Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad Festive Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cranberries and Citrus Vinaigrette Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice 3 cups water or vegetable broth 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup chopped red onion 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) For the Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Rinse wild rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40–45 minutes until rice is tender and some grains have split. Drain any excess liquid and let cool. In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with cranberries, celery, red onion, parsley, and nuts if using. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat evenly. Fold in feta cheese if using. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #wildricesalad #cranberrysalad #harvestsalad #fallflavors #grainbasedsalad #vegetarianrecipes #healthylunchideas #plantbaseddish #wholegrainsalad #festiveflavors #mealpreprecipe #easyvegetarianmeals #citrusvinaigrette #wildricebowl #makeaheadsalad #fruitandgrain #nuttysalad #cleaneats #wildricecranberry #seasonalsalads Hearty, tangy, and colorful This Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and savory!

Shrimp and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta with Garlic Shrimp and Fresh Herbs Ingredients: 250g (9 oz) penne or fettuccine 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade), drained 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon tomato paste Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness Directions: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted red peppers, cream, Parmesan, tomato paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Pour the blended sauce into the skillet and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Return shrimp to the pan and gently mix. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve warm. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 2 servings #shrimpandpepperpasta #roastedredpepperpasta #creamyshrimpdish #pastaideas #weeknightpasta #shrimpincreamsauce #pastarecipes #garlicshrimp #comfortpasta #flavorfulsauce #herbypasta #easyshrimpmeal #seafoodpasta #homemadepasta #peppercreampasta #dinnerunder30 #quickpastanight #tomatopastafusion #boldpasta #simpleflavorpasta Creamy, garlicky, and vibrant This Shrimp & Roasted Red Pepper Pasta is your new favorite weeknight indulgence!

Smoked Paprika Yogurt Sauce Creamy Smoked Paprika Yogurt Dip with Garlic and Lemon Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Optional: pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick Optional: chopped parsley for garnish Directions: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add cayenne for heat or more lemon juice for tang. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired. Serve as a dip, sandwich spread, or sauce for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Prep Time: 5 minutes | Chill Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 90 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: Makes about 1 cup #smokedpaprikasauce #yogurtdip #easydressings #healthycondiments #mediterraneanflavors #tangysauce #creamygarlicsauce #versatilesauce #sauceinspo #roastedveggietopper #grilledmeatsauce #summersauces #lowcaloriedip #easyflavors #smokysauce #flavorboost #homemadesauces #mealprepideas #paprikadip #spicedsauces Smoky, creamy, and tangy in one spoonful This Smoked Paprika Yogurt Sauce is the ultimate topper for grilled meats or veggies!

Japanese Chicken with Shiitake Mushrooms in Soy Sauce Umami-Rich Japanese Chicken with Shiitake Mushrooms in Sweet Soy Glaze Ingredients: 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon sake (or dry sherry) 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 cup dashi stock (or low-sodium chicken broth as substitute) 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola) 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish) Optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish Directions: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and dashi stock. Set aside. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss gently to coat. Serve hot, garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds, over steamed rice. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 345 kcal | Servings: 3 servings #japanesechicken #shiitakemushrooms #umamichicken #soyglazeddishes #japanesehomecooking #teriyakistyle #quickjapaneserecipes #chickenandmushrooms #gingergarlicchicken #dinnerideas #japaneseflavorfusion #umamibomb #easyasianmeals #weeknightchicken #japaneseinspired #mushroomloverrecipes #sweetsoysauce #wokdinner #simplejapanesedish #comfortfoodasia Juicy chicken + earthy shiitakes simmered in a savory-sweet soy sauce? Yes please! This Japanese-inspired dish is a weeknight dream.

Pumpkin Seed-Cilantro Sauce Creamy Pumpkin Seed and Cilantro Green Sauce Ingredients: 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1 cup packed fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems) 1 garlic clove 1 small jalapeño, seeded for less heat 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup water (more as needed for consistency) Optional: 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess Directions: Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they start to pop and brown slightly (about 3–5 minutes). Let them cool. In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Pulse until roughly chopped, then slowly stream in olive oil and water while blending until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Optional: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy, creamy twist. Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes Kcal: 90 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: Makes about 1 cup #pumpkinseedsauce #cilantrosauce #greengoddess #homemadesauce #salsaverde #plantbasedsauce #mexicaninspired #pumpkinseeds #tacotopping #freshsauces #dippingsauce #greensauce #zestydressing #healthycondiments #herbyflavor #easyblenderrecipes #veganfriendly #sauceforthesoul #summersauce #boldflavor Say hello to your new favorite sauce! This Pumpkin Seed-Cilantro Sauce is zesty, herby, and perfect on tacos, bowls, or grilled veggies.