Easy Blueberry Peach Salad with Chicken and Feta

Easy Blueberry Peach Salad with Chicken and Feta

by | Jul 3, 2023 | Recipes, Spring, Summer

symbols for gluten free, dairy free option and egg free

This fresh summer salad with chicken has juicy peaches, blueberries, feta cheese and a tasty citrus mint dressing.

blueberry peach salad with chicken - salad greens in large bowl with peaches, blueberries, almonds, chicken, feta

The summer warmth lowers the appetite, welcoming fresh, lighter meals to the table and this salad with chicken, blueberries and peaches is perfect for the season. One of my favorite things about this dish is how the mint in the dressing pairs so well with all the fruit!

I remember the first time I had fruit and mint paired together. It was at a beautiful resort here in Arizona. My husband and I hadn’t been married long and were still living in Oregon, but came down to enjoy the area on vacation. It was a warm, dry day in the desert (shocking, I know), and the lobby had infused ice water with melon and mint, and it was SO refreshing! Since then, I’ve paired mint with many fruits and just love the combination!

Mint goes well with many fruits, but in this case you’ll find it alongside orange and lemon in the dressing. The citrus mint dressing is tossed with sweet blueberries and peaches, creating a bright and delightful salad with chicken too!

Let’s take a look at why it’s great and how to make it!

blueberry peach salad with chicken - salad greens in large bowl with peaches, blueberries, almonds, chicken, feta

Why You’ll Love this Salad with Chicken

  • It’s a quick and easy recipe for those of you on the go, but healthy and filling too.
  • You’ll love the taste of fresh, crisp romaine topped with delightful, juicy fruits on a warm summer’s day.
  • The lightweight dressing with its orange and lemon citrus juices and chopped mint is simply the best.
  • The feta cheese cuts the light sweetness of the fruit and dressing perfectly.
  • Sliced Almonds top off this salad, adding the perfect subtle crunch.

What’s in the Salad?

Dressing

 

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – My favorite healthy oil for salad dressings (and many other things!)
  • Apple Cider – The nice tangy flavor adds a little zip to the dressing.
  • Orange Juice – The sweet and tart orange juice is great with the mint.
  • Lemon Juice – The tanginess add nice flavor.
  • Honey – For the perfect flavor and sweetness.
  • Mint – Always use fresh mint and chop it finely.
  • Salt and Pepper – To add a little simple seasoning.
salad ingredients - citrus mint dressing in bowl surrounded by mint leaves, half orange and half lemon

Salad 

  • Romaine Lettuce – Crisp romaine is the perfect base for this salad.
    • Change it up: Mixed baby greens or spinach also works well in this salad.
  • Chicken Breast – I use a countertop grill in the summer so I can avoid using the stovetop or oven, which heats up the house. I cut the chicken breast into cubes.
  • Peaches – Juicy peaches sweeten up the salad nicely.
    • Change it up: Nectarines are another option and have a very similar taste.
  • Blueberries – The berries add a nice flavor and additional sweetness.
  • Feta – Creamy crumbled feta goes so well with the fruit and cuts the sweetness perfectly.
    • Change it up: Goat cheese works well with all of these ingredients and is another great choice. Simply leave off the cheese or use your favorite non-dairy cheese to make this recipe dairy-free!
  • Almond – I like using sliced almonds in this salad. They add great texture.
    • Change it up: Chopped pecans are another tasty option.

 

blueberry peach salad with chicken ingredients - almonds, blueberries, chicken, feta, peaches

How to make this Salad with Chicken

1. In a large serving bowl, add the romaine, cooked chicken breast and about three quarters each of the peaches, blueberries, feta and almonds. *** You will top the with remaining quarter before serving.

 

2. For the dressing, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, mint, salt and pepper to a medium bowl and whisk ingredients together until the honey is well incorporated with the oil and vinegar.

 

3. Toss about three quarters of the dressing with the salad ingredients in the large serving bowl.

 

4. Top the salad with the remaining peaches, blueberries, feta and almonds and drizzle the remaining dressing on top. *** This step is mainly for aesthetics, so if you don’t care how the salad looks, and just want to get right down to eating it, just toss everything at the same time!

 

5. Serve and enjoy!

What to serve with this Blueberry Peach Salad with Chicken

This salad doesn’t need much to go with it, but here’s a couple of options:

  • Crackers – I recommend some crisp, salty wafer crackers for a little something lightweight and savory to serve alongside this salad. Many of the options out there are gluten free!
  • Bread – Another option is bread. A nice crusty bread always goes well with a salad. If you’re gluten free like me, throw a gf roll or baguette in the oven for a bit to add a little crustiness to it.
blueberry peach salad with chicken - salad greens showing half of large bowl with peaches, blueberries, almonds, chicken, feta

Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

Making Ahead

    • The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. In fact, doing so gives the flavors extra time to blend. Storing it in a container with a lid makes it easy to shake up before adding it to your salad.
    • Prepping the ingredients ahead of time is great, but I recommend waiting to mix the ingredients until you are ready to serve it for best results. If you’re in a time crunch, you can mix the ingredients ahead of time, but do not add the dressing until you are ready to serve the salad.

Storing Leftovers

    • If you do not anticipate eating the entire salad, I recommend putting aside what you’d like to store with the dressing on the side. Fresh is always best, but consuming the leftovers within 24 hours is fine.

Thank you for checking out this blueberry peach salad with chicken and citrus mint dressing! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Angela Post Signature

blueberry peach salad with chicken - salad greens in large bowl with peaches, blueberries, almonds, chicken, feta

Easy Blueberry Peach Salad with Chicken and Feta

This fresh summer salad with chicken has juicy peaches, blueberries, feta cheese and a tasty citrus mint dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 255 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dressing

  • 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 ½ Tbsp Honey
  • 1 Tbsp Orange Juice Fresh Squeezed is Preferred
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice Fresh Squeezed is Preferred
  • 1 ½ Tbsp Fresh Mint, finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • ⅛ tsp Finely Ground Pepper

Salad

  • 6 Cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped
  • 2 Cups Cooked Chicken Breast, cubed
  • 1 Cup Blueberries
  • 1 Peach, sliced
  • ½ Cup Fest, crumbled
  • ¼ Cup Almonds, sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a large serving bowl, add the romaine, cooked chicken breast and about three quarters each of the peaches, blueberries, feta and almonds. *** You will top the with remaining quarter before serving.
  • For the dressing, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, mint, salt and pepper to a medium bowl and whisk ingredients together until the honey is well incorporated with the oil and vinegar.
  • Toss about three quarters of the dressing with the salad ingredients in the large serving bowl.
  • Top the salad with the remaining peaches, blueberries, feta and almonds and drizzle the remaining dressing on top. *** This step is mainly for aesthetics, so if you don’t care how the salad looks, and just want to get right down to eating it, toss everything at the same time!
  • Serve and enjoy!
Keyword Blueberry Peach, Citrus, Easy, feta, Healthy, Mint, quick, salad, Salad with Chicken

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9 Fun 4th of July Decorations that You’ll Love!

9 Fun 4th of July Decorations that You’ll Love!

by | Jun 26, 2023 | At Home, Holidays/Occasions, Independence Day (American), Memorial Day, Summer

These 4th of July decoration ideas are the perfect way to add festive flair to your home for this patriotic American holiday!

9 Fun 4th of July Decoration Ideas - white bouquet with flags, flag pillow, God Bless America sign, patriotic wreath, chair with pillows

4th of July where we live in Arizona is hot, hot, hot! In fact, the few weeks surrounding this patriotic holiday are the hottest of the year here. Although we Arizonans are tough and acclimated when it comes to the heat, we definitely wait until the sun is ALL the way down to watch or light off fireworks. An ice cold beverage is a must!

Arizona’s weather is quite a contrast from where I grew up in Oregon. When 4th of July arrived each year, it meant that we’d finally get to enjoy warm weather and perfect temperatures consistently for a few months. It marked the end of the gloomy, rainy skies and we loved it!

In both Oregon and Arizona, I’ve often had a few small decorations up for Independence Day, but this year I decided to add a few more. The Arizona heat had me venturing into the cool air-conditioned craft and home stores in my area, which carry a nice selection of 4th of July decorations, and I couldn’t resist adding to my limited collection. So, let’s take a look at how I decorated my home this year in hopes you find some ideas and inspiration.

Why You’ll Love 4th of July Decorations in Your Home

  • Putting up Independence Day decorations before the holiday arrives encourages you and the family to enjoy the celebration for the entire season instead of just one day.
  • It’s a fun way to change and freshen up your space.
  • 4th of July decorating is fun for kids.
  • Many options are simple and easy to do!

4th of July Decoration Ideas

1. Bouquets or Plants with Flags

white pitcher with red flowers and two American flags on blue placemat sitting on side table

If bouquets or plants are already part of your décor, simply add a few small flags. If not, choose a simple base that matches your style and décor like a vase, pitcher, bucket or flowerpot. Add real or faux flowers and flags. I have some white and blue flowers year-round but add red flowers to this white pitcher with flags for the season. Dollar and craft stores often sell little flags for a budget friendly price.

2. Festive Pillows

Patriotic pillows are found at home stores and online this time of year in the U.S. Some pillows have flags or 4th of July sayings on them. Others have fireworks or patriotic patterns. Red and white striped pillows or solid colors in red, white and blue work well too. Couches, chairs, benches, and beds are great places for pillows. I added the adorable star-shaped pillow pictured below to a chair in the corner of my family room/den.

3. 4th of July Wall Art

Home, craft and discount stores often carry wall décor for the season. The wooden flag decoration in the image below was found for a very reasonable price at a discount store. You can find other wall decorations like pictures with patriotic quotes or 4th of July scenes. I’ve also seen painted metal stars, flowers, doggies wearing flag scarves and even patriotic gnomes. There’s something for everyone.

4th of July-decorations - white with patriotic pillows, flag sign hanging on wall above and blankets on blanket ladder

4. Blankets

Cozy blankets in various textures and materials adorn the shelves at home stores all year long, but patriotic patterns and colors can be found this time of year. A throw for a couch or bench adds a level or warmth to your space. A decorative wall ladder as pictured above is a fun and practical way to store blankets. In this case I simply used a blue and creamy white blanket that can be displayed this way for much of the year (until I put my Christmas blankets up of course)!

5. 4th of July Tiered Tray

A patriotic tiered tray is a great 4th of July decoration that allows you to add your own creative touch to a fun little project. There’s so many fun things you can add to this decorative piece and it’s something that’s fun to change out for any season or holiday. Click here to learn How to Make a Festive and Fantastic 4th of July Tiered Tray.

4th of July decoration of white tiered tray with patriotic red, white and blue decoration and white lights

6. Patriotic Wreath

Wreaths are a classic way to add charm to your space. Hanging them on the front door makes your home inviting to arriving guests, but they look nice on almost any door, mirror, or open wall space. Craft, home, discount, and big box stores carry seasonal wreaths as well as online retailers. You’ll find wreaths made from various materials including faux plants and flowers, patriotic craft ribbon, tinsel-like metallic material, wood, and more.

4th of July decoration - red, white and blue wreath hanging on white door

7. Kitchen Towels

Displaying towels in patriotic colors and designs is another way to add 4th of July decorations to your home. Not only are towels with seasonal patterns fun, but they’re practical as well. Solid red towels are great for multiple holidays and seasons like at Christmas paired with green or in the fall paired with orange and yellow. Blue and white towels can be used all year long, but work well when displayed with patriotic patterns.

4th of July decorations - white towel with red and blue stars surrounded by two blue towels with red and white plaid pattern

8. Centerpiece

A centerpiece is a fantastic way to add 4th of July style to your home. Dining tables, kitchen islands, console tables, side tables and more are great places to add this type of decorative piece. In the image below, I used a lantern with a neutral white candle (I use these pieces all year long). For the season, I added a small piece of red, white, and blue patriotic garland to surround the candle. Other options instead of the garland piece include faux berries, flowers, and plants in the appropriate colors. I’ve also seen little sparkly fireworks, patriotic ribbon, red, white and blue lights, beaded garland and more.

4th of July decoration - wooden lantern with light beaded pattern with white candle surrounded by patriotic tinsel garland

9. Porch Entry Signs

Welcome signs or other tall, leaning porch signs are another fun way to decorate for the 4th of July holiday. These are also found at craft, home and discount stores this time of year, as well as online retailers. There are many options for patriotic sayings or designs and I’ve been seeing some that even fold in half making storage easier when not in use. Pairing the leaning sign with a wreath on the front door makes for a warm and welcoming entryway for guests arriving at your home.

4th of July decoration - tall red "God Bless America" sign with blue edges with white stars leaning against entryway of home

Thank you for checking out these fun 4th of July Decorations! What patriotic decorations will you put up in your home? Let me know in the comments below!

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Easy Patriotic Pancakes for 4th of July Breakfast

Easy Patriotic Pancakes for 4th of July Breakfast

by | Jun 19, 2023 | Holidays/Occasions, Independence Day (American), Recipes, Summer

4th of July breakfast will be a hit this year with these easy red, white, and blue festive patriotic pancakes!

4th of July Breakfast Pancakes - red and blue star pancakes with whipped cream and red, white and blue sprinkles

Early 4th of July Memories

The 4th of July holiday brings friends and family together to celebrate the freedom we are so grateful for in the USA. For me, some holidays are rich in tradition, while others offer something a little different each year. Although fireworks have always been the main event on this patriotic holiday, each year was celebrated a little differently.

I have fond memories of saving my allowance and heading to the firework stand with friends or my brother when they finally opened each year. Some years Dad would take us to pick out a big stash and we couldn’t wait to light them off with family in front of our home that night.

I grew up outside of Portland, Oregon, which borders Washington state, and I had a good friend from church who lived just over the border. Her city allowed bigger and better fireworks and put on a large firework show at a venue and historical site called Fort Vancouver. For several years into my pre-teen and early teen years, I’d head to her place where we’d light off our own fireworks on the 3rd, and head to Fort Vancouver for the big show on the 4th.

red and blue 4th of July Breakfast Pancakes on plate with whipped cream and sprinkles and star-shaped cookie cutters near plate

Recent 4th of July Memories

My hubby and I have enjoyed the holiday in various ways over the years. In our early years we’d spend time on our friend’s boats watching the fireworks in downtown Portland from the water. Other years included a 4th of July breakfast with tasty pancakes that we enjoyed along with the 4th of July parade in a sweet little town next to ours. Our little town also had a great firework show that we enjoyed attending.

Since living in Arizona in recent years, we’ve enjoyed 4th of July in our cozy neighborhood that goes all out for the holiday. Our neighbors congregate outside to light off everything from sparklers to the “big guns” for everyone to enjoy.

With 4th of July approaching this year, I wanted to come up with something new that would capture some of these precious memories. These tasty little pancakes remind me of the holiday as a kid and the 4th of July pancake breakfast I enjoyed with my husband.

What are your favorite 4th of July memories? Let me know in the comments and come with me as I show you why they’re great and how to make them.

Why You’ll Love these 4th of July Breakfast Pancakes

  • They’re incredibly patriotic, all decked out in red, white, and blue.
  • They’ll be a hit with the kiddos (or adults that are still half kid, just like me).
  • You’ll love how easy they are to make.
  • You can use any plain, white pancake mix you have on hand.
  • The whipped cream and sprinkles add to their festive flair.
close up of red and blue 4th of July breakfast pancakes on white plate with sprinkles

What’s in These Patriotic Pancakes?

  • Pancake Batter

    I use Bob’s Redmill gluten free pancake mix, but you can use your favorite pancake mix or whatever you have on hand as long as it makes a white or light-colored batter. The pancake mix also calls for eggs, milk and butter. I’ve made it dairy free as well with almond milk and non-dairy butter spread and it’s quite tasty.

 

  • Food Coloring

    For dying the pancake batter. You’ll dye half of the batter red and the other half blue. I use gel food coloring.

 

  • Cooking Spray

    Whatever cooking spray you have on hand will work fine.

 

  • Whipped Cream

    In keeping this recipe easy, I use whipped cream from a spray can. Plus, it looks pretty too! I found an almond milk spray whipped cream, which is great for my dairy free friends.

 

  • Sprinkles

    Some stores sell patriotic sprinkles this time of year, but any red, white, and/or blue sprinkles that you like will work.

How to make the 4th of July Breakfast Pancakes

1. Prepare your pancake batter per your mix’s instructions

2. Divide the pancake batter into two separate bowls.

3. Slowly add blue food coloring to half of the batter and red to the other half until the batter reaches your desired shade of blue and red.

4. Heat a griddle to 350 degrees, or skillet to medium heat.

5. Spray the inside of at least 2 large and 2 small star-shaped metal cookie cutters with cooking spray.

6. Place the cookie cutters on the griddle or skillet.

4th of July breakfast pancake instructions - make batter & add coloring, spray cookie cutters, add cutters to griddle, make pancakes

7. Add the batter to the inside of the cookie cutters. *** Make an even amount of red and blue, small, and large stars.

8. Cook the first side until the batter begins to bubble (usually 2-3 minutes, depending on your pancake mix).

9. Using an oven mitt, slowly remove the cookie cutters from the stars. If the pancakes stick to the inside of the cookie cutters when you pick them up, flip them over and gently push the star through the cutter and onto the griddle or skillet with a knife.

10. Cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

11. Stack the pancakes in twos with a larger star on bottom and a smaller star, in a different color on top.

12. Garnish with a little whipped cream and sprinkles.

13. Serve and enjoy!

red and blue star pancake on white plate with whipped cream and sprinkles

Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating Leftover Pancakes

Making 4th of July Pancakes Ahead of Time

The pancakes can be made ahead of time. Make sure to consume them within three days.

Storing Leftover Pancakes

Leftover pancakes can be stored in the fridge for three days or the freezer for three months. I store them in double zip lock bags in the freezer to help prevent freezer burn. Make sure to remove all the air from the baggies.

Reheating Leftover Pancakes

The best way to reheat the pancakes from the fridge or freezer is in the toaster.

Thank you for checking out these 4th of July Breakfast Pancakes! Let me know how yours turn out in the comments below!

red and blue 4th of July breakfast pancake on white plate with whipped cream and sprinkles
Angela Post Signature

red and blue pancakes on white plate with whipped cream and sprinkle with star-shaped cookie cutters next to plate

Easy Patriotic Pancakes for 4th of July Breakfast

4th of July breakfast will be a hit this year with these easy red, white, and blue festive patriotic pancakes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Large and Small Metal Star-Shaped Cookie Cutters
  • Oven Mitt
  • Griddle of Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • Pancake Batter Use plain white pancake mix + required add-in ingredients ***I use Bob’s Redmill Gluten Free Pancake Mix, which requires egg, milk and butter. I’ve made it dairy free as well with almond milk and non-dairy butter spread and it’s great.
  • Red & Blue Food Coloring
  • Cooking Spray
  • Whipped Cream use almond whipped cream for dairy free
  • Sprinkles You can often find patriotic sprinkles this year, but any red, white, and/or blue sprinkles work

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your pancake batter per your mix’s instructions.
  • Divide the pancake batter into two separate bowls.
  • Slowly add blue food coloring to half of the batter and red to the other half until the batter reaches your desired shade of blue and red.
  • Heat a griddle to 350 degrees, or skillet to medium heat.
  • Spray the inside of at least 2 large and 2 small star-shaped metal cookie cutters with cooking spray.
  • Place the cookie cutters on the griddle or skillet.
  • Add the batter to the inside of the cookie cutters. *** Make an even amount of red and blue, small, and large stars.
  • Cook the first side until the batter begins to bubble (usually 2-3 minutes, depending on your pancake mix).
  •  Using an oven mitt, slowly remove the cookie cutters from the stars. If the pancakes stick to the inside of the cookie cutters when you pick them up, flip them over and gently push the star through the cutter and onto the griddle or skillet with a knife.
  • Cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Stack the pancakes in twos with a larger star on bottom and a smaller star, in a different color on top.
  •  Garnish with a little whipped cream and sprinkles.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Keyword 4th of July, 4th of July Breakfast, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Independence Day, Pancakes, Patriotic

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How to Make a Festive and Fantastic 4th of July Tiered-Tray

How to Make a Festive and Fantastic 4th of July Tiered-Tray

by | Jun 12, 2023 | At Home, Holidays/Occasions, Independence Day (American), Summer

This 4th of July Tiered Tray radiates festive patriotism with its colorful decorations that remind us why we love celebrating this great holiday.

Patriotic 4th of July Tiered Tray - white tiered tray with red, white, blue and flag patterned decorations on kitchen counter

It’s that time of year again for everything patriotic and I had a lot of fun putting together this little 4th of July Tiered Tray.

I’m a person who loves both the comfort of traditions that bring back warm memories, and the excitement of creating something new in anticipation of joyous things to come. Holidays (like 4th of July) and changing seasons offer opportunities for both.

In my home, decorating for the season or holiday creates visual reminders of good times past. It also freshens up a space with decorations we unbox just once a year and sometimes even a new decoration or two. Half the fun of a holiday, after all, is the time we spend looking forward to it.

Now if you don’t have a tiered tray as a decorative piece in your home, I highly recommend at least one. They add a lot of charm to your space, and you can find items to decorate it with for any season or your favorite holidays.

There are endless ways to arrange a tiered tray for a holiday or season. Come with me and I’ll show you how I put mine together, and I hope you find inspiration for decorating your own tiered tray!

Why You’ll Love a Patriotic Tiered Tray

  • It’s enjoyable to style and put together.
  • You can add your own creative touch.
  • The items on the tray can be changed seasonally.
  • There are many places you can put a 4th of July tiered tray.
white 4th of July tiered tray with red, white, blue and flag patterned decorations

What Should I Put on a 4th of July Tiered Tray?

There are many decorations you can put on your tray but let me give you some ideas based on my display and what I’ve seen available.

*** Consider how much space you have on each tier of the tray. You can measure the space before you shop for items. Some tags will tell you the dimensions of a decorative piece or if you purchase items online, look for dimensions in the description.

Miniature Signs

These have become very popular over the last several years. Find signs that resonate with you or match the holiday in a fun way.

Examples used on my tray include:

        • Wooden framed “Fireworks Stand Open Daily” sign
        • Blue star-shaped “God Bless America” sign
        • Blue “Home of the Brave” sign or ornament

Small Containers

There are many options out there for little containers like mini vases, pitchers, boxes, buckets, candleholders and more.

Examples used on my tray include:

        • Red beaded mini glass vase
        • Blue beaded mini glass vase
        • White mini porcelain pitcher

Craft Stems and Mini Plants

Craft stems are meant to represent small branches from plants and flowers and come in many sizes and colors. If you find large craft stems that you like, they are often easy to divide into smaller pieces by pulling off flowers/berries or using wire cutters to cut off smaller stems. Mini faux potted plants are another fun option for a tiered tray.

Examples used on my tray include:

        • White berries
        • Red sparkly berries with metal stars
        • Blue sparkly berries with metal stars
        • Red hydrangea flowers
tiered tray items - mini signs, craft stems, red curly ribbon, vases, mini cake stand, tinsel balls, mini pitcher, little rolling pin, red flowers, flag pin wheel

Ribbon

Using ribbon is an easy way to add color and texture to the design. It’s also great for filling empty space on the tray.

Examples used on my tray include:

        • Red metallic curly ribbon
        • Red deco mesh ribbon

Lights

Miniature lights really add to the charm of a tiered tray. White lights can be reused in every season, but stores often carry lights in colors that represent the represent the current holiday, including red, white and blue.

Example used on my tray includes:

        • Mini white “fairy” lights

Figurines

Although I didn’t use figurines on this tray, I often see them at craft stores. Little animals sporting American flags and gnomes wearing patriotic hats and just a couple examples of what’s available. I see these mostly at craft stores.

Other Miniature Items

There are endless other random little items available. Ornaments work well leaned up against vases or other containers. I noticed mini shiny stars, fireworks and flags while shopping at craft stores.

Examples used on my tray include:

        • Mini patriotic rolling pins
        • Tiny firework stand
        • Little pin wheels with stars and stripes
        • Mini bunting garland
        • Tinsel poofs in red, white and blue
        • Mini cake stand (or cupcake stand)

How to Choose Items for the Tiered Tray

As you can see from my long list of decoration ideas, there are a lot of items to choose from when making a tiered tray.  Here’s a couple of things to consider when choosing items:

    • Bring Home Several Items

One thing I often do when decorating a space is temporarily purchase more items than I need and return what I don’t end up using. This is a great tactic for the tiered tray as it gives you options when putting it all together.

    top tier of 4th of July tiered tray with miniature signs, red ribbon, tinsel balls, mini flag rolling pin and lights
      • Choose a Mixture of Colors and Patterns

    Red, white, and blue fit this holiday, of course, so I brought home items in these colors as well as flag patterned items. The mix adds visual interest to the whole design.

     

      • Choose Nostalgic Items

    Pick items that bring to mind fun 4th of July memories from childhood or beyond. On my tray, the mini wooden firework stand is reminiscent of the fireworks stands I grew up with, for example.

     

      • Choose Items that Bring you Joy!

    There are so many adorable miniature decorations available, so pick items that make you smile. On my tray I love the how the balls of tinsel at the top look like little fireworks. The glowing fairy lights are so charming and how cute is that miniature rolling pin?!

    Where Can I Find Items for My Patriotic Tiered Tray?

    Craft Store

    A craft store is my favorite place to find items for this fun decorative piece. I often find myself loving these cute little miniature items that I never had a place for before investing in a tiered tray. Many have good sales on seasonal items or have coupons available on their apps.

    Home Store

    Home stores are another great place to find items for your tiered tray and they have great seasonal selections.

    Dollar or Discount Store

    These stores are perfect for for finding items that are extra budget friendly.

    list of places to get tiered tray decor - craft store, home store, discount store, big box store, online retailer

    Big Box Store

    Large stores that offer one-stop shopping also carry seasonal décor, which is convenient if you have other things on your list to buy while you’re out.

    Online Retailer

    Look up “tiered tray décor” on your favorite search engine and you’ll find several options. Some offer a pre-selected collection of items, which is a great way to save time and they’ll often very budget friendly.

    How to Arrange a 4th of July Tiered Tray

    Let’s look at some tips for arranging this decorative piece.

    Tip 1: Decorate Single Sections

    If you look at the image of the tray below, it’s made up of several smaller decorations. You can really divide it into 7 sections. There’s a topper and then three sections on the upper level and three on the lower. I start by playing around with each “section.” You see that I added a little rolling pin, some flowers and a pin wheel to the little white pitcher, for instance. I also threw the blue “God Bless America” star on top of the mini cake stand, as another example. I do this before arranging them on the tray.

    white tiered tray with red, white, blue and flag patterned decorations divided into 7 sections

    Tip 2: Spread Out the Color

    The tray contains items that are mostly red, white, and blue to match the holiday, with a little wood color in there. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that I’ve spread the color throughout the tray to visual interest.

    Tip 3: Spread Out the Pattern

    Several items on the tray have stars and stripes, including one of the mini rolling pins, the pin wheels and the bunting garland. Notice spreading them out (up, down, left, right) provides a little balance to the tray.

    Tip 4: Use Space Fillers

    On the top of the tray, I used red curly ribbon as space fillers by tying them around the vase and little cake stand. The three sections on the top on the bottom tier are about the same size, but since there is more space on the bottom tier, there is space to fill between the items. To fill the space, I lined the base with deco mesh ribbon and added faux berries in between the main decorations.

    Tip 5: Play Around with it and Have Fun!

    I spent a little time working on this tiered tray, moving things around and trying things out in different ways. To me it’s like a fun little puzzle, moving pieces around until they fit. Ultimately what’s important is that you like it because you’ll be the one looking at it each day!

    Well I hope you found inspiration for making your own 4th of July Tiered Tray! Let me know what you’ll put on your tray in the comments below!

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    Easy Healthy Summer Southwest Chicken Bowl

    Easy Healthy Summer Southwest Chicken Bowl

    by | May 29, 2023 | Recipes, Summer

    symbols for gluten free and egg free

    This appetizing Southwest Chicken Bowl is full of flavor with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, jalapenos, zesty salsa ranch, and more.

    Healthy Summer Southwest Chicken Bowl - ingredients on white plate - salsa ranch in middle with other ingredients decoratively around plate

    This lively little Southwest chicken bowl is the perfect easy meal heading into summer with its bright and tasty ingredients.

    The high nutritional value and hearty ingredients in this little lunch bowl provide you with an energy that leaves you satisfied until your next meal, without feeling overstuffed.

    You know what else is great about this bowl? The opportunity for variety – to change up the ingredients each time you make it, so it never gets old.

    This is a lunchtime staple in our house (although it does land on the dinner table now and again) and if you’re anything like me, you get bored of eating the same thing all the time. It’s nice to have a simple yet delicious lunch item with the opportunity to mix it up each time you make it.

    Although this doesn’t take very long to throw together, there are ways to speed up the process!

    Let’s look at why you’ll love it, the ingredients, options for changing it up a bit and look at ways to make it as fast as possible for those of you that are on the go!

    Why You’ll Love this Southwest Chicken Bowl

    • It’s quick and easy to throw together.
    • Many of the ingredients are flexible, allowing you to make it just how you like it.
    • You won’t get tired of this dish because you can make it different each time by changing just a few ingredients.
    • You’ll love the taste of the slightly nuttiness of the red beans and rice with the juicy chicken and zippy salsa ranch.
    • The green chilies and jalapenos add the perfect flavor punch to the bowl and come in mild, hot and everything in between, catering to your spice preference.
    southwest chicken bowl ingredients in white bowl surrounded by decorative tomato, cilantro and avocado

    What’s in the Bowl?

    Rice

    Brown rice is a healthier option with more nutritional value. It’s even a complex carb that you don’t have to feel guilty about!  The nutty flavor and hearty texture are great in this meal. 

    • Change it up: Try using long-grain white rice. Jasmine is a fluffy variety that you’ll enjoy when you feel like shaking things up a bit.

     

    • Speed it up: Either try a microwavable option or make the rice ahead of time. I like to make more rice than I need for one meal and use leftovers for different meals. If you decide to make it ahead, make sure to add a touch of water before rewarming to keep it moist.

    Beans

    The red beans are also slightly nutty in flavor and thus match up well with the brown rice, creating a winning combination.

     

    • Change it up: When you want to do something a little different, black beans are also a great choice and their mild flavor goes great with either brown or white rice.

    Green Chilies

    Diced, canned green chilies are a quick choice, and you can choose from mild or hot, depending on your spice level preference.

    Tomatoes

    There are so many tomato options that will work here, so choose your favorite, but I highly recommend a Roma or a red grape tomato.  

    Jalapenos

    Mild or medium pickled jalapenos have great flavor and zip and are the go-to choice for this tasty little bowl. It adds great zing in addition to a slight, but not overpowering kick. Fresh is always an option. Fresh jalapenos have the potential to be completely mild or crazy mouth-on-fire hot, so I’ll leave that decision up to you!

    Black Olives

    Sliced black olives add great taste, but also texture to the bowl. 

    Avocado

    Yum! You’ll love the mild, buttery, creaminess the avocado adds to the dish.

    ***I saw a meme while back about how avocados are ripe for such a short period of time and it’s so true. If you need a quick chuckle, just Google “Avocado Ripeness Memes” and you’ll be in stitches in no time! You must use avocados at just the right time or they’re either hard as a rock or brown and mushy. Choose an avocado that’s firm with a little give when pressed on and is a little darker in color, just losing its green skin. You can bring them home rock hard and wait for them to ripen up but avoid getting anything super soft.

    Cheese

    A shredded medium cheddar is delightful. I mean, who doesn’t like cheddar?

     

    • Change it up: There are several opportunities to change the flavor of the Southwest chicken bowl by changing the cheese. Pepper Jack is always a good one if you want to add to the zip and zing of the jalapenos. Cotija is a delicious crumbly Mexican cheese you’ll enjoy as well!

    Chicken

    The healthiest option is lean shredded chicken breast. 

     

    • Speed it up: Purchasing and de-boning a rotisserie chicken is an option, or many grocery stores even offer pre-shredded rotisserie chicken breast or cooked and sliced chicken breast. Just like the rice, making it ahead of time is also an option. If you decide to do so, make sure to avoid overcooking it so it doesn’t end up rubber-like or dry when re-warmed. Another tasty option, although not as healthy, is using dark meat. With a greater fat content, it stays moist when rewarmed.

    Salsa Ranch 

    This is exactly as it sounds. Mix your favorite red salsa with your favorite gluten free ranch. I often use a dairy free ranch too as I do better going easy on the lactose. A medium smoky red chipotle salsa is a great choice!  

     

    • Change it up: Another thing you can do to mix it up is use green salsa. Try a zesty, medium tomatillo salsa for some great flavor!

     

    • Speed it up: There are some salad dressing brands that make salsa ranch or something similar like “Zesty Ranch” or “Chipotle Ranch.” Although I prefer to use my favorite salsas, these options also pair well with the bowl.

    Cilantro

    Many love their bowl topped with this fresh, citrusy garden herb with the most intoxicating fragrance. Seriously, it’s so good! I used to walk around the grocery store with my nose in the bag. BUTTTTT, did you know there’s a gene that makes cilantro taste like soap to some people? Are you one of those people? Let me know in the comments.

    How to Make this Southwest Chicken Bowl

    • First, I add the rice and beans in the bottom of the bowl as the base.
    • Next, I add the veggies (chiles, tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos and avocado) on top.
    • Then I add the warm, juicy chicken breast on top of the veggies.
    • I then mix the salsa and ranch in a separate bowl and spread it over the top of the ingredients. and hold myself back from digging in because it looks so delicious.
    • Finally, I top it with the cheese and cilantro, taking a big whiff of the best smelling, fragrant herb ever and dig in!

    Prepping, Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    Making Ahead

    I recommend making and prepping as many of the ingredients ahead of time, but not combining the ingredients until you’re ready to consume the bowl. Of course, the avocado is best when chopped just before serving. 

    Storing the Leftover Southwest Chicken Bowl Ingredients 

    When making this dish, it’s best to prepare only as much as you’ll eat and then store leftover ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    If you have leftover avocado, leave the pit in, and add a little lemon or lime juice on the exposed flesh. Store in a baggie, removing as much air as possible.

    Reheating Leftovers

    Chicken, rice, and beans can be reheated in the microwave separately. Adding a little water to the rice before reheating helps rehydrate it so it’s soft and moist. Adding a slightly wet paper towel to the top of the chicken and reheating briefly helps keep the chicken from drying out.

     

    I hope you enjoy this Southwest Chicken Bowl as much as I do! Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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    Southwest Chicken Bowl ingredients on white plate - salsa ranch in middle with other ingredients decoratively around plate

    Easy Healthy Summer Southwest Chicken Bowl

    This appetizing Southwest Chicken Bowl is full of flavor with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, jalapenos, zesty salsa ranch, and more.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine American, American Southwest, Mexican
    Servings 4
    Calories 455 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Cups Brown Rice, Prepared
    • ½ Cup Red Beans, Canned, Rinsed
    • ¼ Cup Green Chilies, Canned, Diced
    • ½ Cup Tomatoes, Chopped
    • ¼ Cup Olives, Sliced
    • ¼ Cup Jalapenos, Finely Chopped, Pickled or Fresh
    • 1 Small Avocado, Chopped
    • ½ Cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
    • 2 Cups Chicken Breast, Prepared, Diced or Shredded
    • ¾ Cup Salsa
    • ¼ Cup Ranch Dressing
    • ¼ Cup Cilantro, Chopped

    Instructions
     

    • First place ½ cup of rice and 2 TBSP of beans (warmed) in the bottom of each of the four bowls as the base.
    • Next add 1 TBSP green chilies, 2 TBSP chopped tomatoes,1 TBSP of sliced black olives, 1 TBSP of chopped jalapenos, and ¼ of one small avocado in each bowl.
    • Then to each bowl, add ½ cup of the warm chicken breast.
    • In a separate bowl, mix ¾ cup of salsa and ¼ cup of ranch dressing until well combined.
    • Next add ¼ cup of salsa ranch per bowl, spooning evenly on top of the ingredients.
    • Lastly, top each bowl with 2 TBSP cheese and 1TBSP of cilantro and enjoy!
    Keyword Chicken and Rice Bowl, Easy, Gluten Free, Healthy, Salsa Bowl, Southwest Chicken Bowl, Summer

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    Patriotic Table Decor for Memorial Day or Fourth of July

    Patriotic Table Decor for Memorial Day or Fourth of July

    by | May 22, 2023 | At Home, Holidays/Occasions, Independence Day (American), Memorial Day, Spring, Summer

    This patriotic table decor is perfect for your Memorial Day and Fourth of July party or gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s easy on the pocketbook too!

    Patriotic Table Decor for Memorial Day and 4th of July - Blue star plate with red and blue star napkin, silver bowl, red cup and silverware as place setting, red vase with white flowers and flags

    With springtime coming to a close and summer drawing near, we’ve got two American holidays on the horizon that bring out our patriotic side. Memorial Day, a day to remember fallen soldiers, and Independence Day, America’s birthday, are time for celebration in the USA.

    This year, we’re inviting the family over for a good old fashioned backyard BBQ. If you’ve known me long enough, you know how festive I am, and these holidays are no exception!

    For our family BBQ, I wanted to come up with budget-friendly patriotic table decor. So, I went over to the Dollar Tree and found just what I was looking for. I found most items in their seasonal section and a few other things around the store.

    Come with me and I’ll show you what I found and why you’ll love it!

    Why you’ll love this Patriotic Table Decor

    • It’s quick and easy to put together.
    • The red, white, and blue colors and patterns are fun and festive.
    • This tablescape is great for both Memorial Day and 4th of July.
    • Everything was purchased from the Dollar Tree making it very budget friendly.

    What You’ll Need for Your Festive Tablescape

    blue star plate with red and blue star napkins and red cup as place setting - blue and red starred tray with red star plates, blue ribbon and more napkins in center of table

    • White Plates:

      This is the only part of the tablescape that I did not purchase. I used my everyday white plates that have a beaded edge. They work well as a base or backdrop to the star plates that we’ll talk about in a minute.

     

      • Other options: Dollar Tree has several options including Silver chargers (found near seasonal plates up front), white paper plates (found in the party section), or red, white, or blue ceramic plates (found the kitchenware area).

     

    • Silverware (Forks, Knives and Spoons):

      I used plastic silverware from the Dollar Tree. They hold up well, so I’ll often wash and reuse them.

     

      • Other options: Of course, your everyday silverware works great too. The Dollar Tree also has red, white, blue, and clear plastic silverware.

     

    • Red and Blue Metallic Star Shaped Plates:

       I found these in the seasonal patriotic section of the store. Each package comes with 8 plates (so 16 plates if you purchase both colors). I set my table for 4 and used 4 red and 4 blue plates.

     

      • Other options: The star plates are adorable, but if you can’t find them, they do have other plate options, like solid red and blue and other patriotic patterns.

     

    • Red Cups:

       These were also found in the seasonal section. They say “America the Beautiful” on them, surrounded by silver stars.

     

      • Other options: Dollar Tree also has blue and red patterned cups in the seasonal section with various patriotic patterns and verbiage.
    red and blue star plates, red and blue starred tray and napkins, silver bowls, blue ribbon, red vase, flag wands, white flowers, red cup, white plate, silverware

    • Small Silver Bowls:

      These come in sets of four and are found in the party section.

     

    • Large Silver Bowl: 

      This is found next to the small silver bowls and is sold individually.

     

    • Star Patterned Napkins:

      These are also found in the seasonal section and have red, white, and blue stars on them.

     

      • Other options: There were a few other options like solid red and blue and one with a flag pattern.

     

    • Star Patterned Tray:

      This is the main base of the centerpiece. It’s also a red, white, and blue star pattern and matches the napkins.

     

    • Blue Ribbons:

      These are found in the gift-wrapping section and are also a part of the main centerpiece. They come in three packs, and you’ll only need one pack.

     

    • Metallic Red Gift Containers: 

      These were found on a shelf with other small gift boxes in the gift-wrapping section. I used two for the centerpiece as vases and one of the lids to hold extra napkins.

     

    • White Flowers: 

      I used faux, white carnations. I only needed two bouquets for the tablescape.

     

      • Other options: There were some other white and red flower options. White flowers contrast nicely with the red gift container they sit in.

    • Flags: 

      The foam flag wands are found in the seasonal patriotic section.

     

      • Other options: They also have small traditional flags and other foam wands, including heart and star shaped wands with the flag pattern on them.

        Putting Together the Patriotic Table Decor

        For the Place Settings

        To start, I set the table for four people. For the place settings, I’m using the regular white everyday plates, red and blue star plates, star patterned napkins, small silver bowls, silverware and the red cups.

         

        blue and red star plates with red and blue star napkins, silver bowl, silverware, and red cup as place setting

        I used the white plates as the base, then stacked a blue or red star plate on top. I folded napkins in half to create a triangle and placed them centered on top of the star plates.

         Next, I added the small silver bowls on top. Then I placed the silverware on each side, and the cup to the upper right side of the plate.

         *** I alternated using red or blue star plates for each place setting.

        For the Centerpiece

        After the place settings were done, I started on the middle part of the centerpiece. I used the star patterned tray, the red star plates, the large silver bowl, one of the red lids from the red cylindrical gift boxes, the blue curly ribbons and the remainder of the star patterned napkins.

         

        red and blue starred tray with red star plates, silver bowl with blue ribbon and red and blue starred napkins as centerpiece

        I used the tray as the base. Then I added two red star plates on top of the tray and placed the large silver bowl centered on top. Next, I placed one of the lids to the red gift containers upside down in the middle of the large silver bowl.

        Next, I added the three blue curly ribbons to the silver bowl, surrounding the red lid evenly. Lastly, for the main part of the centerpiece, I rolled up the remainder of the napkins and placed them in the middle gift box lid.

        Lastly, for the two outer parts of the centerpiece, I used blue star plates, the two red, metallic gift boxes (without lids), the white flowers and the foam flag wands.

         

        red vase on top of blue star plate with white flowers and two American flags as part of centerpiece

        I used blue star plates as the base, placing one on each side of the star patterned tray. I then placed the red gift boxes (without lids) centered on top of the star plates.

        Finally, I added the white flowers to the red gift boxes, using them as vases. To finish up, I placed two flag wands in each red “vase,” so they are jutting out above the flowers.

         

        blue star plate with red and blue star napkins and red cup as place setting - blue and red starred tray with red star plates, blue ribbon and more napkins in center of table, red vase with flowers and flags

        Thank you for taking the time to check out this patriotic table decor! I hope you enjoyed it. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

         

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