Apple Pear Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

This Apple Pear Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette makes a delicious juicy, crisp salad any time of year, especially throughout the…

Apple Pear Salad Recipe - This Apple Pear Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette makes a delicious salad anytime of year, but especially throughout the holidays. // addapinch.comThis Apple Pear Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette makes a delicious juicy, crisp salad any time of year, especially throughout the…

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe is the perfect healthy side to meal prep for the holidays! It’s fresh, tangy, and SO easy to make.

The post Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Brussels sprouts are in season in most places starting in October, peaking in December, making this tangy, sweet Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad the perfect addition to your recipe rotation this season. It comes together in minutes, and the leftovers are fantastic (dare I say even better?!), so it’s also ideal for meal-prepping! And if you don’t like the flavor or texture of cooked Brussels sprouts, I promise this shaved raw salad is a totally different experience. With the finely sliced sprouts and tangy honey mustard dressing, it’s more like slaw!

Overhead view of a shaved brussels sprouts salad in a serving bowl.

My foray into the restaurant world happened because of my passion for seasonal ingredients and raw vegan cuisine. My former restaurant, AVO, which is still in business today under new ownership, was completely raw, vegan, and naturally gluten-free. It was a gamble to open a health-focused restaurant in the deep-fried south, but it was a hit! AVO propelled me into the world of touring and private chef work for over 7 years. 

Now, whenever I can share a fresh plant-based dish with Budget Bytes readers, I jump on it! This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is bursting with flavor from the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, pecans, and craisins. It’s also packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins (an 80-gram serving of Brussels sprouts contains more vitamin C than a small orange!), so it’s not only delicious but incredibly nutritious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy shaved Brussels sprout salad:

  • Brussels Sprouts: Don’t let memories of mushy, over-boiled sprouts stop you from giving these little veggies another try. When served raw, Brussels sprouts have a milder, slightly sweeter taste with the perfect crunch. Be sure to wash them before slicing!
  • Craisins: Substitute raisins for craisins (dried cranberries) if you can’t find them. Raisins are also more budget-friendly, but I wanted to use craisins to make this winter salad a bit more festive!
  • Crushed Pecans: Adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
  • Dijon Mustard & Honey: One of the best dressing combinations. The tangy and slightly sweet flavors go amazingly with the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts. If you love the sound of this flavor combo, then I think you’ll also love our honey mustard broccoli salad.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright acidity to the dressing.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to emulsify the dressing and adds some healthy fats.
  • Garlic: Mince 2 cloves of garlic to give the dressing a slight kick. The longer it sits, the more the garlic flavor will infuse into the dressing!
  • Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that add depth of flavor to the salad.

What Else Can I Add?

This recipe has only 8 simple ingredients (plus salt & pepper), but you can totally mix in other goodies if you have ingredients to use up. Here are some ideas I think you’ll like:

  • Diced kale, arugula, or spinach for some extra greens.
  • Cook bacon in the oven and crumble it over top.
  • Mix in chopped apples or sliced pears.
  • Use different types of nuts, like walnuts or almonds. Candied pecans would be a fun alternative to regular chopped pecans, too!
  • Add cooked couscous or quinoa to the mix to make this hearty salad even heartier.
  • Leftover roasted veggies, like roasted cauliflower, would add a nice texture variation.
  • Crumble in feta, blue cheese, or shredded Parmesan.

Should I Use a Mandoline or a Knife?

What makes this raw Brussels sprout salad so good, in my opinion, is how finely sliced the sprouts are. I like to use a mandoline, but if you don’t have one, that’s okay! A sharp knife and some patience will work just fine. It’s a little harder to get them as thin with a knife, and it may take longer, but it can be done. I’ve also heard of people using a slicing attachment on their food processor to shred sprouts, so you could try that, too!

Make It Ahead!

This shredded Brussels sprouts salad recipe is perfect for meal prep over the holidays. It’s a healthy lunch option or side dish for holiday meals and is a welcome break from all the indulgent foods. You can easily make this crunchy, sweet salad the night before Thanksgiving, and rest assured, knowing it’ll be perfectly marinated and ready to go for the big day!

If making ahead, give the salad a little fluff and drain any excess liquid that has accumulated before serving. (The salt in the recipe will draw out moisture from the sprouts; you don’t have to strain it, but I like to.) It’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Side view of a bowl of shaved brussels sprouts salad in a bowl.
Overhead view of a shaved brussels sprouts salad in a serving bowl.
Print

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe is the perfect healthy side to meal prep for the holidays! It's fresh, tangy, and SO easy to make.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost ($5.45 recipe / $0.90 serving)
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings (½ cup per person)
Calories 158kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 bag Brussels sprouts (1lb) $2.98
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.06
  • 2 tsp honey $0.10
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar $0.06
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.57
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced $0.06
  • ¼ tsp salt $0.01
  • cup craisins $0.72
  • ¼ cup crushed pecans $0.86
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.03

Instructions

  • Using a mandoline or a knife, shave brussels sprouts. Transfer to a serving bowl.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  • Add craisins and crushed pecans to the serving bowl with Brussels sprouts.
  • Drizzle dressing over the top of the salad.
  • Toss to combine and add black pepper to taste.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (½ a cup) | Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 144mg | Fiber: 4g
Overhead close up view of a shaved brussels sprouts salad in a serving bowl.

how to make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad – step by step photos

Shaved Brussels sprouts on a wooden chopping board.

Using a mandoline or a knife, shave 1lb of Brussels sprouts. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Olive oil, honey, garlic, and mustard in a mixing bowl to make a dressing for shaved Brussels sprouts salad.

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp honey, 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 Tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, and ¼ tsp salt. Whisk to combine.

Pecans, craisins, and dressing added to a bowl with shaved brussels sprouts.

Add ⅓ cup craisins and ¼ cup crushed pecans to the serving bowl with Brussels sprouts. Drizzle dressing over the top of the salad.

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad in a bowl.

Toss to combine and add ¼ tsp black pepper to taste.

Overhead view of a shaved brussels sprouts salad in a serving bowl.

This shredded Brussels sprouts salad recipe will be a welcome addition to any holiday feast! It’s fresh, tangy, and couldn’t be any easier to make.

The post Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Pear Salad – Light & Refreshing

This refreshing and fruity pear salad will steal the show at any meal. It features mixed greens, toasted almonds, blue cheese, and juicy pears, dressing in a sweet and tangy dressing.

This refreshing and fruity pear salad will steal the show at any meal. It features mixed greens, toasted almonds, blue cheese, and juicy pears, dressing in a sweet and tangy dressing.

Cube Steak with Balsamic Onion Gravy

Tender and flavorful cube steak is slow-cooked to juicy perfection with balsamic onion gravy in a Dutch oven. Serve over mashed potatoes for an elegant homemade meal the whole family will love.

Tender and flavorful cube steak is slow-cooked to juicy perfection with balsamic onion gravy in a Dutch oven. Serve over mashed potatoes for an elegant homemade meal the whole family will love.

Apricot Chicken

Looking for an easy weeknight meal that’s ready in 30 minutes? Apricot chicken is tender chicken covered in a sweet, tangy apricot glaze. It’s an easy dish that goes well with rice or vegetables, making it a tasty meal anytime.

Looking for an easy weeknight meal that's ready in 30 minutes? Apricot chicken is tender chicken covered in a sweet, tangy apricot glaze. It’s an easy dish that goes well with rice or vegetables, making it a tasty meal anytime.

Easy Crock Pot Ham

Looking for an easy entree that will impress your guests? Easy Crock Pot Ham is a super simple and effortless way to bring flavorful ham to your table this holiday season!

Looking for an easy entree that will impress your guests? Easy Crock Pot Ham is a super simple and effortless way to bring flavorful ham to your table this holiday season!

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Take dinner to the next level with this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe! Made with an insanely delicious sauce and simple ingredients!

The post Creamy Dijon Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Get ready friends, because Dijon is having a moment! This Creamy Dijon Chicken starts with quick pan-seared chicken breasts that get covered with a creamy, luscious, Dijon mustard sauce. It’s one of those recipes that feels luxurious and expensive, but is really made with simple inexpensive ingredients. And my secret ingredient to making it extra special…just a hint of Worcestershire sauce. This Dijon chicken recipe is so delicious and guaranteed to be one the whole family enjoys!

Overhead view of creamy dijon chicken in a skillet.

Ingredients For Creamy Dijon Chicken

This recipe uses one of my favorite ingredient combinations: Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. And when they’re combined with a little bit of heavy cream and parmesan cheese, it creates the most delicious sauce! So here’s everything that you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are my usual go-to for recipes like these, but you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead.
  • Garlic: Just a couple of garlic cloves infuses the sauce with lots of flavor. 
  • Olive Oil and Butter: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken breasts and a little butter is used to sauté the garlic.
  • Dijon Mustard and Worcestershire: Dijon mustard is of course the star of the show. Both Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce give the sauce the bulk of its flavor. The tanginess from the Dijon mixed with the savory umami flavor of the Worcestershire is a match made in heaven!
  • Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is used to help deglaze the pan, scrape up all of those flavorful brown bits, and is the base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: Just a little bit of heavy cream and parmesan cheese thickens the sauce and adds a luscious, creamy, rich flavor.
  • Spinach: I added some spinach for extra greens and a little bit of color.
  • Seasoning: The chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. This way every component of this dish is packed with flavor!

Can I Substitute Yellow Mustard For Dijon Mustard?

I don’t recommend substituting Dijon mustard with yellow mustard. Dijon mustard has a more intense, sharp flavor that goes well with sauces compared to yellow mustard that has a milder, less complex flavor.

Not A Mustard Fan?

I get it. But trust me this recipe is not super mustard-y and the flavors are balanced nicely. I tested this recipe a few times with different amounts of Dijon mustard. And I ended up with what I feel is the perfect combination. It’s just enough to taste the tangy, warm flavors of the Dijon, but not too much to where it overpowers the dish. You can always taste the sauce and add a little more mustard if you want a stronger Dijon taste.

Serving Suggestions

We served this creamy dijon chicken over some fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all of that delicious sauce. But you can also serve it with some buttered noodles, pasta, or over rice. A simple side salad or Caesar salad would also taste great. And you can never go wrong with a side of quick sautéed vegetables like this easy sautéed asparagus recipe.

Side close up view of creamy dijon chicken in a skillet.
Overhead close up view of creamy dijon chicken in a skillet.
Print

Creamy Dijon Chicken

Take dinner to the next level with this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe! Made with an insanely delicious sauce and simple ingredients!
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.35 recipe / $2.33 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 271kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder $0.05
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1.3 lb.) $6.49
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.27
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced $0.16
  • 1 cup chicken broth $0.17
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.04
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.05
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream $0.65
  • 2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese $0.20
  • 2 cups spinach $0.76

Instructions

  • In a small bowl mix together the seasoning for the chicken: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets. Season each breast with the seasoning mix on both sides.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
  • To the same skillet add the butter and minced garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for one minute until fragrant.
  • Next pour the chicken broth into the skillet and add the Dijon mustard and worcestershire sauce. Stir together and scrape up any brown bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  • Now add in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet for 5 minutes. Taste the sauce at this point and add salt and pepper if desired.
  • Add in the fresh spinach and stir it into the sauce allowing the heat to wilt the spinach.
  • Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Dijon sauce over top. Allow the chicken to heat through. Serve hot with your favorite side and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 271kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 742mg | Fiber: 1g
Creamy dijon chicken on a plate with mashed potatoes.

How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken – Step by Step Photos

Seasoning mix in a bowl.

In a small bowl mix together 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.

Seasoned chicken breasts on a cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, carefully fillet each chicken breast into two thinner cutlets. Season each breast with the seasoning mix on both sides.

Cooked chicken breasts in a large skillet.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 4 minutes per side). Remove the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.

Butter and garlic added to large skillet.

To the same skillet add 2 Tbsp butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Turn the heat down to medium-low and sauté the garlic for one minute until fragrant.

Chicken broth, dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce added to skillet.

Next pour 1 cup chicken broth into the skillet and add 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir together and scrape up any brown bits that may be stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Cream and parmesan cheese added to skillet.

Now add in 1/3 cup heavy cream and 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer in the skillet for 5 minutes. Taste the sauce at this point and add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

Spinach added to skillet.

Add in 2 cups of fresh spinach and stir it into the sauce allowing the heat to wilt the spinach.

Finished creamy dijon chicken in skillet.

Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Dijon sauce over top. Allow the chicken to heat through.

Creamy dijon chicken on a plate with mashed potatoes and a fork lifting some chicken off the plate.

Now all that’s left to do is serve this delicious Dijon chicken with some creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite side. And don’t forget to spoon some of that yummy sauce over the top! ;)

The post Creamy Dijon Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Simple Green Salad

This green salad is a fresh, easy, and delicious addition to any meal. With crisp greens, cucumber, and onion tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it’s light, refreshing, and ready in minutes. Perfect for a quick side dish that tastes as good as it looks!

This green salad is a fresh, easy, and delicious addition to any meal. With crisp greens, cucumber, and onion tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, it's light, refreshing, and ready in minutes. Perfect for a quick side dish that tastes as good as it looks!

Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing with Spinach Salad

Delicious poppy seed dressing is creamy and tangy with a touch of honey. It makes the perfect complement for a fresh spinach salad with bacon and crumbled feta.

Delicious poppy seed dressing is creamy and tangy with a touch of honey. It makes the perfect complement for a fresh spinach salad with bacon and crumbled feta.

Barley Salad

This Barley Salad recipe combines tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese with high-fiber pearled barley for a rich and filling salad.

The post Barley Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I love a healthy salad with tons of texture, and this Barley Salad recipe is a fresh and juicy flavor bomb! I combined the bold Mediterranean flavors of tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese with high-fiber pearled barley for a rich and filling salad. Tossed in a tangy and herbaceous dressing, this salad is the perfect side for any meal!

overhead view of barley salad in a bowl.

What Is Barley?

Barley is a chewy and nutty cereal grain that is rich in fiber and minerals and is the base of this hearty grain salad. This barley salad is similar to our couscous salad but packed with even more wholesome veggies and feta cheese!

Ingredients for Barley Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make barley salad:

  • Quaker Oats Quick Pearled Barley: This type of barley has already been hulled, steamed, and polished, so it cooks much faster. If using hulled barley, you’ll need to increase the cooking time significantly.
  • Grape Tomatoes: Add a pop of fresh, juicy flavor.
  • Kalamata Olives: Add a briny flavor.
  • Cucumber: Adds freshness and crunch.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • Zucchini: Adds a mild and sweet flavor.
  • Red Onion: Adds a bit of bite!
  • Feta Cheese: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the salad.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color to the dressing.
  • Lemon: I use the juice and zest to make the dressing fresh and zippy!
  • Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
  • Spices: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder add savory flavor to the dressing.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of tanginess and spice to the dressing.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Enhances the tanginess of the dressing.
  • Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the dressing and tone down the acidity.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover barley salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I prefer to enjoy this salad chilled straight from the fridge!

Tips and Notes

  • If you’re in a rush, you can quickly cool the barley by rinsing it in a colander under cold water, and then draining well.
  • For a gluten-free option, swap the barley for brown rice or quinoa (cooked according to the package).
  • If your red onions are particularly strong, you can soak the cut pieces in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow them out.
holding a forkful of barley salad over a serving in a bowl.
overhead view of barley salad in a bowl.
Print

Barley Salad Recipe

This Barley Salad recipe combines tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese with high-fiber pearled barley for a rich and filling salad.
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Total Cost ($16.94 recipe / $1.69 serving)
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 10 (1.5 cups each)
Calories 211kcal

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients:

  • 11 oz. box Quaker Oats Quick Pearled Barley $2.74
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt $0.01
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved $1.98
  • 1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives $1.04
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and diced $0.64
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced $1.48
  • 1 small zucchini, diced (about 1 cup) $0.93
  • 1/2 red onion, diced $0.46
  • 5 oz. crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup) $2.88

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley $0.32
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested $0.50
  • 1 Tbsp sugar $0.04
  • 1 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper $0.10
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard $0.06
  • 1 tsp garlic powder $0.15
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar $0.32
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.54

Instructions

  • Stir 2 cups of quick barley into 4 cups of briskly boiling water with 1/4 tsp sea salt.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and cover, cooking for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff finished quick barley with a fork and allow it to cool while you prep your veggies.
  • Halve the grape tomatoes; strain and portion the chopped kalamata olives; peel and the dice cucumber; and seed and dice the red bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese and set aside.
  • Mince the parsley; zest and juice the lemon; and gather the sugar, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
  • Whisk the red wine vinegar, olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, and garlic powder together.
  • Combine the cooked and cooled quick barley, all prepped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and dressing in a large mixing bowl.
  • Toss everything to combine. Add salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 528mg | Fiber: 6g
overhead view of a serving of barley salad in a white bowl topped with feta.

how to make Barley Salad – step by step photos

barley cooking in a pot of boiling water.

Stir 2 cups of quick barley into 4 cups of briskly boiling water with 1/4 tsp sea salt.

cooked fluffed barley in a pot.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover, cooking for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff finished quick barley with a fork and allow it to cool while you prep your veggies.

diced vegetables on a cutting board.

Halve 1 cup grape tomatoes; strain and portion 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives; peel and dice 1 cucumber; and seed and dice 1 red bell pepper, 1 small zucchini, and 1/2 red onion. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese and set aside.

dressing ingredients in individual bowls.

Mince 3 Tbsp parsley; zest and juice 1 lemon; and gather 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp garlic powder.

dressing for barley salad in a white bowl.

Whisk 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 3 Tbsp olive oil, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, salt, pepper, mustard, and garlic powder together.

pouring dressing. over barley salad in a white bowl.

Combine the cooked and cooled quick barley, all prepped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and dressing in a large mixing bowl.

tossed barley salad in a white bowl.

Toss everything to combine. Add salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!

closeup of barley salad in a white bowl.

Enjoy this rich and filling barley salad with your next healthy meal!

The post Barley Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.