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Mexican Squash and Bean Salad

Mexican Squash and Bean Salad
Mexican Squash and Bean Salad

Sweet squash and black beans simmered with chili, oregano and tomatoes on top of crispy greens make for a satisfying and tasty main course salad with the bonus of plenty of fibre. The zesty lime yogurt dressing and cheese complement this dish perfectly. For added crunch, make some baked tortilla chips to add on top of the salad or as a side.

Preparation time 20 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes
Yield 4 servings

Nutritional information

  • Per serving

  • Energy:

    342 Calories

  • Protein:

    19 g

  • Carbohydrate:

    43 g

  • Fat:

    13 g

  • Fibre:

    12.6 g

  • Sodium:

    411 mg

  • Top 5 Nutrients

    (% DV*)

  • Calcium:

    27 % / 349 mg

  • Folate:

    119 %

  • Vitamin A:

    83 %

  • Thiamin:

    75 %

  • Vitamin C:

    64 %

  • *percentage of daily value

Ingredients

    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
    • 1 small onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) chili powder
    • 1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper
    • 1 1/2 cups (375) diced (1/2 inch/1 cm pieces) fresh or frozen butternut squash thawed
    • 1/2 cup (125 mL) water
    • 1 1/2 cups (375) canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juice
    • 1 cup (250 mL) cooked or drained and rinsed canned unsalted black beans
    • 1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen corn kernels thawed
    • 2 small corn or whole wheat tortillas
    • 1/2 to 1 tsp (2 to 5 mL) grated lime zest
    • 1 1/2 tbsp (22 mL) freshly-squeezed lime juice divided
    • 1/2 cup (125 mL) plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Mozzarella
    • 8 cups (2 L) torn romaine lettuce
    • 1 cup (250 mL) cherry tomatoes cut in half
    • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano, 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) salt and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper for about 2 minutes or until onion starts to soften. Add squash and sauté for 1 minute or until onion is soft. Stir in water. Cover and boil for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in canned tomatoes, beans and corn. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and boil gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until squash is soft.
  4. Meanwhile, cut each tortilla into 12 thin wedges. Arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, stir lime zest and 1/2 tbsp (7 mL) lime juice into yogurt and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper.
  6. Remove squash mixture from heat. Stir in remaining lime juice and half of the shredded cheese until melted. Season to taste with pepper and up to 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) more salt.
  7. In a large bowl, combine half of the lime yogurt and lettuce; toss to coat. Divide lettuce among serving plates. Spoon squash mixture on top of salad and top with remaining shredded cheese and grape tomatoes. Dollop with remaining lime yogurt, top with baked tortilla chips. Sprinkle with cilantro (if using).
Bulb

To save time, look for pre-cut, peeled butternut squash in the produce section of the supermarket (you might have to cut in into smaller pieces) or diced frozen squash in bags in the frozen foods section; let it thaw and drain off excess liquid before adding to the skillet.

To cook beans from dried, you’ll need to soak 1/2 cup (125 mL) dried beans overnight, then cook according to package directions until tender. If using canned beans, you’ll need about two-thirds of a 14 oz (400 mL) can or half of a 19 oz (540 mL) can. Look for those with no salt added or as low in sodium as possible. Strain the liquid from the beans and rinse under cold, running water, then drain well.

For an extra punch of flavour, add 2 tbsp (30 mL) canned diced green chilies or drained pickled jalapeno peppers with the canned tomatoes.

If you like extra heat, use a Monterey Jack or Havarti with hot peppers and add some hot pepper sauce to the squash with the lime juice, or season to taste with hot pepper sauce at the table.

For more great recipes, visit Dairy Farmers of Canada

Grilled Romaine and Pasta Salad with Cheddar

Grilled Romaine Salad with Cheddar
Grilled Romaine Salad with Cheddar

Grilled romaine salad tossed with pasta, sharp cheddar, and a creamy yogurt-milk dressing—fresh, hearty, and full of tangy flavour.

Preparation time 20 minutes
Cooking time 8 – 10 minutes
Yield 4 – 6 servings

Nutritional information

  • Per serving

  • Energy:

    292 Calories

  • Protein:

    15 g

  • Carbohydrate:

    28 g

  • Fat:

    13 g

  • Fibre:

    4.5 g

  • Sodium:

    279 mg

  • Top 5 Nutrients

    (% DV*)

  • Calcium:

    21 % / 279 mg

  • Folate:

    99 %

  • Vitamin C:

    92 %

  • Vitamin A:

    60 %

  • Selenium:

    49 %

  • *percentage of daily value

Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup (125 mL) Greek plain yogurt
    • 1/4 cup (60 mL) Milk
    • 1 minced clove garlic
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) capers drained and chopped
    • Freshly ground pepper to taste
    • 3 cups (750 mL) cooked fusilli or other short pasta
    • 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) Canadian Medium Cheddar shredded
    • 2 bell peppers
    • 1 head of romaine lettuce quartered lengthwise
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) canola oil

Preparation

  1. Preheat grill to high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, milk, garlic and capers. Season to taste, add pasta and half of Cheddar cheese. Reserve.
  3. Brush bell peppers and lettuce quarters with oil, then season with pepper. Cook peppers on grill for 4–5 minutes on each side and briefly grill lettuce quarters.
  4. Cut bell peppers into strips and add to pasta. Place grilled lettuce on plates, add pasta and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese. Serve.
Bulb

As a variation, add other grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms and red onions.

Cheese alternatives: Canadian Swiss cheese, Gouda, or Mozzarella.

For more great recipes, visit Dairy Farmers of Canada

Wheat Berry Salad with Dukkah

Wheat Berry Salad with Dukkah
Wheat Berry Salad with Dukkah

Everyone is cooking with whole grains these days, and wheat berries are all the rage! The berry is the entire wheat kernel – before it is ground into flour. You can buy wheat berries, cook them like any other grain, and turn them into this delicious and unusual summer salad.

Preparation time 30 minutes
Cooking time 1 hr 5 minutes
Refrigeration 1 hour
Yield 4-6 servings

Nutritional information

  • Per serving

  • Energy:

    401 Calories

  • Protein:

    15 g

  • Carbohydrate:

    40 g

  • Fat:

    22 g

  • Fibre:

    7.7 g

  • Sodium:

    390 mg

  • Top 5 Nutrients

    (% DV*)

  • Calcium:

    24 % / 311 mg

  • Selenium:

    63 %

  • Magnesium:

    40 %

  • Phosphorus:

    32 %

  • Vitamin C:

    32 %

  • *percentage of daily value

Ingredients

    • 1 cup (250 mL) wheat berries
    • 6 oz (180 g) Canadian Feta crumbled
    • 1 cup (250 mL) sliced strawberries
    • 12 large dried dates coarsely chopped
    • 1/4 cup (60 mL) flat parsley leaves
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) white balsamic vinegar
    • Canadian Parmesan shavings

    Dukkah

    • 1/4 cup (60 mL) sesame seeds
    • 2 tsp (10 mL) coriander seeds
    • 2 tsp (10 mL) cumin seeds
    • 1/4 cup (60 mL) hazelnuts
    • 1/4 cup (60 mL) pistachio nuts
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Cook wheat berries in a large quantity of boiling water until tender but still slightly al dente, about 55 min. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  2. Add remaining salad ingredients including Feta and mix well. Refrigerate 1 hour.

DUKKAH

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C).
  2. In a dry pan, toast sesame seeds until golden. Transfer to a small food processor. In the same pan, toast coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant. Add to the food processor.
  3. Spread hazelnuts and pistachios on a baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven about 5 min or until nuts are fragrant. Transfer nuts to a clean kitchen towel, fold the towel into a bundle and rub the nuts together to skin them as thoroughly as possible.
  4. Add the skinned nuts to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is blended and the nuts are in fine pieces.
  5. Serve the salad with the dukkah on the side in a small bowl with a spoon for guests to sprinkle to their taste.
Bulb

Dukkah is a blend of nuts and spices used abundantly in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East. People sprinkle it on salads, grilled meats and vegetables, and eat it on pita bread dipped in oil.

Keep leftover dukkah refrigerated in a tightly sealed jar.

For more great recipes, visit Dairy Farmers of Canada

Caprese Tomato & Melon Stacks

Caprese Tomato & Melon Stacks
Caprese Tomato & Melon Stacks

This twist on a traditional Caprese salad takes the fresh flavours of tomatoes, basil and Bocconcini cheese and adds the sweetness of watermelon and tang of vinegar, all in attractive stacks. Serve as an appetizer for a summer meal, or as a delightful snack on their own.

Preparation time 15-20 minutes
Refrigeration 30 minutes to 8 hours
Yield 4 servings, 12 stacks

Nutritional information

  • Per serving

  • Energy:

    207 Calories

  • Protein:

    8 g

  • Carbohydrate:

    34 g

  • Fat:

    6 g

  • Fibre:

    2.2 g

  • Sodium:

    239 mg

  • Top 5 Nutrients

    (% DV*)

  • Calcium:

    6 % / 75 mg

  • Vitamin C:

    66 %

  • Magnesium:

    22 %

  • Vitamin A:

    21 %

  • Pantothenic Acid:

    16 %

  • *percentage of daily value

Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup (125 mL) white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh basil, chopped
    • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
    • 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper
    • 6 pieces of watermelon sliced in triangles (each 3 in (7.5 cm) wide by ½ in (1 cm) thick)
    • 4 balls Bocconcini cheese (about 3-1/2 oz/100 g)
    • 2 plum tomatoes
    • 12 very small fresh basil leaves
    • 12 toothpicks
    • Freshly cracked black pepper

Preparation

  1. In a large shallow dish or container, combine vinegar, chopped basil, salt and pepper.
  2. Cut rind from each watermelon slice; cut each slice in half on a diagonal to make 2 triangles. Cut each Bocconcini cheese ball into 6 slices, for a total of 24 slices.
  3. Add watermelon and Bocconcini slices to vinegar mixture, tilting dish to coat. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  4. Cut tomatoes crosswise into twelve slices, each about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) thick. Dip into marinade to coat both sides.
  5. For each stack, layer a slice of melon, a slice of Bocconcini, a slice of tomato, and another slice of Bocconcini. Top with a basil leaf and stick a toothpick vertically in the centre to secure stacks. Discard excess marinade.
  6. Arrange stacks on a platter or individual serving plates and sprinkle with fresh cracked pepper.
Bulb

You’ll need a wedge about one-eighth of a medium-size watermelon, or half of a mini watermelon to cut the triangles for this recipe.

You can start marinating the bocconcini up to 24 hours ahead of serving but the watermelon is best if marinated up to 8 hours. The assembled stacks can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.

Replace the watermelon with twelve 1-1/2 inch (3.5 cm) triangles or wedges, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick, peeled honeydew melon, or use a mixture of watermelon and honeydew.

For more great recipes, visit DairyFarmersofCanada.ca

Caramelized Onion and Arugula Quinoa

Caramelized onion and arugula quinoa

Cooking quinoa in milk creates a soft, creamy texture similar to polenta. In this dish the quinoa is accented with sweet and savoury caramelized onions and a peppery punch of arugula. It provides a pleasant change from the ordinary as a side dish for grilled or roasted fish, chicken or pork tenderloin.

Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 45 minutes
Yield 4 servings

Nutritional information

  • Per serving

  • Energy:

    279 Calories

  • Protein:

    12 g

  • Carbohydrate:

    41 g

  • Fat:

    8 g

  • Fibre:

    4.5 g

  • Sodium:

    300 mg

  • Top 5 Nutrients

    (% DV*)

  • Calcium:

    17 % / 218 mg

  • Folate:

    52 %

  • Magnesium:

    46 %

  • Vitamin B12:

    33 %

  • Phosphorus:

    31 %

  • *percentage of daily value

Ingredients

    • 2 onions
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme
    • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
    • Pepper
    • 1 cup (250 mL) quinoa rinsed
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) whole wheat flour
    • 2 cups (500 mL) milk heated
    • 1/4 cup (60 mL) water
    • 4 cups (1 L) chopped trimmed baby arugula

Preparation

  1. Cut onions in half lengthwise and trim out cores. Cut crosswise into thin slices.
  2. In a medium, deep saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sauté onions for 2 minutes or until starting to wilt. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until very soft and caramelized.
  3. Increase heat to medium. Add garlic, thyme, salt and pepper to taste; sauté for 2 minutes. Stir in quinoa and flour; gradually stir in milk and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring twice, for 15 minutes or until quinoa is creamy and tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Gently stir in arugula just until wilted.
Bulb

Arugula has a peppery, slightly bitter flavour which works well with the sweet onions and creamy quinoa. For a milder dish, baby spinach makes a terrific alternative, or, use a mixture of arugula and spinach for just a little punch.

When cooking quinoa in milk, it tends to bubble up so using a deep saucepan and keeping an eye on it as it simmers helps prevent a boil-over.

For more great recipes, visit DairyFarmersofCanada.ca

Couscous salad with garden vegetables and Feta

Couscous salad with feta

Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor—this Couscous Salad with garden vegetables and creamy Feta cheese is the perfect light dish for any season.

Preparation time 15 minutes
Yield 4 servings

Nutritional information

  • Per serving

  • Energy

    513 Calories

  • Protein

    17 g

  • Carbohydrate

    54 g

  • Fat

    26 g

  • Fibre

    10.7 g

  • Sodium

    511 mg

  • Top 5 nutrients provided by a serving of this recipe

     

    Nutrient and % DV*

  • Calcium

    18 % / 237 mg

  • Vitamin C

    78 %

  • Niacin

    38 %

  • Riboflavin

    26 %

  • Phosphorus

    24 %

  • * Note: The daily value (DV) is established by Health Canada and corresponds to the daily quantity recommended for each nutrient. The percentage of the daily value (% DV) indicates the proportion of the nutrient provided by a serving of the recipe, in comparison with the quantity recommended.

Ingredients

  • Salad

    1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

    1/2 green Bell pepper, cut into thin strips

    1/2 yellow Bell pepper, cut into thin strips

    1/2 English cucumber, cut in quarters

    1 cup (250 mL) cherry tomatoes, cut in half

    4 oz (120 g) Feta cheese, cut in cubes

    2 cups (500 mL) cooked whole-wheat couscous

    1 can (540 mL) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

    2 tbsp (30 mL) fresh parsley, chopped

     

    Vinaigrette

    1 garlic clove, minced

    1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano

    3 tbsp (45 mL) red wine vinegar

    1/3 cup (80 mL) extra virgin olive oil

    Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

Salad

In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients and gently mix. Set aside.

Vinaigrette

  1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together all of the ingredients.
  2. Add the vinaigrette to the salad and gently toss to coat all of the ingredients with the salad dressing.

For more great recipes, visit Dairy Farmers of Canada

Tasty Squash and Bean Salad 

Tasty Squash and Bean Salad

Crispy, crunchy and zesty, this plant-forward meal is packed with goodness and deliciousness! 

Preparation time 20 minutes
Baking time 10 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes
Yields 4 to 6 portions

Nutritional information

  • Energy

    304 Calories

  • Protein

    17 g

  • Carbohydrate

    42 g

  • Fat

    9 g

  • Fibre

    10.7 g

  • Sodium

    288 mg

  • Top 5 nutrients provided by a serving of this recipe

     

    Nutrient and % DV*

  • Calcium

    24 % / 310 mg

  • Thiamin

    98 %

  • Folate

    64 %

  • Vitamin A

    60 %

  • Niacin

    46 %

  • * Note: The daily value (DV) is established by Health Canada and corresponds to the daily quantity recommended for each nutrient. The percentage of the daily value (% DV) indicates the proportion of the nutrient provided by a serving of the recipe, in comparison with the quantity recommended.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter

    1 small onion, chopped

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    1 tbsp (15 mL) chili powder

    1 tsp (5 mL) dried oregano

    Salt

    Freshly ground pepper

    1 1/2 cups (375 mL) fresh or frozen butternut squash thawed, diced

    1 can (28 oz/796 mL) no-salt-added diced tomatoes

    1 can (19 oz/540 mL) unsalted black beans, drained and rinsed

    1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen corn kernels thawed

    2 small whole wheat tortillas

    1 tsp (5 mL) lime zest

    1 1/2 tbsp (22 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)

    1/2 cup (125 mL) plain Greek yogurt

    1 cup (250 mL) Mozzarella, shredded

    8 cups (2 L) romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces

    1 cup (250 mL) cherry tomatoes, cut in half

    Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, chili powder, and oregano for about 2 minutes or until onion begins to soften. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add squash and sauté for 1 minute or until onion is soft. Stir in canned tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and let simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until squash is soft. 
  3. Meanwhile, cut each tortilla into 12 thin wedges. Arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Set aside. 
  4. In a small bowl, stir lime zest and 1/2 tbsp (7 mL) lime juice into yogurt and season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. 
  5. Remove squash mixture from heat. Stir in remaining lime juice and half of the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.   
  6. In a large bowl, combine half of the lime yogurt and lettuce; toss to coat. Divide lettuce among serving plates. Spoon squash mixture on top of dressed lettuce and top with remaining cheese and cherry tomatoes. Place a dollop of remaining lime yogurt to each plate and top with baked tortilla chips. Sprinkle with cilantro (if using). 
Bulb

Protein can be found in both plant-based and animal-based protein foods, and they each provide unique bundle of nutrients that are essential to health. Combining both types of protein foods in your diet allows the body to benefit from a wider range and balance of nutrients. This Tasty Squash and Bean Salad is a great example on how it is simple and delicious to prepare a meal that includes both plant and animal-based proteins. 

For more great recipes, visit Dairy Farmers of Canada

Kale Barley Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

There’s so much to love about this salad. It’s satisfying, nutritious, and delicious. And it’s versatile too! Swap in ingredients you love; try arugula instead of kale, quinoa instead of barley or chickpeas in place of edamame. Leftovers also make an energizing lunch.

Preparation time 15 minutes
Standing time 15 minutes
Yield 6 servings
Bulb

Sustainability

Eating sustainably includes choosing local, Canadian-produced foods where possible. This recipe is jam-packed with nutrient-rich local foods like apple, cabbage, carrot, and Canadian Cheddar cheese.

Nutritional information

  • Energy

    430 calories

  • Protein

    17 g

  • Carbohydrate

    40 g

  • Fat

    24 g

  • Fibre

    11 g

  • Sodium

    450 mg

  • Top 5 nutrients provided by a serving of this recipe

     

    Nutrient and % DV

  • Calcium

     

    30%/ 400 mg

  • Vitamin C

    74%

  • Vitamin A

    65%

  • Niacin

    39%

  • Riboflavin

    28%

  • * Note: The daily value (DV) is established by Health Canada and corresponds to the daily quantity recommended for each nutrient. The percentage of the daily value (% DV) indicates the proportion of the nutrient provided by a serving of the recipe, in comparison with the quantity recommended.

Ingredients

  • Vinaigrette:

    3 tbsp (45 mL) apple cider vinegar

    1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup

    1/2 tsp (2 mL) Dijon mustard

    1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and pepper

    1 clove garlic, minced

    1/4 cup (60 ml) canola oil

     

    Salad:

    4 cups (1 L) finely chopped kale

    2-1/2 cups (625 mL) cooked pot or pearl barley

    1 red apple with skin, diced

    1 cup (250 mL) thinly sliced red cabbage

    1 cup (250 mL) coarsely grated carrot

    1 1/2 cups (375 mL) cooked edamame

    1-1/2 cups (375 mL) diced old Cheddar or Swiss cheese

    1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted pumpkin seeds (optional)

Preparation

  1. Vinaigrette: In small bowl, whisk vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic. Whisk in oil until combined.
  2. Salad: In medium bowl, toss kale with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the vinaigrette for 1 minute to coat well; let stand 15 minutes. Transfer kale to large platter; top with barley, apple, cabbage, carrot, and edamame. Sprinkle cheese and pumpkin seeds (if using). Drizzle with remaining dressing.
Bulb

Not only does cheese add deliciousness to this salad, but it also boosts the nutritional value with nutrients we need for good health like complete protein, calcium, and vitamin B12.

For more great recipes, visit Dairy Farmers of Canada