Hello lovely.

Yes, this is a lovely, lovely salad. It’s lovely because it combines a few of my favorite flavors (strawberry, spinach and almonds). It’s lovely because it tasted light, but the quinoa made the me feel full.  And it’s even lovelier because it is made of “ingredients I had on hand.” Otherwise known as “popular ingredients that most people have”…because I don’t buy too many crazy, off the wall or expensive ingredients…so chances are you have these ingredients too! And as you can see from the photo, I chopped up whole almonds…using what I have on hand. It would have been easier to use slivered or chopped almonds (or pecans!), but I didn’t have those, so we made do. I’m all about improvising, and making do with what I can find in the pantry!

Variation: If I’d had poppyseed dressing on hand, I would have used that…but I used a sweeter red wine vinaigrette that I found in the fridge. A balsamic vinaigrette would be lovely too. Use what you’ve got!

My favorite salad that I eat for lunch several times a week is topped with diced mango, diced avocado and a tangy vinaigrette. So that combo is next on my list for a quinoa summer salad! Nom-nom!

(Price breakdown: 1 lb. strawberry boxes for $1.98 this week! More info on quinoa prices here. Baby spinach pulled from the big box of spring mix I buy every week.)

Great new coupon out for organic Cascadian Farm products! Print yours now!!!

Be sure to check out all the printable coupons available at Red Plum, Smart Source, Coupon Network and Coupons.com! Looking for a coupon for an item on your shopping list? Or a coupon for your favorite product? Be sure to check for it in my coupon database!

Never miss a coupon! Get the latest and greatest coupons delivered straight to your inbox, just moments after they are posted!

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As the garden starts to grow, I know I will have a lot of zucchini coming in!  This is the perfect way to get the kids involved in both cooking and gardening by making this Zucchini Slice!  Head on over to Learn with Play at Home for more!

This healthy smoothie is a great, cold treat for times you are craving something sweet! It is rich and chocolately with no added sweeteners. Full of good for you ingredients like cocoa powder, bananas, peanut butter and milk!

Now’s the time to grab a few things from Abe’s Market. TODAY ONLY…get $10 off $25 with the coupon code SPRING20. 

Fill your cart with goodies that you need…totaling over $25, then fill in the “Have a Coupon Code or Gift Card?” box with the code SPRING20 to get the $10 discount. Abe’s also offers free shipping for orders over $49…so I’ll be trying to get my cart filled to exactly $49, then take off the $10 so I can get the free shipping too. I like to play the “let’s see how much we can get” (things we need of course!) game with offers like these. I’m thinking I’ll stock up on toothpaste for the kiddos and some otherwise expensive gluten free products that we like. And don’t forget to browse the sale section too!

Never miss a coupon! Get the latest and greatest coupons delivered straight to your inbox, just moments after they are posted!

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If you are looking for some coupons and freebies to to help you save on dinner on the town, date nights, and for when you need a break from cooking, then you’re in the right spot!

While we certainly know that eating out is more expensive than eating in, it is nice to treat yourself and your family every now and again to a meal out on the town. Our family eats out 2 or 3 times a month, and we’ve been able to do so for less than $60 for the month…in part because of all the great coupons, daily deals, and other offers from restaurants in our area.

Check out the latest coupons, deals and offers that will help you spend less on your next “out to dinner” night!

Restaurant Gift Cards

Don’t forget that you can earn “swagbucks” for searching online and redeem them for restaurant gift cards. Refer your friends and earn faster!

Restaurant Coupons

• Ben & Jerry’s Coupon - Buy 1 Get 1 Free Small or Large Cup or Cone (exp: 5/31/2013)

• Blimpie Coupon – Buy 1 6 Inch Sub Get 1 Free WYB 22 oz. Drink (sign up for free eClub to access coupon)

• Bob Evans Coupon - Buy 1 Get 1 Free Kids Meal (exp: 5/21/2013)

• Bob Evans Coupon – Buy 1 Get 1 Free Breakfast Entree WYB 2 Beverages (exp: 5/24/2013)

• Boston Market Coupon – $1/$10 Purchase (exp: 5/31/2013)

• Brio Tuscan Grille Coupon – $10/2 Lunch Entrees or $15/2 Dinner Entrees (exp: 5/31/2013)

• Bruegger’s Coupon - Free Bagel & Cream Cheese (exp: 5/31/2013)

• Bruegger’s Coupon – $2.99 Bagel Egg Sandwich (exp: 5/23/2013)

• Buca di Beppo Coupon – $10 Off $20 Purchase (exp: 5/27/2013)

• Burger King Coupon - 75¢ Small Frozen Coke or Frozen Cherry (exp: 5/23/2013)

• Chevy’s Coupon – $10 Off $30 Purchase (exp: 6/15/2013)

• Hardee’s Coupon - Free Small Fry and Drink wyb Any 1/3 lb Thickburber (Must enter zip of nearest Hardee’s)

• Jack In The Box Coupon - 2 Free Tacos WYB Chipotle Chicken Club Combo (exp: 6/12/2013)

• Jack In The Box Coupons - BOGO Free Chipotle Chicken Club Sandwich and BOGO Free Smoothies (exp: 5/31/2013)

• Jack’s Coupon – Buy 1 Big Jack Combo Get 1 Free (exp: 6/3/2013)

• Marie Callenders Coupon - Buy 1 Entree Get 1 50% Off WYB 2 Drinks (exp: 5/30/2013)

• McDonald’s Coupon - $1 Egg White Delight McMuffin (exp: 6/20/2013)

Restaurant Freebies

• Bruegger’s Coupon - Free Bagel & Cream Cheese (exp: 5/31/2013)

• Seattles Best Coffee Coupon - FREE Frozen Caramel Candy Latte (exp: 5/21/2013)

• Texas Roadhouse Coupon – FREE Appetizer (like on FB to access limited time offer coupon)

Kids Eat Free

• Bob Evans – Kids eat free on Tuesdays with adult entree purchase

• Bob Evans Coupon - Buy 1 Get 1 Free Kids Meal (exp: 5/21/2013)

• Earth Fare – Thursdays from 4 – 8 pm, with $5 adult purchase

• Ikea: Kids eat free on Tuesdays

Thanks to Savings Lifestyle, Common Sense with Money, and Surviving the Stores for helping us compile this list!

::: Download the FREE $5 Dinners Toolbar – never miss a recipe, coupon, deal or meal plan! Learn more. :::

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My friend, Linda from The Gluten-Free Homemaker, is offering her fantastic resource for How to Be Gluten Free on Kindle for FREE today and tomorrow!  This is not a recipe eBook, although it does contain a few recipes in the Appendix to get you started.  Instead, it is a book that delves into the actual lifestyle of learning to live and accept being Gluten-Free.  As Linda writes:

Ten chapters give ten steps to take in the process, starting with the most basic but very important step of facing emotions. Giving up food is a grieving process for many, and acknowledging that is the first step to handling it successfully. The remaining steps are more practical in nature and help people learn what they need to know to successfully buy and prepare gluten-free food, supplements, and personal care products as well as eat out safely, and connect with others.

The following chapter titles also give great insight into how this book was written to give everyone hope who is living a Gluten-Free lifestyle for any reason:

1. Face Your Emotions
2. Learn the Basics
3. Plan Your Kitchen
4. Conquer Cross Contamination
5. Read Labels
6. Cook to Be Healthy
7. Bake to Enjoy
8. Dine Out Safely
9. Check Supplements and Personal Care Products
10. Connect with Others

Download your copy of How to Be Gluten Free for free today!

*Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Thanks for supporting $5 Dinners!

Summer is here. It seemed to come out of nowhere this year. I know the weather has been wonky all over…but just last week we were enjoying what was to be the last of some late spring weather. Then I went to LA for some meetings, then to Houston for LegoKidsFest, returning last night to San Antonio…and oy, hotness! It’s supposed to be 95 today, and I’m going to do my best to keep from melting…because I feel like I’m going to melt. 

HAWT.

HOT.

HAUT.

(Can you tell we’ve been working on spelling after school around here?) We’re planning some fun this weekend, including a picnic with friends and grill out with family…yay for long weekends! And maybe a dip in the pool. No, definitely a dip in the pool!!!

If you haven’t decided what to make or take this weekend to your Memorial Day get together, might I suggest a few things:

Perfect Recipes for Your Memorial Day Gathering

• Cheeseburger n Fries Kebabs

• Grilled Pomegranate Chicken with Mango BBQ Sauce

• Grilled Beef Fajita Taquitos with Avocado Ranch Sauce

• Grilled Pizza Pockets

• Citrus Salmon Packets on the Grill

• Angel Hair with Julienned Zucchini

• Side Salad – Balsamic Tomatoes with Feta and Fresh Herbs

• Side Salad – Fried Green Tomatoes

• Side Salad – Roasted Red Potato Salad

• Side Dish - Grilled Mashed Potatoes

• Dessert – Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

• Dessert – One Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Dessert – Spiced Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

And finally, around here we are so grateful (super grateful!) for the hard work and dedication of the servicemen and women who proudly serve our country, and for those who have fought and died in defense of our freedoms! God bless them and their families!   

Here are some of the latest and hottest printable coupons:

Food

• $0.75/1 Ball Park Lean Hot Dogs (exp 06/03/2013)
• $2.25/2 Brew Over Ice K-Cup Packs, 16 ct+ (exp 07/14/2013)
• $0.75/4 Gerber Graduates Grabbers (exp 06/16/2013)
• $1.10/5 Gerber Graduates Lil Entrees (exp 06/16/2013)
• $1.35/4 Gerber Graduates Snacks (exp 06/16/2013)
• $0.55/1 Great Day Farms Hard-Boiled Eggs, 2 or 6 pk (exp 06/03/2013)
• $1.50/1 Green Mountian Brew Over Ice K-Cup Packs (exp 06/03/2013)
• $0.30/1 Hairbo Product, 4 oz+ (exp 06/03/2013)
• $1.10/1 Hawaiian Punch Aloha Morning, 10 oz 6 pk or gallon sizes (exp 07/08/2013)
• $1/2 Kellogg’s Fiber Plus and/or Special K Bars, 5 ct+ (exp 06/05/2013)
• $0.75/1 Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce (exp 06/03/2013)
• B1G1 Poland Spring Brand Nature’s Blends, 20 oz, up to $1.25 (exp 06/03/2013)

Household

• $0.50/1 All You Magazine, WALMART coupon (exp 06/03/2013)
• $1/1 People, People StyleWatch, InStyle, All You, Cooking Light, Real Simple, Southern Living, Sunset, Sports Illustrated, Life, or Time Magazine (exp 06/03/2013)
• $1/2 Scotties Facial Tissues (exp 06/03/2013)

Personal Care

• $2/1 Johnson & Johnson Red Cross Brand First Aid Products (exp 06/03/2013)
• $1/1 Kotex Natural Balance Security Tampons, Ultra Thins, or Maxi Pads (exp 06/03/2013)
• $2/1 Lotrimin Product (exp 06/03/2013)
• $1/1 NYC New York Color Product, $1.72+ (exp 06/03/2013)
• $2/1 Tinactin Product (exp 06/03/2013)
• $1/1 U by Kotex Pads or Tampons (exp 06/03/2013)

Be sure to check out all the printable coupons available at Red Plum, Smart Source, Coupon Network and Coupons.com!

Looking for a coupon for an item on your shopping list? Or a coupon for your favorite product? Be sure to check for it in my coupon database!

Never miss a coupon! Get the latest and greatest coupons delivered straight to your inbox, just moments after they are posted!

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The $5 Dinners Weekly Meal Plan with Printable Grocery List

Every week I will post 5 links to archived recipes, plus an additional 1 or 2 recipes for breakfast, snacks or batch cooking recipes.  You can click through to see the original recipe and print that recipe if you like. (Or go green and just come back to this post to get to the recipe.)

If you want to try French Onion Soup in sandwich form, then you’ve got got got to make the Caramelized Onion Grilled cheese. Like, today.  And the crunchy spaghetti is a fun way to mix things up on “pasta night” too!   Enjoy…

The Recipes

• Crunchy Parmesan Spaghetti

• Black Beans with Mango & Cilantro

• Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese

• Cheeseburger ‘n Fries Kebabs

• Grilled Pork Chops, Peaches and Red Onions

• Breakfast: Scrambled Egg Pockets

Also, don’t forget to check out the amazing resources at Food on the Table!

And feel free to check out all the previous weekly meal plans with printable grocery list for other options!

Scroll down and you’ll see a list of ingredients for each of the recipes included, in the order they are listed above. I’ll include ALL ingredients, including many that you already have in your pantry, refrigerator, or freezer. If you have those ingredients, just don’t click them!

Put a check mark by each of the ingredients, and then print your grocery list and be on your way to the grocery store!

Crunchy Parmesan Spaghetti

	1/2 to 3/4 lb spaghetti noodles

	2 Tbsp olive oil

	1/2 cup bread crumbs

	1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

	1 tsp Italian seasoning if using plain bread crumbs

	Serve with grilled chicken and veggies

Black Beans with Mango & Cilantro

	1 lb. dried black beans

	2 mangoes

	About 10 cilantro stems with leaves

	1 tsp ground cumin

	(Optional: 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth)

	Serve over brown rice

Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese

	1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

	1 tsp balsamic vinegar

	1 Tbsp white sugar

	1 large white onion

	2 Tbsp butter

	about 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

	4 slices Swiss cheese

	8 slices whole wheat bread

Cheeseburger ‘n Fries Kebabs

	2 lb. bag of frozen potato wedges

	1 lb. ground chuck

	1/2 cup bread crumbs

	1 tsp Italian seasoning

	3 dill pickle wedges

	1 onion

	3-4 slices of cheese

	Condiments – ketchup, mustard, spicy mustard, mayo, or other favorite

	Optional – small dinner rolls for serving

Grilled Pork Chops, Peaches and Red Onions

	4 small pork chops

	Garlic powder

	Onion powder

	3 large peaches

	Side of homemade rolls or store bought rolls/bread loaf

Scrambled Egg Pockets

	8 pita pockets

	1 cup greek yogurt

	1.5 cloves garlic

	4 tsp lemon juice

	4 tbsp butter

	12 eggs

	2 tbsp parsley flakes

	1/2 cup shredded cheese, your favorite kind

If you are seeing this in an email or in your reader and you’d like to print your grocery list, then click here to access the list feature, which is only available on the website.

Find this useful and want to get a FREE $5 Dinners Weekly Meal Plan, complete with printable grocery list options, delivered to your inbox every Sunday evening…just in time to make the week’s meal plan!?