Fresh, Nourishing Dishes to Inspire Your Everyday Cooking
After such a fun response to the first Food Lately post, I knew I had to keep the series going. I love sharing what I cook, not just to give ideas but to show that eating healthy, nourishing meals doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or pleasure. Quite the opposite.
My meals are all about balance—plenty of veggies, colorful ingredients, and flavors that feel good in the body. This week was packed with bowls (my forever favorite), summer salads, and easy homemade toppings that elevate any dish. Nothing too fussy, always made with intention. Here’s what was on the menu this week in my kitchen:
🍔 Dinner: Burger Bowl
A lighter twist on a classic burger, served in bowl form—fresh, satisfying, and loaded with flavor.
What’s inside: Cooked minced veal (so juicy), romaine and Boston lettuce, sliced tomato, creamy avocado, roasted bell peppers, and caramelized onions for sweetness.
Dressing magic: A mix of buffalo truffle sauce from TRUFF, Graza drizzle olive oil, yellow mustard, Maldon salt, and fresh lemon juice.
Nutritional notes: High-protein, low-carb, and rich in healthy fats—this bowl hits all the cravings while keeping it light and clean.
🥗 Lunch: Savory Nicoise-Inspired Salad
A fridge-foraged, flavor-packed salad made from leftovers but turned into something special.
What’s inside: Romaine and Boston lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies (hello, omega-3s!), steamed green beans, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Dressing: Honey mustard with a splash of strawberry live vinegar for a tart, slightly sweet kick.
Crouton highlight: Made with homemade sourdough bread from a friend (bless her), crisped up to golden perfection.
Gut-friendly boost: Fermented vinegar + fiber + protein = the perfect balance for digestion and satisfaction.
🍣 Dinner: Salmon Sushi Bowl
This one is basically summer in a bowl. Bright, fresh, and layered with flavor.
Base: Fluffy sushi rice.
Salmon: Cubed and marinated in tamari, hot honey, garlic powder, and lemon zest—then air-fried until golden and juicy.
Toppings: Mango, avocado, radish, green onion, shredded ribbon carrot, nori sheets, and edamame.
Dressing: A citrusy blend of orange juice, lime juice, tamari, and rice vinegar—zippy, salty, and slightly sweet.
Nutritional notes: Rich in omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants. A complete meal that’s also energizing and light.
🍑 Lunch: Peach & Heirloom Tomato Salad + Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs
This lunch felt like a Mediterranean vacation on a plate—simple, sunny, and deeply satisfying.
Salad: Juicy heirloom tomatoes and ripe peaches layered with creamy fresh mozzarella. On the side: roasted asparagus with lemon zest, gluten-free panko, and pistachio crumbs.
Crunchy topping: A mix of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chives, Graza olive oil, and GF panko. Salty, herby, nutty perfection.
Turkey meatballs: Ground turkey mixed with egg and the same salad topping blend, rolled into small balls, coated in gluten-free panko, and air-fried until crispy and golden.
Nutritional notes: High-protein, fiber-rich, and full of heart-healthy fats. These meatballs are a new favorite—flavorful, light, and versatile.
🧇 Breakfast: Oatmeal Waffles with Compote & Yogurt
Weekend brunch vibes, but make it weekday doable.
Base: Oatmeal waffles—crispy on the outside, tender inside.
Homemade toppings:
- Apple compote
- Guava + peach compote
- Greek yogurt mixed with almond butter
Fresh fruit: Cherries, grapes, clementines, and blackberries—colorful and antioxidant-rich.
Why it’s worth it: Full of fiber and natural sweetness, this breakfast keeps you full and grounded without the crash.
Why I Cook This Way
I’ve cooked for years, so I know exactly what makes me feel good—and what doesn’t. I love going out to restaurants and indulging, but when I cook at home, it’s about nourishment. I want to feel energized, satisfied, and balanced after a meal.
Cooking this way also helps reduce waste. I prep fresh ingredients at the beginning of the week—washed greens, cut fruits, visible veggies—and then build meals around what’s in season, what’s left, and what inspires me.
“Food Lately” is Here to Stay
When you see Food Lately in the title, expect real meals I actually make, eat, and love. No fancy frills—just ideas, inspiration, and recipes that work for busy weeks, food-loving hearts, and families that like flavor.
Next week, I’ll share more of what’s on my plate. Until then, I hope you find a few ideas in this list to try for yourself. And remember—food that feels good can also taste incredible. You don’t have to choose between the two.
I'll have what she's having 
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