fruit Archives - Jackie Newgent

spring “clean” orzo salad

by Jackie Newgent | March 22, 2017 | 1 Comment

It’s time for some spring cleaning! Don’t worry, the type of “housework” I’m talking about is not a chore at all. Just head on over to your kitchen where your tastebuds can actually benefit from this cleanup! I created this whole-wheat orzo recipe using ingredients that I already had on hand. If you don’t have all of the same ingredients, make swaps based on what you do have in your fridge or pantry. Challenge yourself to not shop for anything new. For instance, use about 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or other pasta if you don’t have orzo; try white wine vinegar if you don’t have lemon; and try garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic. If...

charred tiger stripe fig salsa fresca

by Jackie Newgent | September 29, 2016 | 0 Comments

closeup of salsa with blue tortilla chips

Hey fig lovers … this recipe is for you! (It’s for me, too!) When fresh figs are in season, I gotta have ‘em often … basically every day! I adore black mission and tiger stripe varieties. And I love serving them every which way, especially grilled and paired with cheese for a party platter. When doing this, I leave the stems on, cut in half lengthwise, and grill until charred. When grilling up figs for inclusion in recipes, I remove stems before they hit the grill. Charred figs have an interesting smokiness and enhanced natural sweetness. Here, I picked tiger stripe figs (though any fresh figs will work here!) which are gorgeous and notably sweet naturally. They transform fresh salsa...

grilled mango salad with avocado & pistachios

by Jackie Newgent | July 21, 2016 | 3 Comments

I crave salads in the summer. How about you? When that urge strikes, here’s a new salad for ya. If you’re a mango lover like I am, it’ll literally make your mouth water! To start, I created crosshatch grill marks on mango “cheeks.” Using grilled fruit is a simple way to upgrade a recipe! Not only does it add eye appeal, it adds memorable smoky flavor interest. What’s more, I used grilled mango in two ways here—as cubes and pureed into the dressing. It’s so nutritious, too.

summery green smoothie cocktail

by Jackie Newgent | June 13, 2016 | 0 Comments

Need a refreshing poolside, rooftop, patio, or backyard BBQ cocktail? Here you go! It’s basically a super good-for-you green smoothie … but spiked just right! Slurping down a cocktail never tasted so nutritious! This summery green smoothie cocktail is perfect for a summer weekend—or simply as an “adults only” accompaniment for a casual brunch or dinner. Healthy sipping!

zero-waste fresh seasonal fruit vinaigrette

by Jackie Newgent | May 22, 2015 | 12 Comments

I became a salad fanatic as a teenager. But back then, I smothered my leafy greens with gobs of creamy ranch salad dressing. It wasn’t until I began learning about nutrition in college that I started paying attention to the ingredients in my bottled dressing. I soon realized my pick was definitely science experiment worthy. Luckily, I quickly changed my bad habits and began making my own vinaigrettes and other salad dressings. One of my favorites throughout the years has been fruit vinaigrette. It still provides creaminess, but it’s from real produce not a chemistry lab!