After indulging in the blissful freedom of spring break—whether lounging under the sun’s warm embrace or reveling in thrilling escapades—the return to everyday routine can feel like a jarring transition. The weight of responsibilities settles back in, and the once-relaxed mind now feels somewhat burdened. But fret not! There’s a silver lining amidst this return to reality: the opportunity to replenish and revitalize yourself through nourishing, wholesome meals. How we treat our bodies is how they treat us back. Here our four clean recipes to get you feeling back to your normal self after break.
1. Green Goddess Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, frozen
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped pineapple
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- Toppings: sliced kiwi, granola, shredded coconut, chia seeds
Instructions:
- Blend together the banana, spinach, cucumber, pineapple, avocado, and almond milk until smooth.
- Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with sliced kiwi, granola, shredded coconut, and chia seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your vibrant and nutrient-packed Green Goddess Smoothie Bowl to kickstart your day with a burst of energy.
2. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Mixed salad greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
- Assemble your salad by arranging mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and sliced grilled chicken on a plate.
- Crumble feta cheese on top and drizzle with any remaining marinade for extra flavor.
- Serve your Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Salad and enjoy the zesty and refreshing combination of flavors.
3. Mediterranean Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the halved bell peppers with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
- Enjoy your Mediterranean Quinoa Stuffed Peppers as a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
4. Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender and add vegetable broth. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- If using, stir in the heavy cream to add richness to the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve the Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and comforting dish that celebrates the flavors of spring.
Whether you’re looking to reset your diet, indulge in some comforting flavors, or simply enjoy a nourishing meal, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. So, after your spring break adventures, head to the grocery store armed with these recipe ideas and fill your cart with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you! Don’t forget to join us back in the UA Twitch Kitchen on 3/18.
