Cranberry and Roasted Yam Quinoa Salad

This tasty roasted yam & quinoa salad is tossed in a savory maple-balsamic dressing, sweetened with dried cranberries with a delicious crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds. Enjoy on its own as a simple lunch or as a flavor-packed side dish!

Preparation + Cook Time: 50 minutes

Makes 6-7 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1.5 lbs of yams/sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup of red onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• maple-balsamic dressing (see below)

Ingredients for the dressing:

• 3 Tbsp of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp of maple syrup
• 2 tsp of dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp of minced garlic
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package. When cooked, set aside and cool it.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 Farenheit. Put the yams and red onion on a foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 30 mins. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
3. Prepare the salad dressing by combining all of the ingredients in a bowl. Whisk together and set aside.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine the quinoa, roasted yams and onions, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Slowly add in your desired amount of dressing.
5. Season with more salt and pepper if desired.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour. Serve cold.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Yams are high in fiber, maintain a healthy blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. The high levels of vitamin C and E provide an immunity boost, support eye health, and prevent degenerative damage.

-Quinoa is loaded with Potassium and Magnesium which supports a healthy heart. Eating quinoa also supports bone health, a healthy digestive system, and contains disease-fighting antioxidants.

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

 

Sweet Potato Banana Bread Muffins (Gluten Free & Vegan!)

I came up with this recipe while making sweet potato brownies. I realized how great it is to use sweet potatoes as a healthier replacement for flour. I honestly think that these are some of the best muffins that I’ve ever made! They are gluten free, vegan, and refined sugar free. They are made with super clean ingredients, and taste very moist and flavorful. I like to eat these for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 60 minutes

Makes about 12 muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 Sweet Potato
• 1 T Chia Seeds
• 1 C Almond Butter
• 1 Ripe Banana
• 1 1/2 t Cinnamon
• 1/4 C Maple Syrup (or honey)
• 1 t Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 t Salt
• 1/4 C Coconut Flour
• 1 t Baking Powder
• 2 T Melted Coconut Oil
• Optional: Pecans and Pumpkin Seeds for topping the muffins

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Boil some water in a medium sized pot. Peel the sweet potato completely. Cut into small pieces. Once the water is boiled, add the sweet potatoes to the water. Turn to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. The potatoes should be very soft. Set aside to cool down. 
3. In a small bowl, mix the chia seeds with 2.5 T water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it turns into a thick gel. 
4. Add the sweet potatoes, the chia seed gel, and the rest of the ingredients into a food processor. Blend until smooth. (If you don’t have a food processor, you could add the ingredients to an electric mixer)
5. Line muffin tins with paper liners. Scoop the batter into the muffin tins evenly. Optional: Add pecans or pumpkin seeds to the top of the muffins.
6. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
7. Let them cool for 10 minutes before enjoying. I recommend storing them in the fridge.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, maintain a healthy blood pressure, and reduces inflammation. The high levels of vitamin C and E provide an immunity boost, support eye health, and prevent degenerative damage.

-Almond butter contains many essential nutrients that protects heart health, supports a healthy brain function, maintains skin health, helps control blood sugar levels, and maintains good bone and dental health.

-Bananas boost energy, are high in potassium, improves digestive health, and is a good source of brain, skin, and bone health-boosting manganese.

 

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