Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

2 t. dried Italian seasoning, crushed

1/2 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic, undrained

2/3 c. balsamic vinegar

4-1/2 c. hot cooked spaghetti or other pasta

1/2 c. finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Chopped fresh parsley, orange zest, and crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Place chicken in a 5-6-qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Top with onion and garlic. Add tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Cover and cook on LOW 5-6 hours or HIGH 2.5-3 hours or until chicken is cooked through.

Remove chicken from sauce in cooker. Thinly slice chicken. Serve chicken and sauce over pasta. Top with parsley, orange zest, and goat cheese, if using.

Makes 6 servings.

Adapted from Slow Cooker: Bring on the Cozy, p. 87.  

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

2 center-cut bacon slices, chopped

2 lb. boneless lean chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 2" pieces

1/2 c. all-purpose flour

3 T. olive oil, divided

1 c. dry red wine

2 c. unsalted beef stock

3 c. carrots, diagonally cut

10 oz. fresh cremini mushrooms, halved

1 8-oz. package frozen peeled pearl onions

1 T. chopped fresh thyme

3 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 T. red wine vinegar

1-1/2 t. kosher salt

1/2 t. black pepper

12 oz. egg noodles

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until crisp, 5-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a 6-qt. slow cooker, reserving drippings in skillet. 

Increase heat to medium-high. Toss together beef and flour in a large bowl. Add one third of coated beef and 1 T. oil to skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 7-8 minutes, then transfer to slow cooker. Repeat with 2 more batches of floured beef.

Add remaining coating flour from bowl to drippings in skillet and whisk until smooth. Stir in red wine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add wine mixture, beef stock, carrots, mushrooms, pearl onions, and thyme to slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW until meat is tender and sauce is thickened, about 8 hours. 

Cook noodles per package directions. Stir parsley, vinegar, salt, and pepper into beef mixture. Serve over hot noodles.

Serves 8.

Adapted from Cooking Light Slow Cooker, p. 51. 

Slow Cooker White Bean Ragout

3 T. unsalted butter

3 8-oz. pkg. fresh cremini mushrooms, chopped

2 T. finely chopped garlic

1-1/4 t. kosher salt

3/4 t. black pepper

3 fresh thyme sprigs

3 T. tomato paste

1 c. unsalted vegetable stock

3 15-oz. cans no-salt-added cannellini beans, undrained and divided

6 c. chopped fresh spinach

1 T. red wine vinegar

2 T. olive oil

1 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are very tender and liquid is evaporated, 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme sprigs. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste.

Transfer mixture to a 6-qt. slow cooker. Pour in vegetable stock. Rinse and drain 1 can of cannellini beans. Stir drained beans and remaining 2 cans of undrained beans into slow cooker mixture. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. 

Add spinach and vinegar; stir until spinach wilts. Remove and discard thyme sprigs. 

To serve, drizzle lightly with oil and sprinkle with parsley.  

Serves 6.

Adapted from Cooking Light Slow Cooker, p. 29.

Quinoa Pilaf

1 c. dry quinoa

1 t. extra-virgin olive oil or 2 t. vegetable broth or water

1/2 c. chopped red onion

1 c. diced carrot

1-1/2 c. vegetable broth

1/2 t. dried parsley

1/2 t. dried thyme

1/2 t. salt

1/4 to 1/2 c. chopped walnuts, to taste

In a mesh colander, rinse the quinoa.

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Combine the onion and carrot in the pan and saute for 3 minutes. Add the broth, parsley, thyme, salt, and quinoa. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the broth is absorbed.

Remove from the stove and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa, then gently fold in the chopped walnuts. Serve warm or cold.

Goes great with roasted vegetables.

Makes 4 servings.

Adapted from Vegan Meal Prep, p. 79.   

One-Pot Cavatappi with Chicken & Pimiento Cheese

 3 T. unsalted butter

1 c. chopped sweet onion (from 1 onion)

1 T. kosher salt, divided

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (about 4 t.)

1/2 t. black pepper

6 c. unsalted chicken stock

1 lb. uncooked cavatappi or rotini pasta

1 c. jalapeno pimiento cheese

1 c. (4 oz.) Parmesan cheese, grated

2 c. rotisserie chicken, roughly torn into bite-size pieces

3 T. diced pimientos, drained

1/4 c. panko breadcrumbs, toasted, for garnish

2 T. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and 1/2 t. salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and pepper and cook, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.

Add chicken stock and 2-1/2 t. salt to mixture in pot; bring to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook, stirring often, until pasta is al dente and liquid has thickened, about 14 minutes.

Remove pot from heat. Stir in pimiento cheese and Parmesan until melted. Stir in chicken and pimientos. Garnish with panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley.

Serves 6.

Adapted from Southern Living magazine, March 2026, p. 99. 

Chickpea & Quinoa Grain Bowl

1 c. cooked quinoa

⅓ c. canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

½ c. cucumber slices

½ c. cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ avocado, diced

3 T. hummus

1 T. finely chopped roasted red pepper

1 T. lemon juice

1 T. water, plus more if desired

1 t. chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Pinch of salt

Pinch of ground pepper

Arrange quinoa, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes and avocado in a wide bowl.

Stir together hummus, roasted red pepper, lemon juice and water in a separate bowl. Add more water to reach desired consistency for dressing. Add parsley, salt and pepper; stir to combine. Serve with the grain bowl.

Makes 1 serving.

Adapted from Eating Well.com.

"Just Potatoes"

Potatoes, diced

Onions, diced

White pepper

Parsley (fresh or dried)

Thyme (fresh or dried)

Dry mustard

Cayenne

Oregano (fresh or dried)

Put the potatoes in a saute pan with a little water and the onions. Sprinkle with the white pepper, parsley, thyme, mustard, cayenne and oregano. Cover and cook over low-medium heat until the potatoes are soft. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Let the odor fill your house. 

Adapted from Forks over Knives, p. 170.

Quinoa Garden Salad

2 c. water

1 c. quinoa, well-rinsed

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 14-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley

1/4 c. chopped fresh mint

1/2 c. fresh lemon juice

1 T. soy sauce

Tabasco sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

Make sure the quinoa is rinsed well before cooking or it will be very bitter.

Put quinoa in a saucepan with the water. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, combine the bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, chickpeas, parsley, and mint in a large bowl. Add the cooked quinoa and mix well. Add the lemon juice, soy sauce, and several dashes of Tabasco sauce; toss well to coat. Add black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Serves 6-8.

Adapted from Forks over Knives, p. 110.   

Lentil Soup

1 large onion, finely diced

2 medium carrots, finely diced

2 celery stalks, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 T. tomato paste

2 bay leaves

1 t. fresh thyme, minced

1 t. fresh tarragon, minced

1/4 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

1-1/2 c. green lentils

2 qt. vegetable stock

1-1/2 t. sea salt

2 T. Dijon mustard

Black pepper

Saute the onion, carrot, and celery in a large soup pot over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes. If necessary, add 1-2 T. of water at a time to keep vegetables from sticking.

Add garlic, tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, tarragon, and parsley. Cook for another minute. Add the lentils, vegetable stock, and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are tender, 25-35 minutes. Stir in the mustard and season with black pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Serves 6.

Adapted from Forks over Knives, p. 97.    

Smoked Tuna Dip

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 t. grated lemon zest, plus 2 t. fresh lemon juice, divided, plus lemon wedges for serving

2 T. minced shallot

2 T. chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish

2 T. drained nonpareil capers, coarsely chopped 

1/4 t. kosher salt

1/4 t. black pepper

4 2.5-oz. packages smoked tuna (such as Bumble Bee), drained*

Fresh flat-leaf parsley

Assorted crackers (Saltines and Captain's Wafers)

Hot sauce

Whisk together cream cheese and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Stir in lemon zest, shallot, chives, capers, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of tuna until well combined. Fold in remaining tuna until just combined, leaving it a little chunky.

Transfer tuna mixture to a small serving bowl; garnish with chives and parsley. Serve with crackers, hot sauce, and lemon wedges.

Serves 8.

*If smoked tuna isn't available, add a dash of liquid smoke to regular packaged tuna. 

Adapted from Southern Living magazine, June-July 2025, p.100.  

Pickled de Gallo

1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 medium tomato, chopped

1 c. chopped dill pickles

1/2 c. chopped red onion

1/4 c. pickled jalapeno slices, chopped

1/2 c. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 T. dill pickle juice

1 T. fresh lime juice

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. black pepper

1 avocado, peeled and chopped

In a medium bowl, stir together bell pepper, tomato , pickles, onion, jalapeno, parsley, and garlic. Add pickle juice, lime juice, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Just before serving, stir in avocado.

Serve as a topping or as a dip with tortilla chips. 

Makes 4 cups.

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens magazine, June 2025, p. 91.

Honey-Garlic Butter Shrimp

3 T. unsalted butter

3 T. honey

4 large cloves garlic, minced

2 T. lemon juice

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. crushed red pepper

1 lb. raw shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined

Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Lemon wedges for garnish

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add honey, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring, until hot, about 1 minute.

Add shrimp and cook, stirring often, until opaque and just cooked through, 3-4 minutes.

Sprinkle with parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

Serves 4.

Adapted from 5 Ingredients, 15 Minutes, page 66.

Ricotta & Green Chili Rice

1-2 vegetable bouillon cubes

1-1/2 c. brown rice (can use quick-cooking brown rice instead)

1 4-oz. can chopped mild green chilis

1 c. part-skim ricotta cheese

1/4 c. minced fresh cilantro or parsley, or 2-3 scallions, thinly sliced

Freshly ground pepper to taste

Cook rice per package directions, adding bouillon cubes to cooking water.

Once rice is done (no water remains), stir in the remaining ingredients and cook gently until everything is heated through. Serve at once.

Serves 6.

This is a good accompaniment to beans or a Mexican dish. 

Adapted from The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, page 95. 

Barley or Rice & Corn Salad

1 c. pearl barley, rinsed (can use 1 c. brown rice instead)

2 c. cooked fresh corn kernels or 1 10-oz. package frozen corn kernels, thawed

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley or 1/4 c. chopped fresh dill

1/2 to 2/3 c. vinaigrette salad dressing (balsamic recommended)

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Bring 3 c. water to a rapid simmer in a saucepan and stir in the barley or rice. Cover and simmer gently until the water is absorbed, about 35 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, uncovered, until room temperature.

Combine the cooled barley or rice with the remaining ingredients in a serving bowl and toss well. Serve at once or cover and refrigerate until needed.

Serves 6.

Adapted from The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, page 46.

Black Bean Salad with Feta & Red Peppers

2 16-oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 medium red bell peppers, cut into short, thin strips

1/2 c. vinaigrette salad dressing (balsamic recommended)

1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley

1/2 to 1/3 c. fresh feta or goat cheese

Combine beans, red bell peppers, dressing, and parsley in a mixing bowl and toss well. 

Divide the salad among individual plates or shallow bowls. Top each with some of the cheese.

Serves 6.

Adapted from The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet, page 43.

Three-Cheese Baked Pasta

1 16-oz. package ziti pasta

2 10-oz. containers Alfredo sauce

1 8-oz. container sour cream

1 15-oz. container ricotta cheese 

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley

1-1/2 c. (6 oz.) mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 x 9" baking dish. Cook ziti per package directions; drain and return to pot.

Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream; toss with ziti until evenly coated. Spoon half of ziti mixture into baking dish.

Stir together ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Spread evenly over ziti mixture. Spoon remaining ziti mixture over ricotta cheese layer; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, until bubbly.

Serves 8-10.

Adapted from Southern Living Dinner in a Dish, p. 168.

Aoili-Avocado Mayonnaise

1 avocado, halved, seeded, and peeled

1/4 c. mayonnaise

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 t. salt

1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley

2 T. snipped fresh chives 

In a medium bowl combine avocado, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Coarsely mash and mix together with a potato masher or fork. Stir in parsley and chives.

Spread on a BLT sandwich to make it fabulous, or spoon over grilled steak or fish. 

Makes 1-1/2 c.

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens magazine, June 2023, p. 95.  

Lemon-Avocado Dressing

2 avocados, halved, peeled, and seeded

6 T. olive oil

6 T. fresh lemon juice

5 T. cold water

1/4 c. packed fresh parsley leaves

1 t. salt

Combine ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth, scraping down sides and pulsing as needed, 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Cover surface of dressing with plastic wrap. Chill up to 2 days.

Serve as a dip for crudites or fruit, or to update a traditional potato salad.

Makes 2 c.

Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens magazine, June 2023, p. 95.  

Tuna, Chickpea & Cherry Tomato Salad

1 6-oz jar tuna in olive oil

1 15-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1-1/2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved

6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 c. green olives, pitted and chopped

1/2 t. kosher salt

1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper

3 T. fresh lemon juice

1 c. pita chips, broken into 1" pieces

1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley

5 oz. baby arugula

Drain tuna, reserving oil. Flake tuna into 3/4" pieces. Place in a large bowl and add chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, olives, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Pour reserved oil from tuna through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl. Whisk in lemon juice until bright yellow and emulsified, about 1 minute. Drizzle over tuna mixture; stir to combine. Gently stir in pita chips and parsley.

Serve over arugula.

Serves 4.

Adapted from Real Simple magazine, April 2023, p. 104.

Herbed Chicken & Rice Salad

2 (8.5 oz.) packages microwavable basmati rice 

1/2 c. loosely packed fresh tender herbs (such as dill, parsley, and chives), plus more for garnish

1/4 c. plus 2 T. olive oil

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)

2 T. chopped shallot (from 1 small shallot)

1/2 T. Dijon mustard

2. t. honey

1/2 t. kosher salt

1/4 t. black pepper

2-1/2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken breast

2 c. halved multicolored cherry tomatoes 

1-1/4 c. diagonally sliced Persian or mini cucumbers (about 3 cucumbers, sliced 1/4" thick)

1 c. sliced almonds, toasted

4 oz. (about 1 c.) feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 c. sliced celery (from 1 large celery stalk, sliced  1/4" thick)

1/4 c. coarsely chopped celery leaves

1/4 c. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Microwave rice according to package directions; transfer to a large bowl, and cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, place herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender; process until smooth, about 30 seconds.

Add chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, almonds, feta, celery, chopped celery leaves, and parsley to bowl with cooled rice; drizzle with dressing, and toss to coat. Transfer to a large serving platter or bowl, and garnish with additional herbs.

Serves 4.

Adapted from Southern Living magazine, May 2022, p. 93.