakfast, snack time or dessert!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Fish Chowder

by 19 Comments

This Easy Fish Chowder recipe tastes better the longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

simple fish chowder recipe

*Originally published Sept 2016. Updated Dec 2024*

This easy fish chowder is a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s healthy, nutritious and great for meal prep.

Hi Friends!

Have you ever spent time looking for the best of all fish chowder recipes? This is it. I’ve been eating it since I was a little girl and now make it often for my own family.

My Maine Fish Chowder Recipe

Every summer while I was growing up, my mom, sister and I would head out to Maine to spend a couple of weeks with my aunt. Aside from fresh Maine lobster and hot dogs, both of which don’t involve a whole lot of cooking, the one thing we ate every year on this trip was this simple fish chowder.

One of my biggest contributions as a kid was always standing over the sink peeling the potatoes…but aside from that and chopping up potatoes, onion and bacon, that’s really all there is to it!

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

  • Budget-friendly – made with just 7 affordable ingredients
  • Perfect for meal prep – it tastes better the longer it sits
  • Works with any white fish, not just haddock – I often use cod
  • Skip the oyster crackers on top and this chowder is gluten-free

This simple fish chowder recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal ingredients. It’s also easy to customize. If you want to throw in some extra veggies, feel free! Want to add more seafood? You could definitely add shrimp, clams etc.

Easy Fish Chowder Ingredients

Here’s the basic list of ingredients for this recipe:

  • Bacon – just a few slices adds a lot of flavor
  • Onion – I often sub sliced leeks for onions so feel free to do that!
  • Potatoes- You can use peeled white potatoes, or feel free to sub yellow or red potatoes with the skin on if you prefer
  • Broth – chicken or vegetable broth both work
  • Fish – You want a mild white fish. Haddock is my favorite but can be hard to find so I often use cod
  • Old Bay – A crucial ingredient for the chowder flavor!

Simple Fish Chowder with Step by Step Directions

To make the chowder, just follow a few simple steps:

  • Saute the bacon, onions and potatoes.
  • Add broth, spices and fish.
  • Stir in milk or cream and serve!

Mom hack – I often use half cream, half 2% milk. It adds that creamy flavor without it tasting overly rich!

potato and fish chowder with bacon

What should I serve with fish chowder?

This is a hearty soup that makes a great meal all on it’s own. Don’t forget to top with oyster crackers or serve with some crusty bread for dipping.

You could easily pair with a side salad for a nice balanced meal!

What is chowder? What makes chowder different than soup?

Traditionally, chowder is thicker, richer and creamier than most soups. Chowder broth is often thickened with flour and cream, although this recipe does not use any flour.

What are the different types of chowder?

  • Manhattan clam chowder is easily recognizable because it uses a tomato-based broth.
  • New England clam chowder is more popular. It is made with a thick and creamy white broth and usually contains a mix of clams, potatoes, bacon and celery.
  • Long Island clam chowder is made with a creamy tomato-based broth.
  • Rhode Island clam chowder is similar to New England versions but with a much thinner broth that isn’t creamy.
  • Seafood chowder or fish chowder typically contains fish or a mix of shrimp ,fish and other seafood instead of just clams.

Can I use seafood instead of fish? What are the easy seafood chowder ingredients?

Yes! If you’re making this chowder, consider this a base recipe. Use the same ingredient list but feel free to add in some clams, mussels, shrimp etc if you prefer those!

Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

Here’s how you make this super easy fish chowder:

Print

Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

Easy Fish Chowder 1
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 3 slices bacon, diced
  • 2/3 cup diced onion
  • 2 medium white potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 c chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1.5 – 2 pounds Haddock (or cod) fillets, skin removed
  • 1–2 tsp Old Bay
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups 2% milk, whole milk or half & half

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Saute bacon, onion and potatoes for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Add broth and lay fish on top of potatoes in pot. (Don’t worry about cutting it up. It will flake apart when cooked)
  3. Add the Old Bay, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until fish and potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to break the fish into chunks.
  4. Reduce the heat and add the milk or half and half. Heat through but don’t boil.

Fish Chowder FAQs

What fish is good for chowder? Can I make this fish chowder with cod?

We always used haddock when we made it growing up but it turns out that can be hard to find here in Ohio so I typically use cod and it works great. Really any thick, meaty white fish should work great!

Should I use fish stock?

This recipe does not use fish stock. You could substitute some or all of the chicken broth for fish stock if you want to but it isn’t necessary.

Can I freeze fish chowder?

While this isn’t my absolute favorite dish to freeze, it can be frozen. Make sure it is cooled completely and be aware that the texture might change slightly when it’s reheated. To minimize this, reheat very slowly at a low temperature.

Is this a healthy fish chowder? Is it better to use heavy cream or milk?

Yes, this soup is overall fairly healthy. Whether to finish with heavy cream or milk is a personal preference. I most often ate it with heavy cream growing up and I most often make it with 2% milk now as an adult. The heavy cream or whole milk will give it a much richer taste and make the broth more white and creamy.

I use 2% milk and the broth is not quite as thick but ends up being the perfect richness for me.

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

Old Bay is a pre-mixed seasoning blend that’s made with a mix of celery salt, peppers, paprika and other spices. It’s a very distinct flavor and when a recipe calls for it, I tend to use it without substitute to achieve the desired flavor.

Do I have to make fish chowder with bacon?

The bacon is optional but I personally think it adds a ton of flavor to the soup. With so few ingredients, the bacon flavor can really shine through and pairs well with hearty white fish and potatoes.

Is this easy fish chowder gluten-free?

Yes. This recipe is gluten-free as written as long as you get gluten-free oyster crackers if needed.

How can I turn this into a simple fish soup? What about dairy-free fish chowder?

To make this a fish soup recipe, leave out the cream/milk at the end and add some extra veggies! This would essentially make it a dairy-free fish chowder. Or you could try subbing almond milk or coconut milk for the milk/heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

Also, note I garnished mine with extra bacon and some parsley for photos but that’s definitely not required. Turns out soup made with white fish, white potatoes and milk/cream really isn’t that visually appealing…but luckily it doesn’t impact the taste!

Looking for other soup recipes? Try these:

This easy, affordable fish chowder is perfect for meal prep and makes a great dinner for busy families!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Healthy Store Bought Bread

by 9 Comments

Are you looking for the best healthy store bought bread? Here are some tips and things to consider from a Registered Dietitian. Plus my top picks!

Healthy Store Bought Bread Options

healthy store bought bread options

*Published 9/22. Updated 12/24*

These are the best store bought bread options that are both healthy and affordable. Busy families looking for healthy bread options for sandwiches, toast, and more will find several options to choose from.

Hi friends!

We’re continuing our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Best Healthy Bread Brands 2024

Today we’re talking about bread. I frequently get requests for bread recommendations and I totally get it! The bread aisle is huge and overwhelming and with so many options available, it’s hard to know which is the best choice.

First, we’re going to talk about a few different aspects of bread that you should consider when choosing which will work for your family. Aside from the nutritional aspect, you also have to consider whether you, or your kids, will eat it. Because it doesn’t matter how much protein and fiber is packed in there if your kids refuse to eat it, right?

So let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love the Best Healthy Store Bought Bread

  • Accessible and affordable – these brands are sold at many local grocery store chains.
  • Made with simple ingredients
  • Focus on whole grains- to get more fiber!
  • Low in added sugar

What Bread Is Healthiest?

When deciding what bread is healthy and choosing a bread for you and your family, here are a few things to consider. As a Registered Dietitian, I look at things like:

  • ingredients
  • added sugar
  • protein and fiber
  • portion size
whole wheat bread - choosing a healthy store bought bread

Choosing A Healthy Bread

Why choose whole grain bread brands?

I generally recommend choosing whole grain bread as one of your healthiest options. Whole grain means the entire kernel of the grain was used to make the flour. This means there are more nutrients like vitamins and minerals, protein, fiber, etc. Bread made with refined flour means part of the grain most of the grain processed out and you can lose things like fiber and nutrients (although they are often added back in).

Mom hack: Look for the word WHOLE as the first ingredient. This is important! Just because it says wheat flour does not mean WHOLE wheat flour was used. You can also look for the yellow whole grain seal on the package.

In addition, aim to avoid partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup on the ingredient list.

added sugar in bread

Added Sugar in bread

Is there bread with no sugar added?

It’s rare to find bread with no added sugar and bread can actually be a big source of added sugar (one that people don’t always think about.) I suggest aiming for 2-3 grams or less per slice. Also, consider whether you’ll be eating one slice or two and check how many slices the info on the nutrition label is for. Sometimes the nutrition label info is per slice and sometimes it’s for a serving size of 2 slices.

Mom tip: Some brands have varieties that have 4-5 grams of added sugar per slice. If you’re eating two slices you’re getting 10 grams of added sugar at that meal just from the bread.

protein and fiber in bread

Protein and fiber in bread

What counts as high-fiber bread brands?

Aim to find a bread that has at least some protein and fiber. I suggest looking for at least 2-3 grams of fiber and at least 3 grams of protein per slice.

Is white bread healthy?

If you choose white bread, know that it is enriched to add vitamins and minerals back in but will likely be lower in fiber than whole wheat options. Look for one that’s low in sodium and added sugar and higher in fiber if you can find it.

Something like Brownberry Oat Nut is white in appearance but has 4 grams protein and 2 grams fiber per slice, which is good…but it also has 3 grams of added sugar per slice. So there are a lot of factors to consider! Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right is another option.

thin sliced healthy store bought bread options

Best Healthy Sandwich Bread For Kids

When it comes to portion size, many companies now have thin-sliced options. This is great for most people, especially kids. They are often lower in added sugar because the amount of bread is smaller but still can have a decent amount of fiber and protein.

So let me share a few of my favorite options in the stores around me:

Healthiest Bread Brands

natures own whole wheat bread and sara lee whole wheat bread

Nature’s Own & Sara Lee

  • Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat – 60 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar
  • Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat– 60 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar

Cheap Healthy Bread Options:

Mom hack: These are some of the most economical options at my grocery store that still have a decent amount of protein and fiber per slice and are low in added sugar.

pepperidge farm healthy store bought bread options

Pepperidge Farm

  • Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat– 120 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Thin Sliced – 65 cal, 3.5g protein, 2g fiber, 1.5g added sugar *one slice
  • Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal – 110 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar

Their thin sliced loaves give the nutrition info for 2 slices so the info above for the thin sliced is half of what’s listed on the label to reflect one slice.

brownberry whole wheat and brownberry oatnut bread

Brownberry/Arnold/Orowheat

  • Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat – 110 cal, 4g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat Small Slice- 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Brownberry Oatnut – 120 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Brownberry Oatnut Small Slice– 80 cal, 3g protein, 1g fiber, 2g added sugar

Mom tip: This company is known as Brownberry in the midwest, Arnold in the east and Orowheat in the west.

daves killer bread best store bread choices

Dave’s Killer Bread

Has some great options but can be expensive:

  • Dave’s Killer Bread Good Seed Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 3g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread 100% whole wheat Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread Powerseed – 100 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 1g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right – 110 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar

Mom tip – Some of their other options are higher in added sugar- 4 or 5 grams added sugar PER SLICE.

ezekial sprouted store bread

Best sprouted bread:

Ezekial Sprouted Bread

  • Ezekial Sprouted Whole Grain (or sprouted sesame) – 80 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar
  • Silver Hills Sprouted is another great sprouted option if you can find it near you!

Best Honey Wheat Bread Brands

These still have some protein but tend to be lower in fiber so just keep that in mind. Look for low added sugar and try to pack some nutrients into whatever you’re putting on the bread. Some examples:

  • Nature’s Own Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 3g protein, less than 1g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Sara Lee Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 2g protein, less than 1g fiber, 1g sugar

Healthy Sandwich Bread

What’s the best bread for sandwiches?

So what’s my pick? I’m actually switching my kids to Nature’s Own 100% whole wheat. It’s cheaper than what we’ve been buying, has less added sugar and my kids actually didn’t mind eating it when I did a taste test with them!

Hope this was helpful! Just remember to pay attention to how much added sugar is in the bread you’re choosing and look for brands with some protein and fiber!

What’s the best way to store store bought bread?

If the bread you like is on sale, you can freeze it to use later. Just thaw on the counter as needed. You can also toast directly from the freezer.

Bread can be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag. Note that warmer weather may cause bread to mold more quickly so freezing all or some of the loaf can prolong the life of the bread.

What are some of the best gluten-free bread brands?

Gluten-free bread is a totally different ball game made with different types of flours and often additional ingredients to help stabilize due to the absence of gluten. Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Bread to give you a starting point in this category.

Can you freeze bread?

Yes! Bread keeps well in the freezer so definitely stock up when your favorites go on sale and thaw as needed.

Healthy Bread Meal Prep Tips

  • If your kids don’t like crust, save them in a bag in the freeze and then pulse them in the food processor to make homemade breadcrumbs.
  • If you have bread that goes stale, make homemade croutons.
  • Prep peanut butter and jelly sandwiches ahead of time and freeze them. Perfect for popping in lunch boxes.
  • Stock up on bread when it’s on sale and store in the freezer until ready to use.
  • Did you know you can make French toast ahead of time, cook, cool, freeze and reheat when ready?

Healthy Bread Shopping List

Screenshot the image below to help you remember some of my favorite brands!

Are you looking for the best healthy store bought bread? Here are some tips and things to consider from a Registered Dietitian. Plus my top picks!

These are the best store bought bread choices for busy, active families that are looking for healthy, affordable bread options that are nutritious and taste good.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

by 1 Comment

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers.

crockpot chicken taco soup

Hi friends!

If the cold weather is here to stay where you are, you have to try this Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup.

Chicken is my protein of choice for this recipe because you don’t have to cook it ahead of time like you do with ground meats. This recipe is also a great way to repurpose chicken that you’ve already cooked when you’re looking for a new meal idea mid-week.

Ingredients For Chicken Taco Soup

Most of the ingredients you need for this soup can probably be found in your pantry! Gather up:

  • Onion and bell pepper
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes – these add extra flavor but if you don’t have them, regular diced tomatoes or even Rotel is fine!
  • Black beans
  • Green chilis – Mild works fine but feel free to use hot to add a little extra spice
  • Corn
  • Chicken – I use boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • Broth- Chicken or vegetable broth are both great
  • Spices- Be generous with your seasonings – we use a mix of cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and salt but you could also use taco seasoning in a pinch
  • Toppings – tons of options including things like fresh jalapenos, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, sour cream and more!

How To Make Chicken Taco Soup in Slow Cooker

Making this soup couldn’t be easier:

  • Chop pepper and onion.
  • Add to slow cooker along with remaining ingredients.
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours.
  • Shred the chicken and return to the soup.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings
easy taco soup

Easy Chicken Taco Soup Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

Print

Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

easy crockpot chicken taco soup
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It’s freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers. 

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 4 – 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup diced onion
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
  • 2 (4 oz) cans green chilis
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 1 quart chicken broth
  • 1 Tbsp cumin
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, fresh squeezed lime juice, fresh cilantro, diced avcoado, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except optional toppings in the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on low 6-8 hours. 
  3. Shred chicken and mix well. 
  4. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Easy Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup FAQs

Can I make this instant pot chicken taco soup?

Yes! To make this in the instant pot, use the same ingredients. Cook using manual mode for 15 minutes, let it release naturally, then shred the chicken and serve.

Is this a 7-can chicken taco soup recipe?

This particular recipe only uses 5 cans but you could always add an extra can of beans or tomatoes if you wanted to!

Can I make this creamy chicken taco soup?

To make this creamy, I would add 4 oz of cream cheese! Just toss it in with all the other ingredients, or try this recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken.

What if I don’t have all of those spices?

You can sub 2 -3 Tbsp of taco seasoning. Start with 2, then taste at the end and add more if desired! You could also add some jalapenos or cayenne pepper for spice.

What if I want more taco soup ideas? Can I use ground beef or turkey?

If you’re looking for more options, try one of these recipes:

Simple Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup

This Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup is easy to make, hearty and filling. It's freezer-friendly and tastes even better as leftovers.

Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

Want more chicken recipes for the crockpot and instant pot? Try:

And if you’re a beef-lover, try this Crockpot French Dip.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

by 1 Comment

This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns requires minimal prep and simple ingredients. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

healthy crockpot potato soup with hash browns

*Originally published 10/2022. Updated 11/2024*

Hi friends!

I’ve got a super easy crockpot recipe to share with you guys today and I have been loving it for the past few weeks. About a month ago I got a craving for potato soup. As usual, life is busy and I am always looking for shortcuts and for this recipe, like so many others, this comes in the form of frozen veggies.

I use frozen mixed vegetables all the time in recipes like:

Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns

The secret to making this recipe super easy is frozen hash browns, specifically diced hash browns. If you’re not a hash brown lover, you might not know that frozen hash brown potatoes are basically just frozen potatoes that have already been cut for you!

So all you have to do is dump them in the crockpot. They’re the perfect size for soup and they’re all evenly sized.

How To Make Slow Cooker Potato Soup with Hashbrowns

There are two parts to making this soup:

  • Cook the potatoes and other veggies in the crockpot.
  • Puree most of the soup to get a creamy consistency.
  • Add in things you wouldn’t want to be pureed like chicken sausage and green onions and serve!

Healthy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Can I use regular potatoes?

You can absolutely use regular potatoes. Just be sure to dice them all the same size and fairly small so they cook nicely in the crockpot. Peel them or leave the skin on. Totally your preference.

Do I have to add carrots?

No, you don’t have to add carrots. I’m just of the opinion that if I’m going to puree something anyway, I might as well throw some extra veggies in there since you probably won’t notice. I did test this once with cauliflower rice instead of carrots and it was fine, especially if you like cauliflower. But I prefer carrots and I often add a red bell pepper as well.

How do I make vegetarian crockpot potato soup?

To make this vegetarian just leave out the sausage at the end. You can easily add a can of white beans to the soup along with potatoes and carrots. They’ll blend up nicely. I use that trick in my Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup.

slow cooker potato soup with chicken sausage

Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Adding corn and chicken sausage to this recipe gives it a little twist on the classic potato soup recipe. I love blending the potatoes to make it creamy but also love adding some additional mix-ins to give the soup some texture.

I add chicken sausage for protein but you could also add some beans or some shredded rotisserie chicken. I prefer green onions to white so I mix those in at the end. If you’d like, you can add diced onions at the beginning and just garnish with a few green onions at the end.

How to make classic loaded potato soup in the crockpot?

If you’d prefer to make a more traditional version, you can skip adding the corn and sausage and stir in some heavy cream and cheese and then top with more cheese, bacon and green onions. Or try one of these recipes:

Best Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Print

Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

crockpot potato soup with hash browns
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns requires minimal prep and simple ingredients. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: serves 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups diced hash brown potatoes
  • 2 cups frozen carrots
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can green chilis
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 chicken sausages, sliced
  • 1 can corn
  • 3/4 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Combine the potatoes, carrots, chicken broth, green chilis, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne and salt in a crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  2. Transfer half to three-quarters of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Or use an immersion blender right in the pot to blend to desired consistency.
  3. Pour back into the crockpot and add chicken sausage, corn and green onions. 
  4. Add a little more broth to thin it to your desired consistency if needed and cook an additional hour or two. 
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving if needed. You may want to add more salt or make it spicier with more cayenne pepper.

Notes

Pureeing the soup is optional. If you prefer a chunkier soup you can skip that step but it will be more broth-based vs creamy. You can also use an immersion blender if you have one.

Crockpot Potato Soup FAQs

Can I make crockpot potato soup with bacon?

Yep! I personally think the bacon would be best as a topping. I would cook it separately and then dice it up and add just before serving. If you want to add it at the beginning, I would still cook it first before adding to the slow cooker. Here’s a recipe for Slow Cooker Potato Soup with Bacon.

How can I make this vegan crockpot potato soup?

To make this recipe vegan, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken sausage. For protein you could add in a can of white beans or even try some lentils or vegan sausage.

Can I make potato soup with frozen potatoes besides hash browns?

Yes! This soup works with any time of diced frozen potatoes, not just hashbrowns. You could look for frozen diced and peeled white potatoes or something like Simply Potatoes Diced Potatoes as well.

Can I make potato soup with shredded hash browns?

Yes! You don’t have to use a diced potato for this recipe although it’s what I prefer. If you like the texture of shredded potatoes, they’re totally fine to use. Since you’re blending up a lot of the soup anyways, the shape doesn’t matter too much.

How can I make this a 5 ingredient crockpot potato soup?

Use potatoes, broth, green chilis, salt and chicken sausage for a super simple potato soup option.

What makes this a creamy potato soup with hashbrowns?

There’s no actual cream in this recipe, although you could add some if you wanted to. When you use a blender or immersion blender to blend most of the potato mixture, you’ll get a thick, creamy soup with a velvety texture, no need to add any cream!

If you don’t have an immersion blender, it can be a great addition to your kitchen especially if you like to puree soups. Here’s a Kitchenaid Immersion Blender that I like! (aff link) If you prefer a full size blender, the Nutribullet is my favorite (aff link).

This recipe is so easy but full of flavor as well. Want more potato recipes? Try:

Hash Brown Potato Soup

This Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns is so easy to make. Pureeing it at the end helps make it thick and creamy without adding any dairy!

Let me know if you try this soup! If you’re looking for more soup recipes try:

gluten-free chicken ramen

Gluten-Free Chicken Ramen Noodles

These Gluten-Free Chicken Ramen Noodles are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Transform leftover chicken into a flavor-packed soup everyone will love!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot beef stew

Instant Pot Beef Stew

This healthy Instant Pot Beef Stew recipe is ready in under an hour and tastes like it has been simmering all day. The perfect dinner on a cold winter night.

Grab the recipe!
easy fish chowder

Easy Fish Chowder

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

Grab the recipe!
instant pot vegetarian lasagna soup

Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy comfort food dinner that’s ready in under 30 min and makes enough to have leftovers for lunch!

Grab the recipe!
white chicken chili

White Chicken Chili

This Easy White Chicken Chili is the perfect lunch or dinner soup and a nice change from traditional tomato-based chili.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chicken and Dumplings

by 1 Comment

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe requires just one pot and a few simple ingredients. Easy to make gluten-free and the perfect comfort food on a cold night.

chicken and dumplings soup recipe

Hi friends!

I’m coming at you today with a cozy and comforting meal idea – Chicken and Dumplings. It requires minimal effort, is made all in one pot and will make your house smell great!

It’s all the comfort of a chicken pot pie without having to deal with making a crust and baking it and it’s easy to customize with your favorite type of chicken and favorite veggies and also make it just a little creamy or very rich and creamy if that’s your preference.

Is chicken and dumplings a soup?

Honestly, I’m not sure! I never really know whether to call this a soup, a stew or neither! All you really need to know is that it’s warm and hearty and a full meal all in one bowl.

I love a good one-pot recipe, especially in the cooler months. Here are a few more of my favorites:

Or check this list for some of the Best One-Pot Comfort Meals.

Creamy Chicken and Dumplings Soup Ingredients

This cozy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Some ingredients of note:

  • Chicken – I typically use chicken breasts but you could use thighs. To make it even easier you could use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • Frozen veggies – I like the mix of peas and carrots but feel free to choose a bag with whatever mix you prefer
  • Milk or cream – You’ll want to use at least 2% milk, not skim, but to add a little more richness you can use whole milk, half and half or heavy cream.
  • Spices, butter, garlic and leeks/onions – All of these will help enhance the flavor of the dish
  • Cornstarch – will help thicken the broth. You can leave it out if you prefer it to be a bit thinner
  • Flour – For the dumplings. Regular wheat flour will work, or you can substitute at 1:1 gluten-free baking mix to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Butter, eggs and milk – to help add richness to the dumplings
  • Baking powder – To make the dumplings light and fluffy
homemade chicken and dumplings soup

How To Make Homemade Chicken and Dumplings Soup

To make this recipe, just follow a few simple steps:

  • Brown the chicken.
  • Saute the veggies.
  • Simmer the chicken and veggies. This lets the chicken cook and makes it fall apart tender.
  • Shred the chicken and add some cream.
  • Add the dumplings.
  • Garnish and enjoy.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings Soup Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe I follow:

Print

Chicken and Dumplings

easy chicken and dumplings
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe requires just one pot and a few simple ingredients. Easy to make gluten-free and the perfect comfort food on a cold night. 

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 1.5 pounds chicken (if breasts are thick, slice in half lengthwise to make thinner)

  • 1 tsp salt and pepper, divided

  • 2 Tbsp butter, divided

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup sliced leeks (or ¾ cup diced onions)

  • 1 bag mixed frozen vegetables (I used a peas and carrots mix)

  • 6 cups chicken broth 

  • 1/4 cup white wine or additional chicken broth

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp thyme or poultry seasoning (optional)

  • 3/4 cup milk (at least 2%) or heavy cream

  • 2 tsp cornstarch

  • 1 Tbsp water

  • 2 Tbsp fresh minced parsley (or more to taste)

For the dumplings:

  • 4 Tbsp butter, melted

  • 1 egg

  • ¾ cup milk (at least 2% – whole milk or heavy cream)

  • 1.5 cups flour

  • 1 Tbsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven, melt 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat.

  2. Add chicken and ½ tsp each salt and pepper and brown on each side for 3 minutes. 

  3. Remove chicken from pan. 

  4. Add remaining 1 Tbsp butter and 1/4 cup white wine or broth, plus garlic, leeks or onions, and frozen veggies and stir and saute for about 4 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze it.

  5. Return chicken to the pot along with broth, paprika, remaining ½ tsp salt and pepper and thyme or poultry seasoning if using.

  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.

  7. Shred chicken and add ¾ cup milk or cream plus cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl before adding to the pot), stirring to combine.

  8. Meanwhile, make dumplings. Combine melted butter, egg and ¾ cup milk or cream. Add flour, baking powder and salt and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix.

  9. Bring chicken mixture to a boil and drop dumplings in using a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon. I usually get about 20 dumplings.

  10. Reduce heat to simmer, cover with lid and let cook for 12 minutes. (Don’t open the lid). 

  11. Remove lid, taste and adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

You could add some fresh chives to the dumpling dough if you want to!

To make this recipe gluten-free, use 1:1 gluten-free flour mix for the dumplings and make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free if needed.

Chicken and Dumplings FAQs

How to store chicken and dumplings soup?

Store leftovers in a glass container in the fridge. Leftovers should be good for about 4 days.

Can you freeze chicken and dumplings soup?

Yes! Let it cool completely and then portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 4 months. Transfer to the fridge to thaw or defrost in the microwave.

Can you make chicken and dumplings gluten-free?

Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix in place of the regular flour and make sure your cornstarch and broth are certified gluten-free if needed.

easy chicken and dumplings recipe

Is there a chicken and dumplings soup slow cooker recipe?

This recipe is specifically designed for the stovetop not the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a slow cooker recipe, try one of these:

Can you make chicken and dumplings soup with Bisquick?

If you’re looking to make this classic recipe even easier, you can use Bisquick to make your dumplings. Here are a few options:

Can you use store-bought cream of chicken soup and dumplings? Can you make chicken and dumplings soup with biscuits?

If you’re looking specifically to use canned cream of chicken soup, try this recipe for Easy Chicken Dumpling Soup. It uses canned soup and refrigerated biscuit dough for the dumplings.

This Chicken and Dumplings recipe requires just one pot and a few simple ingredients. Easy to make gluten-free and the perfect comfort food on a cold night.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

by 29 Comments

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy comfort food dinner that’s ready in under 30 min and makes enough to have leftovers for lunch!

Instant pot vegetarian lasagna soup

*Originally published 1/2018. Updated 11/2024*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup! It’s all the goodness of lasagna without all the time spent layering! For this version, we’re using lentils- one of my favorite vegetarian protein sources. They cook quickly and don’t have a strong flavor.

If you’re looking to transition more plant-based meals, one of my favorite places to start is by replacing ground meat with lentils. They are similar in size and shape to crumbles of cooked ground meat and pairing them with finely diced mushrooms can help add a bit of heartier/meatier texture.

Here are some other lentil recipes to try:

Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is just as it sounds – all the goodness of lasagna, in soup form…so you don’t have to worry about cooking, layering, putting in the oven, etc. Just dump everything in a big pot and voila! When I served this to my husband, he said he definitely couldn’t tell it was meat-free, which I think is the goal for a lot of people serving plant-based meals to meat-eaters.

Best Lasagna Soup Recipe Ingredients

To make this soup you just need a few basic ingredients:

  • Lentils – start with dry brown or green lentils.
  • Onion & garlic – adds flavor
  • Mushrooms – add a bit more “meaty” texture”. I typically use baby portobello but white mushrooms are fine too.
  • Chopped frozen spinach – no need to thaw ahead of time. You can also skip this and mix in fresh baby spinach after cooking
  • Lasagna noodles – break them into a pieces before adding them to the pot
  • Pasta sauce – use your favorite!
  • Broth – vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian or chicken broth is fine too
  • Cheese – I use ricotta and shredded mozzarella. You could also mix in some freshly grated parmesan at the end

How To Make Lasagna Soup

Making this soup in the instant pot really couldn’t be easier:

  • Add all the ingredients to the Instant pot except the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Cook for 8 minutes.
  • Release the pressure, stir in the shredded cheese and serve!

Easy Recipe For Lasagna Soup

So here’s how you make the Instant Pot vegetarian version:

Print

Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy comfort food dinner that's ready in under 30 min or less. 
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy comfort food dinner that’s ready in under 30 min and makes enough to have leftovers for lunch!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 8 min
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4-6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2/3 cup dry lentils
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1.5 cup finely diced mushrooms (i use baby portabello)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz chopped frozen spinach
  • 7 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 24 oz jar pasta sauce
  • 1 quart vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
  • 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except shredded mozzarella in the Instant Pot.
  2. Use the manual (or pressure cook) button to cook for 8 minutes.
  3. Use manual or quick release, stir in shredded cheese and serve.

Pretty easy right?

Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup FAQs

Can you make one pot lasagna soup on the stovetop?

Yes! This recipe can be made on the stovetop. Just add the ingredients, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes before stirring in the shredded mozzarella.

If you’re looking for a meat-based one pot lasagna soup, try:

Can you make slow-cooked lasagna soup? Do you have a Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup recipe?

Yes! Lasagna soup works great in the slow cooker! Although I haven’t tried it, you could probably use this exact recipe in the slow cooker and just cook on low for 8 hours. But if you’re looking for a recipe specifically tested for the slow cooker, try:

Can you make lasagna soup vegan?

To make this soup vegan, you need to use vegan cheese. You can try storebought or make you’re own using a recipe like this Vegan Ricotta. You’ll also need vegan mozzarella – try Follow Your Heart or Violife.

What is white chicken lasagna soup?

White lasagna uses a bechamel sauce made of butter, flour and milk instead of a red sauce like a traditional lasagna. It typically pairs better with chicken than ground meat but you can use it with either. Here are a few recipes for white lasagna:

Is this healthy lasagna soup?

Yes! This instant pot vegetarian lasagna soup is packed with protein, fiber and vegetables and makes a great complete meal on its own. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread for an even more robust dinner!

How do I make a more creamy lasagna soup?

Two options for making this soup even creamier – add more cheese or stir in up to a cup of heavy cream before serving!

What’s the best lasagna soup recipe using ground meat?

To make this recipe using ground meat, use the saute function of the instant pot to cook the meat first and drain off any grease. Then add remaining ingredients and cook as directed.

Recipe for Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

This Instant Pot Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy comfort food dinner that's ready in under 30 min or less.

Want more Instant Pot recipes? Check out my Instant Pot Recipe Archives here.

And if you try this in the slow cooker, be sure to let me know how it goes!

Enjoy!

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg In The Microwave

by 56 Comments

Microwave Egg Oatmeal – Pair eggs and oatmeal for an easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

microwave oatmeal with egg white

*Originally published 12/2015. Updated 11/2024*

Hi Friends!

This recipe for microwave oatmeal with egg is a must-try!  I’ve been making it for over ten years. I’m a big fan of oatmeal in the morning. Oats + fruit + nut butter = a great start to my day.

I also focus a lot on making sure I get a good amount of protein at breakfast and oatmeal plus egg seemed like a great way to do that. Oats are a whole grain and full of fiber but I often get hungry quickly if I don’t add healthy fat to my oatmeal or pair it with protein.

Oatmeal with Egg

Have you ever tried an egg in oatmeal? 

I’ve always been a microwave oatmeal kinda girl. I don’t have the patience for cooking it on the stovetop. And this is a quick easy way to add some extra protein to your oatmeal.

You can use egg white or a whole egg based on your preference. Oatmeal and eggs make the perfect pair. Even my kids think so. Watch this quick video to see me making their oatmeal. 

oatmeal with eggs

Microwave Egg Oatmeal

Why pair oatmeal with egg?

Oats are a great way to add whole grains to your diet. However, some people find themselves hungry shortly after eating just a bowl of plain oatmeal.

I like to add nut butter for healthy fats and use cow’s milk for protein but many people with dairy sensitivities may prefer to use a plant-based milk like almond milk which is lower in protein. Adding an egg white can help add a few extra grams of protein and give your oatmeal more staying power.

Oatmeal with Eggs Ingredients:

The best thing about this breakfast is it can be totally customized to your liking. The base ingredients are:

  • Oats- I like quick oats because my kids like the texture better but you can also use rolled oats.
  • Milk – You can use cow’s milk or any alternative milk you like – almond, soy, etc.
  • Egg white- I prefer using just the white but you can also do this with a whole egg – it’s just a bit more noticeable.
  • Fruit- This is optional but I love mixing in chopped apples, diced pears, peaches, strawberries etc. Frozen wild blueberries are also great to mix in after you microwave to help cool the oatmeal down.
  • Nut butter – This is an easy way to add some healthy fats and help boost the satiety of the oatmeal. You can mix it in before microwaving or stir it in afterward.
  • Chocolate chips – Who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?!

How To Make Egg White Oatmeal:

So here’s what you do:

  • Put oats, milk, chopped fruit and an egg/egg white in a bowl and mix it up.
  • Stick it in the microwave.
  • Stop and stir.
  • Cook a little more.
  • Stir in some nut butter.
  • Top with cinnamon and a few chocolate chips. 

And bam! Breakfast is ready in under 5 minutes.

Microwave Eggs and Oatmeal Recipe

Here’s the actual recipe I use. You can adjust the quantities of oats, milk and egg to your liking:

Print

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg

how to cook oatmeal with egg in the microwave
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 8 reviews

Learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg – an easy way to add some extra protein to breakfast!

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: serves 1

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg white or egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fruit (optional)
  • optional toppings: cinnamon, nut butter, seeds, chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Combine oats, milk, egg/egg white and fruit (if using) in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Microwave for 45 seconds.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Microwave another 30-60 seconds.
  5. Top as desired and serve warm.

Feel free to use the whole egg or just egg white(s). My kids find the whole egg to be more noticeable so just prefer egg white.

Egg White Oatmeal Recipe FAQs

What type of oats should I use?

For this recipe you can use instant oats or rolled oats. This recipe will not work with steel cuts oats.

Can I use the whole egg?

You’re welcome to try this recipe with the whole egg. My kids find that it makes the egg much more noticeable because it doesn’t blend in as well as just the egg white but I’ve heard from people who prefer the whole egg.

You can also try buying liquid egg whites in a carton instead of separating a whole egg.

How long do you cook microwave oatmeal with egg?

Cooking time can also vary based on your preference. Some people like their oatmeal to be a bit more creamy and liquidy. Some like it cooked more so it’s thicker and fluffier.

What are the benefits of adding egg to oatmeal?

Adding egg to oatmeal is an easy way to add a few grams of protein without making a super noticeable change to the breakfast you enjoy. It will help give your oatmeal more staying power and keep you fuller longer.

What fruit is best in egg white oatmeal?

Most fruit works well in this recipe. Naturally soft fruits like berries, peaches and pears are great. If you’re using something a little firmer like apples, be sure to chop them into small pieces so they can cook quickly.

What about oatmeal egg pancakes?

If you’re looking for a different breakfast option, oatmeal egg pancakes can be great. Here are a few recipes to try:

Microwave Oatmeal with Egg- Pair eggs and oatmeal for an easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

Healthy Recipes with Oats

Need more ways to use up that giant tub of oats? Try

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Black Bean Brownies

by 22 Comments

These Easy Healthy Black Bean Brownies are kid-friendly, easy to make and full of fiber. They perfect for a healthy snack or dessert!

healthy black bean brownies - high protein brownies

*Originally posted 2/22. Updated 11/24*

These black bean brownies are perfect for busy moms who want to add some extra protein and fiber to a healthy, kid-friendly snack. They’re made with simple ingredients and easy to make in a food processor.

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share the best black bean brownies with you guys today. To be honest, I would actually call these black bean bars since they’re not overly sweet and full of protein and fiber unlike traditional brownies, but people searching for this type of recipe want brownies, so that’s what we’ll call them! If you’re looking for healthy brownies without the beans, my Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies are a longtime favorite around here.

If you’re a longtime reader, you know putting beans, lentils and veggies into baked goods is one of my specialties! Looking for some other kid-friendly snacks? Try these:

Why You’ll Love Black Bean Brownies

  • Just 8 affordable ingredients
  • Made with pantry staples
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Can’t taste the beans
  • A kid-friendly snack that contains protein and fiber

What are black bean brownies?

Do black bean brownies taste good?

Let’s address the most important question – taste! I’ve been getting requests for a muffin or bar recipe using black beans for several years now and I’ve always worried the bean taste would be stronger and more noticeable than white beans so I’ve avoided them. But I’m here to tell you that the beans are totally hidden in this recipe! If you didn’t know they were in there you would never guess. 

best black bean brownies - healthy black bean dessert

Baking with Beans 

Are black bean brownies good for you?

Yes! These black bean brownies make a great addition to a healthy diet. They are full of fiber and protein which means that instead of just spiking your blood sugar, they will actually help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you full for a longer period of time. Plus they taste good so they’re enjoyable to eat!

What do black beans replace in baking?

I usually think of beans as an addition to baked goods rather than a replacement for something else because I like to think about all the benefits they add. However, beans are known for being a good substitute for some of the butter and/or oil in typical baked goods.

What are the health benefits black beans and the benefits of baking with beans? Are black beans high in protein?

So what are the benefits of baking with beans? It’s an easy way to add protein and fiber! You can also use pureed beans to replace some of the butter in recipes for cookies and other baked goods. I tend to puree whole beans, lentils etc into my baked goods but you can also by things like chickpea flour and experiment with replacing up to half your wheat flour.

You’ll be adding fiber, protein and other nutrient like B6, potassium, zinc and antioxidants. Black beans have 8g of protein and 7g of fiber per 1/2 cup serving.

Healthy Recipes with Black Beans

If you’re looking for some more healthy recipes with black beans:

Are these allergy-friendly black bean brownies?

These black bean brownies are naturally dairy-free. With a few adjustments they can also be vegan and/or gluten-free making them a great choice for many people!

Vegan Black Bean Brownies

This particular recipe uses 2 eggs. To make them vegan, try replacing the eggs with flax eggs. One flax egg = 1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water. Mix and let sit 5 min before using. Be aware that this may change the texture of the recipe a bit.

Healthy Gluten-free Black Bean Brownies

Are black bean brownies gluten-free?

Simply adding black beans to these brownies doesn’t make them gluten-free unless you also make changes to the flour. I’ve tried leaving the flour out of this recipe and they taste great, they’re just a bit more crumbly. I’d definitely recommend trying these Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies.

It’s also super easy to make these black bean brownies gluten-free. The only thing you need to replace is 1/3 cup flour. I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free blend like King Arthur Measure for Measure (aff link).

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

I have tried leaving the flour out and didn’t like them as much in this particular recipe. If you really wanted to make them flourless, I would try subbing 1/2 cup mashed cooked sweet potato for the flour! If you try it, let me know how it goes!

Or try one of these: No Flour Black Bean Brownies or Fudgy Black Bean Brownies.

healthy black bean brownies recipe

How To Make Healthy Black Bean Brownies

What are black bean brownies made of?

Let’s review the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

  • Black beans – I’d look for no-salt-added or rinse them after draining
  • Eggs
  • Oil – I use avocado oil because of it’s mild flavor
  • Maple syrup- You could probably replace with white sugar but I’ve only tested using maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract – Adds important flavor!
  • Flour – I use white whole wheat flour. I tried making these flourless but think a little bit of flour really helps keep them from being too crumbly. 
  • Baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • Cocoa powder- I use Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder
  • Chocolate chips – either mix throughout or sprinkle on top before baking

How To Make Black Bean Brownies Step-by-Step

If you have a food processor, making these brownies is super easy. Just add beans, eggs, oil, maple syrup and vanilla and blend until smooth. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and blend again. Mix in some chocolate chips and pour into a pan.

Mom Hack: Instead of mixing in chocolate chips, sprinkle a few on top of the pan before baking. They will visually entice the kids without adding a ton of extra sugar!

Can I make these black bean brownies if I don’t have a food processor?

Yes! If you have a high-powered blender you can probably add all your ingredients to the blender and blend. Or, grab your blender and combine the beans, eggs, oil and maple sryup. Blend until smooth then transfer to a bowl and add the remaining ingredients.

How long to bake black bean brownies?

This can depend on your preference. I bake mine for about 14 minutes. These brownies are a more cakey than fudgy but if you want them a bit more fudgy you can underbake them by a minute or two.

Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies

For an extra fun twist, try swirling some natural peanut butter through the batter before you bake these brownies!

Best Easy Black Bean Brownie Recipe

Here’s the official recipe:

Print

Best Black Bean Brownies Recipe

healthy black bean brownies with chocolate chips
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

These Healthy Black Bean Brownies are kid-friendly, full of fiber and perfect for a snack or dessert!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 brownies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained (approx 1.75 cups)
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup flour (I use white whole wheat)
1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt

1/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, combine black beans, eggs, oil, maple syrup and vanilla and process until smooth.
  2. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and process until just combined.
  3. Pulse in chocolate chips or save to sprinkle on top.
  4. Spoon into a greased or lined 9×9 baking pan.
  5. Bake at 375 for 14-15 minutes.

Notes

If you don’t have a food processor, you should be able to use a high-powered blender!

Thanks to a food processor, these come together super quickly!

Black Bean Brownies Meal Prep Ideas:

  • Make a double batch and freeze half for a busy week!
  • Serve for breakfast with some yogurt or a glass of milk.
  • Pack in lunch box with a sandwich, fruit and some crackers.
  • Set out a plate for an easy after school snack.
  • Serve warm with ice cream for dessert!

Healthy Black Bean Brownies FAQs

Can I make these brownies in a muffin tin?

Yes! These work great as muffins. You’ll have to play around with the cooking time depending on the size of your muffins but I would start checking them around 15 minutes.

Can black bean brownies be frozen?

Yes! Cool completely and cut into squares. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze up to 3 months. To thaw, simply take them out and let them thaw on the counter.

How to store black bean brownies/Should you refrigerate black bean brownies?

I store mine on the counter for up to 3 days. After that I transfer to the fridge but you can store them in the fridge from the beginning if you want.

Are black bean brownies good for diabetics?

This recipe works well for my husband who is a type one diabetic. While there’s still sugar in the recipe, the beans add some protein and fiber to help reduce the insulin spike. You could also try replacing the maple syrup with a sugar alternative. Read more about sugar alternatives here.

Are low sugar black bean brownies healthier?

Just because brownies have black beans doesn’t automatically make them healthy. But this particular recipe is healthier than a lot of brownie recipes. It contains a whole can of black beans and is fairly low in added sugar.

What are good substitutes for black beans in brownies? Can I substitute the black beans for white beans?

I have not tried white beans for this particular recipe, but I do have several recipes baking with white beans and they always work great so I think it’s safe to say you could use white beans in this recipe. I typically use great northern beans in baking.

Can I substitute black beans for kidney beans?

Again, I haven’t tried it, but I think kidney beans have a fairly mild flavor that could easily be hidden by the cocoa powder so I think it’s worth a try!

Kid-Friendly Black Bean Brownies

This Healthy Black Bean Brownies recipe is kid-friendly, full of fiber and perfect for a snack or dessert!

Need more healthy dessert ideas?

Want more dessert ideas? Try:

These black bean brownies are an easy, kid-friendly snack. They are budget-friendly, lower in added sugar and higher in fiber than traditional brownies.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Tween Gift Ideas {Ages 8-12}

by Leave a Comment

Need tween gift ideas this holiday season? Big kids that aren’t little but not quite teenagers can be tough to shop for. Here are some ideas!

tween gift ideas - gift ideas for big kids ages 8-12

Hi friends!

I’m only doing one gift guide this year- Tween gift ideas for kids ages 8-12. Two of my kids fall into that age group and I’ve already got quite a few on the blog. You can check out all my gift guides here. If you need ideas outside that age group, be sure to check out:

This year we’re tackling the in-between age group. They’re big kids now and don’t just want toys. But they’re not teenagers so they may not have a phone. You want to get them more than just gift cards…but what do they want? Here are some ideas!

**This post is not sponsored but some of the links below are Amazon Affiliate links. When you purchase through them, I earn a small amount at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!**

electronic gift ideas for kids

Electronic Gift Ideas for Kids

You can’t really go wrong with electronics in this day and age and there are tons of great options for this age group!

  • Mini Drone – lots of different options and price points available
  • RC Stunt Car – these are one of my go-to birthday gifts. We have this one and love it.
  • Apple Watch or Gizmo Watch – They’re starting to want more freedom and these can be helpful to keep in touch.
  • Nintendo Switch or other gaming console – Switch is nice because it’s portable but there are lots of other gaming consoles. Or maybe they would like a second screen or monitor so they can play when friends are over.
  • Ring light – If they like filming videos, dances etc. Or get a mini clip-on ring light that goes right on your phone or computer
  • Canon Ivy Mini photo printer – Allows them to print out little photo stickers for journals, lockers etc. HP Sprocket is another option.
  • Bluetooth Speaker – They can take it outside to play sports, while hanging with friends, into the bathroom for music while showering, etc
  • Wireless headphones – Ask them whether they prefer over the ear style or Airpods.
  • Kindle – Perfect for book lovers. Throw in a pop socket and this page-turner!
  • Wireless portable charger – Help them charge their phone without the cords! I have this one and love it
  • Record Player – Vinyl is making a comeback! Something like this looks retro and lets them play records but also lets them play CDs, listen to the radio etc.
  • Fujifilm Instax – Another fun camera option to take mini polaroid-style photos

Other options: Gift them a subscription to Spotify, satellite radio, etc.

bedroom gift ideas for tweens

Tween Bedroom Gift Ideas

Now is when kids start to spend more and more time in their room so help make it a fun and relaxing space for them!

  • Night light Bluetooth speaker – A fun way to combine a speaker, alarm clock and nightlight all in one. Or try one like this that projects the stars up onto the ceiling!
  • LED Rope lights – A simple, easy way for them to personalize their bedroom.
  • Custom Neon Name Sign – A fun wall decoration. Lots of options on Etsy too! If you don’t want to do names, they have neon signs for almost anything that fits their interest!
  • Vanity – Tons of options and price points out there. Light-up mirrors make it even more fun!
  • Candle warmer – A safer way for them to enjoy their favorite candle scents
  • Squishmallow – They can never have too many!
  • Beanbag chair – Perfect for when friends are over. Lots of different styles and fabrics. Or try a folding saucer chair like this.
  • Photo hanger – Lots of options in different styles, with lights, without lights, but give them a chance to display some of their favorite photos!

Or offer to redecorate their room!

building toys and games for kids ages 8-12

Building Toys & Games for Kids Ages 8-12

This is the perfect age for starting to tackle more advanced and detailed building projects and there are tons of fun games that will still appeal to them.

Or let them chose a project that they want to build and pay for the materials like wood, screws etc. If they’re tech-focused, a beginner 3D printer could be fun!

education gifts and brain games for tweens

Educational Gifts and Brain Games for Tweens

If you’re looking for something that will challenge their brain, keep them busy and make them think, try these:

You could also gift them enrollment in an in-person or online class that interests them. Outschool has some great options. This is also a great age for science projects!

arts and crafts gift ideas for kids ages 8-12

Arts and Crafts Gift Ideas for Kids

Kids this age can make some seriously impressive art, take their cooking to the next level, develop their skills and have fun creating things that are beautiful and also functional!

Or get them a gift card to a place where they can make their own bath bombs, lotion, candles etc.

physical activity gift ideas

Physical Activity Gift Ideas

You can never have too many options to get them up and moving and away from screens:

  • Over the door basketball hoop – Fun indoor option. great for bedroom or playroom doors
  • Multisport rebounder – Great for outdoor sports practice
  • Ebike or scooter – A fun way to get them outside. We have this one and like it.
  • Hover seat – Attach it to a hoverboard for a sit-down option to zip around on. We love these.
  • Slackline – Great for working on balance
  • Ninja course – If you have the space, this is a fun way to transform the yard when they get too old for swingsets
  • Lightup football – My 10 year old got this for his birthday and it works great. Love that it’s rechargeable
  • Flag football kit – Something they can play with a group of friends
  • Spikeball – Fun for all ages
  • Sports jersey – Find out who their favorite player is and get them a jersey or shirt.
  • Portable pickleball net – Great if you have a flat driveway or area to play!
  • Weights – They might be too young for a gym membership but they can still get a workout in!

Or offer to pay the enrollment fee for a sport or local class they want to try. If they already play a sport, see if they need any new pieces of equipment – baseball bat, swim bag, new shoes, batting gloves, etc.

Tickets to a sporting event is another good option!

style and beauty gifts for tweens

Style & Beauty Gifts For Tweens

Help support them as they start to develop their own sense of style, experiment with different looks and try new things:

  • Kendra Scott necklace – Tons of colors. They also have a mini version.
  • Lush products – bath bombs, shower products and more in a variety of scents
  • Skincare – Ask for specific requests or give them a gift card to Ulta or Sephora
  • Uggs – Or other slippers
  • Belt bag – Everyone wants Lululemon but there are some really great knockoffs on Amazon for cheaper
  • Sports jersey – Get them a jersey of their favorite player, whatever the sport!
  • Heatless curlers – Fun to experiment with
  • Face masks – Fun for a girls night
  • Bathrobe – Perfect for winter
  • Blanket – Can never have too many soft fuzzy blankets to curl up in
  • Crocs – Or whatever brand of sneaker they like – Nike’s etc. If they already have Crocs, grab some jibitz!
  • Owala– Can’t go wrong with a water bottle!

Or offer to pay for a haircut, trip to the nail salon, shopping trip etc.
PS. I love this Lange hair styling tool which could be a great option as well.

gift ideas for big kids

Gift Ideas for Big Kids

Here are a few more random ideas:

  • Swiss Army knife – Something practical that will last a long time
  • Sneaker display shelf – If they’re a shoe lover, give them a place to display them. They even make light up ones!
  • Video game currency – If they have a favorite game, get them some currency
  • Sunglasses – Lots of brands out there. I like Goodr bc they have tons of style options at a good price point
  • Tool set – If they don’t have their own tools, a starter set would be a great option with some scrap wood for them to create with.
  • Socks – Can never have too many socks. Or get them some fun, patterned socks!
  • Needoh and fidget toys – Great to keep in their pocket or at their desk
  • Nice camera – If they’re into photography they could be ready at this age for a nice camera that they can use to learn to shoot manually.
  • Fathead wall decals – They have all sorts of sports and characters to fit their interests
  • Pajama sets – Lots of options from silk to cotton, shorts, pants etc.
  • Luggage – If your family travels a lot for sports, vacation etc they might like new luggage!

That’s all I’ve got for you today! Hope you got some new ideas!

tween gift ideas for kids ages 8-12

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

by 30 Comments

This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and pancetta, it’s full of flavor and easy to make!

healthy fresh green bean casserole

*Originally published 11/2013. Updated 10/2024*

Hi friend!
It’s hard to believe it’s almost Thanksgiving time again! I’m excited to share this Fresh Green Bean Casserole recipe with you guys because it’s the one that actually converted me into a green bean casserole eater!

Despite the vegetable being in the name of my blog, I’m very picky about my green beans 🙂 I can’t stand canned green beans and often I actually like eating them better cold than warm. But my husband is a fan of green bean casserole so this year I set out to make a version we both would enjoy and I think I hit the nail on the head with this recipe.

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Is this a healthy green bean casserole? I think so! It’s packed with fresh green beans and mushrooms and the cream of mushroom soup is homemade so you can easily control the amount of sodium, unlike in the canned version.

The pancetta adds great flavor and there’s just a few breadcrumbs and crispy onions on top to balance everything out! Most importantly it tastes good! And food is meant to be enjoyed 🙂

fresh green bean casserole with mushroom soup

Dairy and Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole Recipe

It’s super easy to make this a dairy and/or gluten-free green bean casserole recipe. To make the casserole gluten-free just use a gluten-free flour mix in the cream of mushroom sauce. I like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure. And use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and french fried onions. You can find them at the store or try making your own with a recipe like these Easy Gluten-free Fried Onions. Or skip the fried onions and try crispy shallots instead like this Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole.

To make the recipe dairy-free, use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk in the cream of mushroom soup.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Soup Ingredients

This recipe has two parts. First you make the cream of mushroom soup and then you make the casserole. For the soup you need:

  • Garlic
  • Mushrooms – i like mini portabello mushrooms but you can use whatever kind you like
  • Pancetta – takes the flavor to the next level
  • Roux ingredients- butter, flour, broth and milk – the flour and butter combine with the liquids to help thicken the soup.

For the casserole you need:

  • Fresh green beans
  • Butter, garlic and salt – for flavor
  • Mushrooms – more of whatever kind you used in the cream of mushroom soup. You can adjust the amount depending how many you want in your casserole.
  • Panko and crispy onions – to add a little crunch to the top.
fresh green bean casserole recipe

How To Make Fresh Green Bean Casserole

You can make this casserole in two parts – one right after the other, or if you need to make the cream of mushroom soup ahead of time, that’s fine too.

To make the cream of mushroom soup:

  • Saute the mushrooms, garlic and pancetta and set aside.
  • Melt the butter, add the flour and whisk in the broth and milk, simmering until it thickens.
  • Add the mushroom mixture back in and voila!

To make the casserole:

  • Blanche the green beans.
  • Saute more mushrooms and garlic.
  • Mix the beans, mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup together, top with breadcrumbs and bake.
  • Add the crispy fried onions just before serving.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Print

Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and pancetta, it’s full of flavor and easy to make!

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: 9x9 pan 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the cream of mushroom soup:

  • 1 Tbsp oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 oz mushrooms, finely diced
  • 4 oz pancetta, finely cubed
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup milk (I use 2%)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the casserole:

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed, cut into roughly 1 inch pieces
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 to 8 oz mushrooms sliced (amount depending on your preference)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 batch of cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • French fried onions, to taste

Instructions

To make the Cream of Mushroom Soup:

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic, mushrooms and pancetta and saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.
  3. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. Melt 2 Tbsp butter in the skillet.
  5. Add flour and whisk to combine.
  6. Slowly add broth and then milk and salt, whisking constantly to combine.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  8. Add mushroom mixture back in, stir to combine, then remove from pan and set aside.

For the casserole:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and boil for 5 minutes.
  3. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  4. Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp butter in a skillet.
  5. Add sliced mushrooms, garlic and salt and saute for 5 minutes.
  6. In a 9×9 pan, combine green beans, sauteed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup.
  7.  Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake 20 minutes F.
  8. Sprinkle with French fried onions just before serving.

Fresh Green Bean Casserole FAQs

Can I use canned green beans?

If you prefer to use canned green beans, I would skip the blanching the beans and just combine 2 (drained) cans of beans with the sauteed mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup mixture!

Can I use frozen green beans?

I wouldn’t recommend putting the green beans in frozen because it will be too watery. If you need to use frozen, you could try cooking them first and draining the water before mixing them with the mushrooms and soup.

Can I make this fresh green bean casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Feel free to assemble this casserole ahead of time. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking and then add the French fried onions right after baking!

You can also make the cream of mushroom soup ahead of time and/or blanch the green beans ahead of time so assembly goes more quickly when you’re ready to make the casserole.

How to store fresh green bean casserole?

Store this container in an airtight container in the fridge. Add fresh crispy onions after reheating!

healthy green bean casserole

Can I make fresh green bean casserole without mushrooms?

Yes! You’re more than welcome to leave the mushrooms out of this recipe. I add about 4 oz of sliced mushrooms to the casserole. You can add up to 8 oz or none at all!

Can I make fresh green bean casserole with store-bought cream of mushroom soup?

Yes. In a pinch you could sub one can of store-bought cream of mushroom soup but i highly recommend giving the homemade version a try!

Can I leave out the pancetta?

Yes! If you can’t find it or don’t want to use it you can leave out the pancetta. But I really love the flavor it adds. You could also substitute a few pieces of diced up bacon for the pancetta.

Can you make fresh green bean casserole in the slow cooker?

Yes! Here are a couple of recipes to try:

These would be a great option if you really need to free up some oven space for the holidays!

Other healthy green bean casserole recipes

Here are a few more recipes to try:

This Fresh Green Bean Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and pancetta, it's full of flavor and easy to make!

 Need more Thanksgiving recipes to pair with this Fresh Green Bean Casserole? Try:

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble on a Thanksgiving plate

Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble

This Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Crumble is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner. Make it for a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish or pop it in the oven while eating and serve it with ice cream for dessert!

Grab the recipe!
leftover turkey white bean soup 2 copy

Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup

This Leftover Turkey and White Bean Soup is perfect for transforming holiday leftovers into a new meal. Or make it with chicken any time of year!

Grab the recipe!
strawberry jello salad with cool whip

Easy Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip

This Strawberry Jello Salad with Cool Whip is the perfect kid-friendly side dish for your next holiday gathering or weeknight dinner!

Grab the recipe!
bisquick cornbread recipe

Bisquick Cornbread

A non-traditional sweet cornbread that the whole family will love! Makes enough to feed a crowd and pairs well with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to chili!

Grab the recipe!
This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing is hearty enough for a meal but also makes a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing

This Sausage and Wild Rice Stuffing makes the perfect holiday side dish but is also hearty enough to enjoy as a meal on its own.

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–