Recent Recipes

Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is made with refreshing cucumbers, crunchy red onions, fragrant cilantro, and a simple roasted sesame dressing. It's a healthy salad to accompany all your Asian dishes and it comes together quickly in under 15 minutes! Plus, this easy recipe is an excellent way to use up your surplus of cucumbers.

close up of cucumber salad with red onions, cilantro, and black sesame seeds.

Embrace the summer heat with this refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad recipe. It is the queen of all salads and for good reason.

Thinly sliced cucumbers and crispy red onions tossed in a delicious medley of roasted sesame dressing, tangy rice vinegar, and savory coconut aminos - this salad perfectly captures the essence of summer in every bite.

Add in some fresh cilantro, a touch of spiciness, and a black sesame seeds for good measure, and it's a perfect accompaniment to your outdoor gatherings, picnics, or an easy side to a weeknight dinner.

Pair it with your favorite chicken recipe or stir-fry to make it a complete meal.

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Why you'll love this recipe

Use up excess cucumbers - If you have a surplus of cucumbers from your garden or a generous supply from a farmer's market, this salad recipe is for you!

Easy to make - With only 3 fresh ingredients and a handful of pantry staples, this Asian cucumber salad comes together quickly and effortlessly.

Perfect for meal prep - This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop. Make over the weekend to enjoy on busy weeknights.

Great accompaniment to Asian meals - Its versatile flavors make it an excellent pairing to various Asian cuisines. Whether it's Korean, Japanese, Chinese, or Thai - you can switch things up to make it work for your dinner tonight.

💭Fun Fact: Cucumber salads are popular across various Asian cuisines and are appreciated not only for their refreshing taste but also for their cooling properties as they have a practical purpose to help people stay cool during hot weather.

Ingredients

Learn how to make Spicy Cucumber Salad with 3 fresh ingredients plus the simple salad dressing. This easy recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.

Cucumbers: Use thin-skinned seedless cucumbers such as Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers. This provides a crisp, refreshing, and crunchy base for the salad. Mini cucumbers would make a fun visual twist.
Red onion: Adds a hint of sharpness and color to the salad. You can use shallots or a white onion in a pinch.
Fresh cilantro: Provides a bright and herbaceous note to the salad and complements the rest of the ingredients well.
Dressing: A simple blend of toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, crushed red pepper, black sesame seeds, and unrefined sea salt completes this easy Asian cucumber salad.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Substitutions and Variations

Paleo/Whole30 Cucumber Salad - All the ingredients are naturally Whole30 and paleo compliant but if unsure about the rice vinegar, switch that out with apple cider vinegar.
Low Carb and Keto Cucumber Salad - Most of the ingredients are naturally low carb and there is no sweetener of any kind in this salad recipe. Swap out the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar to reduce the carb count further. Given that there is very little fat in this dish, it's not technically keto.

Use this simple Asian Cucumber Salad recipe as a general base to add more unique flavor. Here are some great ideas:

Chinese Cucumber Salad - Add one minced garlic clove and a touch of ginger for a zesty kick. Drizzle some honey for a hint of sweetness and swap coconut aminos with soy sauce. Add some chili oil for a fiery kick.
Japanese Cucumber Salad - Use Japanese cucumbers (Kyuri) instead of Persian cucumbers. Add white sesame seeds along with black. Substitute coconut aminos with ponzu sauce and sub rice vinegar with mirin (sweet rice wine vinegar). Top with seaweed flakes or furikake.
Korean Cucumber Salad - Add Gochujang (fermented chili paste) or Korean red pepper flakes called Gochugaru (which is a staple ingredient in Kimchi recipe) for a savory and spicy kick. Replace red onions with finely chopped scallions or green onions.

cucumber salad with red onions and cilantro in a white bowl on a white background.

Make it Nutrient Dense

Staying true to the heart of what Prepare and Nourish is all about, there are ways to ensure you get the maximum nutrition in this easy cucumber salad recipe. Even though it's an incredibly simple recipe, you can take purposeful steps to turn this into a nutrient-dense meal.

Make this seasonally. Cucumbers and cilantro are abundant during the warm summer months, which is a good thing they can cool you down. Make this refreshing cucumber salad regularly during hot weather, and source the cukes from your local farmer's markets for the best flavor.

Use quality ingredients. Aside from the freshest cucumbers, use the best quality ingredients. That often likely means organic oil, vinegars, unrefined sea salt, and other seasonings. Initially, that may seem expensive but these pantry staples will last you a long time.

Add in a ferment. Toss this with homemade Kimchi for the ultimate side dish. Or add a little spicy sauerkraut (made with ginger and garlic!) to spice things up.

Helpful Tips

Adjust spice level - If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. Alternatively, if you enjoy a spicier salad, increase the amount to suit your taste.

Toasted sesame seeds - Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes can enhance their nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn them though!

Make-ahead tip - This salad is great to make ahead. In fact, it tastes better as it ages. But at the very least, you want the flavors to meld together and intensify for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

💭Pro-tip: For easy cleanup, add the dressing ingredients directly into the salad bowl to avoid extra dishes to wash.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience.

The recipe for Asian cucumber salad is very straightforward. Thinly sliced refreshing veggies are tossed in a tangy roasted sesame dressing for a salad that is out of this world delicious!

fresh ingredients added to white bowl including cucumbers, cilantro, and red onion.

Step 1. Slice

Thinly slice cucumbers and red onions and place them into a medium bowl. Add finely chopped cilantro.

overhead of clear small bowl with dressing, black sesame seeds and red chili flakes.

Step 2. Whisk

In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, vinegar, coconut aminos, salt, sesame seeds, and pepper flakes.

💭Pro tip: Use a mandoline slicer to achieve thin and uniform slices of cucumbers and red onions.

roasted sesame dressing poured over cucumbers and red onion asian salad dressing.

Step 3. Toss

Pour the roasted sesame dressing over the cucumbers and red onions and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4. Chill

Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for up to a week for a more pickled taste.

💭Pro tip: If refrigerating, freshen the cucumber salad up by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and sesame seeds.

close up overhead shot of cucumber salad with red onions and black sesame seeds with forks to the side.

Helpful Tools & Links

Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you make this recipe. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store, but having a link helps you know what you're looking for.

Tools: chef knife, cutting board, large mixing bowl, mandoline slicer
Ingredients: sea salt, black sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos
Storage Supplies: wide-mouth mason jars for leftovers, glass snap containers

Serving Suggestions

Serve this paleo cucumber salad as a side dish alongside other Asian main courses such as stir-fries, grilled meats or fish, sushi bowls, or noodles. Pairing it with this Thai chicken larb sounds delicious.

The crispness and vibrant flavors of the salad will complement the main dish well.

Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad pairing suggestions

Salmon Poke Bowl (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)
Spicy Pork Ramen Recipe
1 Hours 30 Minutes
Crispy Baked Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
Paleo Vietnamese Shaking Beef Bowl (30 Minute Meal)
30 Minutes

Storage Instructions

To store: Leftover spicy Asian cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Storage containers: These glass snap containers are perfect for leftovers but if you want to save them as Asian cucumber pickles, consider storing them in a wide-mouth mason jar.

Cucumber and fresh cilantro with red onion and black sesame seeds salad in a white bowl.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of seedless cucumbers?

Yes! You can use regular cucumbers to make Asian cucumber salad. However, seedless cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture and minimal seeds (and consequently moisture), which contribute to a better salad consistency.

How can I make cucumber salad not watery?

Cucumbers in general have a higher moisture content. But to prevent the cucumber salad from becoming too watery, here are a few tips:
1. Salt and rest: after slicing the cucumbers, season them lightly with salt and let them rest for 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the cucumbers and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Remove seeds: if using cucumbers with large or watery seeds, scoop them out with a spoon before slicing.
3. Drain: After dressing the salad, allow it to sit for a few minutes to let any excess moisture accumulate at the bottom of the bowl. Then scoop out the salad with a slotted spoon, leaving the moisture in the bowl.

Can I scale this recipe to make a big batch for a crowd?

Absolutely! You can easily scale this recipe to make a larger batch for a crowd or party. Simply adjust the servings needed and follow the recipe. Keep in mind, that a party typically has several sides and therefore the serving amount may change per person. Also, tasting and adjusting the seasonings before serving is a good idea to ensure your desired flavor.

Looking for more cucumber recipes? Here are some ideas:

Did you make this? Please leave a ⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

Printable Recipe

cucumber salad in white bowl with forks to the side.

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5 from 13 votes

Asian Cucumber Salad

Crunchy, refreshing cucumbers and red onion tossed in a tangy blend of fiery red pepper flakes and savory Asian flavors. This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad recipe has the perfect balance of heat and freshness.

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean

Keyword: asian cucumber salad, keto cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad

Servings:

Calories: 95kcal

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Equipment

Mandoline slicer

Ingredients

6 seedless cucumbers approximately 1½ pounds
¼ red onion
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon coconut aminos
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 teaspoons black sesame seeds
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Slice: Thinly slice cucumbers using a mandoline or sharp knife and place in medium size bowl. Thinly slice the red onions and chop cilantro and add to the cucumbers.
Whisk: In a small bowl or jar, combine sesame seed oil, vinegar, coconut aminos, sesame seeds, salt and pepper flakes.
Toss: Pour the roasted sesame dressing over the cucumbers and red onion and toss to coat evenly.
Chill: Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for up to a week for a more pickled taste.

Nutrition

Real Food Patriotic "Jello" Cake (Paleo, AIP, GAPS, Dairy Free)

This Real Food Patriotic "Jello" Cake is perfectly layered with seasonal berries and grass-fed gelatin. It's a healthy summer dessert that makes a great party treat. Dairy free and naturally sweetened, this jello cake is perfect for your Red, White & Blue celebrations.

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Thank you for supporting this site with purchases made through these links. See full DISCLOSURE for details.

If it weren't for all the fun festivities like camping, pool parties and barbeques, summer would be my least favorite season. I don't do well in scorching weather - I would much rather observe from the comforts of my air conditioned home. But there's always one thing that lures me out - food.

We don't say no to food. 😉 Especially this kind.

Summer Treats

Just like we have comforting soups in cooler months, we have healthy and refreshing dishes in warmer months. And this Jello Cake is no exception. It's made with healthy, real food ingredients that you will feel good serving your family. No food dyes. No boxed ingredients (not naming names). This doesn't even call for sugar. Okay, just a bit of maple syrup for the white layer but at least it has natural minerals.

Related: Alternative Natural Sweeteners

Party Food

The colors red, white and blue deem this cake appropriate for all those patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. And since those holidays are usually spent with friends and family, the ingredients in the recipe card makes for a generous amount. Enough to comfortably feed 20-24 people for dessert. It fills the entire bundt pan nearly to the brim. Feel free to split the ingredients for a smaller cake. You can even use any choice of pan (loaf pans would work great!).

Real Food Patriotic "Jello" Cake

This cake does take a bit of time as the layers have to be individually set before the next layer is poured. I did the first layer in the evening, then the coconut layer in the morning and finally the blueberry layer in the early afternoon and it was ready by dinner time that day. Gelatin takes about 2 hours to set so technically this can be made in 6 hours.

It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. The berries do release some liquid so you don't want to keep it much longer than that.

Key Players

A truly nourishing dish, whether it be entree or dessert, truly starts with nourishing ingredients. Starting with the juices. I used 100% Cherry Juice and 100% Blueberry Juice, both from Trader Joe's and do not have added sugar. I'm sure pomegranate juice would work just as well for the red layer and perhaps grape juice for the blue layer. Just be sure to check the ingredients for added sweeteners.

I love coconut milk from the same place (TJ's) but you can also purchase this brand. Again, check the ingredient list for added gums and other junk. If using a standard 13.5 oz can of coconut milk, feel free to use it all or save a few tablespoons for a smoothie or another use (this recipe calls for 12 oz. or 1 ½ cups of coconut milk).

Finally the gelatin. This cake would not be possible were in not for the gut-healing gelatin. Gone are the days when there was only one brand of grass-fed gelatin on the market. I have used Great Lakes for many years and love it - just make sure you get the red can. Perfect Supplements also makes great gelatin. Just make sure you get gelatin not collagen for this recipe. Sidenote: I love Perfect Supplements' Collagen and put a scoop in my morning coffee daily. Another Sidenote: Knox is not grass-fed gelatin. A little goes a long way and gelatin has a long shelf life so buy good quality.

Printable Recipe

Perfectly layered with seasonal berries, this Real Food Patriotic "Jello" Cake contains gut-healing gelatin and natural sweetener. This popular summer treat is healthy with simple ingredients. It also happens to be Paleo, GAPS diet and even AIP!

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4.50 from 4 votes

Real Food Patriotic "Jello" Cake

Perfectly layered with seasonal berries, this "Jello" cake contains gut-healing gelatin and natural sweetener. This popular summer treat is healthy with simple ingredients. It also happens to be Paleo, Whole30, GAPS diet and even AIP!

Prep Time6

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

Red Layer

2 ½ cups 100% cherry juice divided
3 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
½ cup hot water
2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, dried & sliced

White Layer

1 ½ cup full fat coconut milk* divided
2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
½ cup hot water
3 tablespoons real maple syrup or honey**

Blue Layer

1 ½ cup 100% blueberry juice divided
2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
½ cup hot water
1 cup fresh blueberries, washed & dried

Instructions

Red Layer

Pour ½ cup cherry juice in a medium size bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the entire surface. Allow the gelatin to "bloom" for 5 minutes. This mixture should turn thick.
Wash, dry and slice strawberries. Spread them on the bottom of the bundt pan.
Pour hot water into the gelatin/juice mixture (it should be very stiff) and combine well to dissolve the gelatin.
Add remaining juice and mix well. Gently pour over the strawberries (they will rise to the top, that's okay). Carefully place the pan in the refrigerator for a few hours to set.

White Layer

Shake the coconut can or carton to break up the cream parts.
Pour ½ cup coconut milk in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the entire surface to allow the gelatin to bloom for 5 minutes.
When gelatin blooms, pour hot water over this mixture and combine well to fully dissolve the gelatin.
Add maple syrup or honey, remaining coconut milk and stir to combine.
Gently pour over the strawberry layer and place in the refrigerator to set for a few hours.

Blue Layer

Pour ½ cup blueberry juice in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the entire surface to allow it to bloom for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, wash and dry blueberries. Spread them evenly on top of the coconut layer in the pan.
Pour hot water over the the now bloomed gelatin/juice mixture and stir well to dissolve the gelatin.
Add remaining juice to the gelatin mixture and combine well. Gently pour over the blueberries and place in the refrigerator for a few hours or until fully set and firm.

Inverting the Cake

To release the cake, fill your sink or a large bowl with warm water. The water should cover the majority of the bundt pan but not come all the way to the top.
Gently place the mold in the warm water for about 10-15 seconds (be sure to count!). You should see the edges liquefy slightly. This means the gelatin has separated from the mold.
Remove the pan from the warm water. Cover with a large serving plate and with a good grip on the mold and the plate, quickly flip the plate and mold over. Slowly lift the pan and the jello should release easily. You should almost feel the cake invert onto the plate. If any juice runs over the plate, simply wipe dry with a paper towel.

Notes

*A typical 13.5 oz can of coconut milk has slightly more than 1 ½ cups. You can use the entire can with unnoticeable difference or save a few tablespoons of coconut milk for a smoothie or your morning coffee.

**Using light colored honey will give you a brighter white for the coconut layer. Maple syrup is used in these photos.

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Low-Carb Breakfast Kale Egg Cups (Paleo, Keto, GAPS, Whole 30)

Breakfast Kale Egg Cups are a wonderful addition to special brunch or can be made for a quick breakfast instead. Made with turkey or ham deli cold cuts to hold the eggs, cheese and other toppings and baked to perfection. Paleo, Low-Carb, Whole 30, GAPS compliant

I don't know about you, but I'm always on a hunt for more simple ideas to keep the family well fed. One way to do that, is by making a large batch of breakfast items for easy grab-and-go mornings. While I really cherish our sit-down, slow breakfasts - it doesn't quite work out that way all the time. When it doesn't, I turn to recipes such as these Breakfast Kale Egg Cups. But if grab-and-go breakfast isn't your jam, these can totally be enjoyed as part of a relaxing brunch.
Your Favorite Greens

This recipe is pretty flexible, feel free to use whatever green you have on hand. My garden just happens to be overtaken by kale currently, so I naturally gravitate towards recipes with kale. I used regular curly kale, but chard and spinach would work great too.

Rinse the greens, if they came from your garden or a farmer you trust. Otherwise, you can soak in vinegar solution to remove any residual pesticides and other nasties. Dry the greens, or at the very least, give a firm shake over the sink to remove excess water.

Unless you're using baby kale, I recommend removing the spine. I simply hold the kale leaf upside down with my left hand, and slide my thumb and index finger on the other hand down the leaf at the spine, removing the soft part of the leaves and leaving the spine intact. The easiest way to cut kale is to stack the leaves together, roll them lengthwise, and cut across the roll, creating ribbons. This works great for this recipe but cut the kale however you wish.

Your Favorite Deli Meat

Being a mostly gluten-free household, we don't make a lot of sandwiches around here and for this reason, we don't have deli meat stashed away in the refrigerator often. Every now and then, I will throw a sandwich in my kid's lunchbox, but only out of last minute desperation.

Having said that, I appreciate the convenience of having organic deli meat on hand for easy and unique meals. I used turkey though I personally love ham. The hubs wants me to limit our pork consumption (except for bacon, bacon stays), so I reached for a pack of organic, antibiotic and hormone free turkey deli meat. Read the ingredient list and if you're on a healing diet like GAPS, watch out for added sugar.

Any meal of the day!

These egg cups land somewhere between quick breakfast and special brunch. The sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan add a nice Tuscan touch to the otherwise common breakfast. But more than that, these cups don't have to be limited to just the wee hours of the morning, they are also a great snack in the afternoon and make a wonderful light dinner as well.

These egg cups also freeze well, making this a wonderful to-go breakfast, provided that you bake the egg thoroughly. Pull them out of the oven just 2 minutes shy of their full cooking time to enjoy the runny egg for breakfast.

To freeze, be sure to bake the eggs fully (full 10 minutes), then cool on a cooling rack. Place in small freezer-safe containers and stick in the freezer for later use. To reheat, heat a tablespoon of butter (or bacon fat!) on a cast iron skillet and place the egg cups directly on top. Close the skillet with a lid, and warm on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. The bottoms will be perfectly browned and the egg cups will be thoroughly re-heated.

Low Carb Breakfast Kale Egg Cups

Serve these for a quick breakfast, special brunch or a midafternoon snack. These cups have the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats and even vegetables. 😉

Printable Recipe

Breakfast Kale Egg Cups - make this easy breakfast that comes as a complete package with high protein, healthy fats, and nutrient dense greens. These are great for special brunch, healthy snack and are freezer friendly.

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5 from 3 votes

Breakfast Kale Egg Cups with Parmesan and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Serve these as an easy breakfast or a special brunch. The addition of sun dried tomatoes and parmesan makes this a delectable treat.

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter or bacon fat
12 slices of turkey or ham deli meat (organic preferred and check for added sugar!)
6-8 kale leaves despined and chopped
12 pastured eggs
⅓ cup whole milk
½ cup parmesan cheese optional
½ cup sun dried tomatoes
sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
Grease muffin pan with healthy fat such as butter or lard. Though the deli meat doesn't usually stick to the pan, this assures that removing the cups will be a breeze.
Line the muffin openings with thinly-cut slices of turkey or ham deli meat, making cups.
Divide chopped kale amongst the muffin openings, spreading it somewhat evenly within each cup.
Break in one egg per muffin cup.
Pour ½ tablespoon of milk into each muffin cup, right over the egg. Top with parmesan and a few pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. Season with black pepper. Season with salt if desired.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, depending on how runny you desire the yolks to be. Remove and allow to sit for a few minutes before digging in.

Notes

To freeze, store these cups in freezer-safe glass containers.
To reheat, heat a tablespoon of butter (or bacon fat!) on a cast iron skillet and place the egg cups directly on top. Close the skillet with a lid, and warm on medium heat for 2-3 minutes. The bottoms will be perfectly browned and the egg cups will be thoroughly heated.

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4 Ingredient Paleo Crêpes (Dairy Free, Nut Free)

These paleo crêpes are easily made with 4 common paleo ingredients. They can be enjoyed sweet or savory with your favorite fixings and are gluten free, dairy free and nut free.

Crêpes (with an "ê") are such a special treat because you can totally pull of fancy with half the effort. The good thing about crêpes is that they are just as versatile as they are easy. It does take a bit of practice twirling the pan to coat the surface during cooking but otherwise, it's an easy job. Besides, as the crêpe maker you totally get to eat that botched first crêpe anyways so you have that going for you.

Cassava Flour Crêpes

These 4 Ingredient Paleo Crêpes are made with cassava flour and coconut milk. I love using cassava flour for these crêpes because the texture is similar to wheat flour. I only use Otto's Cassava Flour and they have never failed. And if you're in the mood for more cassava recipes, you will love this pan de yuca (gluten-free cheese bread made with yuca flour or cassava flour).

You'll notice that I already have a crêpe recipe on my site and I use that recipe regularly, you can find Grain-Free French Crêpes here.

Dairy Free and Nut Free Crêpes

So what's the difference between my Grain Free French Crêpes and these 4 Ingredient Paleo Crêpes?

If dairy is treating you well, I would go with the French Crêpes because those are astonishingly similar to the regular wheat crêpes that you'd find in your local French Crêpery. However, for those who are dairy free, those crêpes are not ideal because they are best with dairy milk.

The texture on these paleo crêpes is slightly different. These crêpes are a bit more heavier because coconut milk is fattier than regular milk. Nevertheless, these crêpes still retain a lot of the typical crêpe qualities.

You can fill them up just as you would regular crêpes. I love slathering them up with chocolate tahini spread or stuffing them with spinach and sauteed mushrooms. So good. Or just dunk them in your favorite berry chia jam and call it good!

However you enjoy them, you can be assured they contain no wheat, no dairy, and no nuts.

4 Ingredient Paleo Crêpes

These crêpes are made with 4 simple ingredients found in every paleo kitchen. They can be made ahead of time and stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To reheat Paleo Crêpes:

The crêpes can be easily reheated on a skillet over medium heat. This trick will work whether the crêpes are folded in quarters or stacked flat. Place all crêpes in a dry (no oil) cast iron skillet on medium heat. Every 10 seconds, flip the entire stack over and remove the top (now heated) crêpe from the pile and set it aside on another plate. Continue with the rest of the crêpes until all are warmed.

When crêpes are warm, they are much easier to work with which makes stuffing them with deliciousness all the easier!

Helpful Tips for 4-Ingredient Paleo Crêpes

Tools: Using your blender (I have this one) makes it easy to blend everything together, especially when doubling this recipe. I spoon the batter with ¼ cup measuring cups onto the pan. By the way, I use this 12 inch omelette pan but this crêpe pan does magic I hear. Flip the crêpes easily with this thin metal spatula.
Batter: I always give a quick stir before scooping batter in my measuring cup to pick up whatever flour settles to the bottom. You may also find it necessary to add a few teaspoons of water to thin out the batter towards the last remaining few crêpes. That's normal as the flour will naturally settle to the bottom.
Finally, to achieve that true crêpe texture, it's important that you not skimp on the coconut oil between crêpes. Otherwise, they will become dry and crackling if you don't use the oil. I add ½ teaspoon directly onto the pan every other crêpe.

Don't forget the flour - Otto's cassava flour consistently produces the best gluten free flour. For orders outside US, Otto's Cassava Flour may be found on Amazon.

Printable Recipe

4 Ingredient Paleo Crêpes - Easily made with 4 common ingredients found in most kitchens. They're enjoyed sweet or savory with your favorite fixings. Grain free, Dairy Free, Gluten Free

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4 from 12 votes

4 Ingredient Paleo Crêpes

These crêpes are easily made with 4 common ingredients found in most paleo kitchens. They can be enjoyed sweet or savory with your favorite fixings.

Cook Time30

Course: Snack

Cuisine: 5 ingredients, Dairy Free, Freezer Friendly, Nut Free, Paleo, Primal

Servings: crêpes

Calories: 127kcal

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

2 eggs at room temperature
1 cup coconut milk
½ cup warm water
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup cassava flour
2 tablespoons coconut oil for cooking

Instructions

Blend eggs, coconut milk, water, flour and salt in the blender for approximately 3 minutes. Wait for foam to settle.
Heat a lightly oiled stainless steel pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of the batter onto the pan and swirl the pan in circular motion to coat the surface evenly.
Cook the crêpe for approximately 1 minute until the bottom is golden brown and can easily be loosened with a thin spatula. You'll know the bottom is done with you see bubbles on the top of the crêpe form.
Quickly flip the crêpe over and cook the other side for about 30 seconds.
Continue with the rest of the batter. Add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to the pan after every 2-3 crêpes or as needed.
Enjoy immediately or store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can store these folded in quarters or stacked flat. See notes for reheating instructions.

Notes

To reheat crepes:

Place all crêpes in a dry (no oil) cast iron skillet on medium heat. Every 10 seconds, flip the entire stack over and remove the top (now heated) crêpe from the pile and set it aside on another plate. Continue with the rest of the crêpes until all are warmed.

| Nutrition Information Disclaimer |

Nutrition

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More Gluten-Free Recipes You Might Like:

No Bake Lemon Blueberry Mousse
Paleo Vanilla Ice Cream
Gluten Free Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake

Chunky Guacamole Recipe

Craving guacamole with texture? This chunky guacamole recipe is packed with diced tomatoes, red onions, and creamy avocado - perfect for those who want more bite and less mush. No need to settle for smooth, baby-food-style guacamole when you can have all the flavors and textures you love!

Chunky guacamole in a white bowl, with tortilla chips beside it on a white plate.

Looking for more healthy dips & spreads?
Check out taco dip with ground beef, homemade sour cream, and chicken liver pate.

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💡Recipe Overview

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes to prep
Cooking Method: No cook
Dietary Info: Keto, Whole30, Paleo, GAPS, Ancestral diet
Tools Needed: small bowl
Skill Level: Easy

What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Chunk It Like It's Hot

I've been making this guac for over a decade, and it's never let me down - unlike online shopping in the middle of the night. 🤑

This isn't your typical smooth, baby-food-style guacamole. We're here for chunky, textured, flavor-packed goodness.

Every bite has a little bit of everything - creamy avocado, crunchy onion, juicy tomato, a jalapeno kick, and all the zesty vibes.

It's the kind of guac that makes people hover near the bowl and "accidentally" double dip. Trust me, once you try guac with this much personality, the smooth stuff just feels like a sad avocado puree.

Ingredients for Chunky Guacamole

Avocados: For the best guacamole, choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed, but aren't mushy. Add lime juice right away to prevent browning.
Veggies: The red onion adds a crisp bite, while the finely diced tomato adds sweetness without making the guac watery. I prefer a Roma tomato but when I don't have that, any tomato will do. The jalapeno pepper adds a nice kick. These fresh ingredients keep the guac chunky and full of texture.
Aromatics: What's a guacamole without garlic? It's a total must - just be sure to mince it finely or use a garlic press. Cilantro is another must, but if you're one of the few who thinks it tastes like soap, I'm sorry, but no guac is complete without it.
Seasonings: We're keeping seasonings simple with a little sea salt to balance the flavor and ground cumin to add a warm, earthy touch.

Substitutions and Variations

Fermented - Try swapping the fresh jalapeno pepper with lacto-fermented jalapenos for a gut-friendly boost. And add a splash or two of the brine to really bring on the heat.
Make it creamy - For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of homemade sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Cheaters guac - If you want to cut down on time, add a few tablespoons of the pico de Gallo to replace diced tomatoes and onions.

A hand holding a tortilla with chunky guacamole, with a bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips on a white plate behind.

How to Make Chunky Guacamole

The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

Step 1.

Slice avocados in half lengthwise. Discard the seed. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and mash with a fork in a medium bowl, keeping some chunky bits. Add lime juice immediately to prevent browning while you're prepping other ingredients.

Mixing chopped tomatoes, onions, avocado, and pepper in a clear bowl.

Step 2.

Add chopped onions, tomato, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro and seasonings. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Helpful Tips

Start with the right avocados. Look for ones that yield slightly when pressed but aren't mushy. If they're too firm, place them in a paper bag with a banana for quicker ripening.
Add lime juice immediately. To slow oxidation and keep your guacamole vibrant, squeeze lime over the avocados immediately. For extra freshness, add a splash on top before storing.
Mash to your liking. To achieve a perfectly chunky guac, mash your avocados lightly with a fork, leaving some larger pieces. But if you prefer a smoother consistency, mash more thoroughly.
Avoid watery guac. No one likes a watery guac and that's usually the result of watery tomatoes. To prevent this, remove the seeds and extra juices before adding them. You can gently squeeze them with your hand over the sink.

Serving Suggestions

Does this section even need to be here? I mean, we all know guac goes with literally everything. But just in case you need a little inspiration, here are a few tasty ways to enjoy it:

Classic with chips: Scoop it up with homemade tortilla chips.

Taco or burrito topping: Add a generous dollop to beef chuck roast tacos or tacos de lengua.

Breakfast boost: Serve it alongside eggs or sheet-pan breakfast quesadilla for a serving of healthy fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store chunky guacamole?

Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To help prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing with a lid. These glass snap containers work great for keeping it fresh.

Can I freeze chunky guacamole?

Technically, yes—but it's best with smooth guacamole. Chunky guacamole doesn’t freeze well because ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro release water and change texture when thawed. If you freeze it, skip the mix-ins and add them fresh after defrosting.

Why does guacamole turn brown?

That’s just oxidation - it happens when avocado is exposed to air. To slow it down, add lime juice right away and store it with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface. A thin layer of lime juice on top before sealing helps, too.

Looking for more avocado recipes? Here are some ideas:

Did you make this chunky guacamole? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

Printable Recipe

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5 from 1 vote

Chunky Guacamole

Chunky guacamole with diced tomatoes, red onions, and creamy avocado for texture lovers - no mushy, baby-food-style guac here!

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: chunky guacamole, chunky guacamole recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 59kcal

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

2 avocados peeled, pitted, & roughly mashed
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ cup red onion diced
1 Roma tomato seeded and diced
1 jalapeno finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves minced
¼ cup cilantro chopped
1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

Slice 2 avocados in half lengthwise. Discard the seed. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon and mash with a fork in a medium bowl, keeping some chunky bits. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice immediately to prevent browning while you're prepping other ingredients.
Add chopped ½ cup red onion, 1 Roma tomato, 1 jalapeno, 2 large garlic cloves, and ¼ cup cilantro. Season with 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt and ½ teaspoon ground cumin. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

Notes

Storage: Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, transfer it to an airtight container. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before sealing the lid. Refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Helpful Tips:

Start with the right avocados. Look for ones that yield slightly when pressed but aren't mushy. If they're too firm, place them in a paper bag with a banana for quicker ripening.
Add lime juice immediately. To slow oxidation and keep your guacamole vibrant, squeeze lime over the avocados immediately. For extra freshness, add a splash on top before storing.
Mash to your liking. To achieve a perfectly chunky guac, mash your avocados lightly with a fork, leaving some larger pieces. But if you prefer a smoother consistency, mash more thoroughly.
Avoid watery guac. No one likes a watery guac and that's usually the result of watery tomatoes. To prevent this, remove the seeds and extra juices before adding them. You can gently squeeze them with your hand over the sink.

Nutrition

3 Ingredient Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (Paleo, Vegan)

Paleo Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is made from 3 healthy ingredients and can be served soft serve or traditional. This Paleo treat is healthy and delicious the entire family can enjoy.

I'll be the first to admit, I have a really close relationship with real dairy. I love the variety of cheeses I can buy at Costco (I usually throw 3-4 different bricks in my cart every time I go there).

I especially appreciate that dairy in raw and fermented forms are actually beneficial for your health, provided you are not intolerant to them. That's why I regularly make yogurt and we purchase pastured butter quarterly in 40-pound blocks (which conveniently lasts us 3 months).

But despite this, I realize coconut in its own right is a health food and therefore, have been slowly transitioning to consuming more of the coconut goodness. I'll be honest, it's been a tough transition. My family isn't a big fan of all things coconut. I can't get away with using coconut oil when sauteeing vegetables. And I certainly can't make coconut ice cream and call it just like"store-bought ice cream."

But you know what....

Much to my surprise, this is one of the few recipes that my kids prefer I use coconut milk instead of the dairy heavy cream. They keep asking for it and when made with only 3 ingredients, 3 healthy ingredients - I'm always happy to oblige.

3 Ingredient Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (Paleo)

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream sounds so much fancier than plain Vanilla Ice Cream, no? Don't skimp on the vanilla, those specks of vanilla and the smell is sweetly divine. Simply split open a vanilla bean and scrape off the beans with a butter knife directly into the ice cream mixing bowl.

I make my own vanilla extract and when I do, I keep the beans in the bottles until the extract runs out. I use those softened beans for the ice cream.

No vanilla beans? No worries, just add 2 tablespoons of the extract. By adding the alcohol base extract, your ice cream won't be rock solid when completely frozen so you can compensate for the lack of vanilla bean specks that way.

Soft Serve or Traditional?

You can enjoy this paleo ice cream soft serve style by right after churning it. If you're opting for more solid ice cream, transfer the mixed frozen treat into a freezer safe container and freeze for several hours. Either way, it's a winner! And a healthy one at that!

Helpful Items for Making This Paleo Vanilla Ice Cream

Coconut Milk + Cream - This is the brand without guar gum (which most coconut milks contain) but I use the Trader Joe's store brand with great success. TJ's carries both clean coconut milk and coconut cream. I have not tried this recipe with homemade coconut milk.
Vanilla Beans or high quality Vanilla Extract
Maple Syrup - I get the best deal at Costco but I've used this one in the past as well.
Ice Cream Maker - This one is my favorite and really the only one I use.
Freezer safe containers to store your delicious frozen treat.

Enjoy this Paleo Vanilla Ice Cream on top of Paleo Baked Pecan Apples. Or drizzle this Homemade Chocolate Syrup (Paleo, GAPS) over the ice cream.

Of course, if you're like me - you can spoon it straight out of the ice cream maker bowl.

Printable Recipe

3 Ingredient Vanilla Bean Ice Cream - This Paleo treat is rich in healthy dairy free fats and loaded with vanilla bean specks. Made with coconut milk.

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4.27 from 46 votes

Paleo Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

With 3 wholesome ingredients, this paleo vanilla ice cream will become your favorite treat year round.

Prep Time35

Total Time35

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Paleo, Primal

Servings: servings

Calories: 19kcal

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

1 13.5 oz can full fat coconut milk (room temperature) *
1 13.5 oz can full fat coconut cream (room temperature) *
⅓ - ½ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon scraped vanilla bean seeds OR
3 tablespoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Place the ice cream maker bowl in the freezer 12 hours before or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Combine coconut milk, cream and maple syrup in a blender until smooth and frothy (about 2-3 minutes). Pour the mixture in the previously-frozen ice cream bowl and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Add vanilla extract or scrape vanilla seeds from the beans with a butter knife and add directly into the ice cream bowl as its churning.
After approximately 35 minutes, you can enjoy this soft serve consistency or transfer the ice cream into a freezer safe container and freeze for 4 hours to get more solid ice cream. Ice cream will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

*My favorite coconut milk and cream is Trader Joe's brand as it doesn't contain guar gum and is full fat. This recipe calls for either 2 cans of 13.5 oz coconut milk or 3 cartons of Aroy-d coconut milk (no guar gum). You need a total of 3 ½ cups of coconut milk + cream with 1:1 ratio.

*You can get full cream by chilling the coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight and then skimming the fat from the top. Doing so you may need 4 cartons to work with to get to a combined 3 ½ cups of liquid. You may also need to heat the cream to bring it to room temperature so it combines well with sweetener.

*Recipe makes a quart of ice cream.

|Nutrition Information Disclaimer |

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcal | Potassium: 9mg

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Keto Egg Drop Soup (5 minutes!)

This Keto Egg Drop Soup is rich in nutrition and healthy fats. It doesn't have a thickener making this an easy Paleo, Whole30, or low carb breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Egg Drop Soup is a total comfort food.

Traditional Asian recipes typically call for a thickener such as corn starch. This version has no thickeners and is much quicker to prepare.

But there's really no wrong way to eat Egg Drop Soup, provided that only clean ingredients are used.

Everything from fish sauce to ginger to garlic can be used to flavor the soup. Some recipes use whole eggs while others only whites. I suppose a lot of these variants depend on your own personal preferences and in my current busy season, my preference is simple, easy and flavorful.

Creamy Egg Drop Soup

I have to admit, the best part of this soup is the creaminess from coconut milk. It adds more texture and richness to this simple soup. You can add heavy cream but to keep it Paleo and Whole30, coconut milk is preferred.

This Keto Egg Drop Soup is rich in nutritious bone broth, pastured eggs and a handful of green add-ins. That cup of coconut milk is amazing for those healthy fats. Don't worry, the coconut flavor is very subtle but adds creaminess and richness to the soup like no other.

Sometimes I'll add butter instead (in addition?) to the coconut milk. There's really no wrong way to eat egg drop soup. You can also add leftover roast chicken or your favorite veggies for additional sustenance.

5-Minute Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Now let's talk about the eggs. Traditional Egg Drop Soup in most Asian places have very thin and wispy egg ribbons. There's a fool proof technique to achieve that. However, I personally don't mind the chunky eggs in my egg drop soup. Especially if it saves me time and dishes! I crack the eggs directly into the stockpot and quickly whisk, one egg at a time. Saves time, and an extra dishes to wash.

Sidenote: I use the same method to add eggs to this Potato & Sorrel Soup.

How to Achieve Wispy Eggs

However, should you prefer the ribbon like eggs the key is to whisk it separately in a small bowl with a fork and slowly, in a steady stream pour it into the boiling broth as you stir the soup. The eggs will cook on contact with the hot broth even off heat.

Keto Egg Drop Soup in 5 Minutes!

Printable Recipe

Keto Egg Drop Soup (5 minutes) - This Keto Egg Drop Soup is rich in nutrition and healthy fats. It doesn't have a thickener making this an easy Paleo, Whole30, or low carb breakfast, lunch or dinner. #lowcarb #whole30

Print Recipe

4.74 from 15 votes

Keto Egg Drop Soup

Simple yet full of nutrition with bone broth and healthy fats.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Asian

Servings:

Calories: 382kcal

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

4 cups bone broth
3 eggs
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup coconut milk
garnish (cilantro, jalapenos, green onions, etc..)

Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring bone broth to a boil.
Take off heat and add eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each egg.
For wispy eggs: whisk eggs separately in a small bowl and gently pour into the pot, stirring constantly. The eggs will cook on contact with the hot broth even off heat.
Season with salt and pepper. Add coconut milk is using.
Season with cilantro, green onions and jalapenos and a slice of lemon.

Notes

| Nutritional Information Disclaimer |

Nutrition

What would you garnish this Keto Egg Drop Soup with?

If you liked the recipe above, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below. Also, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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DIY Face Serum

Made with only six clean ingredients, this DIY Face Serum is a light and nourishing moisturizer for normal or combination skin types.

This post is in partnership with Oleum Vera, opinions and photography are my own. Thank you for supporting companies I believe in. The information contained in this blog is not intended to be construed in any manner as medical advice. See full DISCLOSURE for details.

As a teenager, my face took a lot of abuse from harsh acne treatment and sun damage. Not to mention the cheap cosmetics with a laundry list of nasty ingredients smeared on my face. All the cool girls did it and I joined the ranks. If only I can take those poor choices back.

Part of my journey to natural and holistic living required completely revamping my skincare routine. It stands to reason that because skin is your largest organ, it must be properly nourished and taken care of just as you would your liver, kidneys and heart.

Once I started digging into the long ingredient list of my skincare and beauty products, I realized I was doing my face and skin a major disservice. The list contained parabens which are disruptive to the endocrine system and other unpronounceable ingredients such as polycaprolactone, lithium silicate and butylene glycol. And all for a shiny penny.

Fortunately, with so much information and resources at our fingertips, it's easier now than ever to make facial products at home with only a handful of ingredients. Oleum Vera takes it a step further by creating Organic Do-It-Yourself kits for all your body care needs. Their gorgeous kits contain 4-month supply (or sometimes even more) of certified organic ingredients to help you create the best DIY face, hair and body product.

Not only is the product of superior quality, they also allow you to create skincare and haircare products that are truly customizable to suit your skin, hair and body type. Each kit includes a recipe book to meet the needs of everyone. If you are prone to acne or oily face, perhaps Green Tea and Vodka Toner will suit you best. You have dry or damaged hair? Give Nourishing Rosemary and Mint Serum a try to nurture those locks back to health.

This Canadian based company has a mission to empower you to reclaim your self-care routine through high quality ingredients and a gentler, more natural approach to body care. According to Oleum Vera, "it's time to redefine beauty on your own terms." I couldn't agree more.

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And just so we don't leave the men hanging....Oleum Vera also has a kit especially for the male species. I'm thinking this would make a fabulous Father's Day gift, which will be here before we know it.

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It's worth mentioning that these beautiful kits come with high quality accessories and bottles that you can reuse for your future DIY recipes. In fact, Oleum Vera's latest products are refills for the separate ingredients that you could purchase individually to create your custom skin, hair and body products.

DIY Face Serum

Speaking of creations, this DIY Lavender Face Serum comes directly out of the Face Moisturizing Kit. It's a great option for normal or combination skin and takes all of 3 minutes to combine all the ingredients together. It serves as a nourishing moisturizer and can be used in the mornings or at night.

Every good moisturizing serum starts with a carrier oil, in this case a combination of healing oils marula and jojoba. Following carrier oils, a good choice of essential oils is just as important. This face serum contains frankincense and lavender essential oils to help create that healthy glow.

Printable Recipe

DIY Facial Serum - with 6 clean ingredients, this DIY moisturizer for the face is the ideal choice for normal and combination skin types. Made with lavender & frankincense essential oils.

Print Recipe

4.19 from 16 votes

DIY Face Serum

Great oil for normal or combination skin

Prep Time3

Total Time3

Servings:

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

2 teaspoon organic marula oil
2 teaspoon organic jojoba oil
1 teaspoon organic pomegranate seed oil
1 teaspoon non-GMO vitamin E oil
6 drops organic frankincense essential oil
6 drops organic lavender essential oil

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a bottle.
To use: place a few drops of serum directly in the palm of your hands. Rub hands together and apply serum across your face. Gently massage into skin.

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Poisson en Papillote (Easy Fish in Parchment Recipe)

Poisson en papillote is an easy and elegant way to cook fish by steaming it in a parchment paper pouch. This fish en papillote recipe is made with olives, capers, and fresh herbs, creating a flavorful, nutrient-dense meal with minimal cleanup.

Fish en papillote in parchment paper, served on a white plate with a fork.

Looking for more seafood recipes? 
Check out blackened fish tacos, fish head soup, and fish fumet.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

💡Recipe Overview

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook
Cooking Method: Oven-baked
Dietary Info: Keto, Whole30, Paleo, GAPS, Ancestral diet
Tools Needed: sheet pan and parchment paper
Skill Level: Easy

What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.

French-Inspired, Low-Effort Elegance

I love when simple techniques make me feel like I'm cooking something fancy - and poisson en papillote (which translates fish in parchment in French) does exactly that.

This French-inspired dish sounds elegant (and it is!) but it's surprisingly low-effort and super rewarding. You basically wrap everything up in a parchment paper packet - fish, herbs, veggies, and an olive-caper-lemon-garlic situation - and bake until it's perfectly tender and full of flavor.

I lean on this recipe when I want something healthy and beautiful with zero mess. No splattering pans, no post-dinner cleanup dread (I mean, there's some cleanup - I'm no wizard!). But it's one baking sheet and some parchment paper.

Plus, there's something kind of sweet about opening your own little steamy packet at the table. It's a whole vibe.

Ingredients for Fish en Papillote

Fish: White fish is my choice here. Something mild and flaky like rockfish, cod, or halibut. Tilapia is a popular choice but I haven't come across any wild tilapia and personally try to avoid farmed. You'll want 4 fillets, about 6-8 ounces each, and roughly the same size so they cook evenly in their little parchment pouches.
Vegetables: For the veggies, I keep it simple with grape tomatoes and red onion. The tomatoes burst and release their juices, which helps to flavor the fish, and the thinly sliced red onion softens and sweetens in the steam.
Olive oil sauce: This olive oil mixture is what brings it all together. A good glug of extra virgin olive oil gets mixed with lemon zest and juice for brightness, minced garlic for bite, capers, Castelvetrano olives for salty brininess, and a sprinkle of dried parsley. It's bold, herby, and so easy to stir everything together while your oven preheats.
Finishers: Layer on a few lemon slices and a fresh sprig of dill on each fillet before sealing the packet. A little salt and pepper to taste, and you're good to go.

Substitutions and Variations

Fish - A richer fish like salmon would work if you wanted to skip white fish but adjust the cook time slightly depending on thickness. You may also want to hold back some of the olive oil as the fish is fattening. Prefer shellfish? Shrimp works well too. Just reduce the cook time to about 10 minutes.
Vegetables - Sub in sliced zucchini, thin asparagus, or julienned carrots - just make sure they are all sliced thin so they steam quickly. Swap the red onions for shallots or thinly sliced leeks for a more delicate flavor.

graphic of fork and spoon connected in a plant.

Make it Ancestral

Color me shocked, but cooking fish en papillote is actually an old-school move—our ancestors were out there wrapping food in leaves, bark, even clay to steam it gently. So really, we’re just channeling our inner ancestral cook… but with parchment paper and a little less forest foraging. What I love most is how the fish steams in its own juices, locking in all those delicate fats, minerals, and proteins—just like our great-great-grandmas would’ve done, minus the open fire and questionable fish smell in the hut.

How to Make Poisson en Papillote

The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.

Sliced olives in oil with salt in a clear bowl.

Step 1.

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, capers, Castelvetrano olives, sea salt, and dried parsley.

Fish in parchment paper with sliced olives.

Step 2.

Place a fillet of white fish in the center of each sheet of parchment paper. Spoon some of the olive oil mixture directly over the fish.

Fish in parchment paper with slices of lemon, tomatoes, olives, and onions.

Step 3.

Arrange the grape tomatoes and sliced red onion around the fish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Place a couple of lemon slices on top of each fillet, then finish with a few sprigs of fresh dill.

Fish en papillote in parchment paper, placed on a baking tray.

Step 4.

Fold the parchment over the fish and veggies, sealing the edges to form tight packets. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Helpful Tips

Cut vegetables evenly. Thin, uniform slices ensures the veggies cook at the same rate as the fish. Choose quick-cooking vegetables.
Start with dry fish. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towel to remove excess moisture as that will dilute the overall flavor.
Seal the parchment well. Leave enough space around the fish for steam to circulate and cook everything evenly. Use tight, overlapping folds so the packet stays closed. This helps trap the steam and infuses the fish with flavor.
Don't overcook. The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque. If unsure, use a thermometer and bake until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F. But I personally like to pull it out a little earlier rather than risk overcooking it. It will continue to steam in the packet even once removed from oven.

Troubleshooting

Parchment paper won't stay sealed? Make sure to fold the edges tightly and multiple times to really seal it. Sometimes, tying it with kitchen twine will help secure it too.
Packet is leaking? If you notice liquid seeping out, it may be because the parchment paper wasn't sealed tightly enough. Double-check that all edges are pressed together and if needed, wrap the packet in an additional layer of parchment.

Product Highlight!

Unbleached Parchment Paper

Not all parchment paper is created equal. I love using unbleached, chlorine-free parchment paper - it's better for you. Plus, it doesn't give off that weird smell when it hits the heat (you know the one).

Grab yours →

💭Meal Prep Suggestion!
You can totally prep parts of this ahead - make the olive oil sauce and slice the veggies a day or two before. When it's go-time, just layer everything into parchment packets and bake. You can even assemble the packes the night before and pop them in the fridge - just let them sit out for abit before baking so they're not ice-cold going into the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Fish en papillote is already full of flavor but if you're looking to round out the meal, here are a few simple ideas:

Over a bed of rice: Soaks up all those delicious juices and makes it a little more filling. Plus, bone broth rice is the ultimate cooking hack.

With a side of roasted potatoes or root veggies: Toss 'em in the oven while the fish bakes and call it dinner. Crispy oven-roasted potatoes and roasted broccolini are great choices.

Next to a crisp green salad: Something crunchy and lemony pairs really well with the delicate fish and briny olives. Try house salad or chopped romaine salad.

Add a fermented touch: Fermented green tomatoes or red cabbage sauerkraut make a great addition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store and reheat poisson en papillote?

Store any leftover fish en papillote in an airtight container for up to 2 days. These glass snap containers are perfect for leftovers. Remove the parchment paper as it may become soggy, but keep the fish, veggies, and juices intact. To reheat, transfer the fish, vegetables, and all the juices into a small saucepan, and warm over medium-high heat, stirring often until heated through.

Can I freeze fish en papillote?

It’s best to enjoy poisson en papillote fresh, as freezing can alter the texture of both the fish and vegetables. However, if you need to freeze it, remove the parchment paper and transfer everything to an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently warm in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through.

How do I know when the fish is cooked perfectly?

You’ll know it's ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. If you're unsure, a food thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest part of the fish. But don't stress - it's hard to mess up with this cooking method!

Looking for more seafood recipes? Here are some ideas:

Did you make this poisson en papillote? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

Printable Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 11 votes

Fish en Papillote

Poisson en papillote (or fish in parchment) is an easy, elegant way to steam fish with olives, capers, and herbs for a flavorful, no-mess meal.

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: European

Keyword: fish en papillote, poisson en papillote

Servings:

Calories: 370kcal

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

Olive Oil Mixture

¼ cup olive oil
1 lemon juiced and zested
4 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon capers crushed
¼ cup Castelvetrano olives minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Fish Packets

4 6-8 oz white fish fillets
1 cup grape tomatoes
1 red onion, small sliced
salt and black pepper to taste
1 lemon sliced
4 fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut 4 sheets of parchment paper, each about 12 inches long. Lay each sheet flat on a baking sheet.
In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup olive oil, zest and juice from 1 lemon 4 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon capers, ¼ cup Castelvetrano olives, 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.4
Place one fillet of 4 6-8 oz white fish fillets in the center of each parchment paper. Add about 2 tablespoons of the olive oil mixture directly over the fish.
Arrange the 1 cup grape tomatoes and sliced 1 red onion, small. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Top with 2 slices of 1 lemon on each fish fillet followed by 4 fresh dill sprigs.
Fold the sides of the parchment paper over the fish and veggies, then fold up the ends to form tightly sealed packets. Make sure the packets are well-closed to trap all the steam inside while cooking.
Place the parchment packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The fish should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.

Notes

Nutrition Information includes rockfish as the white fish fillets. Macros may vary.

Storage: Store any leftover fish en papillote in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remove the parchment paper as it will get soggy but keep the liquid and all veggies. To reheat, place the fish and all the juices and vegetables in a covered skillet over low heat. Steam for 3-5 minutes until heated.

Helpful Tips:

Cut vegetables evenly. Thin, uniform slices ensures the veggies cook at the same rate as the fish. Choose quick-cooking vegetables.
Start with dry fish. Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towel to remove excess moisture as that will dilute the overall flavor.
Seal the parchment well. Leave enough space around the fish for steam to circulate and cook everything evenly. Use tight, overlapping folds so the packet stays closed. This helps trap the steam and infuses the fish with flavor.
Don't overcook. The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque. If unsure, use a thermometer and bake until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F. But I personally like to pull it out a little earlier rather than risk overcooking it. It will continue to steam in the packet even once removed from oven.

Troubleshooting:

Parchment paper won't stay sealed? Make sure to fold the edges tightly and multiple times to really seal it. Sometimes tying it with kitchen twine will help secure it too.

Packet is leaking? If you notice liquid seeping out, it may be because the parchment paper wasn't sealed tightly enough. Double-check that all edges are pressed together and if needed, wrap the packet in an additional layer of parchment.

Nutrition

Gluten Free Flatbread with Herb Dipping Oil

Bread dipped generously into healthy oil is a favorite appetizer for many. This gluten free flatbread with herb dipping oil is so tasty - you won't miss the crackly baguette.

This post is sponsored by Olea Blue, all opinions, recipe and photography are my own. This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Thank you for supporting this site with purchases made through these links and supporting the companies I believe in. The information contained in this blog is not intended to be construed in any manner as medical advice. See full DISCLOSURE for details.

I've always enjoyed this unique appetizer of bread and dipping oil but it wasn't until recently that I learned this dipping oil can be extremely nourishing when using a high quality oil.

Extra virgin olive oil contains protective compounds but not all oils are created equal. Recent findings indicate some EVOO on the market is diluted with commercial oils such canola oil or soybean oil. When choosing olive oil, don't let the label extra virgin olive oil fool you. Often times, it's just a marketing ploy and as consumers, we must know the source and quality of the olive oil we are purchasing.

What to look for in EVOO?

Oleocanthal, is a high polyphenol compound that can be found in the purest form of olive oil. It is this compound that is responsible for the peppery sensation in the back of the throat when consuming oil. Interestingly, connoisseurs use an age old custom to rate high quality oils by taking a slurp and waiting for that burning sensation followed by cough.

The reason for this unique practice is because sensor molecules found primarily in the throat latch on to these polyphenols causing one to cough. One cough, it's good but three coughs is even better.

Introducing Olea Blue

Throughout lush communities in Greece, family owned farms use artisan techniques to produce an olive oil rich in polyphenols. This craft is passed down from generation to generation to ensure optimal harvest time in to protect rich properties and phenolic compounds found in their olives.

Olea Blue extra virgin olive oil is unique because of its rich oleocanthal content. The stronger the phenolic potency in the oil, the higher the antioxidants. Like all antioxidants, polyphenols found in oleocanthal help protect cells from oxidative stress that can lead to premature aging and degenerative diseases.

It's worth mentioning that because Olea Blue extra virgin olive oil is potent with health protective compounds, it should never be heated. Instead, enjoy this oil in salads or in dipping oil (recipe below).

Taste testing

The best way to tell if extra virgin olive oil has high levels of oleocanthal is by its taste. That peppery sensation on the back of your throat as mentioned is a primary indication of potency. The sharper, more tangy that sensation, the higher the level of oleocanthal. In addition to taste testing, Olea Blue also uses Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to accurately measure phenolic compounds in their olive oil so rest assured you're getting an exceptional product when choosing Olea Blue.

Finally, the Flatbread

What would a good EVOO be without delicious bread to dig into it? I love that these little flatbreads are totally gluten and grain free and can be whipped up quickly. My final note on this recipe, is to be sure to use organic, lead free balsamic vinegar. This is my absolute favorite and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to purchase this at my local farmer's market from the owners themselves. This paired with Olea Blue's high phenol EVOO and you're golden. 🙂

Gluten Free Flatbread with Herb Dipping Oil

My Picks & Suggestions:

Small mixing bowl to combine everything. Rolling pin to roll the dough between parchment paper. Don't forget a good knife and butcher's block to make that work easy! Cook those puppies on a cast iron skillet and use a spatula similar to this one to remove the baked goods.
Ingredients for Flatbread:
Almond Flour, Cassava Flour, Aluminum-Free Baking Soda and the all important Unrefined Salt
Ingredients for Dipping Oil:
High Phenol EVOO, Lead-free Balsamic Vinegar, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, coarse Celtic Salt, and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (use a grinder, please)

Printable Recipe

Print Recipe

5 from 16 votes

Gluten Free Flatbread with Dipping Oil

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Servings:

Author: Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Ingredients

Gluten Free Flatbread:

½ cup Almond Flour buy here
½ cup Cassava Flour buy here
1 teaspoon baking soda buy here
½ teaspoon unrefined salt buy here
¼ cup yogurt
¼ cup warm water

Dipping Oil:

2 tablespoons Olea Blue EVOO buy here
1 ½ tablespoons lead-free balsamic vinegar buy here
2 fresh garlic cloves minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano buy here
1 teaspoon dried basil buy here
1 teaspoon Celtic salt buy here
½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper buy here

Instructions

Gluten Free Flatbread:

Combine dry ingredients, set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk yogurt and water together. Add dry ingredients and combine everything with a wooden spoon. Using hands, work the dough until fully combined and is soft and play-dough consistency.
Note: If the dough is too dry, (not forming a ball and is flakey), add water by a tablespoon until the ball comes together. If it is too sticky (dough sticking to your hands), add cassava flour by a tablespoon until the ball comes together. It should be fairly easy and pliable to work with.
Turn the ball of dough onto a cutting board. Using your palm, gently press into the ball to form a thick disk. Cut the disk of dough in half and crosswise in half to form 4 similar size pieces.
Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper until you form a circular shape with slightly less than ¼" thickness. You may need to flip the dough (keeping it between the paper) and roll on the other side.
Carefully pull away the parchment paper from one side of the dough round.
Shape the edges with fingers to form uniform rounds.
Heat a medium cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Place each flattened dough round on hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook on the other side for another 2-3 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Repeat with remaining 3 balls of dough.
Enjoy with dipping oil immediately or keep stored in airtight container for up to 5 days.

Dipping Oil:

Combine all ingredients and give a quick stir.