7 recipes to try when you're bored of your go-to meals

Eating three times a day, every day, adds up to a lot of food, so it's no wonder things can start feeling a bit stale. It's so easy to get stuck in a cooking rut, and that's why YouTube's The Domestic Geek, Sara Lynn Cauchon, dropped by The Social to show us how to do just that. With handy tips and seven tasty recipes that are a sure-fire way to change things up at dinnertime, prepare to give your taste buds a treat and to finally get out of that dinner rut. (You can find more recipes from Sara at Healthy Meal Plans.)Find Sara's cooking tips below, and click on the images to get the recipes!

Miso ginger salmon salad

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH FISH

1. Salmon and tuna are classics but there are so many other types of fish that are worth trying - cod, perch, snapper, sole - ask your fishmonger what’s freshest and give something new a try.
2. Don’t forget about smoked fish which can be so interesting and flavourful. Smoked salmon, trout and herring can all be delicious and enjoyed with breakfast, lunch or dinner.
3. If you’re feeling brave, try your fish medium, rare or even raw. Be sure you’re buying sushi or sashimi grade seafood. Trying a different doneness can create a completely new flavour experience when it comes to fish.

Chickpea puttanesca

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH BEANS

1. Try making your homemade hummus with different types of beans like cannellini or black beans.
2. Roast some chickpeas low and slow in olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper for a yummy snack you can feel good about.
3. Add black beans to your favourite salsa recipe for more protein and fibre.

Slow cooker salsa verde chicken

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH CHICKEN

1. Spice up your week with Wednesday Wings. Wings are so tasty and so inexpensive. Skip the deep fryer by tossing your wings in a little cornstarch and baking them in the oven instead. Toss them in your favourite hot sauce for a finger licking good dinner everyone will love.
2. Swap those dry, bland chicken breasts for far more tender and flavourful thighs. You’ll instantly get tastier chicken every time and thighs are also more affordable which is a total bonus.
3. If you’re used to roasting or pan-searing your chicken, try a new cooking method to shake things up. Try using your slow cooker to get the most amazing texture.

Tropical granola cups

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH GRANOLA

1. Don’t settle for plain, boring store-bought granola, make your own which allows you experiment with different sweeteners, flavours, and add-ins. Try a Banana Bread Granola, Carrot Cake Granola and PB&J Granola - they're all totally surprising and totally delicious.
2. Add it to things like parfaits, trail mix, and oatmeal for some much needed crunch.
3. Try savory granola. A Smoky Savory Granola made with chipotle powder, smoked paprika and garlic powder is so yummy and different from what you’re probably used to eating.

Bloody mary pasta salad

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH PASTA

1. Get creative with your sauces - try hummus, brown butter, blue cheese sauce, or a few good tablespoons of olive tapenade.
2. Experiment with different types of pasta - not the shape but the pasta itself. There’s black bean pasta, chickpea pasta, and shirataki noodles which are made of an Asian root vegetable called konjac. They all have a slightly different texture.
3. Try unexpected flavour profiles like chili, cajun or cheddar ranch.

Mexican green rice and black beans

TIPS FOR COOKING WITH RICE

1. Always use broth instead of water to get a more unique flavour. Adding shallot, scallions, garlic, or chopped fresh herbs also really helps.
2. Add a splash of Italian, Greek or Asian dressing to my rice to help match the flavour to what you're serving as your main.
3. Try making crispy rice. Heat oil in a large skillet and then pack the rice into a single layer. Let it cook, undisturbed until it starts to get crispy and golden. You can serve it on the side as is or add other yummy ingredients like corn, tomatoes, and scallions to make it a dish in its own right.

Low-carb cheddar, sausage and chive biscuits

TIPS FOR COOKING BREAKFAST

1. Try a strata which is basically a savory breakfast casserole made with bread, eggs, cream and any savory ingredients you want to add. Ham and swiss is always a fan-favourite, with a little bit of Dijon. You can even make muffin-tin stratas for a savory breakfast on the go.
2. Use dinner leftovers like steak and mushrooms to create an amazing frittata. Or pile some of that amazing Salsa Verde Chicken on a tostada and top it with a fried egg.
3. Want to keep things healthy? Try a protein-packed breakfast salad - mixed greens, tomatoes, roast beef, and boiled eggs are a fun take on classic steak and eggs. Top it with some creamy blue cheese dressing.

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