Cassie DeNisco

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My Go To Greek Salad Bowl

As the weather gets warmer, I become more obsessed with salads and bowls. I’ve been making this Greek salad bowl on repeat and I just had to share it with you. The flavors are so fresh and I feel like everyone has these ingredients on hand in the warmer months!

Often salads can be so daunting because they’re just not filling but I make sure to hit all my bases with a salad that is well balanced. From protein to fiber and carbs, this salad will have you wanting it for dinner all week long!

greek salad bowl

Ingredients:

pickled red onions

canned chickpeas drained & rinsed

diced cucumber

diced tomatoes

dill

lemon

tzaziki

pita

cooked farro or couscous

greens of choice (I like a 50/50 blend)

Directions:

  1. Add diced cucumbers, tomatoes, chopped dill, and the juice of half a lemon to a bowl and let set for about 30 minutes.
  2. Warm your pita by preheating oven to 350 and baking until brown on each side but not too crisp.
  3. Assemble your salad with greens, cooked couscous, tzatziki for the dressing, cucumber tomato mix, chick peas, and picked red onions!
  4. Enjoy!

Salads like this really keep you full because they have the greens but they have the the grains that do the heavy lifting. I used to avoid salads because I knew I’d be so hungry after eating one but looking at one like this has changed the game for me.

This greek salad bowl is honestly my new obsession! I have a few other salad recipes here on the blog or you can check our my pinterest for even more recipes!

Current Sephora Favorites for Skin!

I love a good skincare haul so I’m happy to share with you my current Sephora favorites! After ditching the masks last year, I found I had the worst skin. It was dull, dry, and I had frequent breakouts. I searched for products that would help but I honestly made it worse.

I started to really simplify my skincare routine and it’s done wonders for my skin. A Sephora recently opened up near me so I’ve been getting all my products from there. I’ve been loving what I’m using and wanted to share! These are affiliate links so I do make a small commission if you do decide to purchase but there’s no pressure!

Inky List Retinol

shop here

Retinol seems to be all the craze these days and I was in the market for an inexpensive one to try. This was around $24 and so far I like it. I use it one to two times per week just to make sure my skin doesn’t freak out. Retinol is good for fine lines and wrinkles so I’m really just using it now as a preventative instead of to actually treat anything.

Youth to the People Adaptogen Moisturizer

shop here

I am always switching up my moisturizers depending on the time of year but I just had to talk about this one. I love this moisturizer for winter because it’s thick and really does it’s job. I definitely will be switching this out because it’s so moisturizing but I will be switching back come next winter!

Glow Recipe Glow Drops

Shop here

sephora favorites

I’ve definitely talked about these glow drops before! They have become my go to primer before makeup for extra glowy skin. I also just love this on it’s own as a way to just enhance my natural skin and make it glow. I have repurchased this twice now because it’s just that great! You can read my makeup routine here!

Tan Luxe Face Oil

shop here

sephora favorites

I also recently talked about these tan luxe drops but I just repurchased them and had to shout them out. I seriously love these for my face because I get to use my own face moisturizer which ensures that my face won’t break out. You can definitely use this for your whole body too but I don’t trust myself enough to do that yet without it looking streaky!

These are in my skincare routine and I seriously love these Sephora favorites. As we’re approaching summer time, I love to wear no makeup so these products are helping my skin to stay clear and hydrated! For more beauty posts, click here!

Homemade Crunch Wrap Recipe

Looking to spice up your taco night? I have you covered with this homemade crunch wrap recipe. I seriously love this recipe when you’re not in the mood for just a regular taco night.

This is essentially a taco bell copycat recipe and it was an instant hit for dinner here. Obsessed with how easy this recipe was and how seriously yummy it is too!

crunch wrap recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey or beef

2 tbsp taco seasoning

soft tortillas in wrap size

crunchy circular tortillas

diced yellow onion

1 diced tomato

chopped romaine lettuce

jalepeño

hot sauce

Directions:

  1. Cook your meat and add taco seasoning.
  2. Microwave your soft tortilla for 10 seconds so you can easily mold it.
  3. Assemble your crunch wrap with your favorite filling with the soft tortilla down first. I love ground turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, vegan cheese, jalepeños, onions, and some hot sauce.
  4. Warm a frying pan with a little bit of butter.
  5. Place the crunchy circular tortilla on top then fold your soft tortilla over. This is the hardest part because it’s so tricky. As soon as it’s all assembled place it seam side down in the pan. This will seal it so it doesn’t explode.
  6. Flip after about 2-3 minutes to crisp the other side and then enjoy!!

I cannot tell you how badly I want to remake this as I’m writing this. It just elevates your taco night and creates something so filling and yummy. I am huge on making sure your dinner hits all the points to fill you up and this combo definitely does!

If you loved this homemade crunch wrap recipe be sure to check out some of my other recipes here! You can also check out my pinterest as I am super active on it here!

My Chicken Roaster Recipe!

This is definitely a newer recipe for me! I love this chicken roaster recipe because it’s not only good the day of but I love the leftovers. Chicken is just about the only meat I’ll eat and making a roaster like this ensures I’ll have leftovers to use in so many ways!

I like to think of this recipe as my own at home rotisserie chicken. It’s essentially the same thing but I can season it how I want and it gets so fresh and delicious! You can serve with potatoes and gravy or really however you want to! It’s so easy it’s become a staple in my meal rotation!

chicken roaster recipe

Ingredients

Whole Chicken Roaster

1 tsp thyme

4 tbsp melted butter

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp rosemary

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 and decide what pan you’re going to use. Sometimes I use my dutch oven and others I’ll use a throw away aluminum foil.
  2. Prep your chicken by patting it dry from the extra liquids.
  3. Melt butter and then mix in minced garlic, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. Pour mixture over chicken in pan and make sure it coats completely. (sometimes I add more, sometimes I need less)
  4. Cooking time will depend on weight of your roaster.. typically it’s 2-3 hours for a young chicken and sometimes you can even get the one with the pop up timer!
  5. While it’s cooking, baste with the drippings occasionally to keep it moist!
  6. Carve & enjoy!

This is the easiest chicken roaster recipe to make for dinners! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more recipes like this here! You can follow me on Pinterest @cassiedenisco for even more content!

My Chickpea Orzo Salad Recipe!

I definitely have summer on my mind after these really cold days! There’s truly nothing I love more than a pasta salad in the summer so this recipe is getting me in my feels. I turned chickpea orzo salad recipe into a summer staple and really it became and instant hit.

Pasta salads can get really receptive and seem all the same after awhile but this one pairs chickpeas with a lemon vinaigrette and is just so yummy! You could even turn this into a meal and just pair some protein like grilled chicken with it on top!

chickpea orzo salad

Ingredients

1 lb orzo

1 can chickpea

1/2 red onion diced finely

2 tomatoes diced

2-3 mini cucumbers diced finely

1 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tsp basil

1/4 c olive oil

juice from 1 full lemon

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp fresh minced garlic

1 tsp oregano

salt & pepper

red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. Cook orzo according to package. Once cooked, drain and then put in a big bowl.
  2. Mix in chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, nutritional yeast, basil & parsley.
  3. Assemble vinaigrette by wishing together olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic, garlic, oregano & salt + pepper.
  4. Combine bowl with dressing and mix thoroughly. Let cool and serve with red pepper flakes on top!

I love a good pasta salad and this chickpea orzo salad is delicious! Its so refreshing with the lemon juice in the dressing! The protein from the chickpeas helps to elevate this and make it even more filling!

Let me know if you loved this recipe and check out more recipes from me here! Be sure to follow me on Pinterest @cassiedenisco for even more content!

My Sweet Potato Quesadilla Recipe!

This new year we are prioritizing eating our veggies! I love this recipe because it sneaks in veggies in a really yummy and delicious way! I’ve now been plant based for over a year and a half and I love recipes like this sweet potato quesadilla!

Quesadillas used to be one of my go to recipes to make a quick lunch or order out but it’s hard to do when you’re dairy free! I found this recipe actual from a Hello Fresh Box but have made it my own as the years have gone on. If Hello Fresh is reading this, offer dairy free alternatives so I can still enjoy your stuff!!

This recipe is so quick and easy, as well as perfect to rotate into your New Year’s meals!

Ingredients

Your favorite Tortillas (I love almond flour but my grocery store didn’t have so I did whole wheat)

Cheese (Follow Your Heart Vegan Cheese is the best to melt with)

1 poblano pepper

Grape tomatoes

1 yellow onion

Salt

Pepper

1 tsp cayenne

1 jalapeño pepper

Avocados

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 then peel and dice your sweet potatoes. Spray them with a little oil and bake for 25 minutes or until soft.
  2. Dice your poblano and yellow onion. Sauté your poblano and half of the yellow onion in a pan with cayenne, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Create a little salsa with your diced jalapeño, other half of the yellow onion, and tomatoes!
  4. Once everything is cooked, assemble your quesadillas without the salsa and bake in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp.
  5. Serve with salsa on top and sliced avocado & enjoy!!

I love this recipe because it’s truly a twist on a classic. This helps you sneak in your veggies while having something good. If I’m looking for something more nutrient dense, I’ll even throw in some black beans! Let me know if you have tried this sweet potato quesadilla recipe or if you have a non-traditional quesadilla recipe!

Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more day to day content!!

Vegan Au Gratin Potato Recipe!!

I have been waiting to share this recipe with you because it’s perfect for the holidays! This vegan au gratin potato recipe is next level and so good. I miss out on so many favorites being dairy free and this was life changing when I made it.

I seriously love how easy this recipe is for how good it tastes. These cheesy potatoes pair so well with any holiday dinner so I really wanted to share it now in my holiday recipe series!

vegan au gratin potato

Ingredients:

6 thinly sliced potatoes

1 white onion diced finely

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup vegan butter

1/2 cup veggie broth

1 1/2 cup vegan milk

2 cups vegan shredded cheese

1 tablespoon garlic powder

salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Start by boiling your sliced potatoes in water then drain.
  2. Preheat your oven top 425 and then heat a small pot on the stove.
  3. Begin making the roux by heating oil then the diced onions. Add in water & Salt then butter and once melted slowly mix in flour.
  4. Slowly add more veggie broth then the milk and keep stirring. Add cheese and stir until sauce has thickened. Then immediately remove from heat.
  5. In a baking dish, pour a little of the cheese sauce in then begin layering the potatoes. Pour the rest of the sauce on top.
  6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until cooked thoroughly and brown!
  7. Enjoy 🙂

I am not joking when I tell you this was the best vegan alternative I’ve made yet! This vegan au gratin potato recipe is delicious and seriously like the real thing! If you make this recipe, let me know!!

If you liked this vegan recipe, check out more here or follow me on Pinterest for more video content!

Insta Pot Curry Recipe!

This is one of my fall go to recipes that I am obsessed with! We’ve been making this insta pot curry recipe since last fall but really have the recipe perfectly nailed down. This is the easiest dinner recipe that tastes like you’ve been working all day on it!

I really fell in love with my insta pot during the pandemic because it cooks food so easily and quickly! This recipe wouldn’t be as easy if it weren’t for my insta pot so definitely think about investing in one if you don’t already have it!

insta pot curry recipe

Ingredients:

4-5 boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 yellow onion diced (keep pieces large)

olive oil

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger

7-8 chopped baby carrots

1 tablespoon ketchup

3-4 potatoes peeled and cubed

2-3 cups chicken broth

block of Japanese curry roux

1 tablespoon soy sauce

White rice to serve it with!

Directions:

  1. In your insta pot turn on sauté feature and add olive oil, onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
  2. Add in the chicken thighs and cook both sides until white. (I do this to make sure it get’s cooked all the way through)
  3. Add in potatoes, carrots, and pour chicken broth over everything until covered.
  4. Place curry roux on top but don’t mix it in just leave it there. Close the lid and then turn on stew setting for 15 minutes.
  5. After cooked, let steam for additional 15 minutes.
  6. Lift the lid and mix thoroulghy adding in ketchup & soy sauce.
  7. Enjoy!!

As you can see, this was the insta pot curry recipe easiest recipe to make! I love to serve this with white rice and will have leftovers for days! This is also a really easy meal prep meal for lunches for the week too!

I get the mild curry so this is definitely a family favorite and really has all the veggies and nutrients you need for a dinner! If you liked this recipe, check out more here on my blog or on my Pinterest for video content!

My Fall Harvest Bowl!

I am so excited to be sharing with you my viral fall harvest bowl! This was posted on Pinterest Here and it seriously blew up! I am so glad everyone is enjoying this bowl because I swear it is the perfect transition meal!

Whether you want a warm dinner or a chilled side, this bowl is great for meal prep! You can make it in advance and use it throughout the week for lunches or dinners! I love how filling it is alone and it’s vegan so you’re also doing good for the planet too!

fall harvest bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 box of orzo
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 red onion
  • handful of grape tomatoes
  • handful of walnuts
  • olive oil
  • maple syrup
  • red wine vinegar
  • basil
  • oregano
  • red pepper flakes
  • salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 425 and dicing up your sweet potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. Add to an oven safe pan, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until all are soft.
  2. Meanwhile drain chickpeas and add to a baking sheet with walnuts. Bake walnuts for 5 minutes until crisp and remove. Keep chickpeas in until they harden.
  3. Cook orzo according to the package.
  4. Make dressing by combining 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and dashes of basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Combine all together and mix well, adding salt & pepper to taste!
  6. Enjoy!!

I hope you enjoyed this Fall Harvest Bowl recipe! I have this recipe on repeat each week because it’s just that good. If you liked this recipe, you can check out more recipes here!

My Trader Joe’s Essentials!

I cannot tell you how exponentially better my life is now that I have a Trader Joe’s close to me! My weekly grocery trips and meal planning has leveled up since then. I wanted to dedicate this post to my Trader Joe’s essentials, the things that are alway on my list and in my fridge!

If you like this post, I actually have another Trader Joe’s post here to check out! I made that a few years ago but honestly some of these things are the same. TJ’s is great for everything but I love to stock up my fridge/freezer because their pre-made meals are great for busy days.

Freezer White Jasmine Rice

This product is a true freezer staple for me. I rave about my rice cooker but sometimes you just don’t have the time to use it. These rice packs you just have to pop in the microwave and they come out great every time. They’re so fast and great for quick additions to your lunch or dinner.

Chunky Guacamole

I have tried so many guacamole containers but this one is truly my favorite. I also like that it’s super inexpensive because guac is not cheap these days. This one seems to last me awhile too so I can open it one day and it’s not super gross and brown the next.

Chicken Fried Rice

trader joe's essentials

I cannot explain to you the love I have for this rice. It definitely isn’t a takeout dupe but honestly tastes better in my opinion because I know it’s healthier. This is perfect on its own or I like to grab like egg rolls or pot stickers and make a full dinner out of it.

Chicken Soup Dumplings

trader joe's essentials

I saw this online and immediately knew I needed them. I love dumplings and these are so great for lunch. They come in chicken or pork but I like the chicken version best. Seriously I love these and just having them in my freezer makes me not have to worry about planning a lunch during the work day.

Vegan Cashew Ravioli

trader joe's essentials

You need to try these ravioli even if you aren’t vegan! These are so yummy and honestly you probably can’t tell they aren’t vegan. I haven’t had a ravioli in like a year because I can’t have dairy and finding these was life changing!

These Trader Joe’s Essentials have seriously become staples in my life. I’ve noticed that TJ has become really dairy free friendly and has some great alternative products so let me know if you want me to do a post on my favorite non dairy things!

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