Foodness Gracious - Week 79

In partnership with

Recipes

Summer is peeking around the corner, and you know what that means—sunshine, backyard dinners, and yes, swimsuit season!

But don’t panic—this week’s recipe proves you can eat well, feel great, and still indulge in meals that taste like they belong on a Mediterranean holiday. Say hello to our Grilled Chicken and Orzo Salad—a dish that’s equal parts refreshing, nourishing, and totally craveable.

Packed with vibrant ingredients, this salad is the ultimate warm-weather meal. Juicy grilled chicken brings that smoky, summery vibe, while the orzo gives just enough heartiness to satisfy. Tossed with a zippy olive oil and balsamic dressing, it gets a punch of peppery brightness from watercress, briny richness from kalamata olives, and just the right amount of bite from red and green onions.

And let’s not forget the pine nuts—those little golden nuggets of crunch that take it over the top.

It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t feel like a compromise—it’s the kind that makes you feel strong, energized, and excited to eat lunch. Perfect for a light dinner al fresco or a meal prep win for the week, it’s a reminder that food can be both delicious and good for you.

You can keep your sad desk salad; we’ll take this beauty any day.

Even better? This dish is as stunning as it is tasty. Served chilled or at room temp, it’s ideal for hosting friends, packing for a picnic, or simply feeling fancy on any given night.

Reviews

Let’s talk serving game. Nothing elevates your table like a beautiful ceramic platter—and this week, we’re obsessed with our new oval ceramic serving platters. Their classic shape and artisanal glaze make everything from a humble salad to a heaping pile of pasta look like it belongs in a Tuscan villa.

These platters are more than just pretty—they’re practical, too. Their elongated shape makes them perfect for showcasing long proteins like grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a row of perfectly charred skewers.

Hosting brunch? Layer them with fruit, smoked salmon, or a bakery’s worth of pastries. Dinner party? Pasta, salads, antipasti—bring it all on.

We love how easy they are to clean and how they instantly dress up a weeknight meal. They also make a gorgeous gift for your favorite home cook—or for yourself, let’s be honest. Because let’s face it: food tastes better when it’s served beautifully.

You can see all of our home kitchen product reviews too!

Could you afford $3,500 to remove a chew toy?

From $3,500 to remove a chew toy, to $7,000 for a hip replacement, keeping your pets healthy is getting more and more expensive. Fortunately, pet insurance can help offset these rising costs. Pet insurance can cover eligible accidents and illnesses with up to 90% reimbursement. Get your buddy covered today with plans starting at just $10 a month.

PROTECT YOUR PET

Responsibility

Did you know the best way to kill weeds in your garden is with a physical tool? That's right! Don't just pull it with your hands and don't use those nasty chemical sprays.

Summer is upon us and that means gardening will start to become a favorite hobby for many. We offer you 7 simple ways to improve your sustainability through eco-friendly gardening.

Check it out to learn more beyond just weeding with physical tools!

Learn more online at Foodness Gracious in our Responsibility section.

Foodness Fun - Trivia

Last week we were all about the hot dog! We talked Grilled Kung Pao Veggie Hot Dogs and we also dipped our toe into some hot dog trivia about the Chicago-style hot dog.

As a reminder, our question was...

What is traditionally NOT included on a Chicago-style hot dog?
A) Pickle spear
B) Mustard
C) Ketchup
D) Celery salt

If you guessed Ketchup...you were correct! Chicago-style hot dogs are known for NOT having ketchup, but going heavy on celery salt, mustard and a pickle. Sounds delicious!