Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpea “Croutons”

Ever since the weather here in California has been so hot, I have been craving fresh salads for almost every meal. I put together a vegan version of one of my favorites: Caesar salad! This caesar contains a dairy-free, homemade dressing and is topped with capers, avocado, slivered almonds, and chickpea “croutons”. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 60 minutes

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 C Unsweetened, Unflavored Cashew Milk
• 1/2 C Tahini (I prefer Sadaf brand)
• Juice of 1/2 of a Lemon
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbsp Nutritional Yeast
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 Can of Chickpeas, Drained
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Nutritional Yeast
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• Dash of Salt & Pepper
• 1 Head of Romaine Lettuce, chopped
• Avocado, chopped
• Capers
• Slivered Almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Make your chickpea “croutons”. In a small bowl, combine the chickpeas with the 1 Tbsp Olive Oil, 1 tsp Nutritional Yeast, 1 tsp Dried Basil, and dash of salt & pepper. Transfer onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes until the chickpeas are crispy.
3. While the chickpeas are baking, combine all of the ingredients for the salad dressing in a small container. Whisk together until completely combined.
4. When you are ready to serve, put the chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl.
5. Top the lettuce with your desired amount of the caesar dressing and toss.
6. Top your salad with chopped avocado, a sprinkle of capers, slivered almonds, and the chickpea “croutons”.

A few of the many benefits of this recipe:

-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.

-Tahini is a great source of calcium, helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, it can help balance hormones, and  helps improve skin health.

-Romaine Lettuce is a great source of antioxidants, boosts heart health, promotes healthy eye sight, boosts immunity, and helps digestion.

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

Fruity & Fresh Thai Summer Salad

This salad is inspired by the tasty flavors of Thai cuisine. The fresh mango and pineapple make this dish refreshing and juicy. Enjoy this salad as a perfect light dinner for a warm summer’s night.

Preparation + Cook Time: 40 minutes

Makes about 6-7 servings

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 C Uncooked Quinoa
• 3 C Red Cabbage, shredded
• 3 C Chinese Cabbage, shredded
• 1 C Carrots, shredded
• 1 can of Organic Corn
• 1 C Fresh Diced Pineapple
• 1 C Fresh Diced Mango
• 1/3 C Roasted Cashews, chopped
• 2 tsp Finely Grated Lemongrass
• 1/4 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 C Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
• 1/2 C Mint Leaves, chopped
• 2 Green Onions, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 T Olive Oil
• 3 T Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 T Tamari or Soy Sauce
• 2 T Honey
• 2 t Fresh Ginger, grated
• 1 T Orange Juice
• 1/4 t Black Pepper
• 1/4 t Galic, minced

Instructions:

1. Cook the 1 C of quinoa in 2 C of water. Bring to a boil. Turn to a simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is cooked. Let it cool and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine all of the “salad ingredients” and stir until evenly mixed.
3. In a separate container, mix all of the “dressing ingredients” with a whisk. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix evenly with a wooden spoon. Serve up!

Benefits of this recipe:

-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.

-Cabbage boosts the immune system, fights inflammation and arthritis, reduces osteoporosis risk, and promotes a healthy gut.

-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

Creamy Avocado Pesto Salad

I love pesto, so combining a leafy green salad with savory pesto dressing is a no-brainer for me. This salad is packed with the flavors of fresh herbs and lemony goodness. The avocado is loaded with nourishing healthy fats and creates a creaminess to this salad. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 30 minutes

Makes about 5-6 servings

For the Pesto Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 C Packed Fresh Basil
• 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 C Pine Nuts
• 1/3 C Raw Cashews
• 1/4 C Olive Oil
• 1/4 t Minced Garlic
• 1 T Water
• Dash of Salt & Pepper
• 1 T Nutritional Yeast

Instructions:

1. Put all of the ingredients for the pesto dressing into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth. Scoop into a bowl and set aside. 

For the Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 Avocados
• 2 T Fresh Lemon Juice
• Dash of Salt & Pepper
• 1 15 oz can of Chickpeas
• 1/2 a Cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 C Green Onion, chopped
• 1/4 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
• 6 C  Spring Greens Mix or Arugula
• 1/4 C Cashews, chopped 

Instructions:

1. Cut the avocados into small cubes. Put them into a large salad bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice to the avocados and mix until the avocados are evenly coated. Add a dash of Salt & Pepper. 
3. Drain the chickpeas. Add to the bowl of avocado. Stir to combine. Now, add the cucumber, green onions, and cilantro. Stir again to combine.
4. Add the spring greens. Toss the salad and add the pesto dressing. (You may not need to add all of the pesto if you don’t want as much dressing). Add more salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with the chopped cashews and serve.

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.

-Basil contains disease fighting antioxidants, helps lower inflammation in the body, reduces stress, fights depression and anxiety, supports the liver, and promotes cardiovascular health.

-Salad greens or arugula protects eye health, improves heart health, helps maintain strong bones, improves digestion, helps prevent diabetes, and reduces skin inflammation.

-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.draxe.com