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30 Minutes or Less

Asian Cucumber Salad

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spiralized cucumber being lifted off a plate of asian cucumber salad

Cool and refreshing Asian cucumber salad! Full of flavor, and easy to throw together in a few simple steps. The perfect side dish or healthy lunch recipe.

overhead image of asian cucumber salad on a plate with a spoon

What You’ll Need To Make Asian Cucumber Salad

Mini Cucumbers – Six mini seedless cucumbers are the star of this recipe. I cut mine into fun little spirals for my salad, but you can simply slice them instead. If slicing, I recommend a mandolin to help slice the cucumbers as thin as possible.

Fresh Ginger – Fresh ginger goes a long way in this Asian cucumber salad! Start by cutting about a 1-inch piece from a knob of whole ginger. Then, peel your ginger with either a spoon or a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, run the ginger along a microplane or the fine side of a box grater.

Rice Vinegar – For a hint of acidity, rice vinegar tastes best. However, if you don’t have any, feel free to use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in its place.

Sriracha – While optional, I recommend a tiny drop of sriracha to round out the flavors in this recipe. For a mild version, start with just 1/2 teaspoon. Or, for a spicy Asian cucumber salad, add upwards of 1-2 teaspoons.

close-up image of asian cucumber salad on a plate

How to Cut Cucumbers

  1. Cut 1/4-inch of each end of a mini cucumber.
  2. Place two chopsticks on either side of the cucumber.
  3. Then, make thin (about 1/8-inch) diagonal cuts along the cucumber, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks.
  4. Flip cucumber over and make the same exact cuts, in the same direction, on the other side.
  5. Lastly, cut each the cucumber in half, then add them to a bowl for this recipe!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: For a 100% gluten-free Asian cucumber salad, use tamari in place of the soy sauce. Tamari tastes just like soy sauce, but unlike soy sauce, is certified gluten-free!

Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup in place of the honey for a completely vegan side dish.

asian cucumber salad on a plate with sriracha on the side
3.74 from 41 votes

Asian Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing Asian cucumber salad! Full of flavor, and easy to throw together in a few simple steps. The perfect side dish or healthy lunch recipe.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 mini cucumbers, spiralized (see Notes) or thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha, optional
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced
  • pinch of sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Place cucumber in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt, then let sit for 10-15 minutes while you make the dressing.
  • Whisk together the ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, maple syrup, and sriracha in a small bowl.
  • Check on the cucumbers, and drain the water that’s gathered at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Add dressing, scallions, and sesame seeds to the cucumbers and toss to coat. Either serve immediately or let marinate in the fridge for a few hours.

Notes

  • How to Cut “Spiralized” Cucumber: Cut off each end of a cucumber, then place two chopsticks on either long side of the cucumber. Then, make thin diagonal cuts along the cucumber, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks. Flip cucumber over and make the same cuts on the other side. Last, slice each cucumber in half, now they’re ready for this recipe!

    • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Marshmallow Fruit Dip (just 4 ingredients!)

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    fresh strawberry in marshmallow fruit dip.

    A perfectly sweet, light, and fluffy marshmallow fruit dip! Comes together in a few simple steps with only four ingredients. This fruit dip is both gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect recipe for potlucks and/or summer parties!

    overhead image of marshmallow fruit dip in a bowl with berries and sliced pears.

    What You’ll Need To Make Marshmallow Fruit Dip

    Egg Whites – Use your favorite method to separate four egg whites from their yolks. I use this method to separate my eggs, which takes some practice but doesn’t require any special kitchen tools. And don’t discard your egg yolks! Instead, save and add them to your morning scramble for extra vitamins and minerals.

    Sugar – Either cane sugar or white sugar will work in this recipe. I used unbleached cane sugar, for the simple fact that it’s less processed than white sugar. However, feel free to use whichever sugar you have on-hand. And for a paleo option, check out the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below!

    Cream of Tartar – I know what you’re thinking …cream-of-what?? Cream of tartar is a white powder, found in either the baking or spice aisle of most grocery stores. It’s a stabilizer that gives this marshmallow fruit dip it’s ultra-fluffy texture. Sure, you can make this recipe without it, but your egg whites won’t whip up as nicely.

    Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla extract makes this fruit tip taste just like homemade marshmallow fluff! While you can certainly leave the vanilla out, it does add a nice hint of extra delicious flavor.

    strawberry being dipped into marshmallow fruit dip.

    Serve This Marshmallow Fruit Dip With…

    • Strawberries
    • Blueberries
    • Blackberries
    • Raspberries
    • Sliced Apples
    • Pears
    • Grapes
    • Pineapple
    • Melon
    • or whatever fruit you have on-hand!
    marshmallow fruit dip on a fresh strawberry, on a fork.

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Sugar-Free: For a sugar-free dessert recipe, replace the regular sugar with your favorite granular sugar substitute. I recommend either granular monk fruit sweetener, or swerve.

    Make it Paleo: Use coconut sugar for a paleo marshmallow fruit dip! If taking this option, your dip will appear a caramel/brown color, rather than the white you see in these photos.

    close-up image of marshmallow fruit dip with fresh berries.
    5 from 1 vote

    Marshmallow Fruit Dip (just 4 ingredients!)

    A perfectly sweet, light, and fluffy marshmallow fruit dip! Comes together in a few simple steps with only four ingredients. This fruit dip is both gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect recipe for potlucks and/or summer parties!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 12 servings

    Ingredients

    • 4 large egg whites
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • fresh fruit, for serving

    Instructions

    • Place the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tarter in a large bowl.
    • Bring 2-inches of water in a saucepan to a simmer, then place the bowl on top of the saucepan. Do not let the bowl touch the water.
    • Whisk egg white mixture constantly for 3-4 minutes, or until thin, smooth, and sugar has completely dissolved. If you have a kitchen thermometer, check that the temperature has reached 160° Fahrenheit.
    • Remove bowl from saucepan, add in vanilla extract, then while still hot beat with a hand or stand mixer until super light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Serve marshmallow dip alongside fresh fruit.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Fresh Avocado Salad (ready in 5 minutes!)

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    overhead image of avocado salad in a bowl with lemon on the side

    This avocado salad is BURSTING with fresh herbs and vegetables! Perfectly ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion tossed in fresh lemon juice and olive oil. This super quick and easy salad recipe comes together in one bowl, and in under 5 minutes!

    super close-up image of avocado salad

    What You’ll Need To Make Avocado Salad

    Avocados – Duh! The main ingredient, the stars of this show, are two perfectly ripe large avocados. How can you tell when an avocado is ripe? Give it a gentle squeeze, and if the skin feels firm but gives a little, then your avocado’s ripe and ready to use in this salad! However, if your avocado feels especially hard and doesn’t give at all when squeezed, then it’s not ripe and should be left at room temperature overnight to ripen.

    Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice gives this salad a nice touch of acidity and brightness! The lemon juice also helps to preserve the freshness of the vegetables in this dish. Though if you don’t have any lemon juice, a touch of apple cider vinegar will work too.

    Fresh Herbs – Use any kind of fresh herb you’d like! I used fresh basil and OMG it was delicious. But I’ve also made this plant-based meal with fresh cilantro and fresh parsley, both of which were just as tasty.

    Salt – I swear by lightly salting avocado, no matter what dish it’s in. A tiny pinch of salt brings out the rich, creamy, almost buttery taste in avocado. And if you don’t already have some, I highly recommend investing in some flaky sea salt. For this salad recipe, wait until the very end to add the salt. Salt, while enhancing flavor, will also turn the avocado brown. Therefore, to keep your avocado salad looking as bright and fresh as possible, salt the salad right before serving!

    avocado salad in a bowl with serving utensils.

    Tips and Tricks

    • If you’d like to prep this recipe ahead of time, then prep all ingredients except the avocado. Once avocado is removed from its skin and exposed to air, it’ll brown pretty quickly. This browning doesn’t mean the avocado’s gone bad, and won’t at all affect the taste, though it simply won’t look as pretty. Therefore, chop and prep all other herbs and veggies, then toss in the avocado and salt right before serving to keep it looking vibrant and fresh!
    • Enjoy this avocado salad as-is, or add in your favorite plant-based protein for a heartier meal. A can of drained beans, a cup of lentils, or some crispy cubed tofu would all go perfectly in this salad! Though if not vegan, feel free to serve this salad as a side dish to roast chicken, pan-seared salmon, or really any main course.
    • Store leftover avocado salad in an airtight container. Though before securing the lid, press a piece of plastic wrap over the veggies so that it comes into contact with the top of the salad. This’ll help prevent the avocado from turning brown, and lock in freshness for up to three days!
    overhead image of avocado salad in a bowl with lemon on the side

    This Avocado Salad Is…

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    Fresh Avocado Salad (ready in 5 minutes!)

    This avocado salad is BURSTING with fresh herbs and vegetables! Perfectly ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion tossed in fresh lemon juice and olive oil. This super quick and easy salad recipe comes together in one bowl, and in under 5 minutes!
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 2 large avocados, diced
    • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
    • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, and/or basil
    • big pinch of salt
    • fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients except salt and black pepper to a large bowl and toss to combine.
    • Just before serving, sprinkle in salt and black pepper, then eat immediately.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

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    30 Minutes or Less

    How to Cut a Pineapple

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    how to cut a pineapple

    Cutting a pineapple is easy, when you follow these simple steps! A sharp knife, cutting board, and whole pineapple is all you’ll need. I even provide helpful tips on picking out a perfectly ripe pineapple, and what to do with it once it’s cut!

    cut pineapple in a bowl with limes on the side

    How To Select The Perfect Pineapple

    • Color: Every pineapple starts off green, and turns yellow as it ripens. Therefore, a pineapple with a more yellow skin will be sweeter, and more ripe!
    • Smell: I never buy a pineapple before smelling it! There’s so much to learn about how ripe a pineapple is based on its scent. So pick up that pineapple and give it a big ole’ whiff. If the pineapple smells sweet and like ..well, pineapple… then it’s perfectly ripe! Though if the pineapple has no smell at all, then it’s not yet ripe.
    • Leaves: The last step to ensuring your pineapple is ripe and ready to be cut, is by checking the leaves. Give those long, tough leaves at the top of the pineapple a gentle tug, and if they come away easily, then your pineapple is definitely ripe. If the leaves are a challenge to pull, then the pineapple likely isn’t yet ripe.
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    Is Pineapple Healthy?

    Sure is! Pineapple is pretty much bursting with nutrients. Just one cup of cut pineapple will fill you with fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, potassium, etc. Fresh pineapple is loaded with health benefits, including, but not limited to:

    • aids digestion (thank you, fiber!)
    • fights diseases (hello antioxidants!)
    • reduces inflammation
    • increases immunity
    • and may even reduce your risk of cancer!

    How To Store Cut Pineapple

    Freshly cut pineapple should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Pineapple will stay fresh for up to five days. If you don’t anticipate eating your cut pineapple within that timeframe, then I recommend freezing it instead. Similarly, store it in an airtight container in the freezer, where it will stay good for up to three months.

    No ratings yet

    How to Cut a Pineapple

    Cutting a pineapple is easy, when you follow these simple steps! A sharp knife, cutting board, and whole pineapple is all you’ll need. I even provide helpful tips on picking out a perfectly ripe pineapple, and what to do with it once it’s cut!
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 whole pineapple

    Instructions

    • Lay the pineapple on its side on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to slice off both the top and bottom ends.
    • Next, stand the pineapple back up and slice off the skin, sliding your knife from top to bottom, following the shape of the pineapple.
    • Once skin is removed, keep the pineapple standing up and cut it into four quarters – one slice lengthwise and the other crosswise.
    • Lay each quarter of the pineapple down on the cutting board, with one of the cut side on the board. Angle your knife inwards to slice and remove the core from the pineapple, then repeat for other three pieces.
    • Last, slice each quarter in half lengthwise before making crosswise cuts to create bite-sized pineapple chunks.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

    Use Your Cut Pineapple In One Of These Recipes

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Maple Dijon Salmon Salad

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    overhead image of maple dijon salmon salad in a bowl.

    Buttery, flaky salmon atop a simply dressed maple dijon salad! This quick and easy recipe yields perfectly seasoned, and cooked salmon every time. A complete meal, loaded with fresh veggies, then finished off with a tangy maple dijon dressing, ready in under 20 minutes!

    close-up overhead image of maple dijon salmon salad on a plate with a fork

    What You’ll Need To Make This Maple Dijon Salmon Salad

    Dijon Mustard – We do NOT use this ingredient sparingly in our maple dijon dressing! An entire 1/4 cup gives this entire meal tons of tangy, delicious flavor. In case you’re not familiar with this French ingredient, dijon mustard is creamier, spicier, and has less vinegar than yellow mustard. It’s a favorite in my home, for everything from sandwiches to salad dressings. It’s among one of the healthiest condiments you can use, with no added-sugar or preservatives!

    Maple Syrup – A touch of maple syrup is necessary to balance out the intensely savory flavors in this salmon salad recipe. And if you don’t have any maple syrup on-hand, you can use an equal amount of honey instead.

    Salmon Fillets – Feel free to use any variety of salmon fillets you’d like! Sockeye salmon and atlantic salmon are the two most common types, and are only slightly different from each other. Sockeye salmon is a bit more lean, and has a stronger fish flavor, while atlantic salmon is fattier, with a more mild flavor. I personally love atlantic salmon for it’s ultra-soft, buttery, and flaky qualities. Though again, you can use any type of salmon fillets you’d like for this lunch or dinner recipe!

    Green Apple – I know, not all of us are fans of fruit in our salads. However, green apple is much more tart than sweet in this salmon salad. Also, remember we have a bit of sweetness in our dressing – so the little bit of natural sweetness from a thinly sliced green apple works to compliment that. If you don’t have any green apples, you can easily leave them out or use a red apple in its place.

    Pecans or Walnuts – I have just one rule when it comes to salads, they all must include a crunchy component. A little bit of crunch goes a long way in rounding out the textures in this dish. Roughly chopped pecans and/or walnuts are a healthy alternative to standard croutons. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plenty of healthy fats!

    maple dijon dressing being poured over salmon salad.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Feel free to add or remove any salad ingredients you’d like! Not a fan of nuts? Simple leave them out. Prefer a certain type of lettuce? Then definitely use it! This super simple salad recipe is incredibly easy to customize.
    • For anyone who cooks meat or fish regularly, I highly recommend investing in a kitchen thermometer. This is the thermometer I use on pretty much a daily basis. It’s the easiest way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon every time!
    • This salmon salad can be enjoyed hot or cold! Salmon’s one of those things that tastes delicious at just about any temperature. I often double this recipe for easy grab-and-go lunches all week long – no need to reheat!
    Maple dijon salmon salad on a serving platter.

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Sugar-Free: For an entirely sugar-free recipe, use Lankanto Maple Flavored Syrup in place of the maple syrup.

    Make it Nut-Free: Simply replace the nuts with sunflower seeds to make this a nut-free lunch or dinner recipe.

    5 from 1 vote

    Maple Dijon Salmon Salad

    Buttery, flaky salmon atop a simply dressed maple dijon salad! This quick and easy recipe yields perfectly seasoned, and cooked salmon every time. A complete meal, loaded with fresh veggies, then finished off with a tangy maple dijon dressing, ready in under 20 minutes!
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 17 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    For the dressing:

    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • juice from 1 lemon, see Notes
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    For the salmon:

    • 4 salmon fillets, boneless
    • salt and black pepper, to taste

    For the salad:

    • 4 cups lettuce, see Notes
    • 1 cucumber, sliced
    • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 green apple, thinly sliced
    • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
    • Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
    • Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and pat dry with a paper towel. Season filets with salt and black pepper, then drizzle half the maple Dijon dressing evenly over top of the salmon.
    • Bake salmon for 10-12 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into thickest end of the salmon read 125° Fahrenheit.
    • While salmon cooks, place all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine. Once salmon is done, divide salad between four plates, top each plate with a salmon filet and serve with remaining dressing.

    Notes

  • Lemon Juice: If you don’t have any fresh lemons, you can use 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in place of the lemon juice in this recipe.
  • Lettuce: Use any type of lettuce you like, I used mesclun!

    • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

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