Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Kale Soup with Sweet Potatoes: Your Ultimate Healthy & Hearty Fall Dinner

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this incredibly satisfying Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Kale Soup, featuring tender sweet potatoes. This recipe offers a perfect balance of hearty ingredients and light, nourishing qualities, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome fall dinner. Not only is it deliciously comforting, but it’s also Paleo-friendly and low-carb, catering to various dietary needs. The best part? Simply toss all your ingredients into the crock pot, and a delicious, homemade meal awaits you with minimal effort.

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Originally published on August 31, 2017, this particular soup has consistently remained a favorite in my kitchen. It’s my go-to recipe, especially when I feel the need for a nourishing reset after a busy period or a holiday weekend indulgence. Its simplicity and wholesome ingredients make it a perfect antidote to everyday chaos.

As many parents can attest, the start of the school year often brings with it an unwelcome guest: sickness. It seems like clockwork; the first few weeks back in routine, and suddenly, sniffles and sore throats make their rounds. Just last week, our household experienced this firsthand, battling two cases of strep throat and one viral infection. This meant three separate doctor visits for three different children – a whirlwind of appointments! The saga began, as it often does, in preschool, and mercifully, the parents were spared the worst of it, though my allergies have certainly been acting up, leaving my sinuses feeling congested. During such times, soup invariably becomes my culinary comfort and remedy, offering warmth and vital nutrients.

While my two sons aren’t typically soup enthusiasts, my daughter and husband wholeheartedly embrace a warm bowl. And I felt especially good serving them this delightful Italian Sausage and Kale Soup with Sweet Potatoes. This particular recipe comes from my dear friend Natalie’s fantastic cookbook, The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking. What makes this soup so exceptional is its foundation of truly good, wholesome ingredients. Every spoonful delivers comfort and essential nutrients, making it a perfect choice for boosting wellness when you need it most. It’s a prime example of how delicious and satisfying healthy eating can be, especially when the ease of a slow cooker is involved, allowing flavors to meld beautifully with minimal fuss.

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Refreshing Summer Spinach Salad with Peaches, Gorgonzola & Almonds: Your New Favorite Recipe

Welcome the vibrant flavors of summer to your table with this absolutely delightful Spinach Salad featuring sweet, juicy peaches, tangy Gorgonzola, and crunchy almonds. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of seasonal produce and a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will undoubtedly become one of your favorite summer recipes!

As July draws to a close, there’s always a bittersweet feeling in the air. While the official end of summer is still weeks away, the subtle hints of back-to-school preparations often make it feel like the season is winding down prematurely. Yet, before we dive into the autumn coziness, there’s still so much to savor, especially when it comes to nature’s bounty. Each season offers its unique charm, but for me, summer truly shines with its incredible array of fresh produce. From crisp vegetables to luscious fruits, the options are endless and endlessly inspiring. Currently, I’m completely captivated by peaches, and my family and I have been indulging in their sweet, sun-kissed flavor daily. There’s nothing quite like a perfectly ripe summer peach.

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Hearty Beef and Egg Tortilla Skillet: A Quick, Healthy Dinner Solution & A Personal Journey Into Nutrition

Are you searching for a meal that’s both substantial enough for dinner and effortlessly quick to prepare? Look no further than this incredible Beef and Egg Tortilla Skillet. It’s not just a dish; it’s a healthy, satisfying solution that comes together with remarkable speed and simplicity, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend brunch. This versatile skillet meal proves that nutritious eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, delivering a burst of flavor and sustained energy in every bite.

Click here to pin this delicious Beef and Egg Tortilla Skillet recipe for later!

There’s a special kind of joy that comes with enjoying “breakfast for dinner,” especially when it’s a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to whip up. This Beef and Egg Tortilla Skillet perfectly fits that bill. As many of us navigate the hustle and bustle of back-to-school routines and demanding weeknight schedules, finding recipes that are both nourishing and quick is paramount. This skillet dish offers a wholesome, protein-packed option that caters to the whole family, providing a delicious escape from the usual dinner rotation and a welcome treat after a long day.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my quest to get quick, healthy dinners on the table is the power of strategic meal preparation. It’s a game-changer. For example, if you find yourself with a spare moment while cooking another meal, browning some lean ground meat or chopping a few vegetables can save you precious minutes when you need them most. Imagine coming home after a hectic day, knowing that a significant portion of your dinner prep is already done! When I’m truly on top of my meal planning, I like to brown a few pounds of lean ground beef or turkey, measure it out into 2-cup portions, and store these pre-cooked bags in the freezer. These convenient packages are perfect for whipping up impromptu tacos, tostadas, or a quick meat sauce. They are lifesavers on nights when dinner plans fall through or when time is simply not on your side, allowing you to create a delicious meal with minimal effort using ingredients you already have on hand.

The beauty of this meal prep strategy extends beyond mere convenience. It actively promotes healthier eating habits by reducing the temptation for last-minute takeout or less nutritious options. Having components like pre-cooked protein and chopped veggies readily available in your fridge or freezer streamlines the cooking process, transforming a potentially stressful dinner preparation into an enjoyable, efficient task. This foresight allows you to control ingredients, reduce food waste, and ensure your family enjoys wholesome, home-cooked meals even on the busiest evenings. It’s an investment in both your time and your well-being.

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Fresh & Flavorful Summer Black Bean and Corn Salad: Your Go-To Healthy Side Dish

Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly versatile and utterly delicious black bean and corn salad. It’s the quintessential side dish that complements virtually any warm-weather meal, from a casual backyard barbecue to a sophisticated al fresco dinner. Imagine it served alongside sizzling tacos, piled high over perfectly grilled fish, or enjoyed simply on its own as a refreshingly light and satisfying vegetarian dish. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

This post is proudly sponsored by Bush’s Beans, a brand synonymous with quality and a staple in countless kitchens.

The old adage “you eat with your eyes” rings true, especially when it comes to culinary delights. A dish that bursts with color instantly becomes more appealing, more inviting, and more irresistible. This Summer Black Bean and Corn Salad is a prime example. Its medley of rich black beans, golden corn, verdant avocado, ruby red onion, and vibrant cilantro creates a visual spectacle that promises a burst of fresh flavor with every bite. It’s the kind of salad you find yourself reaching for again and again, whether it’s gracing your dinner table or making a splash at a neighbor’s barbecue. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty, designed to be devoured enthusiastically.

Crafting the Perfect Black Bean and Corn Salad: An Easy Summer Staple

This black bean and corn salad stands out as one of those essential side dish or salad recipes that effortlessly comes together. It often utilizes ingredients you likely already have on hand in your fridge and pantry, making it a convenient choice for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous meal prep. What truly elevates this salad is the inclusion of super sweet and fresh summer corn, cut directly from the cob. The crisp, juicy kernels burst with natural sugars, delivering an unparalleled flavor that canned or frozen corn simply can’t match. However, if fresh corn isn’t in season or readily available, don’t let that deter you! Frozen corn can be a perfectly acceptable substitute. Simply run it under cold water to quickly defrost, ensure it’s thoroughly dried, and then give it a quick sauté for a minute or two to enhance its texture and sweetness before adding it to your salad.

The addition of creamy avocado is a game-changer for this salad. It introduces a luxurious creaminess that beautifully balances the crunch of the corn and the firmness of the beans. Beyond its delightful texture, avocado also contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and additional protein, boosting the nutritional profile of the dish. And let’s not forget the cheese – crumbled Cojita cheese, with its salty, crumbly texture, takes this salad over the top. Its distinctive flavor pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. If Cojita is hard to find, crumbled feta cheese makes an excellent alternative, offering a similar salty tang and delightful texture that complements the overall composition of the salad.

You’ll absolutely fall in love with how this black bean and corn salad transforms an ordinary meal into something special. It’s an ideal topping for delicate fish tacos, adding a layer of texture and a burst of fresh flavor. But its versatility doesn’t stop there; it’s robust enough to be enjoyed entirely on its own as a light lunch or dinner. I’ve personally found myself enjoying it for days on end as the base of a flavorful taco salad, demonstrating just how satisfying and adaptable it truly is. This salad isn’t just good; it’s seriously so good, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.

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