Tag Archives: spring

  1. Cast Iron Charred Lemon Garlic Asparagus

    Cast Iron Charred Lemon Garlic Asparagus

    Cast Iron Charred Lemon Garlic Asparagus

    Cast Iron Charred Lemon Garlic Asparagus, a simple, 10 minutes side dish, celebrating the best that Spring has to offer and one of my favorite cooking tools, my cast iron skillet!

    If you couldn’t tell by now, I am more than a little bit obsessed with my cast iron skillet. That baby is ALWAYS on the stove, often with a nice layer of bacon fat, but always seasoned and ready to go.

    Besides being super convenient, easy to clean and just a solid, dependable kitchen tool cast iron is also a healthier option. Choosing cast-iron pans is a great source of iron in your diet. Iron deficiency is a fairly common place issue worldwide, especially among women, some research shows 10% of American women are iron-deficient.

    A study published in the July 1986 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that cooking in cast iron skillets added significant amounts of iron to 20 foods tested. For example, the researchers reported that the iron content of three ounces of applesauce increased from 0.35 mg to 7.3 mg and scrambled eggs increased from 1.49 mg to 4.76 mg of iron.1https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/healthy-home/cooking-with-cast-iron/

    Read the rest of this entry »

    References   [ + ]

    1. https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/healthy-home/cooking-with-cast-iron/
  2. Grain-free Carrot Cake Coconut Panna Cotta {Dairy-free and Paleo-friendly }

    Grain-free Carrot Cake Coconut Panna Cotta {Dairy-free}

    Grain-free Carrot Cake Coconut Panna Cotta {Dairy-free}

    Subtly spiced dairy-free coconut milk panna cotta topped with chunks of grain-free spiced carrot cake and a little whipped coconut cream, makes for the perfect Spring-inspired treat without the sugar, grains or nuts.

    I kinda love that carrot cake has become synonymous with Easter, simply because of the Easter Bunny. Rabbits eat carrots, Easter invites a sweet bunny that leaves baskets and eggs and chocolate for us. Hmmm. It’s a stretch, but I’ll take it – cuz carrot cake rules.

    While I have been experimenting with the ketgenic diet since the start of this year and have slowly transitioned toward a fat fueled lifestyle over the last year and a half, my interest and taste for sweets has admittedly all but disappeared. Beyond a solid, super duper dark chocolate, I honestly can’t really be bothered. Not so great as a food blogger, but I make it work.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  3. Coconut Panna Cotta with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

    Coconut Panna Cotta with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

    Coconut Panna Cotta with Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

    I know many of you don’t read my words, you look at the pictures, you scroll down to the recipe and maybe you make it. Or maybe you don’t. I get it. No offense taken. Good news for those of you in the no-words-please club, you’ll be excited for this post and maybe those in the coming few weeks. I have finals coming up and studying is of the highest priority but I can’t not create and share recipes, it’s my life blood, it’s my energy source, it literally fuels me. We’re also leaving town tomorrow, headed to Palm Springs for our wedding anniversary. I plan to sit by the pool, read my text books, study my flashcards and maybe sneak in some napping and cocktails while I am at it, too. All that said, writing words right now feels harder than any community projects, any tests and quizzes, essays or book reviews – somehow it’s weighing on me heavier than anything else.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  4. Spring Green Minestrone Soup with Basil Pesto

    Spring Green Minestrone Soup with Basil Pesto {Gluten-free}

    Spring Green Minestrone Soup with Basil Pesto {Gluten-free}

    I have a newfound appreciation for Spring this year. California has decided to play coy and it hasn’t jumped straight into the heat, for once! Such a wonderful and welcome surprise. We’ve certainly had some very hot and sunny days, but we’ve also been blessed with some cooler, windy, spring-like days as of late and it’s been magical. So much is in bloom and there is so much beautiful green stuff at the markets, I am crushing extra hard on this incredible season. The lingering coolish weather has brought on cravings for soups and stews and comfort food featuring all of the beautiful new, delicate spring produce.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  5. Spring Greens Salad with Roasted Beets, Walnuts and Creamy Feta Vinaigrette

    Spring Greens Salad with Roasted Beets and Creamy Feta Vinaigrette

    There is something so magical about the spring, all the beautiful new produce, the delicate, fresh and new little baby stuff especially makes me happy. It’s like seeing those adorable fuzzy little ducklings at the park following around their mama duck. They just suddenly appear out of nowhere and break your heart with sweetness. But, I also love that we still have the remnants of the long winter season, the hearty, long-lasting, robust foods of the colder time. Squash, the bright and fresh citrus, all the root veggies. Even though we are well into Spring at this point, the swing-season status of Spring lasts the longest of all, which I really adore. The crossover of produce makes for some of my favorite dishes.

    Spring Greens Salad with Roasted Beets and Creamy Feta Vinaigrette

    We’ve been getting tons of beets in our weekly CSA boxes (community supported agriculture) from the farm and besides beet kvass, I have mostly been roasting them, as it’s my favorite way to enjoy the flavor of beets. The roasting actually brings out a subtle sweetness and takes down some of the earthiness for those that aren’t big fans of it. Plus roasting makes peeling beets a breeze, the skin literally slips right off. Beets are, in my opinion, a very underrated superfood, offering liver support by thinning bile to decongest a congested liver or biliary stasis or insufficiency. They also contain high levels of folate and manganese which support gallbladder function. Underground vegetables like potatoes, beets, carrots, etc – they also contain silica – important for collagen formation and for connective tissue’s elasticity and resilience. Silica also regulates calcium placement in bone and tissue. Beets also include fructooligosaccharides which is a great nutrient source for healthy micro-flora in the GI system. Finally, beets contain trimethylglycine, a methyl donor used in liver detoxification. Trimethylglycine is used by the body to detoxify substances by donating one of it’s methyl groups to the toxic molecule yielding a less toxic methylated substances and dimethylglycine. Dimethylglycine is also a methyl donor and is also used to stabilize toxic substances for further processing and elimination.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  6. Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Lemony Pea Pesto {Paleo, Whole30}

    Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Lemony Pea Pesto

    Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Lemony Pea Pesto

    We are officially through the winter, onto the other side and into the spring. I absolutely adore this time of year. It’s so refreshing and inspiring. Spring brings so much fresh newness and light. Despite being nearly 4 months from the start of the new year, to me, the springtime truly feels like birth of the new year. We welcome the light back into our lives and there is a very palpable energy floating amongst us. I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

    Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Lemony Pea Pesto

     

    Baked Eggs with Asparagus and Lemony Pea Pesto

    From a food standpoint, there is so much beautiful produce popping up, once again. So much is in bloom and there is much greenery. I feel so inspired to create in the kitchen this time of year. While I won’t be hosting a big Easter brunch this year, I am very much in the mood to think about beautiful spring-inspired brunch foods right now. More than the typical omelet or scrambled eggs, these baked eggs incorporate the best of the season and they can become a meal in and of themselves. They can be made in single servings, so you can prep everything and just place the ramekins or crocks into the oven. What comes out are these beautiful little baked eggs with an elegant vernal twist. The perfect dish for guests. Asparagus and green peas are stars of this show, making their first appearance of the season, in the first of many delicious dishes.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  7. Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    This time of year is one of my favorites, for fresh local fruit. Stone fruit season means some of the most flavorful and sweetest fruits you’ll find all year. Peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums and the hybrids apriums, pluots — just to name a few.

    Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    I find, much like with various vegetables and other fruits, roasting the stone fruit truly brings out it’s inherent sweetness. The natural sugars as well as the small amount of coconut sugar also caramelize and we end up with an incredible rich and deep flavored sauce. The finely ground, fresh vanilla bean compliments stone fruit so well by bringing a fragrant and almost smoky, earthy depth to the light sweetness. Many times if I am working with particularly ripe stone fruit, which can tend to be very juicy, I will actually pour off some of the sauce, after roasting and I simply reduce it down by more than half, over a medium heat. This creates a delicious, rich syrup, perfect for drizzling over the coconut cream topped fruit or over yogurt or other treats.

    Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    This recipe is a pretty simple one, I really enjoy the roasted fruit as it is, topped with the creamy hint of spiced masala chai infused coconut cream. You can feel free to follow the same recipe and simply use whipped heavy cream or even creme fraiche instead of the coconut cream. This roasted stone fruit would also be wonderful layered with yogurt, sorbet, ice cream or frozen yogurt for a delicious parfait. You can top it with nuts and seeds or your favorite granola. Of course, you can always stand over the oven and eat the roasted fruit straight from the pan, which I may have done a time or two.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  8. Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites

    Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites

    As we officially kick off the summer season this weekend, I can’t help but think of all the wonderful parties, BBQs, picnics and other celebrations that lie ahead. After my trip to Mexico this week, I also cannot get mango and avocado off my mind. This simple-to-make appetizer is the perfect fresh and light, nourishing bite for any late spring or summer celebration. You’ll find a bright and slightly sweet flavor from the mango, a wonderful crispy crunch from the cucumber and a creamy, richness from the avocado. The red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that you can control and the fresh mint compliments it all beautifully with a cooling finish.

    Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites

    This one-bite snack is a great treat for your casual Memorial Day backyard BBQ or it can be the perfect elegant appetizer for a more formal event. No matter the occasion, these Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites will brighten up any celebration. Read the rest of this entry »

  9. Grain-free Blackberry Earl Grey Mini Muffins

    Grain-free Blackberry Earl Grey Mini Muffins

    Part of living with dietary challenges is learning to find joy in events and celebrations without your traditional go-to foods! We all have been there and we can attest that the struggle is real! It’s really real. I know many of you will call me crazy for this next admission, but at times I find so much joy in creating foods that I myself cannot currently have, just because I want to share them with others. I am not talking about gluten-containing baked goods, I reserve that for once or twice a year when the hubby makes a special request. More, I am talking about the occasional times I find that I am avoiding a food or foods for an elimination diet or whatever reason.

    Grain-free Blackberry Earl Grey Mini Muffins

    Most times this desire to create for others goes hand-in-hand with baking for a special occasion. So I think I would like to rename all of this to “baking therapy”. For me, there is just something so special about spending time in the kitchen, with the oven heating up and bringing that comforting warmth, whipping up a recipe and then smelling the glorious aromas from the oven as your creation bakes. I suppose it reminds me of my mother and my sister. Both love to bake and do so for nearly every special occasion. For the last 10 years of me being gluten-free, although I couldn’t eat 95% of what they made, I took great comfort in knowing that the creations that they lovingly made would be there. I also love watching the happy faces of everyone enjoying those creations, whether or not I can be part of it personally.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  10. Blueberry Lavender Chia Seed Pudding

    This is part of my ongoing restricted diet series with Free People.

    Blueberry Lavender Chia Seed Pudding

     

    Most mornings I wake before dawn, roll out of bed, give myself a few minutes of silence or meditation and then I head off to an early morning yoga class. As the sun rises and I head back towards home, I look forward to refueling with that first nourishing meal of the day, hot tea and the quiet of the early morning.

    Blueberry Lavender Chia Seed Pudding

    Even better, the mornings where breakfast awaits m. Not because I have a personal chef or an extra sweet husband, but rather I planned ahead and prepped it the night before. Chia seed puddings are probably my favorite overnight breakfast treat, perfect for refueling after my early morning yoga session. Not only are chia seed puddings a breeze to whip up, but they taste wonderful, they are also super satisfying and loaded with healthy and nourishing goodness.

    If chia seeds were once used by Aztec warriors to build energy and stamina on battlefield, they certainly can refuel me after a sweaty, flowy yoga class and power me through the start of a busy work day. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, cell-protecting antioxidants, minerals, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They are anti-inflammatory and a dense source of crucial minerals, with more calcium than milk, more potassium than bananas, and more iron than spinach.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  11. Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing

    Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing

    Sugar Snap Peas are one of my most favorite spring snacks, as of late. Throughout the day, I open the fridge, there they are, edible just as they come. I really enjoy just eating them raw, sometimes I eat them as is, with a sprinkle of course sea salt, other times, I dip them in guacamole or whatever homemade dip I have on hand – either way I just love their sweet, crisp, fresh and bright flavor. When I am not snacking away on them raw, I also really love eating them in stir fries and now grilled, too.

    Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing

    Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing

    The charred pods keep a nice fresh flavor, but it they are also slightly tender and the grilling really brings out their inherent sweetness. I love the grilled snap peas over a salad like this one, but they are also great dipped in a homemade aioli or hummus.

    Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing

    This healthy, vibrant and crunchy Spring salad has a bit of an Asian-flare to it with the almond butter and ginger dressing that also has soy sauce, lime juice and sesame oil. If you want to skip the salad part however, grill the snap peas and instead serve the dressing as a dipping sauce. Voila, instant appetizer or snack.

    Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing

     

    [print_this]Charred Snap Pea Salad with Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing {gluten-free, vegan, paleo}

    serves 4-6

    • 1 lb sugar snap peas, washed, strings removed
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
    • sea salt and black pepper
    • red chile flakes, optional
    • 5 cups lettuce mix
    • 1 large carrot, peeled into ribbons
    • 1 avocado, sliced
    • 1/2 cup toasted almond slices
    • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
    • 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped

    Creamy Almond Butter & Ginger Dressing

    • 1/3 cup unsweetened unsalted almond butter
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 3 tablespoons, soy sauce, gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
    • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
    • 1/8 teaspoon red chile flakes
    • water, as needed to thin

    Grill the Snap Peas: Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat, with a grilling basket preheating as well. Toss the snap peas with 1 1/2 tablespoons of sesame oil and season with sea salt and black pepper or red pepper flakes, if you like a little more heat. Grill the snap peas for 5-8 minutes, tossing occasionally until charred, they should be crisp-tender.

    Make the Dressing: Whisk or blend dressing, adding water as necessary to thin out to your desired consistency.

    Assemble the Salad: Arrange the salad greens on a serving platter or in bowls, top with the grilled snap peas, top with carrot ribbons, sliced avocado, almonds, scallions and cilantro. Drizzle the dressing over top, just before serving.

    NOTES: 

    No grill? You can also cook the snap peas in a grill pan or a cast iron skillet on the stove top, if you don’t have a grill.

    As with any green veggie, the longer you cook the snap peas, the more olive green they will get in color. For a brighter, fresher green color, just cook for a little less time.

    [/print_this]
  12. Strawberry Blood Orange Margarita

    Strawberry Blood Orange Margarita

    There is something about this time of year that I just love. The fresh newness of spring, the feeling of balance in the air with more and more hours of light. Though the winters are not freezing and snowy here in Southern California, the days are still short, the sun sets early and despite what you might think, the nights do get cool. No matter where you reside, as spring starts to creep in and as we get closer to summer, we have lighter and brighter days, everything is in bloom and feels new again. In these first few weeks of the new season however, one of the best things is this “Swing Season”, where we still have the remnants of winter and the beginnings of spring together for a short time. Mostly I am talking about produce. My beautiful local organic produce boxes that have been delivered the last few weeks, have had both the last bits of winter, my favorite being the beautiful citrus like these blood oranges. Plus the new spring fruits start showing up in our boxes too, like these fresh strawberries. With this beautiful, vibrant combination, I found myself inspired to create a gorgeous bright and seasonal Strawberry Blood Orange Margarita, the perfect drink to cheers the arrival of spring with.

    Strawberry Blood Orange Margarita

    While you read this, I’ll be sitting on the beach in Mexico, *hopefully* sipping away on a margarita just like this one. We planned a super quick escape from the craziness of life, with our friends Dan and Debbie, for a 4-day trip down the coast to Playa de Rosarito for a little rest and relaxation. Life has been so busy and hectic as of late, Mark was away for 10 days at SXSW in Austin, meanwhile I have been getting ready for our 4-day Women’s retreat next weekend, plus the Yoga and Yummies event this past weekend and lots of other projects. So, although I will still be working away most mornings while we are in Mexico, you’ll find me practicing yoga and sitting on the beach most afternoons and hopefully finding time to just breath and enjoy being back with my hubby and surround by my friends.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  13. Chilled Green Curry Kelp Noodle Bowl

    Chilled Green Curry Kelp Noodle Bowls

    I know for those of you just barely feeling spring trying to force it’s way in, you won’t want to hear about the extreme heat we’ve had in southern California recently. With temperatures in the 90′s, it seems we have skipped right over the spring and jumped right into summer. I have switched from comforting winter soups and stews and roasted veggies to salads and cooler meals.

    Chilled Green Curry Kelp Noodle Bowls

    Soup that isn’t served hot may seem strange, but there are times when it just works and this is definitely one of them. It’s super fast to throw together — no slaving over a stove! — you don’t have to wait around for hours to let it simmer and there is very little prep.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  14. Forbidden Rice Spring Veggie Bowls with Tahini Lemon Dressing

    Forbidden Rice Spring Veggie Bowls with Tahini Lemon Dressing

    To know me, is to know that I get weirdly obsessed with things. Currently I am obsessed with two things, first is my new spiralizer (yes you will see lots of recipes made with it very soon) and secondly, any and all meals that can be served in bowls! As you can imagine the cross-over on these two obsessions is quite high so one is perpetuating the other right now.

    Today we are just talking about my love of any and all meals served in a bowl. I am not talking about your traditional soup or salads, though I still love both of those, I am talking more about creative, complete and hearty meals with everything you might possibly need or want, all served in one big bowl.

    Forbidden Rice Spring Veggie Bowls with Tahini Lemon Dressing

    To me, there is something just so comforting and so appealing about a meal in a bowl. Whether it be a Sprouted Quinoa with a Kale Almond Pesto Bowl, a 30-Minute Sweet Potato and Kale Coconut Curry over rice, a Buddha Bowl with Garlic Turmeric Cashew Cream or just a big ‘ol salad with loads of gorgeous bits and bops from your pantry and fridge. Mostly I find these bowl meals to be an opportunity to cram as much seasonal goodness as I can into one dish and to arrange it in a beautiful color coordinated way that turns it into a work of art.

    The other bonus of a bowl meal, is the organized and seemingly planned out way to eat up what you have on hand and to make it appear that it was done with great purpose. I have been known to do that a time or two around here.

     

    Read the rest of this entry »

  15. Grain-free Mixed Berry Crisp (Vegan)

    Grain-free Mixed Berry Crisp (Vegan)
    Going to the farmers market each week and being inspired by what is in season at that moment, is something I will never tire of. Walking the aisles, smelling the sweet aroma of what is most available – there really is no experience like it.

    Grain-free Mixed Berry Crisp (Vegan)

    I have been dreaming of a delicious Spring inspired berry crisp for sometime now and I finally made it happen over the weekend. I have been making various fruit crisps for years, using all-purpose gluten-free flour and rolled oats, but I wanted to get creative and come up with a way to make the crumbly crisp topping topping be totally grain-free, in addition to dairy-free.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  16. Strawberry Avocado Jalapeño Salsa {Gluten-free and Vegan}

    Strawberry Avocado Jalapeño Salsa - Gluten-free and Vegan

    It’s strawberry season, it’s strawberry season and I  might be just a little bit excited! Iapologize in advance, I know it isn’t quite strawberry season for those of you not in Southern California. But, that just means you can start bookmarking and saving all of these yummy strawberry recipes I share and they’ll be all ready for you to get to cooking as soon as they are in season near you.

    Strawberry Avocado Jalapeño Salsa - Gluten-free and Vegan

    This slighty sweet, kinda tart, and a little bit spicy, Strawberry Avocado Jalapeño Salsa, is just as amazing as it is beautiful. Great on tortilla chips, over your favorite tacos,  on grilled chicken or fish, or even just with a spoon. We have already had some hot weather here in Southern California, so I have been enjoying summery treats a little early. This salsa is simple to make and just full of so much flavor. I don’t always love fruit in savory dishes, but this one is incredible. I have a feeling this is going to be a staple snack around here this strawberry season! Read the rest of this entry »

  17. Grilled Asparagus Spring Salad with Meyer Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette (Gluten-free w/ Vegan Option)

    Grilled Asparagus Spring Salad with Meyer Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette (Gluten-free and Vegan)

    Spring produce honestly makes me giddy. I get school girl crush excited to stroll the aisles at the farmers market and my favorite organic grocery store and it feels like Christmas morning every Wednesday when I open the CSA box that our farmer drops off and I get to look inside. I am not sure how you feel about it, but I seriously think all of this fresh green goodness is definitely worth celebrating.

    Grilled Asparagus Spring Salad with Meyer Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette (Gluten-free and Vegan)

    One of my absolute favorite in season vegetables is asparagus. I am not joking when I tell you I consumed about 3 lbs of it myself in a 24 hour period, one day last week. I love it. My two favorite ways to enjoy it is roasted in the oven and grilled. The smokey flavor and those char marks from the beautiful caramelization of the natural sugars are just perfection.

    Oh and I personally find just picking those spears up with my hands and enjoying them, sans silverware, only enhances all of this! Try it, you’ll see. Read the rest of this entry »

  18. Grilled Marinated Artichokes

    Grilled Marinated Artichokes with Wine Pairing from BestWinesOnline.com

    Whole artichokes are admittedly something I discovered late in life, I don’t think I had my first fresh whole artichoke until last year sometime. It actually makes me sad every time I think of it, all the missed years of goodness. I had canned or jarred artichokes hearts on salads or in dips, but whole artichokes aren’t a super common vegetable in Western New York and I always prefer to eat as local as possible. After living here in Southern California a few months and trying fresh whole artichokes several different ways, I quickly learned my favorite way to enjoy them is grilled.

    Preparing artichokes for the first time is very daunting. I actually attempted to make them a couple of years ago and didn’t look up any instructions and I had NO clue what I was doing. I didn’t know which parts were edible and which parts were not. However, once you figure out how to prepare an artichoke, and do it yourself a time or two, it really is a breeze. Read the rest of this entry »

  19. Lavender Berry Parfaits with Whipped Coconut Cream {Gluten-free + Vegan}

    Lavender Berry Parfaits with Whipped Coconut Cream {Gluten-free + Vegan}

    I have been obsessed with berries lately. They are in season here in Southern California so much earlier than I was used to on the East Coast, so I feel like I have been given this extra special gift this year. The berries out here are seriously better than I have ever tasted before. The pint of strawberries I picked up a from my favorite organic farmer this week, are seriously THE best I have ever had. I can’t get over it.

    Lavender Berry Parfaits with Whipped Coconut Cream {Gluten-free + Vegan}

    When Sherrie from With Food + Love invited me to share a seasonally inspired dish for The Spring Dish {PLANT POWER}Blog Series, I knew instantly I wanted to share a sweet berry recipe. I wanted simple and light, but with a little something special to make it unique. A fragrant lavender simple syrup compliments the berries with all that lovely soft aroma and flavor and the coconut sugar gives it a nice robust almost rustic finish. And of course, the whipped coconut cream is the best way to finish these parfaits off. Read the rest of this entry »

  20. Spring Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Radishes – Gluten-free + Vegan

    Spring Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Radishes - Gluten-free + Vegan

    I know you guys are aware just how much I adore cooking foods inspired by the season and what is most fresh. I don’t have to sell you on that. This salad came from a recent trip to the farmers market where I decided to grab the most delicious, in-season produce I could and just create from there. I had no clue what I was making when I bought everything, I just got it home and started brainstorming.

    Spring Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Radishes - Gluten-free + Vegan
    This salad is full of flavor, beautiful Spring colors and I love the combination of the tender baby red potatoes with the crunch for the sugar snap peas and the radishes. Plus the light dressing, is such a nice alternative to the usual creamy mayo-based dressings on most potato salads. The mint is the perfect compliment to the salad, finishing it with a bright, fresh flavor.

    Spring Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Radishes - Gluten-free + Vegan
    This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it would be perfect as a side dish at a BBQ or picnic when you have folks with restricted diets. It is sure to please all. This post was originally shared on Free People blog BLDG 25.

     

    Spring Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Radishes - Gluten-free + Vegan

    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 -6

    Ingredients 

    Dressing

    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons whole grain dijon mustard
    • 1 clove garlic, minced

    Salad

    • 1 lb baby red potatoes, washed and cut into 1/2-inch slices
    • ½ lb sugar snap peas, trimmed
    • 1 small bunch radishes, 4 to 6, trimmed and sliced thin
    • 1 /2 small red onion, sliced thin
    • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, sliced thin
    • salt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    • Whisk the 4 dressing ingredients together in a small bowl to combine. Set aside.
    • Set up an ice bath in a large bowl, by filling it with cold water and ice cubes. Meanwhile bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil, add the sugar snap peas and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes, immediately remove the snap peas to the ice bath with a slotted spoon. Leave the pot of water on the stove and over a medium-high heat. Add the potatoes to the same pot and bring the water back to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are just tender.
    • Drain the potatoes and if you want to cool them quicker, run some cold water over them.
    • Once the snap peas and potatoes are cooled and drained (you can pat them dry to make sure they are nice and dry), add them to a large serving bowl with radishes, onion and fresh mint. Mix the dressing and pour over the salad. Toss gently to combine. Salt and pepper, to taste.
    • Serve at room temperature or cold, and enjoy!

     

  21. Mediterranean Lentil and Couscous Salad – Gluten-free + Vegan

    Mediterranean Lentil and Couscous Salad - Gluten-free + Vegan

    Imagine my excitement when I came across gluten-free couscous at the Whole Foods here a few weeks back. And on a sale rack, to boot. It has been over 8 years since I have had couscous. I know it’s nothing fancy to get excited over. I know it’s really just tiny pasta, but there is something so fun about it and come on, who doesn’t love tiny food?

    I immediately decided I would make a simple salad highlighting both the couscous and some green lentils, which I have been obsessed with lately. With roasted red peppers and marinated artichokes already on hand, how could I not make it Mediterranean inspired?

    Mediterranean Lentil and Couscous Salad - Gluten-free + Vegan

    This simple but full-of-flavor salad is perfect for lunch or as a side dish. I even served it as a meal with some of my baked falafel, with a drizzle of the tahini dressing on top, one night for dinner. So many wonderful textures and tastes.

    Mediterranean Lentil and Couscous Salad - Gluten-free + Vegan

    gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, vegan, vegetarian
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 -6

    Ingredients 

    • 2 cups cooked couscous, cooled (I used gluten-free brown rice couscous)*
    • 2 cups cooked green lentils, cooled
    • 2 stalks celery, chopped
    • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
    • 3-4 roasted red peppers, chopped
    • ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
    • 3-4 cups spring mixed greens, or other greens like arugula, baby spinach, etc

    Vinaigrette:

    • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, roughly chopped (or less if using dried)
    • salt and pepper, to taste
    • Optional: Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese, if not vegan

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl wisk together all of the vinaigrette ingredients and set aside.
    • In a large serving bowl add all of the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. Just before serving pour the vinaigrette over top and gently toss again to incorporate. You may not want all of the dressing on there, so don’t dump it all over at once. Salt and pepper to taste and serve.

     

    Head on over to the Free People blog BLDG 25 now for the full recipe.

DISCLAIMER: This website is written and produced for informational and educational purposes only. Statements within this site have not been approved by the FDA. Content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. The reader assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional before starting a new diet or health program. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. The writer(s) and publisher(s) of this site are not responsible for adverse reactions, effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any recipes or suggestions herein or procedures undertaken hereafter.