Recipes

Ugly Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for more healthy fats)
  • 1 cup Two Ugly Mugs Salsa
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 8 large lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine, butter lettuce)
  • Toppings: diced avocado, chopped cilantro, Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)

Instructions:

  1. Place chicken in a slow cooker or instant pot. Add salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours (or high for 2-3 hours). If using an instant pot, pressure cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the salsa juices.
  4. Serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas and top with avocado and cilantro.

Healthier swap: Using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas reduces refined carbs and calories. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream cuts down on saturated fat while adding protein.


Ugly Eggs with Spinach & Avocado

Ingredients:

  • 3 pasture-raised eggs (or 2 eggs + 2 egg whites for lower cholesterol)
  • ¼ cup Two Ugly Mugs Salsa
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale)
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add spinach and sauté for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  3. Whisk eggs in a bowl and pour into the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking until eggs are just set.
  4. Add salsa and mix until well combined.
  5. Serve with avocado slices for healthy fats and fiber.

Healthier swap: Adding leafy greens increases vitamins and minerals. Swapping butter for olive oil provides heart-healthy fats.


High-Protein Ugly Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (higher in protein and fiber than rice)
  • ½ cup low-sodium black beans
  • ½ cup Two Ugly Mugs Salsa
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Toppings: grilled chicken, roasted veggies, diced avocado, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix warm cooked quinoa with salsa, black beans, and seasonings.
  2. Top with grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a plant-based option.
  3. Drizzle with lime juice and serve!

Healthier swap: Quinoa is a complete protein and a better alternative to white rice. Adding black beans boosts fiber, helping with digestion and satiety.


Whole Wheat Salsa Quesadilla with Beans & Veggies 

Ingredients:

  • 2 whole wheat tortillas (or almond flour tortillas for gluten-free)
  • ½ cup low-fat shredded cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
  • ¼ cup Two Ugly Mugs Salsa
  • ½ cup black beans (for extra protein and fiber)
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers & onions
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Place one tortilla in the pan and layer with cheese, black beans, salsa, and veggies.
  3. Top with the second tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  4. Slice and serve with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Healthier swap: Using whole wheat or almond flour tortillas increases fiber and reduces refined carbs. Adding black beans and veggies boosts protein and nutrients.


Ugly Stuffed Avocado with Hemp Seeds 

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
  • ½ cup Two Ugly Mugs Salsa
  • 1 tbsp hemp seeds or flaxseeds
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Optional: chopped cilantro, jalapeño, or hot sauce

Instructions:

  1. Scoop out a little of the avocado flesh to make room for the salsa.
  2. Fill each avocado half with salsa and sprinkle with hemp seeds for added protein & omega-3s.
  3. Drizzle with lime juice and enjoy!

Healthier swap: Hemp seeds provide plant-based protein and omega-3s, making this snack even more nutritious!