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30 Minutes or Less

Green Blender Juice (How to Make Juice Without a Juicer)

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green blender juice being poured into a glass, garnished with a lemon slice

The quickest and easiest way to make your own green juice in a blender – no juicer necessary! A refreshing blend of green veggies, a touch of ginger, and a hint of green apple make this homemade juice not only palatable, but actually delicious. No fancy equipment or juicer is needed for this simple and super healthy recipe!

green blender juice being poured into a glass, garnished with a lemon slice

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

Blender – I used my for this green juice recipe. It’s certainly an investment, but my gosh is it powerful! The is a total work horse and if you ask me, worth EVERY penny. I even purchased mine “reconditioned,” which is just a fancy way of saying “used,” and it’s so far lasted me four years and three moves! However, if you don’t have a Vitamix and don’t feel like investing in one at the moment (I get it), you can simply use whatever blender you have. And if your blender isn’t large enough to fit all the fruit and veggies at once, simply split the recipe up into two batches.

Nut Milk Bag or Fine Mesh Strainer – I purchased my very inexpensive nut milk strainer bag off Amazon 5+ years ago. If you don’t own a nut milk bag, you have two options. You can either buy one, which happens to be my recommended option, since it’s also an important tool in my dairy-free coffee creamer recipe! Or, you can use a fine mesh metal strainer instead. Though beware, a metal strainer won’t catch nearly as much pulp as a nut milk bag will, resulting in a grainier green juice.

Fresh Vegetables – Any and all fresh vegetables are welcome to this green blender juice party! The specific ones we use are cucumber, celery, kale, fresh ginger, lemon, and some green apple for a hint of sweetness. I highly recommend purchasing organic produce for this recipe, since there’s no cooking involved to kill off any gnarly chemicals. Also, since everything’s being blended together – simply give the vegetables a couple quick chops, nothing too precise.

Top Tips

  • Store the fresh fruits and vegetables in the fridge before making your juice. This’ll ensure it blends up extra cold and refreshing! Warm green juice is OK, but definitely not nearly as enjoyable as cold green juice.

  • Get innovative with the pulp from your green blender juice! Add it to smoothies, popsicles, or I’ve even seen people use it in baked goods. It’s always a goal of mine to be as low-waste as possible in the kitchen, so if all else fails, I’ll simply add my leftover pulp to the compost pile.

  • Any fresh, homemade juice is best enjoyed immediately after making! This is when the most vitamins and minerals are available, leading to more nutrients to fuel your body and leave you feeling amazing. However, you can store any leftover green juice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Other Tasty Additions

Feel free to add or substitute your favorite fruits or veggies, such as:

  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Oranges
  • Pineapple
  • Lime Juice
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Pears
  • Turmeric
Green Blender Juice (How to Make Juice Without a Juicer)
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Green Blender Juice (How to Make Juice Without a Juicer)

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

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Total time

10

minutes

The quickest and easiest way to make your own green juice in a blender – no juicer necessary! A refreshing blend of green veggies, a touch of ginger, and a hint of green apple make this homemade juice not only palatable, but actually delicious. No fancy equipment or juicer is needed for this simple and super healthy recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber, chopped

  • 1 bunch celery, chopped

  • 2 green apples, chopped

  • 1 bunch kale, chopped

  • 1-inch piece ginger, peeled

  • 1 lemon, juiced

  • 1 cup water

Directions

  • Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
  • Place a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and pour juice through bag or strainer. Squeeze out as much juice as possible and discard pulp.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • No need to remove any seeds or stems from your fresh fruits and vegetables! Simply run a knife through everything, making it just small enough to blend.

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30 Minutes or Less

Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup

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overhead image of leftover turkey and rice soup with bread, wine, and fresh thyme on the side

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious soup that everyone will love! Made with leftover turkey, jasmine rice and veggies, this Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup recipe is a great weeknight dinner that only takes 30 mins to make and a great way to avoid wasting food!

overhead image of leftover turkey and rice soup with bread, wine, and fresh thyme on the side

When the holidays come around, so does a lot of food. It’s all too easy to cook more than what is needed, so there’s always leftovers to figure out what to do with. Is there a way I can convince Aunt Susan to take this huge load of turkey with her? Knowing her, she’ll say that she’s too stuffed and can’t even think about food for the next week!

I don’t like it when food goes to waste, and like to use up as much as I can before it does, so if my family or friends aren’t going to take it home with them, I need to figure out some good recipes, and fast.

This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup is loaded with turkey, veggies, flavorful broth and finished with a splash of fresh lemon and parsley, all made in one pot and in under 30 minutes. What can be better than that for a quick and hearty leftover meal?

MAIN INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup

  • Cooked Turkey – chopped or shredded.

  • Rice – I used jasmine rice. You can also use brown rice, but it will have a longer cooking time.

  • Broth – chicken or turkey.

  • Olive Oil

  • Veggies – carrots, celery stalks, yellow onion, garlic cloves.

  • Herbs – thyme, rosemary & parsley.

  • Lemon & Salt

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

  • Rinse your rice if you like a brothier soup as the outer starch will thicken the soup, particularly if you reheat it. 

Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup
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Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup

5 from 1 vote
Recipe by Samantha Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

40

minutes

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious soup that everyone will love! Made with leftover turkey, jasmine rice and veggies, this Leftover Turkey and Rice Soup recipe is a great weeknight dinner that only takes 30 mins to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

  • 3 Whole Garlic Cloves (minced)

  • 1 Small Yellow Onion (chopped)

  • 2 Whole Carrots (peeled & chopped)

  • 2 Whole Celery Stalks (chopped)

  • 3 Fresh Thyme Stems

  • 2 Teaspoons Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped)

  • 1/4 Cup Jasmine Rice

  • 1 1/2 Teaspoons Salt

  • 2 Cups Cooked Turkey (chopped or shredded)

  • 1 Quart Chicken or Turkey Broth

  • 1 Whole Lemon (juiced)

  • 1 Whole Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in garlic, onion, carrots, and celery, sauté for 3-5 minutes or until onions are soft.
  • Add thyme, rosemary, rice, and salt, cook for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Add in cooked turkey, chicken or turkey broth, and juice from one lemon. Bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer. 
  • Cover pot with lid and cook for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat and serve with fresh chopped parsley.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Storage: keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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30 Minutes or Less

Blackened Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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overhead image of blackened chicken on a plate with spices around the plate

This blackened chicken is incredibly tender and juicy! With a handful of delicious spices, and just one pan, you’ll have an intensely flavorful protein. Enjoy this blackened chicken over a salad, with your favorite veggies, or whatever your heart desires for a quick and healthy meal!

blackened chicken on a plate with lemon wedges on the side and blackened seasoning on the side

What You Need To Make Blackened Chicken

Smoked Paprika – The main spice in our blackened seasoning is the incredible smoked paprika! Unlike regular paprika, smoked paprika has this irresistible smoky flavor that simply can’t be beat. If you don’t already have this delicious spice in your spice cabinet, then I highly recommend you buy some.

Cayenne Pepper – The amount of cayenne pepper you use in this blackened chicken recipe is entirely up to you and your spice preferences. I personally love a bit of spice, so I use almost 1/4 teaspoon in my seasoning. However, if you’re averse to spice, you can simply leave the cayenne pepper out altogether.

Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the way to go! Without the skin, the spices can better penetrate into the meat. This makes your chicken that much more delicious. And as far as boneless goes, it’s easier to eat – a no brainer if you ask me!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Diet

  • Make it Less Spicy: If you don’t like spice, simply omit the cayenne pepper in this blackened chicken recipe.
  • Make it Vegan: Turn this into a blackened tofu recipe by taking a block of tofu, pressing as much water out of it as possible, then slicing it down the center to create two tofu “steaks.” Then, season the tofu exactly how you would the chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side!

Tips For Making Blackened Chicken

  • Cook over medium-high heat, nothing lower! The key to blackened chicken is placing the seasoned breasts into a very hot pan. Then, do not touch the chicken until it’s ready to be flipped. This way, the crust will cook up super crispy and delicious!
  • Don’t forget to let your chicken rest after cooking. Once out of the pan, your chicken is holding on to a ton of its flavorful juices. Therefore, if you slice into it too soon, you risk having all that flavor pour out. So do yourself a favor and leave the chicken alone for at least 5 minutes!
  • Serve this chicken however you’d like! I enjoyed mine over a salad loaded with my favorite fresh vegetables. However, for a heartier meal, I recommend pairing this blackened chicken with a side of rice and/or roasted potatoes – yum!
Blackened Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
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Blackened Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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

2

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

This blackened chicken is incredibly tender and juicy! With a handful of delicious spices, and just one skillet, you’ll have an intensely flavorful protein. Enjoy this blackened chicken over a salad, with your favorite veggies, or whatever your heart desires for a quick and healthy meal!

Ingredients

  • 3 teaspoons smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • spray cooking oil

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Directions

  • Mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  • Coat both chicken breasts with either spray cooking oil or a drizzle of avocado oil, then sprinkle evenly with blackened seasoning.
  • Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer chicken to skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from heat, transfer to a plate, and cover with foil then let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • This blackened chicken recipe can be easily doubles or even tripled! Making it the perfect and healthy meal to throw together for friends or family.

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30 Minutes or Less

Summer Squash Pasta (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

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summer squash pasta on a plate with white wine, basil, and red pepper flakes on the side

This summer squash pasta is the perfect way to enjoy one of this season’s BEST vegetables! Fresh summer squash is quickly sautéed until perfectly tender then tossed with your favorite pasta. This simple weeknight meal is light, healthy, and comes together in under 20 minutes!

summer squash pasta being lifted off a plate with a fork

‘Tis the season! If you (like me) feel like you’re drowning in squash this summer, then you NEED to make this recipe. Summer squash peaks in the ….you guessed it – summer! My parents garden is currently being taken over by summer squash and zucchini. They have so much squash at this point that they have no clue what to do with it all! One solution to their problem is sending me home with massive bags of it every time I visit them. And while I still have a few squash sitting in my fridge right now, I was able to use some of them in this delicious pasta recipe!

I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been a big fan of anything quick and easy when it comes to time spent in the kitchen. Hovering over a hot stove for more than 20 minutes sounds like pure torture in this city heat and humidity. Therefore, I’m on a mission to develop as many no-bake/cook recipes or ready in under 30 minutes recipes as possible! This specific vegan and gluten-free pasta recipe falls into the latter category, and for that reason alone we love it so much.

What You Need To Make Summer Squash Pasta

Summer Squash and/or Zucchini– This recipe is the perfect way to use up any leftover summer squash and/or zucchini in your garden! Simply wash and then slice at least two of them, then throw them in this recipe. If you like your pasta extra squash-y (new word – squashy!) feel free to add an extra squash or two in there. The more, the merrier when it comes to this summer squash pasta!

Pasta – I used Jovial Brown Rice Gluten-Free Farfalle pasta in my dish, however you can use whatever kind of pasta you’d like in this recipe. Rigatoni, orecchiette, ziti, penne, or really any pasta shape would work here. If you’re gluten-free like me, I highly recommend the Jovial pasta as it tastes incredibly similar to the real thing.

Basil – Continuing on with the summer trend, this herb flourishes in the warm weather! Basil really helps pack on the freshness in this simple pasta dish. If you don’t have basil, you can use fresh parsley instead.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Diet

  • Add Dairy: Finish this summer squash pasta off with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese for a delightful, savory bite!
  • Make it Paleo: You can easily make this dish paleo by doubling up on the squash and removing the pasta from this recipe. It’ll be more of a side dish than a main course, but will still taste totally delicious!
Summer Squash Pasta (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
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Summer Squash Pasta (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Samantha Russo Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

20

minutes

This summer squash pasta is the perfect way to enjoy one of this season’s BEST vegetables! Fresh summer squash is quickly sautéed until perfectly tender then tossed with your favorite pasta. This simple weeknight meal is light, healthy, and comes together in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta, see Notes

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 5 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 summer squash and/or zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

Directions

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Add in the squash and/or zucchini along with the salt, cook 10-15 minutes, tossing every few minutes.
  • Transfer cooked and drained pasta to the skillet along with red pepper flakes and lemon juice, toss everything together.
  • Remove from heat, add in basil, and serve immediately.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Pasta: I used gluten-free farfalle pasta in this recipe, though you can use any kind of pasta you’d like!

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Drinks

Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe (Iced Tea Lemonade)

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lemonade being poured into a glass of an arnold palmer drink with lemon slices on the side

This arnold palmer recipe is the only one you’ll ever need! A simple lemonade meets a home-brewed iced tea for a beverage that is perfectly light and refreshing. Enjoy an arnold palmer on a hot summer day as a slightly sweet and cooling drink!

lemonade being poured into a glass of an arnold palmer drink with lemon slices on the side

Ask me what my favorite non-alcoholic beverage is and I’ll say an arnold palmer every time. I look forward to every summer when the only thing that will refresh and cool me off is one of these half ice tea, half lemonade drinks. While this arnold palmer recipe isn’t limited to just the summertime, it’s just something I’ve associated with very hot days over the years. Let me tell you, the combination of fresh brewed iced tea and a homemade lemonade simply hits different when it’s a billion degrees outside.

The funny thing is, for the longest time I thought of this drink like it was one of those things I could only order while out to eat. But what I didn’t realize for all those years is how freaking EASY it is to make at home. The lemonade for this arnold palmer recipe consists of just three ingredients (one being water) and the iced tea consists of just two ingredients (again, one being water)! I’m talking like stupid easy, ladies and gentleman. And because it’s me who created the recipe – this drink is refined sugar-free, too.

What You Need To Make This Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe

Lemons – Lots and lots of lemons! If you have a lemon juicer, go ahead and whip that baby out for this recipe. In the end, you’ll need an entire cup of lemon juice. Which may sound like a lot, but will actually only end up being about 6 to 8 juicy lemons. My trick for super juicy lemons is to roll them between my palm and the counter before slicing them in half. By rolling them, you’ll soften up the inside making it easier to squeeze as much lemon juice out of them as possible.

Honey – This natural sweetener is the only sweetener you’ll need for this arnold palmer drink recipe! I love honey for its high dose of antioxidants and strong anti-bacterial properties. It’s also perfectly sweet and makes a delicious addition to this refreshing beverage. If you don’t have honey, you can use either maple syrup or simple syrup instead.

Black Tea Bags – Any black tea bags will work! I’ve also used green tea instead of black tea and had great results. Brew your own tea by adding the tea bags to water and leaving it to steep in the fridge for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. Homemade iced tea couldn’t be easier to make, and is essential to this simple arnold palmer drink recipe!

Adjust This Recipe To Your Diet

  • Make it Vegan: Substitute maple syrup for the honey to make this a vegan arnold palmer drink recipe.
Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe (Iced Tea Lemonade)
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Arnold Palmer Drink Recipe (Iced Tea Lemonade)

5 from 4 votes
Recipe by Samantha Course: Better Than Takeout, Made Healthy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This arnold palmer recipe is the only one you’ll ever need! A simple lemonade meets a home-brewed iced tea for a beverage that is perfectly light and refreshing. Enjoy an arnold palmer on a hot summer day as a slightly sweet and cooling drink!

Ingredients

  • For the lemonade:

  • 1 cup lemon juice (about 6-7 lemons)

  • 1/2 cup honey, see Notes

  • 2 cups cold water

  • For the iced tea:

  • 4 black tea bags

  • 4 cups cold water

Directions

  • Make the iced tea by placing the tea bags in 4 cups of water then transfer to the fridge to steep for 8-12 hours.
  • Make the lemonade by adding all lemonade ingredients to a large jar or pitcher and stirring until honey dissolves completely.
  • Fill a cup with ice and fill halfway with iced tea, then the rest of the way with lemonade.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Honey: Feel free to use maple syrup or simple syrup in place of the honey in this recipe!

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