Leah Wiwczaryk Leah Wiwczaryk

Tahini Chicken Curry Salad: Your New Favorite Busy Weeknight Meal

We all need that go-to recipe for hectic weeknights—something quick, nutritious, and delicious. Enter this Tahini Chicken Curry Salad, a powerhouse meal that comes together in no time, thanks to its make-ahead-friendly dressing and protein. Bonus? It holds up beautifully for leftovers, making it a perfect meal-prep option for lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

  • Time-Saving: The dressing and shredded chicken can be prepped days in advance.

  • Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and phytonutrients.

  • Incredibly Flavorful: The creamy tahini dressing with a hint of sweetness and warm curry spices takes it to the next level.

  • Versatile: Leftover dressing? Drizzle it over roasted veggies or grain bowls!

The Recipe: Tahini Chicken Curry Salad

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup Tahini

  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

  • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup

  • 1 tsp Curry Powder

  • 1/2 -1 cup Water (adjust to desired consistency)

  • Salt to taste

Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 lbs Shredded Chicken

  • 1 bag Organic Coleslaw Mix (or 1 pound shredded carrots, yellow and red cabbage)

  • 2 Apples, chopped

  • 1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds

  • 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans

Instructions:

  1. Make the Dressing: Blend all dressing ingredients together, adding water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, coleslaw mix, apples, pumpkin seeds, and pecans.

  3. Toss & Serve: Drizzle enough dressing to coat the salad and toss well. Save extra dressing for later use.

  4. Enjoy! Serve immediately or store in the fridge for a delicious lunch the next day.

Macros & Nutrition

Each serving is super filling and boasts about 40g of protein, making it a fantastic option for those focused on balanced eating, gut health, and energy-boosting meals.

Pro Tips:

  • Swap chicken for chickpeas to make it plant-based.

  • Use sunflower seeds instead of pecans for a nut-free version.

  • Serve over greens for an extra boost of fiber.

Tag this under #paleo #dairyfree #healthyfood #eliminationdietrecipes #eattherainbow #phytonutrients and get ready to add this to your weekly meal rotation!

Would love to hear—what’s your favorite meal-prep salad? Drop a comment below!

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Leah Wiwczaryk Leah Wiwczaryk

Finding Joy When Democracy Feels Like It’s on Fire

The past few weeks have been a real stress rollercoaster! It was almost exactly this time five years ago that I last participated in so much doomscrolling. I keep trying to turn it off, but I’m terrified I’ll miss something important. I am angry, hurt, and scared about the events unfolding in the media.

This may feel like the weirdest time to talk about joy, but hear me out. I’m here to give you full permission to prioritize your joy—yes, even now, especially now. Joy isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about fueling yourself so you can keep going. So, how do we find joy when democracy is hanging on by a thread? Let’s get into it.

1. Find Joy in the Small (but Mighty) Moments

Joy doesn’t have to be a grand, earth-shattering revelation. It can be that first sip of coffee, the way your pet looks at you, or a meme so perfectly unhinged it makes you snort-laugh. Take a second to soak those moments in—they are your sanity lifeline.

2. Move Your Body (Even If It’s Just Pacing While Ranting to a Friend)

We know exercise boosts mood, but let’s be real—sometimes, the best we can do is angrily pace around the house while texting in all caps. That counts! Or maybe you dance out your frustrations, hit the gym, or take a walk while listening to your favorite rage-fueled playlist. Movement shifts energy. Get some.

3. Set Boundaries Like Your Peace Depends on It (Because It Does)

Not every news update deserves your attention. Not every argument needs your participation. Protect your brain space. Mute, block, unfollow, say no. Give yourself permission to step away, recharge, and come back when you’re ready.

4. Practice Gratitude (Without the Toxic Positivity Nonsense)

I’m not saying “just be grateful” and ignore the dumpster fire. I’m saying that even in chaos, there are things worth holding onto. Find them. Write down three things each day—whether it’s your favorite comfort food, a great conversation, or simply making it through another day without screaming into the void.

5. Surround Yourself with the Right People (No Energy Vampires Allowed)

We need community more than ever. Reach out to the friends who lift you up, who get it, and who can sit in the mess with you while still reminding you that good exists. Share memes, vent, strategize—just don’t go it alone.

6. Do Things That Make You Feel Alive

What lights you up? Cooking? Painting? Organizing your closet while aggressively listening to political podcasts? Do that. Prioritizing joy isn’t frivolous—it’s an act of resistance.

7. Rest Like It’s Your Job

Hustle culture tells us to push through exhaustion, but let’s be clear: burnout helps no one. Take the nap. Log off. Give your brain and body the reset they need so you can fight another day.

8. Laugh—Even If It Feels Wrong

Laughter is rebellion. Find the absurdity, watch the comedy special, share the dark humor memes. We need to laugh to remind ourselves that we’re still human.

9. Be Kind to Yourself (No, Really)

You’re doing your best. That’s enough. Be as kind to yourself as you are to your friends. When the stress feels like too much, take a deep breath and remind yourself: you are not alone.

10. Find Meaning in the Madness

Even in the worst of times, there’s something to learn. Maybe it’s about resilience, community, or the power of not giving up. Find that meaning—it’s what keeps us going.

At the end of the day, joy is not about ignoring reality; it’s about refusing to let the darkness win. So go ahead—find those pockets of light. You deserve it.

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