Happy 4th of July!  

Whether you are going to a barbecue, hosting friends or planning a relaxing long weekend – I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend. In case you are looking for last minute recipe ideas, I have shared some options below.

Quinoa with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup of quinoa
  • 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into quarter slices
  • 1 clove of minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, or 2 teaspoons dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
  • 1 diced red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
  • 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, or 1 can 
  • Optional: top with feta or goat cheese

Directions

  1. Prepare quinoa:
    • Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer until water runs clear
    • Add quinoa, 1 3/4 cup water and a pinch of sea salt to a pot over medium heat
    • Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover pot and cook until all water is absorbed (~12-15 minutes)
    • Remove from heat and set aside
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add zucchini, red pepper, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, stirring frequently until zucchini is cooked
  3. Add in garlic and tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Toss cooked veggies with quinoa, add more olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
  5. Option to top with crumbled feta or goat cheese before serving.

White Bean Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 can of white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern)
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tablespoons of tahini
  • 1 teaspoon of rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
  • Approximately 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Directions

1. Using the ’S’ blade in the food processor, chop garlic cloves, scraping down the sides of the processor as you chop.
2. Add beans, tahini, lemon juice, rosemary and salt.
3. Blend ingredients together and begin streaming in olive oil, processing until smooth. If too thick, stream in water slowly
4. If needed, add lemon, rosemary or salt to taste and blend to combine
5. Serve with chopped veggies

*Beet dip option: add 1 quartered, peeled roasted beet in step 1, and omit rosemary for a colorful dip

I’ve shared additional summer recipes here.

However you are celebrating America’s 250th birthday, I wish you a safe, happy holiday. 🇺🇸