Creamy Avocado-Cilantro Dressing {gluten free, soy free, dairy free, vegan}

The heat has really picked up where I'm at, leaving me looking for dinner options that aren't rich, heavy, or, well... hot! Salads fill the need nicely, I think. This dressing is definitely my new favorite. It's rich and creamy, but refreshing at the same time. Perfect for a loaded salad, or for dipping chopped veggies.

Ingredients:
1 C. Cilantro {remove the large stems, wash and chop it a bit, and don't worry about packing too firmly}
6 oz. cup of PLAIN coconut yogurt {almond milk yogurt, etc. would also work}
1/4 Cup Oil {grapeseed, olive}
Juice of One Lime
Meat from 1/2 Avocado
1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper

To Make:
Combine the ingredients in your food processor or blender, and process thoroughly. You can also use a stick/immersion blender.
Taste the mixture for salt and pepper, and add more to your liking.
The dressing is best served immediately, but it will keep for a few days in your refrigerator if stored in an air-tight container.

Ridiculously Easy Grilled Chicken {gluten, dairy, and soy free}

When summer starts up, I have a hard time adjusting to the heat. Don't get me wrong! I love the summer weather! But my body protests for a couple of weeks.

Anyway. The end result of a protesting body is a mama who doesn't really have much of an appetite for anything but watermelon, and a husband and small boy who aren't too thrilled with that option. What's a girl to do? Easy. Make it easy.

I spend as little time as possible in the kitchen by putting as MUCH as possible on the grill. Then, that fabulous husband I mentioned works his magic, and dinner is served.

This chicken is so easy, it doesn't really need a proper recipe. Just follow these steps:

1. Select an appropriate number of chicken breasts for your family.
2. Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface, cover with plastic wrap, and then pound the pieces to less than an inch thick.
3. Working one side at a time, rub a touch of olive oil on the chicken, and then sprinkle with your choice of seasonings. These have chili powder, cumin, and a light sprinkle of salt on them.
4. Transfer the chicken to the grill, and keep an eye on 'em. Remember, thin chicken will cook quickly!

Pineapple Chili Chicken {gluten, dairy, soy free marinade}

In my past life, I was a huge marinade junkie. The pantry always housed a series of bottles with zippy titles, and grilled chicken frequented our menu. So many of those marinades contain soybean oil, or soy sauce, or... something off limits.

So what's a girl to do? Get creative, of course! Homemade marinades are so simple, don't cost much, and are much healthier. Ready to make some of your own?

You'll Need:
1/2 Cup Pineapple Juice {I used bottled, 100% pineapple juice}
1/2 Cup Orange Juice {roughly two medium oranges}
1/4 Cup Lime Juice {roughly two medium limes}
.1/2 Onion, diced
1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Cumin
Salt & Pepper

To Make:
Combine ingredients in a large, zip-top plastic bag.
Close the bag, and use your hands to smoosh the ingredients around a bit, breaking up any clumps of chili powder, etc..
Open the bag, being careful not to spill the contents, and add chicken breasts or thighs.
Reseal the bag, and place in the refrigerator for an hour or so.*
Discard 'used' marinade once you've placed your chicken on the grill.

*Be careful not to leave your chicken sitting for more than two or three hours. The pineapple juice in the marinade could potentially change the texture of your chicken over a longer period of time, making it inedible.

...and! It's giveaway day! The winner of the LARABAR stash is:

Samantha, send me a message! Congrats!

This recipe has been shared on... allergy friendly friday, Life as Mom, Gluten free Wednesday

Homemade {gluten free} Taco Seasoning

When this adventure began, I was really surprised to learn about some of the funky stuff lurking in taco seasoning. This is my recipe for a spice-only, easily-thrown-together, homemade taco seasoning.

You'll Need:
1/4 Cup Chili Powder
1 tsp. {each} Garlic Powder, Onion Powdered, Red Pepper Flakes, and Oregano
2 tsp. {each} Paprika and Cumin
1 Tbsp. {each} Salt and Pepper

To Make:
Combine ingredients in an air-tight container, shaking or stirring to combine.
Use like you would any other taco seasoning, mixing with a bit of water and simmering on the stove top.

I sometimes double this recipe, as it stores very well in an airtight container. Just like buying a big jar of seasoning from the store!