Kindness has been shown to be a major determining factor in whether a relationship lasts (or, at least, whether the couple in question is happy together). But kindness isn’t just about doing nice things for your partner or offering compliments — it’s also about how you react to your partner’s attempts to connect in both big and small ways. Because, look. Communication and defaulting to kindness is easy when everything is going well. When you’re not getting along so well with your partner, however, it’s a much harder task. This article from 2014 is one I refer back to often,…
This easy meal-prep honey-sriracha chicken dish, which can also be served as a main dish, is made on a sheet pan and comes together quick!
It’s been a while since I posted a new meal prep recipe, I made this just before my trip to Italy and loved how it turned out. It is simple, sweet and spicy, and so flavorful made with honey, sriracha and sesame oil served over brown rice. Some other meal prep recipes I love to make are this Taco Salad Meal Prep, Greek Chickpea Salad, and these Freezer Breakfast Burritos.
When it comes to going the extra mile to show yourself some serious self-care, it’s hard to top a wellness retreat — and Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is one of the most recognizable names in that realm, and for good reason! It’s been around since the mid-1970s, and has successfully transitioned with the times, now offering over 50,000 students and guests a year entry to a world where they can immerse themselves in healing, transformation and empowerment while working to create and support an awakened and compassionate world. Also? We’ve heard that the food is incredible. Fortunately for those…
As we head into the unofficial start of summer (yay!), well, here’s a peek at what my family looks like during those warmer months. via GIPHY But also, we have some important information for all the mamas to know. And it’s serious. Because even though water and summer is super fun, water is really serious. In fact, for kids from ages one to four years old, it’s the no. 1 cause of death. One of the best way to help prevent it is by making sure your kids know the basics of water safety — and not just the older…
Got a jar of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce in the fridge? You can make this colorful, tangy, umami-packed Whole30-friendly Chinese Chicken Salad for dinner tonight! This salad is topped with slices of crispy Cracklin’ Chicken, so it’s no wonder that this all-in-one supper makes everyone happy!
Although most restaurant-style Chinese chicken salads rely on crunchy noodles to add texture, you won’t miss them in this paleo-friendly version. The combination of crisp veggies, sweet mandarin oranges, Cracklin’ Chicken, toasted almonds, and sesame seeds will more than make up for the absence of stale fried noodles!
All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce is a fab salad dressing!
By now, you should already know that my All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce is truly a workhorse sauce/dressing/marinade for EVERYTHING. Whenever I feel like making a refreshing Asian-inspired salad, I use the sauce as a zippy Whole30-friendly salad dressing. For this dish, I prefer to whisk the sauce with a little avocado oil, but you can keep it oil-free if you prefer a tangier salad dressing. Want more ideas and inspiration for using All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce? Check out this ever-expanding post!
Can you swap the vegetables in the salad?
Definitely! I like the color and crunch that comes from combining Napa cabbage, purple cabbage, and julienned carrots, but feel free to use your favorite lettuce and raw vegetables. I’ve made this Chinese Chicken Salad successfully with a base of romaine lettuce, green cabbage, baby arugula, and even iceberg lettuce. I also like to throw in sliced cucumbers, radishes, and red bell peppers if I have them in the fridge.
What other protein can I substitute for Cracklin’ Chicken?
First of all, if you’ve never tried making Cracklin’ Chicken, you’re really missing out! It truly is my favorite protein for this recipe, and my kids wouldn’t accept anything else. That said, you can use any leftover cooked chicken in place of it. This salad can also be made with roasted shrimp, cooked salmon, and leftover steak. (But come on: Make some Cracklin’ Chicken!)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sadly, salads don’t get better with time. In fact, the longer the salad sits, the more watery the dressed cabbage will get. Plus, you’ll lose the crunch of the toasted almonds and sesame seeds. If you must make this salad in advance, prep all the ingredients ahead of time and combine them right before you serve the salad. Personally, I do eat any leftovers (because waste not, want not!), but the salad doesn’t taste quite as magical once it’s no longer fresh.
Okay—enough chit-chat. Let’s make my family’s favorite Chinese Chicken Salad!
While the chicken is frying, measure out the All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce and whisk in the avocado oil if you’re using it. Taste the dressing on a piece of cabbage and add more avocado oil if desired.
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
Pour in most of the salad dressing…
…and toss well. Taste for seasoning and add more dressing if needed.
Transfer the dressed greens to a serving platter…
…and dot the salad with the mandarin oranges. Place the Cracklin’ Chicken on top of the salad.
When you’re ready to serve the Chinese Chicken Salad, sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds on top.
Serve immediately!
Got extra All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce?
I have a whole blog post about all the ways you can use it!
Got a jar of All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce in the fridge? You can make this colorful, tangy, umami-packed Whole30-friendly Chinese Chicken Salad for dinner tonight!
6 pieces Cracklin’ Chicken ( cut into slices)
½ cup All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce
2 tablespoons avocado oil (optional)
½ head small Napa cabbage (cored and sliced thin )
½ head small red cabbage (cored and sliced thin)
2 medium carrots (peeled and julienned)
3 scallions (thinly sliced on the bias)
½ cup cilantro leaves ( roughly chopped)
½ cup canned Mandarin oranges in 100% juice (drained (I buy Native Forest brand))
While the chicken is frying, measure out the All-Purpose Stir-Fry Sauce and whisk in the avocado oil if you’re using it. Taste the dressing on a piece of cabbage and add more avocado oil if desired.
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, scallions, and cilantro.
Pour in most of the salad dressing and toss well. Taste for seasoning and add more dressing if needed.
Transfer the dressed greens to a serving platter and dot the salad with the mandarin oranges. Place the Cracklin’ Chicken on top of the salad.
When you’re ready to serve the Chinese Chicken Salad, sprinkle the toasted almonds and sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately!
Willpower. We all seem to want more of it. And often times, we think other people have more than we do. But! We’re here to tell you that not’s actually the case. In fact, we know you have a willpower master down deep inside; she just might take a little finding and busting free. Because willpower can be used in a variety of ways — ways that are sometimes, but not always, related to your health and fitness goals. Read on for five total drags that we most commonly see draining your willpower. 5 Things That Drain Your Willpower 1.…
Hi all! I am away in Italy this week, can’t wait to share my trip with you when I return but I didn’t forget you! On this plan there are options for BBQ/Potlucks on Saturday and Sunday, you may have to adjust the servings accordingly based on your needs with backyard parties and gatherings.
If you’re new to my meal plans, I’ve been sharing these free, 7-day flexible healthy meal plans (you can see my previous meal plans here) that are meant as a guide, with plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food, coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc or swap recipes out for meals you prefer, you can search for recipes by course in the index. You should aim for around 1500 calories* per day.
There’s also a precise, organized grocery list that will make grocery shopping so much easier and much less stressful. Save you money and time. You’ll dine out less often, waste less food and you’ll have everything you need on hand to help keep you on track.
Lastly, if you’re on Facebook join my Skinnytaste Facebook Community where everyone’s sharing photos of recipes they are making, you can join here. I’m loving all the ideas everyone’s sharing! If you wish to get on the email list, you can subscribe here so you never miss a meal plan!
Also, if you don’t have the Skinnytaste Meal Planner, now would be a great time to get one to get organized for 2019! There was a print error last year, but it’s perfect now! You can order it here!
THE DETAILS:
Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. While we truly believe there is no one size fits all meal plan, we did our best to come up with something that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Everything is Weight Watchers friendly, I included the updated Weight Watcher Freestyle Points for your convenience, feel free to swap out any recipes you wish or just use this for inspiration!
The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I’ve even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often. Cross check your cabinets because many condiments you’ll notice I use often, so you may already have a lot of them.
And last, but certainly not least, this meal plan is flexible and realistic. There’s plenty of wiggle room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dinner out. And if necessary, you can move some things around to make it work with your schedule. Please let me know if you’re using these plans, this will help me decide if I should continue sharing them!
*This is just a guide, women should aim for around 1500 calories per day. Here’s a helpful calculator to estimate your calorie needs. I’ve left plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food such as coffee, beverages, fruits,
snacks, dessert, wine, etc.
**Green salad includes 4 cups mixed greens, 2 scallions, ½ cup each: tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, chickpeas and
½ cup light vinaigrette.
***Leave 2 servings of salad undressed (and put on the side) for leftovers Thurs/Fri.
