A Taco Walks into a Bar

Southwest Recipes 
by Virginia Stockwell

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 April Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Chicken Florentine Artichoke Bake: baked casserole of chicken, bow-tie pasta, artichoke, sun-dried tomato, chopped spinach, Monterey Jack and Parmesan
• Rosemary Lemon Shrimp + Asparagus Soup: shrimp sauteed with garlic, shallot, lemon, rosemary and white wine + pureed soup of roasted asparagus, sauteed leeks, garlic, potato and fresh chives
• Beef & Cheese Stuffed Shells: pasta shells stuffing with ground beef, ricotta and mozzarella then baked with marinara
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork + Curried Rice & Broccoli: crockpot shredded pork simmered 8 hours with orange, paprika, oregano, onion and cumin + basmati, broccoli, lime, currants, curry and cilantro
• Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto + Chickpea Feta Salad: ready-to-grill lamb loin chops marinated with orange, mint, thyme and garlic served with mint pesto + mixed greens, tomato, seasoned chickpeas, cucumber, feta and sherry vinaigrette
• Bison Burritos: seasoned ground bison, corn, Spanish rice, pinto beans and Monterey Jack ready to roll into flour tortillas
• Falafel Pockets: baked balls of chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic and cumin served stuffed into whole-wheat pita pockets with tzatziki, shredded Romaine and tomatoes
• Grilled Middle Eastern Chicken Thighs + Quinoa & Corn Salad: ready-to-grill chicken thighs marinated with Greek yogurt, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, lemon and garlic + mixed greens, quinoa, corn, red bell pepper, scallion, jalapeno, cilantro, avocado, pumpkin seeds, lime, olive oil and garlic
• Thai Chicken Salad: Romaine, sesame oil sautéed carrots and bell pepper, edamame, shredded chicken, Thai vinaigrette, crushed pita chips, peanut sauce, cashews and cilantro

• Chimichurri Salmon + Sesame Broccoli: salmon baked with parsley and garlic puree, cherry tomato, capers and golden raisins + broccoli florets sautéed with sesame oil, soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds

March Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Superfood Cobb Chicken Salad: thyme roasted mushrooms, baby kale, boiled egg, coconut oil sautéed chicken, avocado, tomato, and blue cheese dressing
• Shrimp Bowl: lime and oregano baked shrimp, diced avocado, roasted broccoli, quinoa and Italian dressing
• Beef Enchiladas: seasoned ground beef rolled in corn tortillas and baked with enchilada sauce, mild green chilies, sliced olives and Monterey Jack cheese
• Penne with Corn & Italian Sausage: penne, sautéed shallot, creamy mascarpone, Parmesan, Italian sausage, fresh basil and corn
• Lamb Shepherd’s Pie: ground lamb, carrot and celery casserole with mashed potato topping
• Turkey Lettuce Wraps: shredded carrot, cilantro and sesame dipping sauce served on lettuce leaves with filling of ground turkey, mushroom, scallion, soy sauce, garlic and water chestnuts
• Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl: roasted sweet potato, broccoli, kale, seasoned chickpeas, tahini sauce and teriyaki tofu
• Asian Grilled Chicken Salad: salad of Asian marinated, ready-to-grill boneless chicken breasts, shredded Romaine, rice noodles, cucumber, tomato, fresh mint and peanut garnish with carrot-ginger dressing
• Chicken Tikka Masala: chicken and peas simmered with tomato, yogurt, ginger, cilantro, Indian spices and cream served over basmati rice with side of naan
• Baked Salmon with Tzatziki + Green Beans with Lemon & Garlic: lemon and scallion baked salmon served with sauce of Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon, garlic and fresh mint + green beans sautéed with garlic, olive oil, lemon and fine sea salt

February Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Herb Baked Chicken Thighs + Mashed Cauliflower & Cheese: boneless chicken thighs baked with garlic, onion, paprika, oregano and thyme + steamed cauliflower mashed with roasted garlic, milk and cheddar
• Old Charleston Style Shrimp & Grits: shrimp, andouille sausage, bacon, bell fresh ground black pepper and garlic served over cheddar grits
• Bourbon Marinated Filet Mignon with Creamy Horseradish Sauce + Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese: ready-to-grill filet mignon in bourbon marinade served with sauce of sour cream, horseradish, Dijon, sea salt and white wine vinegar + mashed butternut squash, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, ricotta and elbow macaroni
• Honey-Mustard Pork Tenderloin + Caesar Salad: pork tenderloin baked with honey, Dijon, garlic, sea salt and lemon + Romaine, croutons, Parmesan and Caesar dressing
• Spiced Lamb & Rice: casserole of basmati, lamb shoulder, sautéed onion, golden raisins, walnuts, pomegranate seeds and fresh mint served with Greek yogurt
• Turkey Tacos: white flour tortillas, seasoned ground turkey, refried beans, shredded lettuce, grated Cheddar and salsa
• Chickpea Bolognese: chunky tomato sauce with chickpeas, carrot, celery, mushroom, garlic and spices served over linguine and optional Parmesan garnish
• Coconut Curry Thai Chicken: brown rice noodles, chicken, broccoli, roasted red peppers, chestnuts, scallion and coconut curry sauce
• Chicken Noodle Soup: chicken, egg noodles, onion, carrot, celery, garlic and thyme simmered in chicken broth
• Mexican Shrimp Salad: salad of Romaine, corn, black beans, cucumber, tomato, avocado, thyme and oregano baked shrimp with lime-cilantro vinaigrette and crushed tortilla chips

January Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Traditional Chicken Tacos: Mexican spiced chicken thighs shredded and served with sides of corn tortillas, lime wedges, cilantro, feta and pickled red onion
• Shrimp Fajitas: sauteed shrimp, bell pepper, mushroom and onion served with flour tortillas and salsa
• Lasagna with Spinach: layers of marinara, ground beef/turkey/bison (choose one), spinach, lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan
• Apple Stuffed Pork Loin Roast & Spinach Salad: pork loin stuffed with apple, fresh sage, dried cranberries, golden raisins and thyme + salad of spinach, toasted walnuts, apple, blue cheese, pomegranate seed and sherry vinaigrette
• Lamb Stew: lamb, carrot, potato, turnip, pearl onion and petit green peas stewed with red wine, beef stock and tomato
• Beef, Bison or Turkey Chili: ground beef/turkey/bison (choose one), green bell pepper, mushroom, onion, garlic cloves, tomato, cannellini and spices with garnishes of sour cream, chives and cheddar
• Dal over Coconut Cauliflower: lentils simmered with sauteed onion, garlic, jalapeno, cumin, ginger, garam masala and fire-roasted tomatoes served over coconut cauliflower
• Buttermilk Baked Chicken & Baked Potato Casserole: boneless chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and baked with panko + casserole of bacon, cheddar, sour cream, chives and potato
• Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard + Mac & Cheese: chicken cutlets baked with mustard, garlic cloves, panko, Parmesan and chives served with honey-mustard sauce + mac n cheese with Béchamel sauce, Gruyere, white cheddar and elbow pasta
• Lemon-Rosemary Salmon + Spinach Pesto, Peas & Pasta: ready-to-bake salmon with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, rosemary, lemon, mirin and capers + whole-wheat spiral pasta, spinach pesto and petit green peas

December Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• White Chicken Chili: ground chicken, cannellini, baby spinach, green and yellow bell pepper, cilantro, scallion, fresh rosemary, oregano, basil, cumin, garlic, leek and celery
• Butternut Squash & Seafood Curry: butternut squash, shrimp, salmon and spinach in a red curry coconut sauce served over jasmine rice
• Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions: ground beef, onion, thyme and Worcestershire loaf with tomato sauce topping + Yukon Golds mashed with coconut milk, chives and caramelized onions
• Baked Spinach & Ziti: baked casserole of ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara, spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan and ziti
• Lamb & Winter Squash: ground lamb, spaghetti squash, cinnamon baked butternut squash, sautéed onion, cumin, ginger and curry
• Sloppy Joes & Maple-Roasted Squash, Arugula & Feta Salad: loose burger of ground turkey, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, pinto beans, tomato sauce and spices served on whole-wheat burger buns + salad of arugula, pumpkin seeds, maple roasted butternut squash, and feta dressing
• Chickpea Pot Pie: casserole of celery, green beans, peas, potato, carrot, chickpeas and corn baked in a pie crust
• Chicken Patties & Artichoke & Leek Soup: ready-to-bake patties of ground chicken, onion and curry spices + creamy pureed soup of sauteed leek, garlic, artichoke hearts, russet potato, thyme and lemon
• Chicken Pot Roast:  bone-in chicken breasts baked with carrots, celery, pearl onions and fingerling potatoes in white wine, fresh thyme, parsley and bay leaf

• Asian Marinated Tuna Steaks & Brown Rice Pilaf: seared tuna marinated with soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, lime and orange + brown rice, caramelized onions, petit green peas, pecans, pumpkin seeds, scallion, carrot and ginger

November Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Lasagna Soup: chunky soup of ground beef, mushroom, tomato, lasagna noodles and spinach
• Shrimp Fried Rice: peanut oil stir-fried brown rice, teriyaki shrimp, petit green peas, carrot, sauteed onion and scrambled egg
• Italian Sausage Soup: Italian sausage, onion, garlic cloves, oregano, basil, thyme, kale and sweet potato cooked in a coconut milk broth
• Kung Pao Chicken: stir fry of Asian-marinated chicken, carrot, onion, chestnuts, broccoli, ginger, garlic cloves, scallion and peanuts served over brown rice
• Lamb Stew: lamb, carrot, potato, turnip, pearl onion and petit green peas stewed in red wine, beef stock and tomatoes
• Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: ground turkey breast, carrot, mushroom, thyme, corn and peas baked with mashed Yukon Gold and cauliflower topping
• Split Pea Dal: split peas simmered with sauteed onion, garlic cloves, ginger, Indian spices, tomato and cilantro served over coconut cauliflower
• Chicken Piccata + Romaine Salad: sautéed chicken cutlets served in reduction of shallot, garlic cloves, white wine, capers and lemon with parsley and Parmesan garnish + salad of shredded Romaine, cucumber, tomato and carrot with choice of dressing (Italian, ranch, blue cheese or sherry vinaigrette)
• Chicken Pot Pie: shredded chicken, onion, carrot, celery, russet potato and petit green peas cooked in a pie crust
• Salmon Patties + Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts: ready-to-bake patties of salmon, scallion, capers, lemon and Old Bay + Brussels sprouts roasted with oregano, rosemary, thyme and basil

Thanksgiving Recipes

As a full-time personal chef, these Thanksgiving recipes have been tested dozens, some hundreds of times, then finalized to perfection based on feedback received from my clients. That doesn't mean, however, that you can't put your own spin on it and turn it into something your family will request again and again. Enjoy!

• Savory Mushroom Gravy: wild mushrooms, garlic, onion, sage and thyme
• Chicken Gravy: chicken stock, cornstarch, salt and pepper gravy

October Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Italian Wedding Soup: 
  meatballs of ground chicken, chicken sausage, garlic clove, parsley and Parmesan in chicken broth with minced onion, carrot, celery, baby spinach, fresh dill and orzo
• Salmon Caesar Salad: Romaine, herbed croutons, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing with poached salmon 
• Steak Burritos: spice-rubbed flank steak, Spanish rice, pinto beans and Monterey Jack ready to roll into flour tortillas with sides of avocado and sour cream
• Pork Fried Rice: peanut oil stir-fried brown rice, teriyaki pork, petit green peas, diced carrots, sauteed onion and scrambled egg
• Moroccan Chickpea & Lamb Soup: sautéed onion, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, smoked paprika, fire-roasted tomato, chickpeas, cannellini beans, ground lamb and spinach soup
• Mexican Lasagna: casserole of ground turkey, salsa, black beans, corn, sour cream, Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses layered with corn tortillas
• Chickpea Chili: chili of kidney beans, chickpeas, tomato, red bell pepper, zucchini, dill, fennel, oregano, chili powder, cumin, basil and parsley
• Walnut Crusted Chicken Breasts + Spinach Gratin: boneless chicken breasts baked with crust of panko, Grated Parmesan block, walnuts, parsley, garlic clove and thyme + chopped spinach in a creamy Grated Parmesan block and Gruyere sauce
• Chicken Soft Tacos: white flour tortillas, seasoned chicken, shredded lettuce, grated Cheddar and ranch dressing
• Coconut-Crusted Shrimp + Couscous Salad: coconut and panko crusted baked shrimp + salad of couscous, lemon-Dijon dressing, fresh mint, peas, pistachios and feta

September Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Chicken Parmigiana: breaded chicken cutlets baked with marinara, mozzarella and Parmesan served over spaghetti pasta
• Lemon & Herb Baked Cod + Sweet Potato, Kale & Quinoa Salad: cod filets baked with herbed butter and lemon + garlic, onion, and oregano roasted sweet potatoes with quinoa, kale, dried cranberries and red wine vinaigrette
• Steak Salad: grilled spice rubbed steak (choose flank steak or filet mignon) over salad of arugula, green beans, broccoli, cucumber, tomato, Gorgonzola and dressing (choose red wine vinaigrette or ranch dressing)
• Curried Pork Tenderloin + Sesame Bok Choy: baked pork tenderloin with a sweet curry rub + bok choy sautéed with sesame oil, soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds
• Lamb Burgers with Mint Pesto + Cucumber & Tomato Salad: grilled patties of ground lamb, cumin, cinnamon, fresh mint and parsley served with mint pesto + cherry tomato, English cucumber, lemon, oregano, fine sea salt and olive oil
• Taco Turkey Nachos: baked skillet of ground turkey, zucchini, red bell pepper, poblano, taco spices, avocado, cilantro, jalapeno, sour cream and cheddar served with corn tortilla chips
• Falafel Burger & Sweet Potato Fries: baked patties of chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic cloves and cumin served with whole-wheat burger buns, tzatziki, Romaine and sliced tomato + sweet potato wedges baked with cumin, coriander, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, olive oil and sea salt
• Basil Pesto Chicken + Mediterranean Orzo Salad: boneless chicken breasts dipped in basil pesto and panko then baked + salad of orzo, tomato, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, feta, parsley, lemon, garlic, olive oil, sea salt and black pepper
• Turkey Stuffed Shells: ground turkey, sun-dried tomato, spinach, ricotta and Parmesan stuffed pasta shells baked with marinara and mozzarella
•  Shrimp Fra Diavolo: garlic and herb sautéed shrimp simmered with tomato, spinach, parsley, fresh basil and shrimp stock then served over whole-wheat linguine

August Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Chicken Gyros: whole-wheat pita pockets served with sides of Mediterranean spiced chicken, caramelized onions, tzatziki, shredded lettuce and chopped tomato
• Spinach & Curry Chicken Salad: poached chicken, curry dressing, sliced almonds, coconut flakes, Granny Smith, cilantro, celery, golden raisins, carrot and baby spinach
• Grilled Lemon Chicken + Mexican Street Corn: ready-to-grill boneless chicken breasts marinated with lemon, garlic, cumin, coriander and sea salt + fresh corn cut off the cob, feta, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime and chili powder
• Sweet & Spicy Shrimp Tacos: spice-baked shrimp, cucumber-avocado salsa, refried beans and flour tortillas
• Pistachio-Crusted Cod + Spinach & Strawberry Salad: baked pistachio, panko, Parmesan and Dijon crusted cod + baby spinach, strawberries, feta, toasted almonds and sherry vinaigrette
• Grilled Hawaiian Flank Steak + Tabbouleh: ready-to-grill flank steak marinated with pineapple, ginger, soy sauce, garlic and scallion + salad of bulgur, fresh mint, parsley, lemon, cucumber, tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper
• Grilled Herb Marinated Pork Chops + Herb Roasted Potatoes & Peas: ready-to-grill bone-in pork chops marinated with balsamic, fresh mint, rosemary and Dijon + Yukon Gold potatoes, petit green peas, paprika, parsley, scallions, garlic and lemon
• Greek Salad with Lamb Meatballs: arugula, cucumber, tomato, olive, feta, lamb meatballs and Greek dressing
• Mexican Turkey Burgers: ready-to-grill patties of seasoned ground turkey and cheddar served on whole-wheat burger buns with guacamole, chips and ready-to-grill corn on the cob
• Quinoa Taco Salad: salad of quinoa, cilantro, black beans, tomato, avocado, feta, Romaine and lime dressing

 July Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Grilled Chicken with Peanut Sauce + Mediterranean Salad: ready-to-grill chicken in curry yogurt marinade served with peanut dipping sauce + baby spinach, tomato, bell black pepper, cucumber, seasoned garbanzo beans, fresh mint and sherry vinaigrette
• Crab Cakes Lemon & Herb Potato & Pea Salad: jumbo crabmeat, red bell pepper, panko, Old Bay, lemon, Dijon and Worcestershire + red potato, petit green peas, lemon and fresh herb dressing
• Beef Taco Salad: salad of Romaine, ground beef, tomato, corn, pepper Jack cheese, avocado, salsa, ranch dressing and crushed tortilla chips
• Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glaze + Spinach, Quinoa & Chickpea Salad: pork tenderloin baked with an apricot-ginger glaze + salad of fresh spinach, quinoa, grated carrot, dried cranberries, chickpeas, edamame, pumpkin seeds and carrot-miso ginger dressing
• Mediterranean Meatballs + Orzo Stuffed Tomatoes: ground lamb and beef meatballs with chives, cilantro, pine nuts, currants, dates, cumin and cinnamon + orzo, golden raisins, feta, scallion, cucumber, toasted pine nuts, parsley and lemon juice stuffed into large tomatoes
• Black Bean & Sweet Potato Quesadillas: flour tortilla with filling of mashed sweet potato, seasoned black beans, Monterey Jack cheese and baby spinach
• Ginger-Sesame Baked Tofu + Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad: tofu baked with soy sauce, lime, ginger, sesame oil and garlic + salad of mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette
• Southwest Chicken Salad: Romaine, sautéed chicken, lime-cilantro dressing, corn, pinto beans, tomato and hearts of palm
• Grilled Chicken Caesar: grilled lemon and garlic marinated chicken served over Romaine, croutons and Caesar dressing
• Salmon Tostadas: corn tortillas served with baked salmon, seasoned black beans, papaya salsa, and shredded cabbage mixed with cilantro-lime dressing

 June Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Summer Chicken Salad: salad of spinach, corn, cucumber, avocado, tomato, feta, black beans, shredded chicken and herb vinaigrette
• Tarragon & Dijon Cod + Roasted Potatoes & Peas with Fresh Herbs: baked cod with lemon, Dijon, thyme, tarragon and cloves + Yukon Gold potatoes, petit green peas, paprika, parsley, scallions, cloves and lemon
• Grilled Flank Steak with Summer Corn Salad: grilled seasoned flank steak served with salad of tomato, cucumber, cilantro, lime, avocado and corn over baby kale
• Pork Kebabs + Summer Salad with Buttermilk Avocado Dressing: grilled skewers of country-style pork marinated with lemon, garlic, ginger, oregano, paprika, coriander and cayenne + salad of arugula, corn, edamame, bacon, blue cheese and buttermilk avocado dressing
• Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Raita + Greek Quinoa Salad: grilled skewers of ground lamb, parsley, fresh mint, cilantro, lemon and garlic served with sauce of Greek yogurt, cucumber and mint + salad of quinoa, tomato, scallion, cucumber, pickled cherry poppers, Kalamata olives, feta, oregano, garlic and lemon vinaigrette
• Turkey Pita Pockets: mini patties of seasoned ground turkey stuffed into whole-wheat pita pockets with tzatziki, shredded Romaine and chopped tomato
• Vegetable Fajitas: sauteed bell pepper, mushroom and onion served with flour tortillas, refried beans and salsa
• Herb Rubbed Chicken with Pineapple Salsa + Zucchini Soup: baked herb rubbed boneless chicken breasts topped with pineapple salsa + pureed soup of sauteed onion and garlic, zucchini, lemon and fresh herbs
• Chicken Enchiladas Verde: chicken, verde sauce, grated carrot and zucchini rolled in corn tortillas and baked with feta garnish
• Salmon Summer Salad: citrus-baked salmon served over salad of mixed greens, fresh peaches, blueberries, sunflower seeds, blue cheese and sherry vinaigrette

 May Recipes

10 Healthy Weeknight Dinners

• Taiwan Chicken & Broccoli: chicken thighs simmered with garlic cloves, ginger, mirin, soy sauce or similar substitute, scallion, Thai basil and sesame oil served with steamed broccoli
• Tuna Niçoise: mixed green salad with tomato, potato, green beans, hardboiled eggs, niçoise olives, capers, sliced tuna and herb dressing
• Short Rib Tacos: slow roasted beef short rib and Mexican spices shredded and served with sides of fried corn tortillas, lime wedges, cilantro, feta and pickled red onion
• Farro with Asparagus, Bacon & Peas: creamy farro with asparagus, garlic, petit green peas, fresh tarragon, Parmesan, crispy bacon, chives and lemon
• Lamb & Spinach: slow cooked lamb shoulder and spinach simmered with onion, ginger and Indian spices served with warm naan
• Sweet & Sour Turkey Meatballs + Fresh Berry & Spinach Salad: ground turkey meatballs in a pineapple vinegar sauce + salad of spinach, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pecans, goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette
• Mango Tofu Curry: green beans, zucchini, red bell pepper, mango and tofu in a red curry coconut sauce served over brown rice
• Chicken Cobb Salad: Romaine, baked chicken, boiled egg, avocado, blue cheese, bacon, tomato and sherry vinaigrette
• Grilled Chicken Fajitas: marinated grilled boneless chicken breast, bell peppers and onions served with sides of flour tortillas, guacamole and chips
• Hawaiian Salmon: baked salmon marinated with pineapple, ginger, soy sauce, garlic and scallion + arugula, apple, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, blue cheese, orange vinaigrette and bacon bits