Farmers Market Veggie and Orzo Salad + Skinny Pop Review
I don’t know about you, buy sometimes I just feel totally random – my thoughts, activities, eats…
Oliver, the king of random behaviors
This post is all about the random, but delicious, things I’ve been noshing. First off, I’ve been freezing my own basil with help from Karis’ blog post. This weekend I picked up a heap of fresh basil at the farmers market. And like clockwork, I usually have to throw at least half of it away because I don’t use it in time. Although we do have a dehydrator (shocking, I know!), I’ve never used it to dry herbs. In fact, I’ve only used it once to make fruit leather. opps. But freezing herbs in ice cube trays I can definitely do.
I’ve also discovered the most delicious snack ever. It’s called Skinny Pop and I’m completely obsessed. Thank god the lovely folks over there gave me so many bags because I am tearing through them like a woman on a mission.
With all this running I’ve been doing, I’ve been ravenous most hours of the day. It is hard to find snacks that fill me up without weighing me down or doing damage to my waistline. With only 39 calories a cup, I don’t feel guilty about digging in and eating however much I want (which usually tops off at about 5 cups if I’m really starving). And the only ingredients are all-natural popcorn, sunflower oil and salt.
So far Brenton hasn’t been too interested in this (probably because he is so obsessed with his fat-laden chips and salsa which are always in the house). But before where I would indulge with Brenton, I have a healthier alternative that doesn’t make me feel like I’m giving up something. And believe you me, I will be bringing a Coach tote into the movie theater next time so I can sneak a bag of this in.
Speaking of corn, fresh farmers market corn has been the star in my latest culinary creation – a veggie orzo salad. I also picked up fresh green peppers, banana peppers and tomatoes. Although I’m not into lettuce salads these days, I have been craving “meal-type” salads that are quick to prepare and make for killer leftovers the next day.
Farmers Market Veggie and Orzo Salad
2 ears corn
1 green pepper, diced
1 sweet banana pepper, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Place 2 ears of corn in the microwave (husks and all) and microwave for 8 minutes. Set corn aside on the counter.
Cook orzo according to package directions and drain. Place in a bowl with peppers, tomato, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, basil and olive oil and turn to coat.
Once corn has cooled a bit, run a knife down all the sides to get the kernels off. Add these to the salad and mix.
Question: Do you sneak snacks into the movie theater? What do you pack? I’ve been known to bring apples, homemade trail mix, Good N’ Plenty and Jelly Belly’s (just not all at once). My friend Sun brought Chex Mix when a bunch of us gals saw Magic Mike and I was pleasantly surprised (maybe because I felt like I wasn’t the only one who did this!)
Disclaimer: Skinny Pop has given me this product to review. I was not given the product in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are my own.


















I am not typically a popcorn fan, but got some of that skinny pop from my Mother in law. Pretty good, plus I liked that it didn’t have that strong popcorn smell which is usually a turnoff for me. The salad looks really good, I agree I can’t get enough of farmer’s market corn and tomatoes this summer.
Erica recently posted..Big Sunday Summer Meal
I love popcorn smell…just as long as it isn’t burned popcorn :)
Umm, this is super weird, but I am currently eating Skinny Pop right now!! I saw it at Pick n Save and it was a total impluse buy and I LOVE it!
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie recently posted..Wednesday Ramblings and The Art of Fielding
I had no idea it was sold at the Pick! Which one did you find it at? When I finish off my stash, I know I’ll be wanting more.
Yum! I love popcorn, but rarely snack on it since it can be somewhat unhealthy (depending on what kind we have in the house). Skinny Pop sounds like a good option!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake recently posted..Peach Muffins
Isn’t skinny pop amazing? I could devour a bag.
Alex @ therunwithin recently posted..The ‘In’ Crowd
I’m ALL about bringing your own treats into the movies! The snack stands are such a rip off there. I always bring my own beverages and sometimes I’ll bring some candy from the grocery store.
Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed recently posted..Missing in Action
Beverages like cans of pop :) I’ve definitely hit up the grocery store before going to the movies.
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..Farmers Market Veggie and Orzo Salad + Skinny Pop Review
I sneak homemade popcorn into the theater all the time. I’ve also been known to smuggle in cosmos in water bottles… LOL!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..PrOATein Pancake + WIAW
OMG! That’s so bad. I love it!
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..Farmers Market Veggie and Orzo Salad + Skinny Pop Review
I absolutely adore orzo. This looks like an amazing salad! Another must try from your recipes! I definitely sneak snacks (and wine) into the movie theater. What I bring depends on my mood… last time I brought a pop tart haha
Carol @ Lucky Zucca recently posted..Have A Happy Day
Thanks! Do you actually bring a whole wine bottle!? lol
Alysha @Shesontherun recently posted..Farmers Market Veggie and Orzo Salad + Skinny Pop Review
Do you have an herb mincer? It kind of looks like one to the right of the ice cube tray in your photo, or maybe I’m losing my mind :) I’ve almost bought an herb mincer a couple times but can’t decide if it’s worth it.
I worked at a movie theatre for 5 years and I was always amazed by what people would brazenly bring in with them. Like walking in, carrying a bag of microwave popcorn and a bottle of wine. Common sense tells you to hide it in your jacket or purse, that’s what I do.
Karis recently posted..Zucchini-Carrot Muffins
I love summer salads–especially when they use a variety of veggies and help me clean up the refrigerator!
I Wilkerson recently posted..Plum Tart with No-Roll Linzer Crust
I’m definitely a snack sneaker!!! Lol. And I feel the exact same way when I’m doing a bunch of mileage!!! Starved! haha
corrie anne recently posted..A Hero’s Welcome
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