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30 Minutes or Less

Homemade Ginger and Turmeric Immunity Shots Recipe

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Homemade immunity shots with fresh lemon, orange, ginger, and turmeric on the side.

As I enter my first cold and flu season as a mom, I’m doing everything I can to boost my family’s immune system! While my son (currently 9 months old) can’t have these immunity shots quite yet, my husband and I each take a shot a day to… keep the doctor away. Sorry, I had to!

These immunity shots are jam-packed with antioxidants to help strengthen your immune system. A combination of fresh ginger, turmeric, and citrus create a powerhouse to help ward off colds. Also, the addition of black pepper helps to activate the turmeric, leading to even more anti-inflammatory benefits.

They’re tangy, spicy, incredibly potent, but work some serious magic to keep my family healthy. If you also want to avoid getting sick this cold and flu season, I highly recommend you whip up a batch too!

homemade immunity shot being poured into a glass.

What You’ll Need to Make this Immunity Shots Recipe

Fresh Ginger: Ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids digestion, soothes sore throats, and provides a zesty kick to our immunity shots. And in case you have leftover fresh ginger after making this recipe, use it to make these healthy teriyaki chicken bowls. Eating an overall healthy diet also works wonders for building a strong immune system!

Fresh Turmeric Root: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a superhero in the anti-inflammatory world! It’s a natural immune booster, assisting the body in fighting off infections and promoting overall well-being.

Lemons: Packed with vitamin C, lemons contribute to collagen production, which is crucial for skin health. They also support the immune system and add a refreshing citrusy flavor to the shots.

Oranges: Another vitamin C powerhouse, oranges help stimulate the production of white blood cells, enhancing the immune system’s defense mechanism against illnesses. Because of its cold-fighthing benefits, I aim to eat as much vitamin C as possible this time of year. One of my favorite ways to enjoy citrus fruits is in this citrus salad recipe – seriously so good!

Black Pepper: Piperine, found in black pepper, enhances the absorption of curcumin from turmeric. This dynamic duo ensures you get the most out of the turmeric’s immune-boosting properties.

homemade immunity shots with lemon, orange, fresh ginger, and fresh turmeric on the side.

What are the Health Benefits of Immunity Shots?

  • The combination of fresh ginger, turmeric, lemons, and oranges provides a powerful boost to the immune system! These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting the body’s defense against infections and illnesses.
  • Ginger and turmeric, with their anti-inflammatory properties, help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, and incorporating these shots into your daily routine may contribute to overall well-being.
  • Lemons and oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C, essential for collagen production, skin health, and a robust immune response. Regular consumption of these immunity shots ensures a steady intake of this vital nutrient, promoting optimal health!

Tips and Tricks

Play with Ratios: Adjust the quantities of ginger, turmeric, and citrus to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy a more zesty kick, add an extra squeeze of lemon or orange.

Storage Savvy: To ensure your shots stay fresh, store the juice in an airtight container in the fridge. Use dark glass containers to protect the ingredients from light, maintaining their potency.

Prep Ahead: Consider prepping larger batches and freezing the juice in ice cube trays. Pop out a cube whenever you need a quick immunity boost – it’s a time-saving trick for those hectic days.

Homemade Ginger and Turmeric Immunity Shots
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Homemade Ginger and Turmeric Immunity Shots

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: DrinksDifficulty: Easy
Servings

10

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

5

minutes

These immunity shots are packed with antioxidants to help strengthen your immune system! They’re the easiest, most natural way to help prevent getting sick during cold and flu season. Fresh ginger and turmeric, plenty of citrus, and black pepper make for a tangy, spicy, and potent immunity shot. Enjoy once a day for optimal results!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fresh ginger, chopped

  • 1/4 cup fresh turmeric root, chopped

  • 2 lemons, peeled and chopped

  • 2 oranges, peeled and chopped

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 cups water

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 1-2 minutes.
  • Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or pitcher and pour the liquid through the strainer, and use a spoon to stir the liquid around in the strainer to separate the pulp from the juice.
  • Discard the pulp in the strainer, then pour the juice into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • When ready to drink, pour 2 ounces into a glass and drink quickly (like a shot!).

Recipe Video

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30 Minutes or Less

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

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close-up overhead image of mediterranean quinoa salad in a bowl.

Fresh and flavorful mediterranean quinoa salad! This simple salad recipe is loaded with healthy veggies and tossed in a simple lemon dressing. Quinoa, chickpeas, olives, sundried tomatoes, basil, and feta – what’s not to love?!

close-up image of mediterranean quinoa salad in a bowl.

What You’ll Need to Make Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Quinoa – Start with 2 cups of cooked red or white quinoa (I used white quinoa) for this recipe. To cook quinoa, simply rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa, then add to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring the quinoa to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid. Simmer quinoa for about 15 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed. Once cooked, let cool to room temperature before adding to this salad!

Chickpeas – A can of chickpeas adds some extra protein to this grain salad. However, if you don’t like chickpeas, you can leave them out. Or, feel free to swap out the chickpeas with your favorite white bean – canneloni beans or navy beans would also taste great!

Kalamata Olives – This classic mediterranean ingredient adds tons of delicious flavor to this quinoa salad! Either buy pitted kalamata olives, or slice and pit them yourself for this recipe.

Feta – Another staple ingredient in many mediterranean recipes! Feta cheese is deliciously creamy and salty, and takes this salad recipe to the next level. Though if feta’s not your thing, you can leave it out or replace if with your favorite soft white cheese.

mediterranean quinoa salad ingredients separated in a bowl.

Tips and Tricks

  • This salad is great for meal prep! You can fully prep and store this salad in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will only intensify as it sits.
  • Feel free to change up this salad however you’d like! Not a fan of one of the ingredients? Either leave it out or replace it with whatever you prefer. This mediterranean quinoa salad is super easy to customize and make your own.
  • Love this recipe? Try this very similar Jennifer Aniston salad next!
mediterranean quinoa salad in a bowl with a glass of water on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Surprise! This mediterranean quinoa salad is already gluten-free! Quinoa is a naturally gluten-free grain.

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: Simply leave out the feta, or swap it out for your favorite non-dairy feta – I love this Violife Vegan Feta.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

5 from 2 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: MainCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

0

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

Fresh and flavorful mediterranean quinoa salad! This simple salad recipe is loaded with healthy veggies and tossed in a simple lemon dressing. Quinoa, chickpeas, olives, sundried tomatoes, basil, and feta – what’s not to love?!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

  • 1 bell pepper, chopped

  • 1/2 red onion, chopped

  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta

  • For the lemon dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  • Add the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olive, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and feta to a large bowl.
    • mediterranean quinoa salad step 1
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until combined.
    • mediterranean quinoa salad step 2
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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30 Minutes or Less

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

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overhead image of mediterranean grilled chicken salad in a bowl with fresh mint on the side.

Mediterranean grilled chicken salad loaded with fresh veggies and finished off with a simple lemon Dijon dressing! Meal prep this healthy salad ahead of a busy week, or throw together for a quick, wholesome dinner. This easy and delicious meal comes together in just 20 minutes.

lemon dijon dressing being poured over mediterranean grilled chicken salad.

What You’ll Need to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

Chicken Breasts – Take either two large chicken breasts and slice then into four thin cutlets, or buy four pre-sliced chicken cutlets from the store. A thinner piece of chicken cooks up faster, and locks in more flavor than whole chicken breasts.

Dried Oregano – This dried herb is commonly found in mediterranean recipes, which is exactly why we use it on both the chicken and in the dressing. If you don’t have any dried oregano in your pantry, I highly recommend you get some. It adds tons of delicious flavor to this salad recipe!

Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice tastes incredible in this lemon Dijon dressing. However, if you don’t have lemon juice, you can replace it with an equal amount of red wine vinegar.

Feta Cheese – Feta is perfectly salty and creamy in this grilled chicken salad. Add as much to your salad as your heart (or tastebuds) desire. Or, if you don’t like feta, you can use crumbled goat cheese instead.

Fresh Mint – Just a little bit of fresh mint takes this easy salad recipe over the top! Mint is another ingredient commonly found in Mediterranean recipes, and brings out the fresh flavors in this dish. Never tried mint in a salad before? Just trust me, it’s so so so good! But if you simply don’t like mint, try fresh chopped parsley instead.

close-up image of mediterranean grilled chicken salad in a bowl.

How to Grill Chicken

  • Start by seasoning your chicken very well with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or around 400° Fahrenheit.
  • Once preheated, place the chicken on the grill and leave to cook, without touching it, for about 4-6 minutes.
  • Then, flip each chicken breast, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes on the other side.
  • Remove chicken from the grill and let rest on a cutting board while you prepare the rest of your grilled chicken salad.
mediterranean grilled chicken salad in a bowl with lemon dijon dressing on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Either leave out the feta, or use your favorite non-dairy feta.I highly recommend this VioLife Vegan Feta – it’s delicious!

Make it Vegan: For a vegan summer salad recipe, take the dairy-free option above, then replace the grilled chicken with either grilled tofu or grilled cauliflower steaks.

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
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Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

Mediterranean grilled chicken salad loaded with fresh veggies and finished off with a simple lemon Dijon dressing! Meal prep this healthy salad ahead of a busy week, or throw together for a quick, wholesome dinner. This easy and delicious meal comes together in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

  • For the chicken:

  • 1-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut or pounded thin

  • salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • For the lemon Dijon dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice, or red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • For the salad:

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced

  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives

  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Directions

  • Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season with the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and onion powder.
  • Grill 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through, then let rest on a cutting board while you prepare the rest of the salad.
    • grilled chicken on a plate
  • Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
    • all salad ingredients in a bowl
  • Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss. Then, slice your chicken and add to the salad. Finish off the salad with a drizzle of dressing, then serve immediately.
    • lemon dijon dressing whisked together in a measuring cup

Notes

  • If not eating right away, prepare the salad without the dressing, then add the dressing right before serving.

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30 Minutes or Less

Jennifer Aniston Salad

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close-up image of jennifer aniston salad in a serving bowl

The viral Jennifer Aniston salad is super easy to make! Loaded with fresh ingredients – cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta – all tossed in simple lemon dressing. It’s not just healthy, but totally delicious too!

overhead image of Jennifer Aniston salad with pistachios and dressing on the side.

Jennifer Aniston recently described her perfect salad as, “bulgur wheat, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pistachios.” And OMG the internet went CRAZY for it! Recipes similar to the salad the Friends actress described quickly popped up all over TikTok. The Jennifer Aniston salad went viral. So, as a foodie and fellow salad-lover, I had to give it a try for myself.

My version of the salad contains everything Jennifer described – bulgur wheat, cucumbers, parsley, mint, red onion, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, and pistachios – my only addition is a simple lemon, olive oil, salt, and black pepper dressing. Since Jen didn’t offer up a dressing herself, this is what I envisioned a salad like this being tossed in. And let me tell you, it TOTALLY lived up to the hype!

Dressing being poured over the Jennifer Aniston salad.

What You’ll Need to Make the Jennifer Aniston Salad

Bulgur Wheat or Quinoa – In keeping this super authentic to Jen’s recipe, I used bulgur wheat in my salad. However, bulgur wheat can be hard to come by, so I also offer up the option to use quinoa instead. Both are hearty, protein-rich, super nutritious grains. Never had bulgur wheat? It’s most similar to farro or barley, but smaller grain. Bulgur wheat has a nice nutty flavor, and will keep you full without feeling weighed down.

Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas – What’s the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas? Literally nothing! They’re two names for the exact same thing. Jennifer Aniston called them “garbanzo beans,” but I call them “chickpeas,” so that’s what we’re sticking with. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, especially in this salad recipe!

Feta Cheese – Greek brined white cheese, made from sheep’s milk. Feta adds the perfect salty bite to this salad! And because it’s made with sheep’s milk, it has a lower lactose content. Meaning, those whoe are lactose intolerant (aka ME!), may have an easier time tolerating feta cheese. I, personally, can enjoy it in small amounts without any issue. However, if you can’t tolerate feta, or simply need a dairy-free option, check out my “make it vegan” section below!

Parsley and Mint – Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs! Fresh parsley and mint are my favorite parts of this salad. They add a super fresh and vibrant component to this recipe. Therefore, don’t leave ’em out!

close-up overhead image of Jennifer Aniston salad.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Yes, bulgur wheat contains gluten. Therefore, opt for quinoa instead of bulgur wheat to make this Jennifer Aniston salad entirely gluten-free.

Make it Vegan/Dairy-Free: For a vegan/dairy-free salad, either leave out the feta cheese, or replace it with your favorite vegan feta. I love the Violife Vegan Feta, it tastes and crumbles just like the real thing!

Jennifer Aniston Salad
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Jennifer Aniston Salad

4 from 14 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

    The viral Jennifer Aniston salad is super easy to make! Loaded with fresh ingredients – cucumber, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta – all tossed in simple lemon dressing. It’s not just healthy, but totally delicious too!

    Ingredients

    • For the bulgur wheat/quinoa:

    • 1 cup bulgur wheat or quinoa, dry

    • 2 cups water or vegetable broth

    • For the salad dressing:

    • 1/2 cup olive oil

    • 1/2 cup lemon juice

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • For the salad:

    • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

    • 1 cup English cucumber, chopped

    • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

    • 1/2 red onion, diced

    • 1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios, roughly chopped

    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

    • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

    Directions

    • Add either bulgur wheat or quinoa to a small saucepan, along with water or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 12-15 minutes. Once bulgur wheat or quinoa has absorbed all liquid, remove from heat and let stand covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, remove lid and fluff with a fork.
    • While the bulgur wheat or quinoa cooks, make the salad dressing by adding all ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine.
    • Add cooked bulgur wheat or quinoa to a large bowl, along with the remaining salad ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and toss, then either serve immediately or let chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

    Recipe Video

    Notes

    • Leaving the salad to chill for a few hours before eating will increase the flavor!
    • Leftover salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. No need to store the dressing separately.

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    30 Minutes or Less

    Spinach Artichoke Hummus

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    close-up image of spinach artichoke hummus with artichoke hearts on top.

    The BEST of both worlds! Super easy and ultra delicious spinach artichoke hummus. One of my all-time favorite healthy snacks or appetizers!

    overhead image of spinach artichoke hummus with pita, cucumber, and white wine on the side.

    What You’ll Need to Make Spinach Artichoke Hummus

    Chickpeas – I used canned chickpeas, but feel free to soak and boil your own for this recipe. However, canned chickpeas makes things extra easy on you (which I highly recommend!).

    Tahini – Every good hummus recipe has tahini! Never heard of tahini? It’s just ground sesame seeds. It’s also super easy to find at most grocery stores, typically located in the ethnic food aisle. This is the tahini brand I use and love in this spinach artichoke hummus!

    Baby Spinach – Use fresh, not frozen spinach in this healthy snack recipe! Lucky for us, fresh spinach is loaded with good-for-you vitamins and minerals.

    Canned Artichoke Hearts – Either whole or quartered canned artichoke hearts will work. I used these Cento artichoke hearts, and they were delicious. Also, if you have any leftover artichoke hearts, they make a great addition to salads and charcuterie boards!

    pita being dipped into spinach artichoke hummus.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Once you add the spinach and artichokes, pulse the hummus only a few times. Too much pulsing will completely puree the spinach and artichokes. Instead, to achieve that finely chopped texture you get in a spinach artichoke dip, give your food processor just a few quick pulses.
    • Taste the hummus after the first step! This is the best time to adjust/add any seasonings you’d like. For an extra tangy hummus, add in a bit more lemon juice. Or, for a super garlicky hummus, add in another clove or two of garlic.
    • This spinach artichoke hummus dip will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy it all week long with pita, pita chips, fresh veggies, or simply by the spoonful!
    overhead image of spinach artichoke hummus with pita on the side.

    This Recipe Is…

    Spinach Artichoke Hummus
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    Spinach Artichoke Hummus

    0 from 0 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: SnacksDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    2

    cups
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    5

    minutes

    The BEST of both worlds! Super easy and ultra delicious spinach artichoke hummus. One of my all-time favorite healthy snacks or appetizers!

    Ingredients

    • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

    • 1/4 cup tahini

    • 1/4 cup olive oil

    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

    • 1 garlic clove, peeled

    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

    • salt, to taste

    • 1 cup baby spinach

    • 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained

    Directions

    • Add chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
    • Add in baby spinach and artichoke heart, pule 5-6 times until spinach and artichokes are finely chopped, then serve.

    Recipe Video

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