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Dijon French Lentils

February 2, 2016 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

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One of my favorite winter comfort dishes is French lentils. The recipe only takes about 10-15 minutes to make, and it uses ingredients that you most likely have in your pantry already. I’m also slightly anemic, so it’s a great alternative to red meat if I feel like I’m low on iron and it’s just as hearty.

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Ingredients
  • ½ package Trader Joe’s steamed lentils (or 1 cup French puy lentils, cooked and drained)
  • 3 handfuls of kale, roughly chopped
  • 2 large carrots, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced and finely chopped
  • 2 tbs Oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 3 tbs Red Wine Vinegar
  • ¼ cup Olive oil
  • 4 tsp Dijon Mustard
Instructions
  1. Sautee chopped onion, carrots, garlic, and oregano in olive oil for 2 minutes or until translucent.
  2. Add kale and 3 tablespoons of water. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, covered.
  3. Add lentils and ¼ cup water. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until water has evaporated and lentils are al dente. If needed, add additional water and repeat until lentils and kale have softened.
  4. While lentils are cooking, make dressing by combining vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil and set aside.
  5. Remove lentils from heat. Pour over dressing and serve. Note: Add dressing slowly—you’ll want to use enough to add flavor to the lentils but not too much so that they become soggy.
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Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Recipe, Vegetarian

(Lightened Up) Deviled Eggs

December 25, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

 

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Looking for an easy last minute app for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties?

I love deviled eggs, but wanted to make a lighter version that uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. I also used this mustard that my boyfriend brought us for Christmas–it’s so delicious! Enjoy, and Merry Christmas to you and your families!  🙂

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(Lightened Up) Deviled Eggs
 
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Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
10 mins
Total time
20 mins
 
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 1 dozen eggs
  • ¼ cup light mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 3 tbs. fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tbs. fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tbs. mustard
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tbs. paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
  1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks from one dozen eggs, setting aside in a small bowl, and place whites onto a serving platter.
  2. Combine egg yolks and all other ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  3. Scoop yolk mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe mixture into hollows. Garnish with dill, parsley, and/or paprika. Serve immediately or let chill.
  4. For perfect hard boiled eggs: Add one dozen eggs to boiling water and reduce to a low simmer. Let sit for 10 minutes and transfer eggs to ice water bath. Let sit for 5 more minutes until cool, peeling shell off of eggs. Ideally, try to peel eggs while still slightly warm and the shell should come off easily.
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Filed Under: Recipe, Snacks/Sides, Uncategorized, Vegetarian

Strawberry, Mint, and Goat Cheese Salad

October 8, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

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Lately I’ve been on a huge goat cheese kick. The soft, buttery texture is so versatile (recipe for my favorite beet and goat cheese appetizer coming soon!) and it’s so effortlessly classic and elegant. Since strawberries are turning out of season as we transition into fall, I thought I’d share one of my absolute favorite salad recipes to help you guys take advantage of this wonderful end-of-summer produce! This dish is great as a side or makes for an amazing quick office lunch with some chicken or salmon thrown in.

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Strawberry, Mint, and Goat Cheese Salad
 
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Recipe type: Salad
Ingredients
  • 5 cups of spinach
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tbs freshly chopped mint
  • 3 oz soft goat cheese
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 tbs chopped garlic
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ cup olive oil
Instructions
  1. For the salad: Gently toss spinach, strawberries, almonds, and mint in a large bowl. Crumble goat cheese over salad, and pour over balsamic vinaigrette to taste. Serve within 1-2 hours of preparation.
  2. For the dressing: Whisk all ingredients except for olive oil together in a small bowl until salt is dissolved. Slowly pour olive oil until fully combined.
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Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Recipe, Vegetarian

Heirloom Tomato & Stone Fruit Caprese Salad

August 18, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

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I’ve always been one for the classics (this may well explain my obsession with anything from the Barefoot Contessa!). but sometimes it’s also fun to mix it up a little bit.

In the summertime I’m always looking for quick, no-bake dishes with my farm share produce. It’s so simple but it’s truly a testament to that fact that a few fresh, seasonal ingredients can go a long way! Great food doesn’t have to be super fancy or high end. and it definitely doesn’t have to be difficult to put together. As my dear friend Ina always says, how easy is that? 

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Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Recipe, Uncategorized, Vegetarian

Thin Mint Smoothie

June 9, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

Now that summer has officially begun and it’s starting to warm up, it’s all about the smoothies! This smoothie is based on one of my favorite ice cream flavors, mint chocolate chip, but I’ve made a totally guilt-free version for you to enjoy for a refreshing summer treat.

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This one is totally vegan (don’t let that scare you!) with over 25 grams of protein.  Most importantly, it really does taste like the real thing! YUM!

First, chop up fresh mint with stems removed (substitute 1 tsp peppermint extract if you don’t have any on hand)

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Add to your blender along with unsweetened almond milk, protein powder, and spinach. I used a NutriBullet, which gives it a thick, creamy consistency that makes it feel extra decadent.

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Throw in your favorite glass with a sprinkle of cacao nibs  or mint for garnish, relax, and enjoy!  Wishing you and your loved ones a beautiful Memorial Day outside in this beautiful sunshine!

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Thin Mint Smoothie
 
Save Print
Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
1 min
Total time
6 mins
 
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 serving vanilla protein powder (Note: Try to use one on the sweeter side since this recipe doesn't use added sweetener)
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup ice
  • ½ cup mint, finely chopped
  • ½ banana
  • 2 generous handfuls of spinach
  • 2 tbs cacao nibs
Instructions
  1. Add ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
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Filed Under: Paleo, Recipe, Sweet Treats, Vegetarian

Modified Mexican

June 6, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

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Having recently returned from an amazing trip to LA, I’ve always had a love of Mexican food (or anything with avocado on it, really). So when I first read about this recipe  for raw vegan tacos on one of my favorite plant-based blogs, My New Roots, I was definitely intrigued, although a little skeptical–no cheese? No guac?! Rather than using tortillas, the recipes uses swiss chard wraps, rather meat it uses a surprisingly hearty spiced walnut base, and rather than using cheese  it uses a super smooth and creamy “cashew” sour cream. The result is a heart-healthy, low carb, yet filling meal that offers a huge boost of Omega 3’s for

Fortunately, I’ve done all the tasting work for you (don’t worry, it was my first time having raw vegan too) and can attest that these are hands down one of the BEST meals I’ve ever had. This dish is so wonderfully colorful and festive, but even better it’s so packed with flavor that you won’t even notice that it doesn’t use the traditional ingredients. The walnut base is surprisingly hearty, the zesty pepper salsa adds the perfect bit of crunch, and the creamy avocado and sour cream on top made it absolutely heavenly.

If you’re looking for cooking inspiration and want to try something a little different and extra nourishing, THIS is it. Happy cooking!

First, you’ll need to do a little chopping prep to make the tacos easy to assemble and to add that extra kick of rich flavor.

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Once your veggies are all set (look at that gorgeous color!), toss with lime juice and set aside.

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Rinse your chard leaves (kale, spinach leaves, or bibb lettuce would all work here) and pat dry. Meanwhile, prep your walnut mix, and blend together cashews, water, and vinegar together to make your “sour cream.” Adding more water will give you a thinner sauce that you can drizzle on top.

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Once all three components have been prepared, spoon walnut mix onto your wrap and add your desired amount of salsa on top. Add avocado, sour cream, and lime juice to taste. Enjoy!

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Note: Follow this link for the full recipe.

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Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Paleo, Uncategorized, Vegetarian

Sesame Kale Chips

May 20, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

I don’ know about you, but I love snacking. Here’s one of my favorites–baked sesame kale chips–that takes under  5 minutes to prepare and is perfect after a long day at work when you don’t want to spend  all night in the kitchen!

Here’s the before:

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…And the after. Viola!

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Sesame Kale Chips
 
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Prep time
3 mins
Cook time
20 mins
Total time
23 mins
 
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch kale
  • 2 tsp olive/sesame/coconut oil
  • 1 tbs soy sauce
  • A handful of sesame seeds
Instructions
  1. Rinse kale, tear into bite-size pieces, and pat dry. Set out for 20 minutes or until leaves are mostly dry (this is very important, since otherwise you'll have soggy chips)!.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees farenheit
  3. Transfer kale to lined baking sheet and toss with olive oil and soy sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and place in the oven.
  4. After five minutes, flip kale pieces with a spatula. Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Note: I prefer my kale chips to be less crunchy, so experiment with your own cooking time. Have fun with it!
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Filed Under: Paleo, Recipe, Snacks/Sides, Vegetarian

Kale and Mango Salad: How to Win Over even the Biggest Kale Critic

April 30, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

I have a confession. When I first tried kale, I thought it was revolting. Not what you were expecting from a health blogger, right?

I vividly remember going to the market and being baffled by all the varieties of kale: curly kale, lacianto kale, red Russian kale, etc.  I tried a simple saute with some lemon and garlic, hoping to like it because it had been so overhyped, but when I finally tried it was bitter and tart (more on the correct way to do this coming soon).

Enter: Kale and mango salad.

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I’ve tried many variations since, and this is consistently the winner, especially for those of you kale critics out there. Start with a chilled mango, loosely chopped into 1-inch cubes.

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Now, roughly chop your kale, give it a quick rinse, and tap it dry to make sure that it doesn’t become too soggy.

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Now, here’s the BIG secret behind kale, and don’t laugh!  You actually have to have massage the kale for 3-4 minutes in a bit of lemon juice and olive oil, which gives it a vibrant green color and a softer, sweeter texture that makes it much more like mesclun mix or spinach.

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Set aside while making a quick lemon and honey dressing….

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And voila!

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Still a skeptic? Experiment, play with it! With the tartness of the lemon honey dressing and the kale and sweetness of the mango, I promise you can’t go wrong.  This recipe is my go-to and a favorite amongst my friends- in fact, it comes out for pretty much every picnic and beach trip all summer long.

Kale and Mango Salad
 
Save Print
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
5 mins
Total time
15 mins
 
Author: Amy
Recipe type: Salad
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch curly kale
  • 1 mango, diced into 1” cubes
  • Dressing:
  • Juice of one lemon
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional: Small handful toasted pepitas ( pumpkin seeds)
  • TIP: Choose your honey wisely
  • Raw honey is preferable, and even better if it’s local. Raw honey is less pasteurized than what you’ll find in the store and contains more of the benefits of honey. Local raw honey is especially wonderful because it contains pollen specific to your area, so it can actually help with seasonal pollen allergies. Talk about a bonus!
Instructions
  1. In large serving bowl, add the kale, half of lemon juice, a drizzle of oil and a little kosher salt. Massage until the kale starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside while you make the dressing.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk remaining lemon juice with the honey and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stream in the ¼ cup of oil while whisking until a dressing forms, and you like how it tastes.
  3. Pour the dressing over the kale, and add the mango and pepitas. Toss and serve.
  4. Per Serving: Calories 269; Total Fat 17 grams; Saturated Fat 2.5 grams; Protein 6 grams; Total Carbohydrate 28 grams; Sugar: 14 grams; Fiber 4 grams; Cholesterol 0 milligrams; Sodium 170 milligrams
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Filed Under: Dinner, Lunch, Paleo, Recipe, Vegetarian

Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs and Herb Roasted Tomatoes

April 25, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

During the week, my go-to breakfast is always eggs and avocado toast on Ezekiel flaxseed bread.  I don’t know about you, but I feel like being in the office always makes me feel so hungry and it’s just enough to keep you feeling full until lunch. If  you haven’t heard of Ezekiel, definitely check it out–I love their sprouted grain flaxseed bread because it’s this amazing, tasty bread that also happens to be very high and fiber and uses no refined sugar or flour, only sprouted certified organic grains. How amazing is that?

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But on the weekend, I think it’s time for an upgrade.  Today I’m sharing one of my favorite Sunday breakfasts, avocado toast with poached eggs and slow-roasted herb tomatoes. It’s quick, simple, and delicious, and packed with fresh flavor.

A few insider tips: Poached eggs take a little bit more effort to make, but the secret ingredient that all chefs use is actually vinegar, which helps keep everything together. I also loved the idea of roasted tomatoes, because cooking them helps to enhance release of the phytochemical lcyopene that has powerful antioxidant properties to boost your health. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!

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Here’s the before….

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And the after.

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Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs and Herb Roasted Tomatoes
 
Save Print
Prep time
3 mins
Cook time
25 mins
Total time
28 mins
 
Author: Amy
Recipe type: Breakfast
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbs Herves de Provence
  • 1 tbs distilled white vinegar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 slice Ezekial flaxseed bread, toasted
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 generous handful of spinach
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse tomatoes and toss with olive oil and herbes de provence in a lined baking dish. Roast for 25 minutes.
  2. While the tomatoes are roasting, add salt and vinegar to a shallow pan and bring to a boil. Using a spoon, carefully stir the water in a clockwise direction to create a small current. Carefully crack egg in the center of your "whirlpool" and cook for 5 minutes or until fully poached. Remove with a slotted spoon and place onto a paper towel to remove excess water.
  3. Lay thin slices of avocado on top of toast, followed by poached egg and tomatoes to taste. Serve on a bed of spinach or your leafy green of choice.
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Filed Under: Breakfast, Recipe, Vegetarian

Spring Green Smoothie

April 7, 2015 by The Sunny Side Up Recipes Leave a Comment

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One of my favorite parts of spring is the range of produce that becomes available as the East Coast gets warmer (cue sun dresses, rooftop evenings, and beach getaways)! My roommate recently bought a new blender in an effort to up her nutrition regimen, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start out my first blog post. Bon appetit!
Green Smoothie
 
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Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
1 min
Total time
6 mins
 
I love green smoothies because they're fresh, light, and perfect for those on-the-go mornings when you need something quick. Bonus: You can't taste the spinach, so you're getting a third of your vegetables in for the day without even thinking about it! No brainer!
Author: Amy C.
Recipe type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
  • 1 banana
  • 2 heaping handfuls of fresh spinach
  • ¾ cup vanilla almond milk
  • 1 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 Tbsp almond butter (PB2 is a great low-fat alternative)
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 dash of cinnamon
  • Note: You can substitute spinach for virtually any other leafy green (kale, dandelion greens, swiss chard) but make sure to remove the stems since they're a bit bitter. If you're feeling adventurous, ginger, bee pollen, and spriulina are all fun add-ins!
Instructions
  1. Blend until creamy, and enjoy! For a creamier consistency, add extra banana and spinach. For a lighter punch, add extra almond milk. Serve immediately- it's best when fresh, but you can keep it for up to one day in the fridge!
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Filed Under: Breakfast, Paleo, Recipe, Uncategorized, Vegetarian

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Hello! Welcome to The Sunny Side Up, your guide to clean, fresh, and easy to make recipes! Here you’ll find quick and nutritious recipes to make you feel and look your best. I hope you enjoy browsing my site! Read More…

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