Gina Homolka's Blog, page 183

January 10, 2018

Easy Shredded Harrisa Chicken

These easy Harissa chicken recipe can be made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot (pressure cooker) and can be served so many different ways! Made with just two ingredients – jarred Harissa and chicken plus some spices!

Easy Shredded Harrisa Chicken

I love it with rice, chickpeas or cauliflower rice (pictured above) plus cucumbers and tzatziki on the side. Tommy loves it gyro style on a pocket-less or pita or naan with tzatziki!

These easy Harissa chicken recipe can be made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot (pressure cooker) and can be served so many different ways! Perfect for meal prep! #shreddedchicken #harissachicken #slowcookershreddedchicken

(more…)

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 10, 2018 08:43

January 8, 2018

Easy Bagel Recipe

This easy homemade bagel recipe is made from scratch with just five (5) ingredients – flour, Greek yogurt, egg white, baking powder and salt! No yeast, no boiling, no fancy mixer. Bake them in the oven or in the air-fryer!

Easy Bagel Recipe

(more…)

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 08, 2018 05:03

January 6, 2018

Skinnytaste Meal Plan (January 8-January 14)

A free 7-day flexible meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner and a shopping list.

Skinnytaste Meal Plan (January 8-January 14)

To help you jump start your goals for 2018, I am sharing another free 7-day flexible meal plan (you can see my previous meal plans here)! This is just a guide, with plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food, coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc. You should aim for around 1500 calories* a day.

To make it easy for you, we’ve included a more precise, organized grocery list that will make grocery shopping so much easier and much less stressful. Save you money and time. You’ll dine out less often, waste less food and you’ll have everything you need on hand to help keep you on track.

The details:

Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. While we truly believe there is no one size fits all meal plan, we did our best to come up with something that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Everything is Weight Watchers friendly, I included the updated Weight Watcher Freestyle Points for your convenience, feel free to swap out any recipes you wish or just use this for inspiration!

The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I’ve even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often.

And last, but certainly not least, this meal plan is flexible and realistic. There’s plenty of wiggle room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dinner out. And if necessary, you can move some things around to make it work with your schedule. Please let me know if you’re using these plans, this will help me decide if I should continue sharing them!

This week I included a meal prep dish for lunch to make ahead, and reheat throughout the week.

Skinnytaste Meal Plan (January 8-January 14)

MONDAY (1/8)

B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (0) with a banana (0)

L: Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa (8)

D: Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese (4) and a green salad** with balsamic dressing (3)

Totals: Smart Points 15, Calories 936*

TUESDAY (1/9)

B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (0) with a banana (0)

L: LEFTOVER Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese (4) and a green salad with balsamic dressing (3)

D: 3 Baked Shrimp Taquitos (8) with Guacamole (3)

Totals: Smart Points 18, Calories 997*

WEDNESDAY (1/10)

B: Petite Crust-less Quiche (5) with an orange (0)

L: Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa (8)

D: Sheet Pan Balsamic Herb Chicken and Vegetables (3)

Totals: Smart Points 16, Calories 930*

THURSDAY (1/11)

B: Petite Crust-less Quiche (5) with an orange (0)

L: Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa (8)

D: Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew (3)

Totals: Smart Points 16, Calories 844*

FRIDAY (1/12)

B: Petite Crust-less Quiche (5) with an orange (0)

L: Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa (8)

D: Gochujang-Glazed Salmon (2) with Cauliflower Fried Rice (1) and 6 slices cucumber (0)

Totals: Smart Points 16, Calories 1,038*

SATURDAY (1/13)

B: Breakfast Burrito Bowls with Spiced Butternut Squash (3)

L: LEFTOVER Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew (3)

D: DINNER OUT!

Totals: Smart Points 6, Calories 404*

SUNDAY (1/14)

B: Lowfat Banana Nut Bread (4) with ½ cup blueberries (0)

L: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup (3) with 2 ounces multi-grain baguette (3)

D: Unstuffed Cabbage Bowls (8)

Totals: Smart Points 18, Calories 812*

*This is just a guide, women should aim for around 1500 calories per day. Here’s a helpful calculator to estimate your calorie needs. I’ve left plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food such as coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc.

**Green salad includes mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, scallions and shaved parmesan with 1 tablespoon balsamic vinaigrette

(more…)

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 06, 2018 09:18

January 4, 2018

Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Slow Cooker Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew with warm flavors from cumin, coriander and cinnamon is the perfect winter stew you’ll eat all season long.

Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew

Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew with Fresh Spinach mixed in just before serving is a delicious and filling dish you can enjoy with almost no effort. You can even prepare the vegetables the night before and simply set the slow cooker insert into the slow cooker and dinner will be ready when you get home. Stove top and Instant Pot directions are also included!

(more…)

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 04, 2018 06:15

January 3, 2018

Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese

This easy, cheesy baked spaghetti squash is a healthier take on mac and cheese! It's cheesy, loaded with vegetables and feels like comfort food, without the calories and carbs. #spaghettisquash

This easy, cheesy baked spaghetti squash is a healthier take on mac and cheese! It’s cheesy, loaded with vegetables and feels like comfort food, without the calories and carbs.

This easy, cheesy baked spaghetti squash is a healthier take on mac and cheese! It's cheesy, loaded with vegetables and feels like comfort food, without the calories and carbs.

(more…)

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 03, 2018 06:44

January 2, 2018

Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Making homemade Chicken Nuggets in the air-fryer is so much healthier than fast food or frozen nuggets, and so easy to make. Made with chunks of chicken breasts coated in breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese then air fried until golden and crisp. These also happen to be egg-free, so they are also great for kids with egg allergies.

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on January 02, 2018 07:38

December 30, 2017

Skinnytaste Meal Plan January 1 – 7

Skinnytaste Meal Plan January 1 - 7

To help you jump start your goals for 2018, I am sharing another free 7-day flexible meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner for the entire week as well as a shopping list! This also leaves room for you to add coffee, snacks, dessert, wine, etc.

The details:

The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I’ve even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often.

Skinnytaste Meal Plan (January 1-January 7)

MONDAY (1/1)

B: 2 Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets (1) with an apple (0)

L: Fiesta Bean Salad (4)

D: Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup (5) with Mediterranean Bean Salad (1) over spiralized cucumber (0)

Totals: Smart Points 11, Calories 941

TUESDAY (1/2)

B: Broccoli and Cheese Mini Egg Omelets (1) with an apple (0)

L: Fiesta Bean Salad (4)

D: Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheese (1) and 1 ounce (about 18) baked tortilla chips (3)

Totals: Smart Points 12, Calories 980

WEDNESDAY (1/3)

B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (2) topped with 1 sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (3), and 1 teaspoon honey (1)

L: LEFTOVERS Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese (1)

D: Beef and Mushroom Ragu with Spaghetti Squash (4) with green salad and balsamic vinaigrette (3)*

Totals: Smart Points 17, Calories 938

THURSDAY (1/4)

B: 6 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt (2) topped with 1 sliced banana (0), 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (3), and 1 teaspoon honey (1)

L: LEFTOVERS Turkey Chili Taco Soup (3) with 2 tablespoons reduced fat cheddar cheese (1)

D: Baked or Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (4) with Quick Spiralized Zucchini and Grape Tomatoes (1) (recipe x 2)

Totals: Smart Points 15, Calories 874

FRIDAY (1/5)

B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (4) with 1 medium grapefruit (0)

L: LEFTOVERS Baked or Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan (4) with ½ cup baby carrots (0)

D: Broiled Miso Salmon (1) with Asian Chopped Salad with Sesame Soy Vinaigrette (4)

Totals: Smart Points 13, Calories 923

SATURDAY (1/6)

B: 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana Nut Pancakes (4) (recipe x 4) 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (3) and an apple (0)

L: Tomato Tuna Melts (7) (recipe x 2) with ½ cup baby carrots (0)

D: DINNER OUT!

Totals: Smart Points 14, Calories 762

SUNDAY (1/7)

B: Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bowls (5) (recipe x 2)

L: Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad (3)

D: Salisbury Steak Meatballs (5) with Creamy Cauliflower Puree (1) and Easy Garlic Broccolini (1)

Totals: Smart Points 15, Calories 812

(more…)

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 30, 2017 10:43

December 29, 2017

Top 25 Most Popular Skinnytaste Recipes 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday week! We were away in Pennsylvania and we all got sick at the same time, so I’m a little late this year compiling my “Best Of” list for 2017. These are the most visited recipes posted in 2017 according to google analytics.

My favorite time of the year, looking back and reflecting on these past twelve months. Thank you for allowing me to share what I love every single day! I’m extremely grateful for all of you, your comments, sharing your photos on social media, getting inspiring emails from so many of you – this has always been my WHY and the reason I loved this little hobby that turned into a full time career.

It was a delicious year, to say the least! I’ve also shared links to my most popular posts from previous years, so if you are new to Skinnytaste or just want to start cooking more in 2018, these 25 recipes are a great place to start! Here’s to making 2018 a tasty, healthy year!

Top Recipes Posted in 2017

1. Unstuffed Cabbage Bowls

Quick and easy stuffed cabbage – without all the work! I love stuffed cabbage, it reminds me of my childhood (a staple in my home growing up), but they can be a bit time consuming. I came up with the idea to chop the cabbage and turn them into bowls instead and they came out so good! My husband RAVED, these are a keeper.

2. Instant Pot Chunky Beef Cabbage and Tomato Soup

Ground beef, cabbage, vegetables and tomatoes, this is the perfect soup to clean out your fridge! And it's super easy to make.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Soup

Creamy, dairy-free and dee-lish thanks to roasting the vegetables which adds so much flavor and depth! Topped with more roasted vegetables for texture, it's both filling yet light.

4. Roasted Cauliflower Rice with Garlic and Lemon

I love cauliflower

5. 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana Nut Pancakes

EASY, good-for-you pancakes, loaded with heart-healthy nuts, banana and oats, plus a whole egg – a powerhouse of nutrition. Made with only FOUR ingredients, perfect to make anytime you need to whip up a quick breakfast, and a perfect way to use up those ripe bananas.

6. Instant Pot Picadillo

Picadillo is the most requested dish by my kids and it's so easy to make. We love it served over brown rice (or cauliflower rice) with this quick cabbage slaw or a salad on the side.

7. Zucchini Rollatini

Zucchini Rollatini is low-carb and delicious! Made with strips of grilled zucchini stuffed with a basil-cheese filling, then rolled and topped with marinara, mozzarella and baked in the oven until the cheese is hot and melted.

8. Sloppy Joe Baked Sweet Potatoes

Swapping bread for sweet potatoes makes eating a Sloppy Joe so much healthier!

9. Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Veggie Rice

Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Veggie

10. Mini Bell Pepper Loaded Turkey Nachos

Loaded mini bell pepper nachos – game changer!! These low-carb nachos are loaded with turkey taco meat, cheese and all your favorite nacho toppings!

11. Enchiladas Verdes

Traditional Mexican green chicken enchiladas, made lighter than the typical restaurant dish served throughout the US. Made with white corn tortillas, poached chicken breasts and a light coating of queso fresco, this dish is satisfying but won’t weigh you down.

12. Sheet Pan Balsamic Herb Chicken and Veggies

am I the only one obsessed with sheet-pan dinners? I mean, what’s easier than tossing everything with balsamic and herbs and throwing it in the oven for 20 minutes!

13. Cajun Shrimp in Foil

Cajun Shrimp foil packets are so easy to make, anyone can do it! Spicy shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices, Andouille sausage, and rainbow colored vegetables are baked together in foil pouches. They are fast and easy to make, and can be made ahead and kept in your freezer. When you're ready to cook them, just pop them in the oven – perfect for busy weeknights!

14. Enchilada Chicken Roll Ups

Chicken breasts on their own can be a bit boring. Roll ‘em up with cheese and green chilis, smother them in enchilada sauce and more cheese and now you’re talking. These Roll-Ups give you authentic enchilada flavor without all the work, calories or fat. And you won’t even miss the tortillas!

15. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala with Cauliflower and Peas

I've created a lightened up, dairy-free Chicken Tikka Masala with Cauliflower and Peas in the Instant Pot to satisfy my craving for Indian food! This mild curry is made with boneless chicken thighs cooked in a tomato base, with lots of spices and coconut milk. You can serve this with garlic naan or basmati rice on the side (cauliflower rice would work too to keep it low carb!)

16. Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Roasting cauliflower enhances the flavors in this delicious, healthy soup. If you haven't jumped on the turmeric bandwagon yet, this soup is a great place to start! I like to reserve some of the roasted cauliflower as a garnish for the soup.

17. Cheesy Baked Penne with Roasted Veggies

Penne baked with cheese, sauce and loaded with healthy vegetables in every bite. Roasted zucchini, red bell peppers, asparagus, red onion and fennel are tossed with balsamic and herbs then roasted for the best tasting meatless baked pasta dish EVER!

18. Turkey Enchilada Stuffed Poblanos Rellenos

These baked Turkey Enchilada Stuffed Poblanos Rellenos are stuffed with a flavorful ground turkey filling, topped with my homemade enchilada sauce and cheese. These are so much lighter than restaurant chile rellenos which are typically battered in egg and deep fried.

19. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies

It's October, so Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts is a must for the Fall! Using pumpkin puree makes a creamy light cheese sauce, without having to add cream or too much cheese. You can make your own pumpkin puree or use organic canned pumpkin to make it faster!

20. Skillet Cauliflower “Arroz” Con Pollo

Skillet Cauliflower

21. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Instant Pot One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

22. Balsamic Roasted Veggie and White Bean Pasta

One bite of this Balsamic Roasted Veggie and White Bean Pasta and you'll want to make it all summer long! Roasted zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms, peppers, and broccoli – loaded with veggies in every bite and finished with pesto and white beans. This is SO good, and picky husband approved!

23. Baked Shrimp Taquitos

Baked Shrimp Taquitos are so much lighter and healthier than frying, and they come out perfect and crisp! The shrimp filling is SO good you'll be tempted to eat it before you roll them up. I plan on making the filling again to use for shrimp tacos this week!

24. Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

It doesn't get much better than a low-carb, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed in a Portobello Mushroom! Steak and mushrooms work so well together, so why not make stuff them with this cheesy deliciousness!

25. Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa

These Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Quinoa are so easy to make and have tons of flavor! I like to make them with chicken thighs but if you prefer white meat, chicken breast would work too. Extra limes for squeezing on top are recommended!

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 29, 2017 13:35

December 28, 2017

Beef and Mushroom Ragu with Spaghetti Squash

I swapped traditional pasta for roasted spaghetti squash to enjoy this cozy and delicious Beef and Mushroom Ragu served with a dollop of ricotta and grated Pecorino Romano – you won't miss the pasta!

I swapped traditional pasta for roasted spaghetti squash to enjoy this cozy and delicious Beef and Mushroom Ragu served with a dallop of ricotta and grated Pecorino Romano – you won’t miss the pasta!

(more…)

View more on Gina Homolka's website »

1 like · Like • 0 comments • flag

Published on December 28, 2017 08:16

December 26, 2017

Houston’s Couscous

This EASY and fresh couscous is so easy and tasty, and it goes with just about everything. You can serve it with fish, chicken, beef, lamb, or pork, or you can serve it as a meat-free and light main dish.