HEALTHY MEALS in minutes

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH FRESH FAST FOODS

BY MELISSA TATE

EASY MARGHERITA PIZZA

SERVINGS: 2 SERVINGS | PREP TIME: 5 MIN. | COOK TIME: 10 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: 1 pizza crust, either a prebaked pizza crust, a piece of baked naan, or a circle of pita bread | ½ cup marinara sauce | 2 cups mozzarella, shredded | ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded | 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped | ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT oven to 350°. PLACE marinara on the crust, using the back of a spoon to spread from edge to edge. SPRINKLE mozzarella and parmesan onto the sauce. TOP with tomatoes and basil. BAKE for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and turning golden.

30 MINUTE SQUASH SOUP

SERVINGS: 4 | PREP TIME: 10 MIN. | COOK TIME: 20 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: 1 ½ Tbsp. olive oil | 1 cup onion, chopped | 3 tsp. garlic, minced | 2 lbs. butternut squash, seeds removed, peeled, and cubed | 1 tsp. salt | ¼ tsp. ground black pepper | ¼ tsp. turmeric | ½ tsp. paprika | 1 Tbsp. onion powder | 1 Tbsp. garlic powder | 1 ½ cups vegetable broth | 1 ½ cups almond milk | pumpkin seeds for garnish

DIRECTIONS: HEAT oil over medium high heat in a large stockpot. ADD onion to pot, stir and cook for 2 to 4 minutes. ADD garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant. PLACE butternut squash, salt, pepper, turmeric, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in a pot and stir to combine. COOK 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. POUR vegetable broth and almond milk into a pot, stir to combine. BRING to a boil, turn down to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. REMOVE from heat and puree soup with either a blender, immersion blender or food processor until combined and smooth. TASTE and add salt and pepper as needed. SERVE warm with pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top.

SIMPLE GREEN GODDESS SALAD

SERVINGS: 1 | PREP TIME: 10 MIN. | COOK TIME: 20 MIN. (AVERAGE 18 MIN. TO GRILL CHICKEN BREAST)

INGREDIENTS: 1 chicken breast, grilled | 2 cups spring mix lettuce | 2 Tbsp. bacon bits | 3 slices avocado | 1 egg, hard-boiled and cut in half | 2 Tbsp. pickled onions | 2 Tbsp. feta | ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped GREEN GODDESS DRESSING INGREDIENTS: 1 cup mayonnaise | 2 Tbsp. dried tarragon | ¼ cup chives | 1 cup parsley | 1 cup watercress | 2 Tbsp. lemon juice | 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar | ½ tsp. salt | ¼ tsp. pepper

DIRECTIONS: PREPARE the dressing by adding mayonnaise, tarragon, chives, parsley, watercress, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a food processor. BLEND until smooth. Set aside. ADD spring mix, sliced chicken breast, bacon bits, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, egg halves, feta, and pickled onions in a bowl. POUR the desired amount of dressing over salad and enjoy.

ABOUT OUR CHEF

Melissa is a freelance food writer with a passion for hospitality and home cooked meals. Along with writing, she helps her husband run their working ranch and event venue in Rockwall, Texas. To follow her cooking and ranching adventures visit MelissaTateTX. com or fi nd her on Instagram at @MELISSATATETX