Tag: cucumber

Fish with Soy Glaze and Cucumber Salsa

 

Greg and I just returned from a short trip to the beach. It was relaxing and fun but oh so hot! We have always been beach people, spending most of our time in the sand rather than the pool. However, with no air stirring this time, we stayed in the pool most of the time.

We usually travel to the Gulf of Mexico. We even lived down there for a few years. We know the restaurants we like and dislike. However, we stayed closer to home on this trip, so every restaurant was new to us.

Other than a few recommendations, we were on our own with some help from the internet. However, help really isn’t the word I should use there. Have you tried to read online reviews lately? How frustrating is that now? Online restaurant reviews are such a mixed bag of opinions nowadays. Nobody shares the same thoughts, which can be far more confusing than helpful.

Now, back home, we are moving back into the house from the camper! So it’s busy and exciting here, and cooking is much easier. With my beach vibes still in gear, I prepared this delicious Fish with Soy Glaze and Cucumber Salsa when we returned home. I discovered the recipe several years ago, which is still one of our favorites.

The fried fish with the soy glaze is fantastic! Paired with the cucumber salsa, it is always a hit at our house! I used the last of my homegrown cucumbers for the salsa. Any flaky white fish will work in this recipe. Our favorite side for this dish is garlic mashed potatoes.

Print Pin

Fish with Soy Glaze and Cucumber Salsa

Course Main Course
Author Amye Melton

Ingredients

  • Cucumber Salsa:
  • 1 cucumber peeled, seeded & chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 2 scallions chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • Fish:
  • 6 (3-ounce) pieces flaky white fillets
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Make the cucumber salsa first. In a bowl, combine cucumber, soy sauce, vinegar, scallions, and cilantro, and mix well. Cover and set aside.
  • To make the sauce, in a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and wine. Stir frequently until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Pour the sauce into a small bowl and set aside.
  • Dredge the fish in the flour. Heat a skillet on medium-high until hot. Add the olive oil and heat until hot but not smoking. Saute the fish for 2½ minutes on each side, until browned. Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the sauce mixture and cover with a lid. Cook until the fish is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Place the fillets on a platter, and pour the pan juices over the top. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and the salsa on the side.

Notes

You can make the salsa the day before and store in the refrigerator.

Layered Salad in a Jar

layered salad in a jar
After a weekend in Atlanta helping our daughter move, it is clear that people are ready to be out and about. From the cars in business parking lots, you would never know this country, or the world has been through all that it has with the coronavirus.

I have the itch to travel, and I’m sure I’m not alone. I am not even picky at this point. A trip to the beach would be fabulous, but I would take the mountains too. I am ready for some time away from home more than I can even explain. The thing is, I am still a little hesitant in making any plans. I am not comfortable flying right now, and I do not think I am ready to stay in a hotel either.

Greg and I bought a camper in November and have taken it out a few times. Never really far away, but as it turns out, our timing may have been perfect. Hooking up the camper and driving somewhere should be relatively safe. Maybe we will see a few state parks this year!

Planning the menu for camping is always fun, and these layered salads in a jar are a perfect, easy, and delicious lunch! These would also be great for a picnic or beach day.

Print

Layered Salad in a Jar

Course Salad
Servings 12
Author Amye Melton

Equipment

  • 12 (1-pint) wide-mouth canning jars with lids

Ingredients

  • Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)
  • 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mild honey
  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • Salad:
  • 1 pound orzo pasta
  • 1 (16-ounce) bag baby greens, spinach, arugula, or romaine
  • 5 green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives coarsely chopped
  • 1 cucumber coarsely chopped with peel
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano, or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves

Instructions

  • TO MAKE THE DRESSING: In a boel, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, honey, and olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the feta. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • TO MAKE THE SALAD: In a large pot, cook the orzo in salted water according to the package directions. Drain and run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking. Put the orzo in a large bowl and toss with 1/2 cup of the dressing, set aside.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the green onions, tomatoes, olives, and cucumber, set aside.
  • In a separate small bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup feta and the oregano, set aside.
  • TO ASSEMBLE THE LAYERS: Have 12 (1-pint) wide-mouth canning jars with lids ready.
  • Spoon 1/3 cup of the orzo into the bottom of each jar, and follow with 1 layer each of the following; 1/4 cup green onion-tomato-olive-cucumber mix, 2 teaspoons feta-oregano mix, and 1/2 cup packed greens. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the dressing on top of each salad.
  • Top with lids and refrigerate until needed.
  • To serve, shake the jar to distribute the dressing.

Notes

The dressing and orzo can be prepared up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated.  Assemble the salad in jars up to 6 hours before it is to be served.  Keep it cold until serving time.  

Greek Burgers with Sour Cream Tzatziki Sauce

 

greek-burgers-with-sour-cream-tzatziki-sauce

 

Here is an old NJSD recipe from 2016 updated with keto nutritional information.

For a quick and delicious weeknight dinner try these fabulous Greek burgers. Only a few simple ingredients will transform regular ground beef into this excellent burger for a flavorful and satisfying meal. The topping and the sour cream tzatziki sauce make the burger extra special.

Try making these burgers with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken instead of beef for a nice change. I’ve even added the nutritional information for you.

Greek Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce
Print Pin

Greek Burgers

Servings 6
Calories 658kcal
Author Amye Melton

Ingredients

  • 3 lb. ground beef
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 2 Roma tomatoes sliced
  • 3 tbsp. crumbled Feta cheese
  • 6 rings red onion
  • 12 pitted Kalamata olives
  • 6 green leaf lettuce leaves

Instructions

  • In a large bowl mix beef, olive oil, oregano, garlic, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper.  Divide and form into 6 uniform patties.
  • Grill until desired doneness.  
  • Serve on a lettuce leaf with sliced tomatoes, crumbled Feta cheese, red onion slice, olives and tzatziki sauce (recipe follows). 

Notes

Nutritional Information:
Beef: 2g Net Carbs; 44g Fat; 59g Protein; 658 Calories
Lamb: 2g Net Carbs; 53g Fat; 52g Protein; 708 Calories
Chicken: 2g Net Carbs; 32g Fat; 54g Protein; 511 Calories
Turkey: 2g Net Carbs; 47g Fat; 58g Protein; 667 Calories 

Print

Sour Cream Tzatziki Sauce

Course Keto
Servings 6
Calories 86kcal
Author Amye Melton

Ingredients

  • 1 c. sour cream
  • 1 lg. cucumber peeled, seeds removed and grated, then squeezed dry using a clean kitchen towel
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. dried dill weed
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

Instructions

  • Combine sour cream, grated cucumber, dill weed, garlic, lemon juice and salt in a medium bowl.  Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.  

Notes

Nutritional Information:
3g Net Carbs; 8g Fat; 1g Protein; 86 Calories

 

Cucumber Caprese Flatbread

Cucumber Caprese Flatbread

 

Maybe it’s just me, but seems to take me forever to get back on track when I decide to throw all caution to the wind and eat whatever I desire. We had “dinner on the ground” at church the Sunday before Valentine’s Day and that was the beginning of my downward spiral. The following week I indulged a lot. Then I topped it off yesterday with a number one combo from Sonic. Time for a get real talk with myself.

I have started this week much better, but my goodness, it’s like starting over again! Healthy living is tough! Sometimes I wish I had never been raised on biscuits, gravy, country ham and fried salmon patties! Life would be so much easier now! It seems that what I have established so far is my downfall last week is due to church and mama, lol.

Flatbreads have quickly become one of my favorite meals while trying to eat healthier. A few of my favorites are Buffalo Chicken Flatbread, Shrimp Verde Flatbread (recipe on NJSD), and this Cucumber Caprese Flatbread.  I found this recipe while visiting my mom and looking through her Diabetic Living magazines.  I love the recipes in her magazines so much that she recently gave me a gift subscription.

These recipes are packed with flavor, and because I can eat the entire flatbread I do not feel deprived!  I typically prefer to make homemade dressing.  However, for 1/2 tablespoon of dressing I found that Newman’s Own Light Balsamic is very good.  If you still prefer to make your own because of salt content I will include an amazing recipe below.

 

Cucumber Caprese Flatbread
 
Author:
Serves: 1
Print
 
Ingredients
  • 1 light original oval flatbread (I used Flatout brand)
  • ½ c. coarsely torn fresh arugula and/or baby spinach
  • ¼ c. red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • ¼ c. English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 1 tbsp. thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tbsp. torn fresh basil
  • ½ tbsp. bottled light balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
  • 2 tbsp. roasted red pepper hummus
  • 1 tbsp. crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
  • Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425℉. Place the flatbread on a baking sheet. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned and edges are crisp. Transfer to a wire rack; cool.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the arugula (and/or baby spinach), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil; toss with vinaigrette.
  3. Spread hummus on cooled flatbread. Spoon tomato mixture over hummus. Sprinkle with feta cheese and black pepper. Cut into wedges and serve.
  4. Weight Watchers Smart Points = 3 points

Reduced Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
 
Author:
Serves: 1
Print
 
Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. brown sugar
  • ½ tsp. minced garlic
  • ½ tsp. dried basil
  • ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
  1. Whisk all ingredients together, pour over salad and toss.
  2. Weight Watchers Smart Points = 4

 

Greek Quinoa Layered Jar Salad

Greek Quinoa Layered Jar Salad

For someone that hates to be late to anything It seems I am always last to jump on the bandwagon when trying new ingredients in the kitchen. For the first time ever I have tried Quinoa!  I tried it in this layered Mason jar salad and now I am a huge fan!

Quinoa, pronounced (keen-wah), is considered to be a whole grain but it actually is not. It’s a seed and it’s gluten-free, cholesterol-free, high in protein, and provides 9 essential amino acids. It is thought to help stave off a number of diseases, reduces the frequency of migraines and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks.

I love to keep these layered jar salads in the fridge for quick and easy lunches or those dinners when you have no time to cook. They generally start with the dressing in the bottom of the jar, followed by the hardier ingredients, keeping the lettuce near the top of the jar to keep the salad crisp. This salad will last 3 to 4 days stored in the refrigerator.

 

Greek Quinoa Layered Jar Salad
 
Author:
Print
 
Ingredients
  • 4 quart Mason jars, with lids
  • 1 c. Quinoa
  • 2 c. vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp. fresh chopped dill
  • ¼ c. diced red onion
  • 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • ¼ tsp. dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ⅛ tsp. ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 c. grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ hothouse cucumber, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ c kalamata olives, seeds removed and cut in half
  • 5 oz. feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
  • 1 head romaine lettuce
Instructions
  1. Combine rinsed Quinoa in a saucepan with 2 cups broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer for 15 minutes or until Quinoa has absorbed all of the broth.
  2. Turn off the heat and place a lid on the pot. Let Quinoa steam for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Stir in chopped dill and red onion. Let cool.
  3. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and Dijon until mixed well. Divide evenly between the 4 quart jars. Layer the veggies in the jar starting with the tomatoes, the bell pepper and cucumber.
  4. Divide the Quinoa among the jars, spooning it in. Top with feta and olives. At this point you can press down the ingredients slightly in the jar.
  5. Top off each salad with a handful of chopped lettuce. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Pour the contents into a bowl when you are ready to eat!