Lemon-Dill Grain Salad with Peas & Carrots

Summertime is the perfect season to enjoy fresh and nourishing grain salads, like this lemon-dill grain salad with peas & carrots. I personally love the fragrant and delicious flavor of fresh dill, which gives this recipe its superstar flavor profile. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of farro (uncooked)
• 1 1/4 cups of shredded carrots
• 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas
• 3 Tbsp of lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp of olive oil
• 3 Tbsp of fresh dill, chopped
• 3 Tbsp of chives, chopped
• 1/4 tsp of minced garlic
• large dash of salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil 2.5 cups of water on the stove top. Add the farro to the water and turn it to low heat. Put the lid on and simmer until fully cooked (about 20 minutes). Set aside to cool.
2. Next, place the frozen peas in a microwaveable container with water covering the peas. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes until the peas are defrosted. Drain the water from the peas. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the dressing. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, dill, chives, garlic, and salt & pepper in a small container.
4. In a large bowl, combine the farro, carrots, peas, and dressing. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. Store in the fridge until you are ready to eat. Serve cold.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, high in fiber, and they support healthy blood sugar control.

-Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, which protects eye health and vision. They are high in antioxidants, can help lower cholesterol, help protect against cancer, improve immunity, boosts skin health, and helps improve brain function.

-Farro is an excellent source of plant-based protein, high in fiber, and it contains a wide range of antioxidants.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com

 

 

Lemony-Basil Orzo Salad

This lemony-basil orzo salad is my take on a pasta salad. It is fresh and light, and serves as a perfect side dish for your summer bbq. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups of dry orzo
• 3/4 cup of tightly packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onion
• 3 Tbsp of olive oil
• 4 Tbsp of fresh lemon juice
• desired amount of salt and pepper
• 1/2 tsp of minced garlic
• 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained
• 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
• 3/4 cup of chopped english cucumber
• 2 handfuls of baby spinach, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Fill a medium sized pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the orzo. Boil for 9 minutes, stirring frequently until fully cooked. Drain the orzo and set aside in a large salad bowl to cool completely.
2. In a food processor blend the basil, onion, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper, garlic, and apple cider vinegar until it is in a dressing-like consistency. Pour the dressing over the cooled orzo and stir until evenly combined.
3. Add in the tomatoes, chickpeas, english cucumber, and spinach to the bowl. Add more salt and pepper if necessary.
4. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

*Chef’s Tip: This recipe also tastes delicious with toasted pine nuts added!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Tomatoes contain cancer-fighting antioxidants, they improve heart health, helps improve vision and eye health, benefits skin health, and protects bone health.

-Spinach aids in detoxifying the body and supporting liver function. It is a great source of fiber, boosts immunity, preserves skin health, and defends against heart disease.

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.healthline.com and http://www.draxe.com

Tropical Green Smoothie Bowl

One of my favorite breakfasts to make are smoothie bowls! This tropical green smoothie bowl is packed with tasty, wholesome fruits and vegetables which will help power your day. You can also add protein powder or a scoop of almond butter to the smoothie for some extra protein. This bowl is especially enjoyable in the summer on a warm morning. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 15 minutes

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1/2 of 1 Frozen Banana
• 1/2 an Avocado
• 1/2 C Nut Milk (I used Cashew Milk)
• 1/2 C Frozen Mango
• 1/2 C Frozen Pineapple
• 2 T Orange Juice
• 1/2 C Spinach
• 2 T Agave Nectar or Honey
• Toppings: Chopped Strawberries, Chopped Kiwi, Granola, Shredded Coconut

Instructions:

1. Put all of the ingredients in a blender and pulse on high until the smoothie is thick and creamy. Everything should be completely blended.
2. Pour into a bowl.
3. Top the smoothie with chopped strawberries, chopped kiwi, granola, and shredded coconut.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Avocado protects heart health, aids in better digestive health, protects from diabetes, balances hormones naturally, and boosts your mood. It is also great for keeping your hair, skin, and eyes healthy.

-Spinach aids in detoxifying the body and supporting liver function. It is a great source of fiber, boosts immunity, preserves skin health, and defends against heart disease.

-Mango lowers cholesterol, clears the skin, helps eye health, alkalizes the whole body, helps with diabetes, boosts immune system and improves digestion.

-Pineapple boosts immune system, improves digestion, improves fertility, supports heart health, helps mental health, reduces inflammation, and prevents asthma.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com and http://www.realfoodforlife.com