Vibrant Za’atar Chickpea Salad: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

A vibrant, herb-packed chickpea salad infused with zesty Za’atar and a garlic-lime vinaigrette—fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious!

Vibrant Za’atar Chickpea Salad

This Vibrant Za’atar Chickpea Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that brings the bold, aromatic essence of the Mediterranean straight to your table. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, zesty red onion, and hearty chickpeas creates the perfect balance of textures, while the generous handfuls of fresh parsley and dill add a bright, herbaceous touch. But what truly sets this salad apart is the Za’atar spice blend—a fragrant mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds that infuses every bite with a warm, tangy depth of flavor. Paired with a simple yet zesty garlic-lime vinaigrette, this salad is an absolute delight for the senses.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a refreshing meal prep option for the week ahead. Hosting a gathering? This salad makes a fantastic addition to a Mediterranean-inspired spread alongside hummus, pita, and grilled meats. It’s also great for picnics, potlucks, and BBQs, as it holds up well and only gets better as the flavors meld. Whether you're looking for a nutritious weekday meal or a vibrant dish to impress guests, this salad has you covered.

Aside from its incredible taste, this salad is quick and easy to prepare using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Chickpeas provide a satisfying protein boost, while fresh veggies and herbs keep things light and refreshing. With just a few minutes of chopping and whisking, you can have this dish ready in no time—no complicated steps, no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe proves that healthy, delicious food can be both effortless and exciting. So, grab your ingredients, sprinkle in some Za’atar magic, and enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce:

• Roma tomatoes
• English cucumber
• Red onion
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh dill
• Garlic cloves
• Lime

Pantry Staples:

• Canned chickpeas
• Za’atar spice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt & pepper

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Za’atar Spice Substitutes:  Mix of dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac (if sumac is unavailable, try lemon zest for tang) or Italian seasoning + sesame seeds + a dash of lemon zest

• Roma Tomatoes Substitutes:  Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or Heirloom tomatoes for a juicier, more colorful option

• English Cucumber Substitutes:  Persian cucumbers for a similar mild flavor or Regular cucumbers (peeled and deseeded to reduce bitterness)

• Chickpeas Substitutes:  

  White beans (cannellini or great northern) for a softer texture

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• For the Best Flavor, Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10–15 minutes after adding the dressing. This helps the Za’atar spice and vinaigrette soak into the chickpeas and veggies, enhancing the flavor.

• Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Freshness: Fresh parsley and dill are key to the salad’s vibrant taste.

• Rinse & Drain Chickpeas Well:  Canned chickpeas should be rinsed thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium and any canned taste. Patting them dry will help them absorb the flavors better.

• Make It a Meal:  Turn this salad into a full meal by serving it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also stuff it into pita bread or serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous for added heartiness.

• Store Leftovers Smartly:  This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container.

• All about Za'atar:  this spice mix is a mixture of sumac, sesame seed & herbs used throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean. Sprinkle it on vegetables, salads, and more!

     EQUIPMENT YOU MAY NEED     

• Cutting Board – For chopping the veggies and herbs.
• Sharp Knife – To dice tomatoes, cucumbers, and slice onions evenly.
• Mixing Bowl – A large bowl to toss the salad ingredients together.
• Whisk  – For mixing the dressing smoothly.
• Citrus Juicer (Optional) – To easily extract fresh lime juice.
• Colander or Strainer – For rinsing and draining the chickpeas.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Salad Spoons – To mix and serve the salad effortlessly.
• Za'atar Spice mix - an important part of the salad that should be missed!

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Vibrant Za’atar Chickpea Salad: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

serves 4

1 cup canned chickpeas, drained
2 tbsp Za’atar spice
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 English cucumber, diced
1 small red onion, sliced in 1/2 moons
1 cup chopped parsley
1 cup chopped dill

For the Garlic Vinaigrette:

1–2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large lime, juice of
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt & Pepper

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, red onions, parsley and dill. Add the remaining Za’atar, and mix gently.

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour the dressing over the chickpea salad and mix.

Fluffy Banana Spice Waffles: Warm, Cozy & Perfectly Crisp!

Fluffy, spiced, and crisp with every bite—made extra delicious with a lush banana mash in the batter!

Fluffy Banana Spice Waffles

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Fluffy Banana Spice Waffles.  These waffles aren’t just your average breakfast treat—they’re infused with a lush banana mash, which adds natural sweetness, moisture, and an irresistibly tender texture. Unlike traditional waffles, where bananas are often just a topping, this recipe incorporates them directly into the batter, creating a rich, subtly sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The result? A waffle that’s golden and crisp on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside—pure breakfast bliss!

These waffles are perfect for any occasion. Whip up a batch on lazy weekend mornings, serve them as a special holiday brunch treat, or even make them for a cozy breakfast-for-dinner night. They’re also a great way to use up overripe bananas—turning them into something warm, spiced, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these waffles will make any morning feel a little more special.

What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to make. You likely already have everything you need in your pantry—flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, milk, and vanilla—plus a couple of ripe bananas. There’s no need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just mash the bananas, mix the batter, and let your waffle iron do the work. In no time, your kitchen will be filled with the warm, inviting aroma of spiced banana goodness, and you’ll have a stack of perfectly crisp, golden waffles ready to be drizzled with maple syrup.

These Fluffy Banana Spice Waffles are more than just breakfast—they’re a warm, cozy experience that brings comfort and joy to any table. So grab those bananas, fire up the waffle iron, and get ready for a deliciously easy homemade treat that will have everyone coming back for more!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce:

• Bananas

Dairy:

• Eggs
• Milk

Pantry Staples:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Milk:  Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk – Any non-dairy milk will work just as well as regular milk.  Greek yogurt or buttermilk – Can be used for a tangier flavor and a slightly thicker batter.
• Sugar:  Coconut sugar – For a more natural, slightly caramelized sweetness.
• Flour:  Whole wheat flour – For a heartier, more nutritious waffle.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Waffles  Stir in some mini chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, sweet twist on your banana waffles. The chocolate pairs perfectly with the warm spices!

• Berry Banana Waffles  Add fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries into the batter for a fruity burst of flavor. You can also top with more berries for a fresh finish.

• Coconut Banana Waffles  Mix in some shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical vibe. You could even sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for added texture.

• Nutella Stuffed Banana Waffles  Spread a thin layer of Nutella on the batter before closing the waffle iron, then cook as usual. The Nutella will melt into a gooey, indulgent filling.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use Overripe Bananas:  The riper the bananas, the better! Overripe bananas are naturally sweeter and more flavorful, making them perfect for these waffles. They’ll also mash more easily, which is key for smooth batter.

• Don't Overmix the Batter:  When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can result in dense waffles, so be gentle!

• Let the Batter Rest:  Allow the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This gives the baking powder time to activate, resulting in fluffier waffles.

• Preheat Your Waffle Iron:  Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. This helps the waffles cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside.

• Lightly Grease the Waffle Iron:  Even if your waffle iron is non-stick, a light spray of cooking oil or a brush of melted butter helps to prevent sticking and gives the waffles a golden, crispy exterior.

• Don't Open the Waffle Iron Too Soon:  Wait until the waffles are fully cooked before opening the waffle iron. If you open it too soon, the waffles might tear or stick. Most waffle irons will indicate when they’re done.

• Make Extra for Freezing:  These waffles freeze really well! After cooking, let them cool completely and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster for a quick, crispy breakfast.

     Equipment you may need    

• Waffle Iron - The star of the show! A good waffle iron is essential to get that crispy golden outside and fluffy inside. Try this Waffle Iron for a larger family size.

• Mixing Bowls - You’ll need one large bowl to mix the wet ingredients (bananas, eggs, milk, vanilla) and another for the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices, etc.).

• Whisk - A whisk will help you mix the wet and dry ingredients smoothly. It’s especially useful for breaking up any lumps in the flour.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons - For precise measurements of all your ingredients—especially important when working with dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices.

• Spatula or Wooden Spoon - For gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together, without overmixing the batter.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray  - To lightly grease the waffle iron before cooking the waffles. This ensures they don't stick and helps with crisping.

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Fluffy Banana Spice Waffles: Warm, Cozy & Perfectly Crisp!

8 waffles

2¼ cups (270 g) all purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup mashed bananas about 2 large bananas
2 large eggs, room temperature
1¾ cup (420 ml) milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the eggs whisking until smooth.  Add the milk and vanilla stirring until combined. Add in the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.  Stir until combined.  A few lumps are okay.  

Rest the batter at room temperature while preheating the waffle iron.  Once heated lightly oil the waffle iron using a non stick cooking spray.

Using a measuring cup, pour the banana batter onto the preheated waffle iron. Cook according to your waffle iron's instructions.  The waffles should be browned and crisp on the outside.  

Remove the cooked waffle and transfer to a baking sheet or serving plate.  Repeat until all the waffles are made.

Top the waffles with banana slices and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Easy, Crispy, and Full of Zing – Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas Await!

 

Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

I have a great ideas for Game Day if you're craving bold Tex-Mex flavors without the hassle of multiple pans, these Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas are the ultimate game-changer. Packed with tender, seasoned chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and black beans, every bite is a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and zesty goodness. The best part? They’re baked to crispy perfection on a single sheet pan—no flipping or fussing required! Whether you’re cooking for a hungry crowd or just want a quick and satisfying dinner, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality quesadillas with minimal effort.

These quesadillas are the perfect dish for game day, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Serve them up with a side of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a DIY dipping experience that will have everyone reaching for more. They’re also a fantastic option for meal prepping—just reheat and enjoy a crispy, cheesy bite anytime. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or just need a satisfying snack, these sheet pan quesadillas are a must-try!

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce:

• red onion
• red bell pepper
• bunch fresh cilantro
• limes

Protein & Dairy:

• shredded chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken)
• Monterey Jack cheese
• butter

Pantry Staples:

• 14 oz can black beans 
• 8 soft taco-size flour tortillas
• Olive oil

Spices & Seasonings:

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Swap chicken → Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or replace with cooked ground beef, steak strips, or shrimp for a different flavor.

• Make it vegetarian → Skip the meat and add extra black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled zucchini for a hearty veggie version.

• Swap Monterey Jack → Use cheddar, pepper jack, Mexican blend, or mozzarella—any melty cheese works!

• Extra spicy → Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat.

• No black beans? Use pinto beans, refried beans, or skip them altogether.

Variations

• Steak Fajita Quesadillas:  Swap the shredded chicken for thinly sliced, seasoned steak (like skirt or flank steak) for a hearty, beefy twist. Cook it quickly in a skillet before assembling your quesadillas.

• Extra Cheesy Quesadillas:  Double the cheese and add a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and mozzarella for ultra-gooey, melty goodness!

• BBQ Chicken Quesadillas:  Mix your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce before assembling for a smoky, sweet, and tangy twist. Pair with red onions and cheddar cheese!

• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas:  Toss the shredded chicken in Buffalo sauce and swap the Monterey Jack for blue cheese crumbles or ranch drizzle for a game-day favorite.

• Bacon Ranch Quesadillas:  Mix chopped crispy bacon into the filling and drizzle with ranch dressing before baking for an extra indulgent treat.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• No butter for brushing? Use olive oil or cooking spray for crispy tortillas.

• Crispier Quesadillas → Brush the tortillas lightly with melted butter or olive oil before baking for that golden, crispy finish.

• Even Cooking → Spread the filling evenly and press the top tortillas down gently before baking to help everything stick together.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken → It’s already cooked, juicy, and shreds easily!

• Pre-Slice Veggies → Chop the peppers and onions ahead of time for a quick assembly.

• Shred Cheese at Home → Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent melting as smoothly—grating it fresh makes a difference!
• Storing Leftovers → Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating for Crispy Texture → Skip the microwave! Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

     Equipment you may need     

• Sheet Pan (Large Baking Tray) – To assemble and bake the quesadillas evenly.

• Skillet - for cooking the onions and bell pepper.

• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – To slice the peppers, onions, and chop cilantro.

• Basting Brush – For brushing melted butter or oil on the tortillas for crispiness.

• Cheese Grater – If using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife – To easily slice quesadillas into triangles for serving.

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Sizzling Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

serves 6-9

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 large red onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast

1/2 14oz can black beans, drained
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp. lime juice

2 Tablespoons butter, melted
8 soft taco size flour tortillas

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Preheat oven to 425°F.  In a large skillet heat oil over medium-high. Add onions and peppers. Cook 10 minutes or until tender and browned, stirring occasionally.  Add in the shredded chicken, black beans, and spices to the skillet.  Stir to combine and allow to heat 2-3 minutes.  Turn off the heat and add in the cilantro and lime juice.  Stir to combine.

On a half sheet baking pan, lightly brush the pan with some of the melted butter.  Arrange 6 of the tortillas around the edges of the pan, placing them so that hang halfway off the edges on all sides.  Place one in the center if needed to fill any gaps.  

Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the tortillas.  Evenly distribute the chicken filling mixture over the cheese.  Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the chicken mixture.   Fold the parts of the tortillas that are hanging over the edge over to enclose the filling.  Place one final tortilla in the middle.  Brush the tops of the tortillas with the remaining melted butter.  Place another baking pan on top of the tortillas and press lightly to ensure contact with the top sheet pan.  

Bake 20 minutes.  Remove the top sheet pan and check for crispness.  If golden and crips remove from oven.  If you want crisper quesadillas, remove the top sheet pan and bake for another 3-4 minutes.  Allow to stand for 5 minutes.  Cut using a pizza cutter and serve with sour cream, salsa, and/or guacamole if using.