One of my favorite go-to meal prep staples that I always try to keep on hand is the “Power Burger,” made from a healthy burger recipe that can be enjoyed whether you eat plant-based burgers or traditional ones! And, the benefits of the power burger for vegans, is that it allows you to turn fake meat like Beyond Burger or Impossible Burger into a more wholesome, whole food. That’s because it adds fresh spinach, whole seeds, and oats, making it more nutritionally complex with added nutrient-dense calories.
Savory Oatmeal with Fennel, Asparagus & Peas
Ever heard of savory oatmeal? Being that Oats are a grain, do you ever think about why we would restrict them to only being eaten sweet? Savory oatmeal can be extremely versatile and give you a great vehicle for enjoying more vegetables, fiber, and other awesome nutrients in a quick, convenient way. This recipe is just one example. Enjoy savory oatmeal on it’s own or as a compliment to a larger meal with fish, chicken, turkey, or other proteins. But keep in mind that on its own, oatmeal provides a decent amount of protein. So don’t be afraid to experiment, knowing you’re getting a good meal from a bowl of savory oatmeal with veggies. Enjoy!
Read MoreSicilian Eggplant Wraps with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette
These Sicilian Eggplant Wraps are a perfect example of how the slightest ingredient hacks can make a big impact on the quality of nutrition you consume per calorie. Eggplants have some surprising health benefits and are rich in essential nutrients like manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber. And they are particularly rich in essential fatty acids. In this recipe we are simply replacing wraps or flatbread made from flour with grilled eggplant slices, making this a simple healthy solution for any busy schedule.
Read MoreCashew Cream of Turmeric Cauliflower Soup
Sometimes, when I see whole turmeric root at the market, I like to grab a handful to see what I can create with it, and this Cashew Cream of Turmeric Cauliflower Soup is my latest turmeric root adventure! Be sure to use a Vitamix or other high powered blender to get the most awesome taste explosion and creamy texture ever! You’ll want to keep this recipe handy for cold nights in front of the fireplace.
Vegan Zucchini Lasagna Rolls with Herbed Almond Ricotta
Who loves that nuanced taste of ricotta cheese blended with herbs, tomatoes, and garlic? Who doesn’t actually? This recipe for vegan zucchini lasagna rolls delivers on the nuance while providing a more refreshing, more nutrient dense, clean version, that highlights the awesome natural flavors found in some of our favorite herbs and vegetables. These rolls are better suited for a lunch, brunch, or appetizer, but you could also have them for dinner along with some cooked grains, cannellini beans, and-or a green salad. Don’t let the small size fool you. The almond ricotta in these makes them quite rich and energy dense, and one can fill up on just a few. Get ready for a fantastic blend of fresh flavors!
Bumper Crop and Kitchen Sinks
Did you get an awesome bumper crop of tomatoes this year? Did you go crazy at the Farmers Market and buy too many different, fabulous seasonal foods? Don’t worry! This recipe is like the best “kitchen sink” concoction you will ever sink your teeth into. Who knew that plums, tomatoes and cucumbers would love hanging out in a salad together? Read More
Tuscan Cold Zoodles with Tomato, Basil & Garlic
With gluten free this, avoid that, and whatever else we are adding to the “avoid list” lately, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of calling something what it actually isn’t. For example, a “cauliflower” is commonly being called a “steak,” and no one seems to mind at all. Are we finally losing it as a society? Well, I guess, keeping it all in perspective, it’s cool to get creative with naming some healthy substitutes. It’s just a word anyway, right? I just want whatever I am eating to satiate and hit the spot on whatever my mind and my appetite have conspired to enjoy together. Whenever that happens to be cold tomato basil noodles, this recipe does the trick. For the sake of avoiding the faux food naming pattern, we’re going to call these babies “zoodles”. Whatever you do call it, get ready for “yummy” sounding words and noises when you serve it. Oh, and it’s raw too!
Read MoreGreen Garlic Almond Cheese
Nothing says Spring like fresh green garlic at the farmer’s market. I grabbed a bunch the other day, and before I could put it into my bag this idea to make fresh raw almond cheese with green garlic popped into my head. This is a fresh, quick cheese that slightly resembles the consistency of a ricotta, and offers a nice, nutritious, dairy-free creaminess. The green garlic made it heavenly. You can use it on a sandwich with vine tomatoes, as an hors d’oeuvre filling or topping- as pictured, or try it in layers of lasagna. Enjoy!
Avocado & Pear Salad with Basil Lime Dressing
I love it when a random “grab two things and see what happens” move in the kitchen turns out to be so yummy. This avocado & pear salad is an extremely easy recipe that mixes pears with avocados, and finishes it off with some fresh lime and basil. Add this to your list of simple raw fruit and vegetable go-to’s. It’s perfectly refreshing for hot summer days. Enjoy!
Pea & Avocado dip with Pepitas & Cilantro
Fresh peas are in season! And I’m going to show you a way to enjoy them while making your healthy snacking easier with this pea & avocado dip recipe. Sometimes it can be a challenge finding a healthful dip that is not loaded with empty calories from refined oils, sugars, fillers, or commercial dairy products. This dip is a great solution to this challenge, and it seriously only takes about 10 minutes to make. Due to the lemon juice in the ingredients, it keeps for several days and has a lot of versatility in how it can be used. And, if enjoyed with fresh vegetables, this dip proves to be a very nutrient-dense snack—my favorite kind!
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