It shouldn’t come as a surprise that as butchers, we love adding meat to our salads. Like a cool drink on a hot day, cooked meat in cold salads is light and refreshing, an ideal spring and summer dinner.
We firmly believe salads don’t have to be boring. So here are five recipes that will guarantee smiles on faces when you declare, “we’re having salad for dinner!”
Easy and healthy, this fruit-filled salad from Real Housemoms is a cinch to whip up. Tart berries delight the palate while fresh avocado brings an incredibly creamy texture to the meal. Layer grilled chicken on top of a bed of romaine, and sprinkle feta throughout. Chopped walnuts surprise with a much-needed crunch, while the poppyseed dressing brings all of the ingredients together into a symphony of flavors. Beautifully plated, your family will beg for this salad to be added to your dinner rotation.
2. Greek Avocado & Grilled Chicken Salad with Greek Dressing
A great dinner should be cause for a celebration. You’ll be declaring “Opa!” when enjoying this Greek-inspired protein-packed chicken salad from Gimme Delicious. With ingredients like Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and avocado, your family will forget the simple Iceberg lettuce salads of yesteryear. Take your meal to the next level by freshly grilling the chicken on your stovetop or outdoor grill. Complete the meal experience by serving warm bread sticks on the side.
When is the last time you heard “juicy” and “salad” in the same sentence? Inspired by taco salad, Skinnytaste‘s combination of broiled strip steak, pico de gallo, and guacamole will make your whole family’s mouth water. After broiling, squeeze fresh lime onto the steak, then divide the lettuce, cheese, and mixings between the plates. Craving a little extra heat? Add jalapeño slices on top.
4. Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola
Spicy arugula, chunks of stinky gorgonzola, and caramelized pears make Baker By Nature‘s skirt steak salad truly audacious in the best way possible. Peppery steak, sweetness from the candied pecans, and tangy mustard vinaigrette play a flavor game that everyone will win. Serve this bold salad immediately after letting the steak rest for 10 minute
Love sausage and peppers hoagies, but want to ditch the bread? Then this is the salad for you. A Whole New Twist‘s sweet Italian sausage salad recipe makes the traditional street fare paleo-friendly and healthy. Raw honey, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar create a light and slightly sweet vinaigrette, adding a new dimension to this old favorite. Keep the salad from becoming soggy by roasting the peppers, onions, and mushrooms on a baking sheet. Make this salad even healthier by substituting turkey sausage for the pork links.
The celebration of Easter has many traditions, from reflective to delicious. Nothing brings a family together quite like a traditional meal, steeped in personal history and a shared celebration with your friends and community.
The meat is the centerpiece of the Easter meal. We carry roasts, a variety of cuts of lamb, and brisket for those celebrating Passover! We also have a variety of boneless and bone-in hams, fully-cooked and available for order on our Order Guide, ready to be heated using our Ham Cooking Guide. We have delicious homemade glazes and sides, but we understand the pleasure of cooking your meal from scratch at home.
Start your celebration with these delicious Easter recipes:
Brilliant and surprisingly simple to make, Food & Wine‘s recipe for this garlic rack of lamb has only five ingredients. Season the lamb with salt and pepper, then run finely chopped garlic, rosemary, and olive oil all over the meat. Roast in the upper third of the oven for a combined time of 25 minutes, turning over once. Let it rest! Those juices will continue to cook the meat once removed.
2. Slow-Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb With Garlic, Rosemary, and Lemon Recipe
Slow-roasting is a term that instantly brings to mind tender, juicy, well-cooked meat that falls apart with a fork. Serious Eats promises enhanced tenderness, with a crisp brown crust in their recipe for boneless leg of lamb. The anchovies, while a surprising ingredient, bring out the meatiness of the lamb without an overwhelming fishy flavor.
Lamb and mint are a perfect pairing. This classic combination has the added benefit of cleansing your palate. Jamie Oliver brings something new to the pairing, with a fresh mint leaf and olive oil mixture brushed delicately over the leg of lamb. This refreshing and light dish is a culinary work of art that is as beautiful as it is tasty. Place the meat atop the fresh fennel, carrots, and asparagus to serve.
Brown sugar and maple boil together to form a sweet glaze that’s perfect for this delightful baked ham from The Spruce. First pick up your fully cook ham, then score the fat of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves (if desired). Consult our guide for heating the ham, while combining the glaze ingredients in a medium saucepan. Spoon half the glaze over the ham about 20 minutes before it’s done baking, and then again 10 minutes before removing. Wait to carve for at least 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
A good glaze really sets a ham apart. Carl’s Bad Craving guarantees this apple cider maple glaze takes your bone-in juicy ham to a whole new flavor level. Sweet with a slight tang, the glaze features cider, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and mixed spices. Thicken with cornstarch and slather a third of it all over the ham, including in-between slices. Glaze once during baking and then again before letting it rest in loose foil.
Beautifully caramelized, this truly impressive baked ham recipe from Roti N Rice takes only 10 minutes of prep time. Bring pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves to a boil and then simmer to create a thick and syrupy glaze. Brush on the ham and into the folds of the cut slices. The oven does the heavy lifting, caramelizing the meat in just two hours.
Easter wouldn’t be the same without the complementary celebratory breads. Pane di Pasqua (Italian Easter breads) is braided with a dyed eye nested in the middle. Vibrant, slightly sweet, rich and soft, this recipe from a trEATs affair will brighten your table and delight your family and guests. The other heavenly tradition is Hot Cross Buns, a bread that serves as a visual and edible reminder of the religious story of Easter. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins, this simple to follow recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen will please your holiday sweet tooth.
Country Living adds gorgeous color to your plate with their sweet and nutty carrot side. First toss with oil and coriander, then season the carrots with salt and pepper. After baking, finish by tossing the golden brown veggie in maple syrup, lime zest, and juice.
What’s the cheesy key to these golden dish from Rachael Ray? Goat cheese! While most gratin dishes only contain potatoes, this recipe combines leeks, golden beets, and Yukon gold potatoes in one unforgettable side.
The term “new classic” may seem at odds, but this side dish has become a staple of my family holidays since the recipe was first published in 1955. kitchn recommends using frozen beans in the side as they have their peak-season flavor preserved. And they require no additional cooking. Quick tip: you can make this dish three days ahead! Just remove from fridge, top with fried onions, and bake.
Do you like your sweet potatoes more savory? Then this is the dish for you! Cooking Light‘s nutty potatoes feature a small drizzle of honey that enhances the flavors, while tahini contributes to the creaminess of the dish. You can mash by hand, or use a food processor to achieve an incredibly smooth texture.
Yes, this is another cheesy potato dish. However, this side from Chelsea’s Messy Apron has a few important differences. Not only do the potatoes crisp up, but you save oven space by using a crockpot. Sharp cheddar, milk, and sour cream form a creamy simple homemade cheese sauce. No cream of soup needed! Cook on high for 3 hours, then enjoy.
Don’t forget the sweets! We carry all your favorite Easter candy, perfect for baskets and after dinner dessert.
Read our blog from last year for even more Easter dinner recipes.
Happy Easter from Butcher Boy Market!
Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
Next week is devoted to celebrating mom. We owe many things to mothers, and they deserve more than just one day to honor them. On this special holiday, you want to show your mother, grandmother, or mother-of-your-children how much you care. That’s why we offer a selection of beautiful flowers, cards, and chocolates to surprise her.
Another great way to show your love is through food. A delicious quiche or a refreshing artisan salad is sure to thrill the matriarch in your life. Pick up one of our fantastic prepared salads, or create your own quiche from the options listed on our catering menu. If you’re looking to impress by cooking at home, here are some terrific recipes that are sure to take her breath away.
Who says a salad can’t be hearty? This palate-pleasing dish from Foodie Crush is just right for Mother’s Day lunch or dinner. A tantalizing combination of spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and mellow white balsamic dressing will be the high point of her pampered day. Top the salad with smoothly sliced almonds and feta, and pair with her favorite wine. This wine guide will help you select the perfect varietal to complement her meal.
Mom has earned a great meal, and Self-Proclaimed Foodie promises to deliver just that with her “perfect” cobb salad. The recipe recommends cooking the chicken in a slow cooker for optimal moistness, then shredding the meat for the salad. Crumbled blue cheese, hard boiled egg, avocados, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and the chicken are added to a bed of romaine and red leaf lettuce. Then, buttermilk blue cheese dressing is drizzled on top as a grand finish. This recipe comes with bonus instructions on how to make the blue cheese dressing at home, if you’re feeling ambitious.
3) Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola
Dad isn’t the only one who loves steak. Spicy arugula serves as the base of Baker by Nature‘s bold and colorful skirt steak salad. First the steak sizzles in a large skillet for 5 minutes. The meat is left to rest while the pears (and later, the pecans) are caramelized in butter and brown sugar. The steak is then arranged on the arugula and covered with the pears, pecans, and gorgonzola. Lightly dress with vinaigrette and add some after-dinner chocolate on the side.
This smoked cheddar and black bean quiche from Cooking Bride is a unique spin on the savory tart, and will stand out from the buttered toast breakfast-in-bed of yesteryear. The crust of the pie is filled with the beans and baked for 12-14 minutes. The beans are then removed, the crust is baked for 8-10 more minutes and set aside to cool. The cheddar, chicken, beans, and other ingredients are combined and poured into the cooked shells. Bake your quiche until the tops are slightly browned. Serve with a big smile and a heart full of love.
Mom’s got a long day of pampering ahead of her. Fuel her up at breakfast with this meat-and-cheese-filled flaky quiche from Barbara Bakes. Bacon, ham, and ground sausage are added to a par-baked pie crust filled with well-beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Then sprinkle some serious amounts of cheese evenly throughout the pie. The quiche’s center will be set after baking for 20 minutes. Grab mom’s favorite coffee cup and set up the bed tray to give her the full-service experience she deserves.
3) Spinach and Bacon Hash Brown Quiche
EatingWell gives the classic quiche recipe a delicious twist with the addition of a tender hash brown crust. Not only does this spinach and bacon pie bake up beautifully, its presentation on the plate will live in her Mother’s Day memories for years to come. The hash browns are cooked until golden brown, then formed into a crust in a pie plate while bacon crisps in a pan nearby. The smooth egg custard is mixed up and poured into the hash brown crust along with spinach and cheeses. Garnish with cherry tomatoes on top and rose petals on the side for that extra special touch.
Happy Mother’s Day from Butcher Boy Market!
Want more Mother’s Day ideas?
Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
Spring is in full swing and it is finally warm outside. Take advantage of the pleasant weather by hosting a garden party, back yard barbecue, or a tea party in the sunroom. Food is the centerpiece of family and friend gatherings, so it’s important to have something for everyone.
Appetizers like antipasto platters and satay skewers are fantastic finger foods that invite socializing and mingling. Our catering menu offers a variety of platters, so you can order online for pick-up and join the rest of your guests without the stress of wondering when (or if) the food will arrive.
If you prefer to impress your guests with your own carefully crafted creation, we encourage trying the following delicious recipes:
This antipasto platter from Half Baked Harvest has all the favorites of the traditional Italian version: deli meats, veggies, and mozzarella cheese, with an added Greek twist. Beautifully arranged sun-dried tomatoes, hummus, goat cheese, and pita chips fill out this cultural, culinary spread, including marinated feta and olives to enchant your guests’ palates. We’d be remiss not to mention the apricots, strawberries, fig jam, and honey that’ll appease those craving something sweeter.
As the saying goes, “you eat with your eyes first.” Ingredients such as those in The Mediterranean Dish‘s Antipasto Skewers are selected for their color and texture, in order to set the stage for dinner. Rolled or folded proscuitto is stacked on a skewer, followed by artichoke hearts, mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and finished off with a Kalmata olive. Parsley or basil leaves are rotated on the skewer, and dried oregano is sprinkled on top for garnish, making this appetizer true beauty on a stick.
Can an appetizer really deliver sweet, salty, and savory in one bite? Tip Hero‘s skewered steak bites have a deep infusion of flavor, thanks to the acidic nature of the balsamic vinegar in the marinade, which further tenderizes the meat. Sweetness is added through honey, saltiness with soy sauce, and finally, a savory finish with herbs and garlic. Marinade the steak for 1-4 hours, then pan cook to your liking. Use our handy Steak Guide to learn how to check the steak’s temperature without a thermometer.
There’s nothing tastier-sounding than alliteration, especially when bacon is involved. House of Yumm‘s Bacon Bourbon Meatballs are hand-formed from ground beef and bacon, then simmered in a pan filled with tangy bourbon-BBQ sauce. We love the zing of spice from chili powder. Toothpicks make these delicious bites the perfect no-mess appetizer, and the BBQ sauce works great in a tiny ramekin for your guests’ dipping pleasure.
Baked or grilled, these chicken skewer appetizers from Carl’s Bad Craving are sure to be a hit opening act. Soy sauce, brown sugar, tumeric, and coriander are just some of the mouthwatering ingredients featured in the savory sauce that will function as both marinade and base of the Peanut Sauce. The chicken requires a minimum 6 hrs of refrigeration in the marinade, but we promise it is worth the wait. Next, peanut butter is added to the remaining sauce after boiling. All that’s left to do is for you to dip the chicken and enjoy.
Want more springtime appetizer ideas?
Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
Easter is a time for reflection and celebration, and also for family and delicious food. Here at Butcher Boy, we firmly believe in upholding the traditional meals that bring families together.
We carry a variety of ham, legs and racks of lamb, and roasts for your Easter dinner, and mouth-watering brisket perfect for Passover. We have sides to complement the savory meats, and homemade glazes, sauces, and gravy to top it all off. Visit our Bakery for your holiday desserts and fresh Produce section for the ingredients you need to make an unforgettable meal at home.
While we carry a delicious homemade honey ham glaze in-store, we can’t help but be intrigued by The Pioneer Woman‘s brown sugar glaze. Spicy brown mustard, apple cider vinegar, and get this, Dr. Pepper (or Coke) combine with brown sugar to create a sweet glaze with a slight tang. Our hams are fully cooked, so use our Ham Roasting Guide for reference when heating up the meat for this recipe.
This tender, roasted leg of lamb from Compass & Fork is a perfect table centerpiece for Easter. In true Greek form, the lamb is stuffed with bits of garlic and small sprigs of rosemary, with deep incisions made into the meat. The lamb is then marinaded overnight in sea salt, pepper, olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. This meal is succulent and flavorful, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
3) Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce (Brown Butter)
With heavy meats, you may find yourself craving a lighter side. Low Carb Maven delivers just that with their brown butter hollandaise-covered asparagus. A tradition hollandaise is made by continuously whisking butter and egg yolks. This recipe goes more high-tech, slowly adding melted browned-in-a-pan butter to a slow-running blender with the egg yolks, lemon juice, and water.
Planning ahead is all a part of the meal process. This recipe from Yellow Bliss Road has you boil the russet potatoes whole and unpeeled, cutting down on precious cooking time. Prepare the creamy bechamel sauce loaded with shredded cheddar cheese while the potatoes boil. The ground Hungarian paprika and fresh chives for garnish help make this dish as colorful as it is delicious.
Happy Easter from all of us at Butcher Boy Market.
Want more holiday dinner ideas?
Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
Spiralized veggie noodles and riced vegetables are a delicious twist on how to get your recommend four-to-five servings of vegetables a day. Not only adding a colorful pop to your recipes, the substitution is a healthy way to enjoy some of your favorite meals. At Butcher Boy we carry spiralized and riced veggies pre-packaged and waiting to be made into your dinner. For noodles, we carry butternut squash, summer squash, and zucchini. For riced, we have both broccoli and cauliflower.
Pick-up your pre-packed veggies today and save several steps in these feel-good recipes that also taste good.
With crumbled sausage, sweet onions, and peppery baby kale, you’ll hear your stomach rumble with hunger at the sight of this vibrant edible masterpiece. Nutmeg and sage assist in elevating the flavor of the butternut squash noodles, or bunoodles, as A Whole New Twist lovingly calls them.
How often can you say creamy and healthy in the same sentence? Eat Yourself Skinny invites you to enjoy a big bowl of avocado pesto pasta made with sautéed zucchini noodles. Lemon juice, sea salt, and basil leaves add a next-level taste complexity to this dish that makes you feel full and satisfied.
Ready for a dish that looks as happy as you’ll be eating it? With bright yellows from soft summer squash noodles, and vibrant red from plump tomatoes, this five-ingredient recipe from Veganosity is as simple as it is pretty. Olive oil and diced garlic make a healthy, yet flavorful accompaniment to this lively meal.
When it comes to tricking your tastebuds, this side dish from Iowa Girl Eats takes the figurative cake. Fry up the cauliflower rice with mixed vegetables and chopped green onions in hot sesame oil and egg. Add minced garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Bet you thought you’d never eat such a healthy fried food.
This nutritional side from Barefoot Provisions is a perfect for the dinner plate, or a healthy but indulgent snack. Skillfully combining the flavors of two delectable vegetables, riced broccoli is mixed with butternut squash, nutritional yeast, and coconut milk cheese-like sauce.
3. Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole
Riced vegetables make great sides, but they can also help make a fantastic and filling dinner. This chicken casserole from Isabel Eats brilliantly mixes riced cauliflower and broccoli into a baked dish the whole family will enjoy. Prepare to be extra pleased when devouring the tasty leftovers the next day. If there are any.
Want more dinner ideas?
Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
Dry rubs are a simple, delicious way to take any meal to the next level. From sweet and savory to spicy and bold, there are endless ways to mix up a meal and give it a tasty twist without breaking a sweat.
Here are two simple recipes for dry rubs that you can easily put together in time for dinner and will go great on any meat. Just mix the ingredients together in a bag or bowl and rub onto the meat before cooking.
Of course, part of what makes cooking fun and exciting is making things your own – including creating your own signature dry rub. If you’ve got a spice rack, you already have all the ingredients you need to get started. Here are 6 tips to help make sure you’re balancing your favorite spices just right.
1) More salt, less sweet
You want your salt-to-sweet ratio to be heavily balanced towards salt. Salt has a magical ability to bring out the complex flavors of whatever it seasons. Sugars are much less versatile. However, there are a few dishes that taste fantastic with a sweet rub, particularly when you’re cooking with poultry and pork.
2) Pick your pepper
Pepper adds a critical element of heat to your dry rub, but that doesn’t mean you have to reach for the standard black pepper sitting on the dinner table. There are plenty of varieties from which to choose, including white, red, and cayenne. Choose one, or try out a combination of a few.
3) Be creative
This is your chance to add your own flair to a dish. Give your spice rack a spin, and start pulling out flavors you love.
4) …But not that creative
Spices have a tendency to compete against each other. Put too many in the mix, and no one wins. After you’ve added in your salt, sugar, and heat, stick to three or four additional spices. Any more than that, and your dry rub will start to lose any subtlety of flavor.
5) Taste it first
Before you season your whole family’s sirloin with your new creation, taste a small pinch of it. Make sure it’s balanced to your liking. Better to correct any mistakes before you ruin five pounds of perfectly innocent steak.
6) Pay attention to dates
How often do you refresh your spice rack? Chances are, more than a few of the spices in your cupboard are old. While expired spices don’t typically present much risk to your health, they do start to lose potency after a few years. For an intense, flavorful dry rub, make sure you’re using fresh ingredients. Stop by Butcher Boy whenever you need to replenish.
Now, go and create something delicious – and uniquely yours.
