All of the flavors of carrot cake baked into oatmeal! Swoon! What started as carrot cake overnight oats morphed into So. Much. More.
The flavors of carrot cake really pop here thanks to freshly grated carrot, maple syrup, cinnamon, walnuts, and raisin…
All of the flavors of carrot cake baked into oatmeal! Swoon! What started as carrot cake overnight oats morphed into So. Much. More.
The flavors of carrot cake really pop here thanks to freshly grated carrot, maple syrup, cinnamon, walnuts, and raisins. It’s springy and light yet hearty and satisfying. Plus, just 10 ingredients and 1 bowl required. Let us show you how it’s done!
Zoë François is the author of Zoë Bakes Cakes and even though her name is French, she’s an American cake baker. Known for a series of books on making Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day, as well as books that continue that theme for making pizza, flatbread, holidays breads, and gluten-free breads, Zoë has finally turned her talents as a pastry chef to cakes….
Zoë François is the author of Zoë Bakes Cakes and even though her name is French, she’s an American cake baker. Known for a series of books on making Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day, as well as books that continue that theme for making pizza, flatbread, holidays breads, and gluten-free breads, Zoë has finally turned her talents as a pastry chef to cakes. After growing up in a commune where the closest she got to sugar was a raisin, Zoë discovered Twinkies, which awakened her to the wonderful world of sweets and started selling homemade cookies from a cart in college, which eventually led to a job decorating cakes at Ben & Jerry’s, since she admitted to me on an Instagram Live video I did with her, that she didn’t excel at scooping ice cream.
I had a similar job scooping ice cream at a very busy shop while in college. Challenges included a persistent stressed muscle near my upper arm, which didn’t get better the more ice cream I scooped. There were customers who’d order one scoop, but ask me to make it “one really big scoop” because they didn’t want to pay the extra 50¢ for two scoops. And people paying for a $1.30 cone of ice cream with a hundred and thirty pennies, maybe with a few very thin dimes tossed in, which they’d line up on the stainless steel counter between us, which were nearly impossible to pick up with wet, sticky hands.
(You tell me if I was a brat by holding their ice cream cone in the other hand, while they cooled their heels waiting for me to pick up each individual coin, one-by-one, with the other – finally handing their cone over only after the last coin was pried off the counter and put in the register, which the owner monitored like a hawk. Another employee, if people were rude to her, would carefully balance – but not pack – the ice cream scoop delicately on top of the cone, so when they went outside to lick it, it would topple off. The moral of the story, as I often advise, is to be nice to people serving you food.)
If you’ve been around Budget Bytes a while, then you already know how much I love bowl meals (we even have a whole category for them). So when several people asked me to replicate the Healthy Choice brand frozen Power Bowls, I needed to go see what all the fuss was about. I bought a few, and I have to say, they’re pretty good! …but expensive. So I knew I could do better. Here is my first riff off of the freezer aisle power bowls: Kale and White Bean Power Bowls. Pretty easy, VERY filling, and about half the price!
My Modifications
This particular bowl is inspired by the White Bean & Feta Salad by Healthy Choice. Since that one had some of my fav ingredients, I knew it was a great place to start. The bowl was nice and filling, but overall it was a touch too sweet for my taste. So here’s what I subbed:
Sun dried tomatoes instead of dried cranberries to reduce the sweetness.
A homemade vinaigrette that is more tangy than their sweet vinaigrette.
Walnuts instead of pepitas. Walnuts just seemed like a better fit for this flavor profile.
Brown rice instead of mixed grains (theirs has brown rice, red rice, quinoa, and barley). Using one grain was just more convenient.
P.S. My bowls cost about $1.50 each and the store bought version retails at my local grocery store for $3.99 each ($3.50 on sale when I bought them). WIN.
Make it Your Own
One of my favorite things about bowl meals is that they are endlessly customizable. If you don’t like some of the ingredients I used, you can just swap them out! Here are some options:
Spinach instead of kale
Quinoa or cauliflower rice in place of brown rice
Chickpeas or kidney beans in place of cannellini beans
Store bought Greek or Italian dressing in place of the homemade vinaigrette
How to Store Kale and White Bean Power Bowls
This recipe is made for meal prepping. You can keep these bowls refrigerated for about 4 days, or you can freeze them for a couple of months. I suggest using a microwave to reheat the bowls (if frozen, use the defrost setting first, then full power to heat through).
Kale and White Bean Power Bowls
These kale and white bean power bowls are full of flavor, texture, protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Perfect for meal prep!
Begin cooking the rice first. The remaining bowl ingredients can be prepared while the rice is cooking. Add the rice and 2 cups water to a saucepot. Place a lid on top and bring the water up to a full boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low and let the rice simmer for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, turn the heat off and let the rice sit with the lid in place for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff just before serving.
While the rice is cooking, make the vinaigrette so the flavors have a little time to blend. In a jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine, or close the jar and shake until combined. Set the dressing aside.
Add the cooking oil and minced garlic to a large pot or skillet. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about one minute. Add the chopped kale and salt. Sauté for a few more minutes, or just until the kale is wilted. Set the kale aside.
Finally, prepare the rest of the toppings. Rinse and drain the white beans. Chop the sun dried tomatoes and walnuts. Crumble the feta.
When the rice has finished cooking, it's time to assemble the bowls. Add about ¾ cup rice to each bowl or container, followed by ½ cup sautéed kale, ⅓ cup beans, and a tablespoon each of sun dried tomatoes and walnuts. Sprinkle a little feta over each bowl. Divide the vinaigrette between four small containers. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
Reheat the bowls using a microwave just before serving, then drizzle with vinaigrette, stir, and enjoy!
How to Make Kale and White Bean Power Bowls – Step by Step Photos
Start with the brown rice because it takes about 50 minutes to cook and the rest of the bowls can be prepared while the rice cooks. Add 1 cup brown rice to a pot with 2 cups water. Place a lid on top and bring it up to a boil over high heat. When it reaches a full boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, turn the heat off and let it rest, lid in place, for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork just before serving.
Next, make the vinaigrette so the flavors have a little time to blend. Combine ¼ cup olive oil, 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar, ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard, ½ Tbsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper in a jar or bowl. Whisk the ingredients to combine or close the jar and shake until combined. Set the dressing aside.
Next, prepare the kale. I buy pre-chopped kale because it’s super inexpensive and really cuts down on the prep work. I do give it an extra rinse, though, and pick out any large pieces of stems.
Add ½ Tbsp cooking oil and one clove of minced garlic to a large pot or skillet. Sauté the garlic over medium for about a minute.
Add 1/2 lb. chopped kale to the pot with ⅛ tsp salt and continue to sauté for a few minutes more, or just until the kale is wilted. Set the kale aside.
Prepare the last few ingredients. Chop about ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes and ¼ cup walnuts. Rinse and drain one 15oz. can of cannellini beans. Crumbled about 2 oz. feta.
When the rice is finished cooking, it’s time to build the bowls. Start with ¾ cup rice in each bowl or container, ⅓ cup beans, and about ½ cup sautéed kale.
Add about 1 Tbsp sun dried tomatoes and chopped walnuts on top, and a light sprinkle of crumbled feta. Divide the dressing between four containers. Refrigerate the bowls until ready to eat. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the bowls after reheating, then stir and enjoy!
One bite into these beauties and it was pure love. Think Andes bar elevated x 1,000. We dreamt of a mint-layered brownie bar, did some experimenting, and totally nailed the landing (not to brag, but these are what dreams are made of).
A no-bake b…
One bite into these beauties and it was pure love. Think Andes bar elevated x 1,000. We dreamt of a mint-layered brownie bar, did some experimenting, and totally nailed the landing (not to brag, but these are what dreams are made of).
A no-bake brownie is layered with creamy, minty coconut butter and topped with luscious chocolate ganache. Swoon! What’s not to love? Just 10 ingredients and simple methods required for these decadent, vegan, gluten-free bars.
After perfecting our Instant Pot steel cut oats recipe, this banana bread-inspired flavor was begging to be made. It’s like banana bread but without the effort and with tons of wholesome nutrition.
And when made in the Instant Pot, it’s hands off and …
After perfecting our Instant Pot steel cut oats recipe, this banana bread-inspired flavor was begging to be made. It’s like banana bread but without the effort and with tons of wholesome nutrition.
And when made in the Instant Pot, it’s hands off and couldn’t be easier. Just 1 pot and 7 ingredients required. Let us show you how it’s done!
Ripe banana is sliced and cooked in with the oats to infuse them with natural sweetness and banana in every bite.
This article is from Delicious Everyday.
This simple Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta is not only stunning but also loaded with flavor and nutrients to fuel your body. You’ll love this healthy, vegan, and comforting pasta dish down to the very last …
This simple Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta is not only stunning but also loaded with flavor and nutrients to fuel your body. You’ll love this healthy, vegan, and comforting pasta dish down to the very last bite! This creamy pasta dish is fresh, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes. If you like to meal prep,...
These healthy stuffed zucchini are oven baked and filled with fluffy quinoa and coarsely chopped walnuts and raisins. Served with a creamy, vegan puree, these stuffed zucchinis make for an elegant main course or a simple side salad. These quinoa s…
These healthy stuffed zucchini are oven baked and filled with fluffy quinoa and coarsely chopped walnuts and raisins. Served with a creamy, vegan puree, these stuffed zucchinis make for an elegant main course or a simple side salad. These quinoa stuffed zucchinis are completely vegan and super versatile!
Zia Lena’s Date Bars
These date bars come from my great aunt’s recipe book, and will surely be your next favorite. These soft cookie bars are filled with plump, chopped Medjool dates and ground walnuts, perfect for a Christmas cookie tray or a mi…
These date bars come from my great aunt's recipe book, and will surely be your next favorite. These soft cookie bars are filled with plump, chopped Medjool dates and ground walnuts, perfect for a Christmas cookie tray or a mid-day treat!
This pomegranate salad is absolutely irresistible! It stars a sweet tart salad dressing and the vibrant crunch of pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate is one of the most special foods on the planet (we think). Each bright pink seed has an irresistible sweet tart pop and crunch! We love downing them by the handful, but our next favorite way to eat them? Pomegranate salad! Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a beautiful confetti over the top of leafy greens. Add tart green apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles, and it’s a true symphony of flavor! Pick from a few different dressing choices: our favorites are apple cider vinegar dressing or pomegranate vinaigrette. Let’s get started! Pomegranate salad ingredients There are lots of ways to make a pomegranate salad! This is our very favorite combination of flavors: but you’ll see there are endless choices! Below we’ll talk through a few of the different variations you can use. Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty and easy side dish: Pomegranate seeds: we recommend seeding them from a fresh pomegranate. See below! Shallot Granny Smith apple or pear: either are tasty: or you could use both! Pecans or walnuts Mixed greens Goat cheese […]
This pomegranate salad is absolutely irresistible! It stars a sweet tart salad dressing and the vibrant crunch of pomegranate seeds.
Pomegranate is one of the most special foods on the planet (we think). Each bright pink seed has an irresistible sweet tart pop and crunch! We love downing them by the handful, but our next favorite way to eat them? Pomegranate salad! Crunchy pomegranate seeds make a beautiful confetti over the top of leafy greens. Add tart green apple slices, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta crumbles, and it’s a true symphony of flavor! Pick from a few different dressing choices: our favorites are apple cider vinegar dressing or pomegranate vinaigrette. Let’s get started!
Pomegranate salad ingredients
There are lots of ways to make a pomegranate salad! This is our very favorite combination of flavors: but you’ll see there are endless choices! Below we’ll talk through a few of the different variations you can use. Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty and easy side dish:
Pomegranate seeds: we recommend seeding them from a fresh pomegranate. See below!
Shallot
Granny Smith apple or pear: either are tasty: or you could use both!
These days, you can find pomegranate seeds already remove from the fruit in your local grocery. But for pomegranate salad, it’s best to buy a fresh pomegranate and cut and seed it yourself. Why? Pomegranate seeds from the fruit are much fresher. If you buy them already seeded, they only have a day or so of shelf life. We’ve even purchased some that went bad before we tried them! So a whole fruit is where it’s at. Here’s what to know:
Cut the pomegranate in quarters, then remove the seeds in a bowl of water. This avoids a big mess of pink splatters all over your kitchen! We’ve got a great step-by-step tutorial: go to How to Cut a Pomegranate.
Pomegranate seeds last up to 5 days refrigerated, but are best right away. So seed it right before you’re ready to make the salad.
Step it up with toasted or glazed nuts
This pomegranate salad features toasted pecans: and here’s a tip for you: always toast your nuts! It brings out the nutty flavor almost like salt brings out the flavor in savory foods. And it only takes a few minutes! You can absolutely taste the difference.
To take this salad over the top, make a batch of glazed pecans that have a sweet, crunchy exterior. It adds a new element to an already delicious salad! Here are a few ideas of the various nuts you could use:
Use one of the following pomegranate salad dressings!
There are also lots of variations when it comes dressing for this pomegranate salad! Whatever the case: homemade dressing is best. Of course if you’re in a pinch, you can absolutely use a store-bought dressing: there are many great high quality and organic salad dressings available these days. We created two different dressing options for this salad: and we have a few other ideas as well! Try the following pomegranate salad dressings:
Pomegranate vinaigrette: Want to double the pomegranate? Try this dressing made with pomegranate juice.
Balsamic vinaigrette: Full of big tangy flavor, and one of of the best homemade dressings you’ll find.
Pomegranate molasses plus olive oil: A great way to use this special ingredient! Dress the greens with olive oil, then drizzle with sweet tart pomegranate molasses. It’s incredible!
What to serve with pomegranate salad
This pomegranate salad is great because it’s so versatile! It’s more of a fall and winter salad since pomegranates are easiest to find in the cooler months. But since they’re becoming more available at grocery stores, you can eat it anytime! It’s perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or ideal for accessorizing any fall or winter dinner. Here are a few foods it pairs well with:
Want to make this pomegranate salad vegan? No problem! All you have to do is omit the cheese crumbles. You’ll barely notice the difference! Some salads need an extra savory hit from cheese, but this one works perfectly without it.
And that’s it: our perfect pomegranate salad! Let us know what you think in the comments below.
More pomegranate recipes
Pomegranate season calls for making lots of vibrant recipes with special fruit! Here are some favorite pomegranate recipes:
Make the Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing or Pomegranate Dressing.
Place the greens on a platter. Top with the pomegranate seeds, sliced shallot, toasted pecans, and goat cheese or feta cheese crumbles. Toss with the desired amount of dressing to taste. (Store the extra dressing refrigerated and warm to room temperature and whisk again before using.)
This article is from Delicious Everyday.
This Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting is delicious atop cakes and cupcakes! It’s creamy with a hint of maple, and it’s completely vegan! This frosting recipe has a delicious vanilla and maple flavo…
This Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting is delicious atop cakes and cupcakes! It’s creamy with a hint of maple, and it’s completely vegan! This frosting recipe has a delicious vanilla and maple flavor, and works great for Fall treats! Spread some on these Vegan Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Muffins, or Flourless Chocolate Brownies. It’s super easy to...