There are so many different ways to make egg salad — kind of like potato salad — and honestly, I’ve made countless versions over the years. Some days I want it tangy and loaded with pickles and mustard, other days I go for creamy with avocado, dill, or Everything Bagel seasoning. There’s really no wrong way to make it.

A good salad bar is loaded with texture, protein, crunch, healthy fats, and flavor, so it actually feels satisfying and filling. The best part? You can prep everything ahead of time, keep it in containers in the fridge, and throw the containers out on the kitchen table or island and let everyone create their own masterpiece.

Loaded with pasta, crunchy veggies, bacon, cheese, and a creamy ranch-style dressing with a healthier twist, this pasta salad is perfect for cookouts, grad parties, family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, meal prep, or easy lunches all week long. It makes great leftovers, too!

Made with simple ingredients and a lightly sweet, savory sauce, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep. It’s naturally high in protein, loaded with fiber-rich veggies, and easy to keep lower carb depending on how you serve it.

Over time, I’ve found that keeping a consistent lineup of go-to ingredients in my fridge and pantry makes it much easier to throw together nourishing meals without overthinking it. These are the foods that show up in my cart almost every week because they’re versatile, simple to work with, and can be used in a variety of meals.

Tender chicken, protein-packed pasta, and fajita veggies are baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese and cottage cheese for a high-protein twist. Everything comes together in one dish, making it as low-maintenance as it is delicious.

Serve it as a dip with pretzels, pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or even spread it on a rice cake for a quick, satisfying snack. It also doubles as a delicious topping—try it smothered over chicken for an easy dinner, or you can even stuff chicken breasts and bake.

This hippy-style skillet is a simple, one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, colorful veggies and flavor. Made with a quick homemade teriyaki sauce using coconut aminos, it delivers that classic sweet-and-savory taste without the sugar and extra junk found in most store-bought versions.

These are zero-carb, high-flavor snacks that sneak in some extra protein from the cheese, making them a midlife-friendly win for when cravings hit but you don’t want the junk.

This was one of our all-time family favorites growing up. My mom made it on repeat and lovingly nicknamed it “Alpo” because…well, it kind of looks like dog food. 😆

Great for midlife energy, blood sugar stability, inflammation reduction, or anyone who wants pizza without the post-meal slump. Family-approved, picky-eater friendly, and ready in less than an hour.

Instead of flour or heavy cream, this sauce uses cottage cheese as the base, which blends into a smooth, velvety sauce that’s packed with protein and flavor.

It’s an easy, make-ahead dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, family gatherings, or bringing a meal to someone who needs one. Everything comes together quickly, and the flavors only get bette

One of my originals, and I’ve made it a variety of ways through the years and everyone always loves it. The best thing is that you can use whatever ground protein you want - ground pork, chicken, beef or turkey – or even shrimp if you want. You can also use white or brown rice instead of cauliflower, or an even mixture of rice and cauliflower rice, or just cauliflower rice or even just rice. Great for weekly meal planning and can be a side dish or a main dish – your choice!

A protein-packed, healthier take on a longtime comfort favorite. As with all things Hippy Crap, make it work for you and for what you have on hand—use regular pasta instead of protein pasta if you don't have protein pasta, or cream cheese in place of cottage cheese if that’s your jam.

By making small, intentional swaps here or there, you can still enjoy the same flavors and textures while also nourishing your body and feeling better afterward.

Spices add flavor - don't be afraid to use them, especially those like turmeric that help with inflammation. Spoiler: Perfection is NOT one of the rules. Hippy Crap is simple: Prioritize real, whole foods that nourish your body, fight inflammation, and support midlife wellness—without turning meals into a chore or sacrificing flavor. Fewer processed junk, more fresh fruits/veggies, spices galore (especially anti-inflammatory heroes like turmeric), and organic when it fits

Perfect for meal prep, this protein-packed chicken salad stores beautifully in the fridge and makes an easy grab-and-go lunch or snack. Serve it with fresh veggies, pita chips, or crackers as a dip, pile it onto toasted bread with sliced avocado, spoon it over lettuce, spread it on a rice cake… honestly, the options are endless.

Hippy Crap is exactly what it sounds like—a fun, affectionate family nickname turned into a whole philosophy (and now a brand!) for making everyday meals a little healthier without turning life upside down. Hippy Crap isn’t about perfection. It’s about small, realistic swaps that make everyday meals a little healthier—without turning cooking into a chore or sacrificing taste.