The Bacon and Feta Salad is proof that salads can be more than just a side dish – they can be the star of the meal. With its harmonious blend of savory and fresh elements, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare yet impressive in taste. So, whether you’re dining alone or serving a gathering of loved ones, bring this salad to the table, and savor the delightful flavors that will leave everyone craving for more.

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Step-By-Step

1. Prepare the Salad Greens: To kick off your culinary masterpiece, begin by washing the mixed salad greens thoroughly and allowing them to drain in a colander. Once they are clean and slightly dry, transfer them to a large salad bowl. This is where the magic begins, as the fresh greens will serve as the canvas for the symphony of flavors that follows.

2. Cook the Bacon: In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, it’s time to transform your bacon into crispy perfection. Place the bacon strips in the skillet and let them sizzle away. As they cook, the enticing aroma of smoky, savory goodness will fill your kitchen. Keep a close eye on them, ensuring they turn crispy and golden brown. Once they reach the desired level of crispiness, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to cool. You’ll appreciate the interplay of textures as the bacon adds its delightful crunch to the salad.

3. Add Vegetables and Bacon: Now comes the fun part of building your salad. To the bed of mixed greens, introduce the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced cucumber. The red onion, with its subtle pungency, adds a delightful kick to the ensemble. Finally, crumble the cooled, crispy bacon into bits, and generously scatter them over the top. The salad is now taking shape, bringing together a medley of colors, tastes, and textures.

4. Add Feta Cheese: The crumbled feta cheese, with its creamy and tangy notes, is the next star of the show. Gently distribute it over the salad, and you’ll see the culinary contrast coming to life. The creamy feta plays a delightful counterpart to the smoky, crispy bacon.

5. Add Optional Almonds: If you’re inclined to enhance the salad with an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, it’s time to sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top. The toasted almonds provide a delightful crunch that beautifully complements the creamy cheese and the rest of the ingredients.

6. Dress the Salad: The pièce de résistance is the dressing. Drizzle your preferred amount of balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the entire salad. This luscious dressing not only ties all the ingredients together but also imparts a delightful sweetness and acidity that elevates every bite. As the dressing envelops each component, you’ll find the flavors harmonizing in a symphony of taste.

7. Serve: Your masterpiece is ready for its grand debut. Divide the Bacon and Feta Salad into individual plates or bowls. With every serving, you’re offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Your guests will be enchanted by the crispy, creamy, and refreshing notes that dance on their taste buds.

Bacon and Feta Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean Courses:Lunch Recipe Keys: Gluten Free

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 10 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:4 servings Best Season:Summer

Description

This salad combines the rich and savory flavors of bacon with the creamy and tangy taste of feta cheese. It’s a delicious and satisfying salad option. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for added crunch)
• Balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed salad greens. Place them in a large salad bowl.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and let it cool. Once cooled, crumble it into bits.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled bacon to the salad bowl.
4. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad.
5. If using, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the salad for added crunch.
6. Drizzle your preferred amount of balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
7. Divide the salad into individual plates or bowls.

Keywords:Bacon, Salad, Feta

The post Bacon and Feta Salad appeared first on College Food Literacy.

There’s a reason why classic recipes stand the test of time, and one dish that’s consistently adored by food lovers of all ages is Creamy Chicken Alfredo. This rich and indulgent pasta dish, with its velvety sauce and tender chicken, has been a favorite in households and restaurants for decades.

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Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Then, add the butter and heavy cream, stirring until the butter has melted. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the sliced chicken. Allow the mixture to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley.

5. Enjoy: Serve your Creamy Chicken Alfredo immediately. It’s best enjoyed hot and garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo

Cuisine:Italian Courses:Dinner

Difficulty:IntermediatePrep time: 10 minutesCook time: 18 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 28 minutesServings:4 servings Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

Creamy Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian-American dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. Then, add the butter and heavy cream, stirring until the butter has melted. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the sliced chicken. Allow the mixture to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Enjoy: Serve your Creamy Chicken Alfredo immediately. It’s best enjoyed hot and garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Keywords:Alfredo, Chicken

The post Creamy Chicken Alfredo appeared first on College Food Literacy.

Tacos are a beloved classic in the world of quick and easy meals. From their versatility to their mouthwatering flavors, it’s no wonder they’re a go-to choice for busy weeknights. If you’re in need of a simple yet satisfying recipe, look no further. These simple chicken tacos are a surefire way to satisfy your craving for a delicious homemade meal in no time.

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1. Season the Chicken:

• In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice mixture will infuse the chicken with a burst of flavor.
• Toss the thinly sliced chicken in the spice mixture until each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a few minutes, so the flavors meld together.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The sizzling sound as you add the chicken is a sign that you’re doing it right.
• Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. The spices will start to release their aromas, making your kitchen smell wonderful. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes on each side or until it’s fully cooked and has a lovely, golden-brown color. This step is essential for sealing in the flavorful spices.

3. Warm the Tortillas:

• While the chicken is sizzling away, warm the tortillas. There are a couple of methods to do this:
  • Place the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat them for about 20-30 seconds on each side, or until they become soft and pliable.
  • Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature. This ensures they’re warm and ready to cradle your delicious chicken.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

• Now comes the fun part. Lay out the warm tortillas on a clean surface. You can use a plate or even a clean kitchen towel to help keep them warm.
• Place a spoonful of the beautifully seasoned and cooked chicken onto each tortilla. The aroma will be mouthwatering.
• Add your choice of toppings. This is where you can get creative! Shredded lettuce adds a delightful crunch, diced tomatoes bring freshness, diced onions provide a zesty kick, sliced avocado offers creaminess, shredded cheese adds richness, salsa delivers a spicy tang, and sour cream cools things down. Mix and match to your heart’s content.

5. Serve:

• With the tortillas filled and your choice of toppings piled high, it’s time to dig in. Fold the tortillas over the delicious filling, creating your perfect chicken taco.

6. Enjoy!

• Serve these delightful, homemade chicken tacos immediately to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures. They’re perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Feel free to adjust the spice levels or toppings to suit your taste, and remember to have fun creating your personalized chicken tacos. Bon appétit!

Simple Chicken Tacos

Cooking Method:Sautéing Cuisine:American Courses:Uncategorized

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time: 10 minutesTotal time: 30 minutesServings:8 servings Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

Simple Chicken Tacos are a quick and flavorful delight. Thinly sliced chicken breasts or thighs are seasoned with a tantalizing blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cooked to perfection in olive oil until they’re tender and golden-brown, these savory chicken slices are then nestled inside warm corn or flour tortillas. Top them with your choice of fresh ingredients like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, creamy avocado, cheese, salsa, and sour cream for a customizable masterpiece. These tacos are the perfect solution for a fast and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s bursting with delicious homemade flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Toppings of your choice: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc.

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice mixture will infuse the chicken with a burst of flavor.
   Toss the thinly sliced chicken in the spice mixture until each piece is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for a few minutes, so the flavors meld together.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The sizzling sound as you add the chicken is a sign that you’re doing it right.
   Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. The spices will start to release their aromas, making your kitchen smell wonderful. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes on each side or until it’s fully cooked and has a lovely, golden-brown color. This step is essential for sealing in the flavorful spices.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
   While the chicken is sizzling away, warm the tortillas. There are a couple of methods to do this:Place the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat them for about 20-30 seconds on each side, or until they become soft and pliable.
   Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature. This ensures they’re warm and ready to cradle your delicious chicken.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
   Now comes the fun part. Lay out the warm tortillas on a clean surface. You can use a plate or even a clean kitchen towel to help keep them warm.
   Place a spoonful of the beautifully seasoned and cooked chicken onto each tortilla. The aroma will be mouthwatering.
   Add your choice of toppings. This is where you can get creative! Shredded lettuce adds a delightful crunch, diced tomatoes bring freshness, diced onions provide a zesty kick, sliced avocado offers creaminess, shredded cheese adds richness, salsa delivers a spicy tang, and sour cream cools things down. Mix and match to your heart’s content.
5. Serve:
   With the tortillas filled and your choice of toppings piled high, it’s time to dig in. Fold the tortillas over the delicious filling, creating your perfect chicken taco.

Notes

• Feel free to adjust the spice levels or toppings to suit your taste, and remember to have fun creating your personalized chicken tacos. Bon appétit!

Keywords:Chicken, Tacos

The post Simple Chicken Tacos appeared first on College Food Literacy.