Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls

Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls are the perfect snack to meal prep for the week ahead- they take 10 minutes to make, require zero cooking, lasts 5-7 days, and can be breakfast on the go, a snack, or preworkout fuel.  Does it get any better!? Plus, you know you’re reaching for something healthy when you crave something sweet and grab two of these.  Wholesome and delicious, these Lemon Blueberry Muffin Energy Balls will make your meal prep list every week.

Serves: 5 (makes 12-13 energy balls)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup raw whole cashews

Pinch of Himalayan pink salt

6 dates, pits removed

¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

¼ cup dried blueberries

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

How (your directions):

Add all ingredients to a food processor.

Blend for 1-2 minutes, until one large dough ball forms.

Pinch off 2 tablespoons of dough at a time, and roll into an energy ball.

Store in an airtight container for 5-7 days.

Why (the science):  The protein and fiber from oats and cashews will keep your blood sugar levels stable, meaning it’s the perfect pick-me-up snack for steady energy.

Apple, Brie & Arugula Open Sandwich

Apple, Brie & Arugula Open Sandwich

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

We all need a meal up our sleeves that takes 5 minutes to throw together (but doesn’t look like we did).  I make this Apple, Brie & Arugula Open Sandwich for lunches or dinners when I’m in a pinch.  But even if I had all the time in the world to cook, this would still be a classic worth coming back too 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 slices artisan bread (I use a seeded multigrain)

1 ounce brie

1 handful arugula

½ apple

1 teaspoon good olive oil

Salt and pepper

How (your directions):

Lightly toast the slices of bread.

While the bread is toasting, slice the ½ apple into thin slices.

When bread is done toasting, spread brie cheese onto each slice.  Top with arugula and slices of apples.

Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Voila!

Why (the science):  This sandwich might be the easiest way to eat your fruits and vegetables 😊

Carrot Ginger Apple Juice

Carrot Ginger Apple Juice

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Carrot Ginger Apple Juice is made in a high-speed blender and whips up in less than 5 minutes!  This is an easy way to get extra vitamins and antioxidants to boost your immune system and provide you with glowing, firm skin.  Because it’s made in a blender, you can decide how much pulp you remove- the more pulp, the more fiber, which is great for healthy digestion!

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 cups cold water

2 large carrots

1 large honeycrisp apple

1-inch knob fresh ginger

½ lemon

How (your directions):

Fill a high-speed blender with the cold water.

Large chop carrots and apple into quarters.  Add to blender.

Peel fresh ginger and add to blender. 

Blend on high for 1-2 minutes, until smooth.

Place a sieve over a glass measuring cup and strain the juice.  Using a spatula, press the pulp against in the sieve to strain out any extra liquid.

Squeeze lemon juice into carrot ginger apple juice and stir.

Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  It can be hard to get enough veggies in your diet but making your own juices at home without an expensive juicer is a way to get extra nutrients into your body, helping you to feel hydrated and nourished!

Golden Milk

Golden Milk

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Looking for a cozy and warming drink to help you through the impending Midwest winter?  Try Golden Milk, a dairy-free and caffeine-free drink to stop inflammation in its tracks!  The pepper and coconut oil help you absorb more of the turmeric’s superpowers, so be sure to add them to your Golden Milk.

Serves: 1

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1.5 cups oat milk or unsweetened almond milk

½ teaspoon turmeric

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of black pepper

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)

How (your directions):

Add all ingredients to a saucepan, and heat over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.  Whisk constantly. 

Tip: If you want your Golden Milk even frothier, add the warm drink mixture to a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds.  Enjoy immediately.

Why (the science): Turmeric is both gut-healing to improve your immune system and manage your weight, as well a brain health booster!

Apple & Pear Breakfast Crisp | Vegan, GF |

Apple & Pear Breakfast Crisp | Vegan, GF |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This Apple and Pear Breakfast Crisp is delightful- warm cinnamon with soft apples and pears, topped with the most scrumptious crumbly topping.  It is incredibly nourishing, between the fiber-rich fruit, the protein-rich topping, and cinnamon to control blood sugar, you can eat this crisp for breakfast!  Serve with yogurt, and you’ve got the ultimate gut-health promoting meal.   Apple and Pear Breakfast Crisp is also a great meal prep recipe, as it holds for 2-3 days in fridge.

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

What (your ingredients):

For the Filling:

3 red apples

2 red pears

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons corn starch

Pinch of salt

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup almond flour

1 cup rolled oats

½ teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon cinnamon

3 tablespoons coconut oil, solid

3 tablespoons agave

Pinch of salt

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F. 

To make the filling, dice red apples and red pears and place into a medium-size bowl.  Add remaining filling ingredients and stir to combine.  Pour filling into an 11x7 baking dish and set aside.

Make the crumble topping by adding all topping ingredients into a bowl.  Using your hands, pinch the mixture between your fingers until coconut oil is evenly distributed.  The crumble topping will look like wet sand.

Evenly distribute topping over the apple and pear mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes.  At the 20-minute mark, check the crisp- you may need to cover the crisp with foil to prevent the crumble topping from burning.

Enjoy immediately or throughout the week!

Why (the science):  Almond flour is a protein-rich flour alternative!  Protein is important for strong immune systems and healthy cell growth.

Red Lentil Stew

Red Lentil Stew

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Red Lentil Stew is the ultimate cozy comfort food that is incredible for your immune system- between the garlic, ginger, leek, and lemon, Red Lentil Stew has several health boosting vitamins and antimicrobial properties!  It also makes a great meal prep recipe, as it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.  Inspired by my favorite food blogger’s (Sarah Britton’s) Four Corners Soup, this Red Lentil Stew is something to look forward to after a long day’s work 😊

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 leek, sliced into half-moons and rinsed

Pinch of salt

5 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 tablespoon cumin

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes

1 cup red lentils, rinsed

3 cups veggie broth

½ lemon, sliced into thin rounds

1 tablespoon maple syrup

4 cups spinach

To serve: slices of avocado or grated parmesan cheese and good olive oil

How (your directions):

Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.  Add coconut oil, sliced leek, and pinch of salt to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes.

Add minced garlic, ginger, cumin, and cayenne pepper, sautéing for 1 minute.

Add crushed tomatoes, lentils, veggie broth, and lemon slices to the leek mixture.  Bring to a boil, then cover, lower heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils reach desired texture.

Add maple syrup and taste for seasoning.  With the heat turned off, stir spinach into stew until wilted.

Serve hot with either sliced avocado, or a grating of parmesan cheese and drizzle of good olive oil.

Why (the science):  Lentils are a plant-based protein powerhouse, with 20 grams of protein per 1 cup!  That’s equivalent to about 3 oz of chicken breast.

Chocolate Orange Wedges

Chocolate Orange Wedges

Chelsea Gloeckner

Chocolate Orange Wedges are the perfect snack to make with your children after school, or the cutest healthy dessert to serve on your holiday dessert stand!  Bonus: you only need 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to assemble!  Easy enough for children to make, delicious enough for adults to be impressed 😊

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 navel orange

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

How (your directions):

Peel the navel orange, then divide orange into individual wedges.  Place orange wedges on plate or serving platter.  Blot dry as needed (chocolate sticks better to a dry surface).

Melt dark chocolate in a small glass bowl over steaming water.

Once chocolate is melted, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, if using.  Dip each orange wedge halfway into dark chocolate and let excess chocolate drip off.

Repeat with all orange wedges, then sprinkle a pinch of salt over the chocolate before the chocolate hardens.

Enjoy!

Why (the science):  Citrus fruits, like oranges, help your body absorb iron better! 

10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry | Vegan and GF |

10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry | Vegan and GF |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

If you’re short on time, this 10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry is the perfect thing to enjoy on a hectic weeknight.  Simply boil brown rice ramen noodles, slice up whatever veggies you have on hand, and whip up the delicious and incredibly easy Ginger Almond Stir Fry Sauce!  Plant-based and fiber-rich with a creamy sauce, my 10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry is a nutritious time-saver.

Serves: 2

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 squares brown rice ramen noodles

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sesame oil

8 oz. package mushrooms, sliced thinly

6 oz. package snap peas

1 yellow pepper, sliced thinly

Ginger Almond Stir Fry Sauce:

1 tablespoon arrowroot starch or corn starch

1 tablespoon almond butter

1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce

1 teaspoon maple syrup

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ cup water

How (your directions):

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.  Once water is boiling, add salt and ramen squares.  Cook according to package instructions, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat sesame oil in a wok over high heat.  Add mushrooms, snap peas, and yellow pepper.  Cook on high for 3 minutes.

Once noodles are finished cooking, drain and rinse.  Set aside.

Add all sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk with a fork.  Add sauce and noodle to vegetable mixture and stir to combine for 30-60 seconds.

Serve immediately!  Salt and pepper to taste.

Why (the science):  Mushrooms are high in antioxidants, specifically selenium and glutathione, which lower inflammation and reduce cell damage.

Sweet Potato Nests

Sweet Potato Nests

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Sweet Potato Nests are one of the easiest breakfasts, and you only need a few ingredients to bring this veggie-packed meal together!  Protein and fiber keep you feeling energized and satisfied.  These Sweet Potato Nests would make a great dinner if short on time.

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 7 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 small sweet potato

1 egg

1 teaspoon olive oil

Pinch of: salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes

2 handfuls of fresh spinach

How (your directions):

Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.  Once water is boiling, add egg and set timer for 6.5-7 minutes.  Tip: Soft-boiled eggs last 2 days in the refrigerator, so make a few extra eggs and store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Prepare a large bowl filled with cold water and ice, then set aside.

Meanwhile, using a food processor, grate the small sweet potato.

Heat frying pan over medium-high heat with the teaspoon of olive oil.  Add grated sweet potato (about 2 cups) to the oil, along with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Stir grated sweet potato consistently for about 5 minutes.  Tip: If any grated sweet potato sticks to the pan, add a few tablespoons of water.

Once the egg has finished cooking, add immediately to ice water and allow to cool.  Peel the cooled egg.

To serve, add spinach to a plate and top with grated sweet potato.  Place peel egg in the center of the sweet potato “nest.”  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Most of a potato’s fiber is found in the skin!  Keep the skin on the sweet potato when grating to keep you fuller, longer.

Energy Boosting Smoothie (Banana-Free and Avocado-Free)

Energy Boosting Smoothie (Banana-Free and Avocado-Free)

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This Energy Boosting Smoothie is the perfect start to a busy day, providing you with steady, even energy without the crash!  The Swiss chard and spinach are packed with iron to deliver oxygen throughout your body, and the matcha contains ECGC, an anticancer nutrient.  This Energy Boosting Smoothie is also banana and avocado free, making it a fresh way to drink your greens.  Dates provide sweetness, but are low glycemic, meaning they won’t give you a sugar high.  Cheers!

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 cups cold water

5 Swiss Chard leaves

1 handful spinach

1 teaspoon fresh ginger

½ teaspoon matcha

2 dates, pits removed

2 handfuls ice

How (your directions):

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high for 45-60 seconds.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Dates are loaded with potassium, an important electrolyte for regulating blood pressure.

Zucchini Tea Sandwiches

Zucchini Tea Sandwiches

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

I love tea sandwiches- small, bite-size, dainty and perfect for tea…As a play on an old favorite (cucumber tea sandwiches), I love the idea of creating full size Zucchini Tea Sandwiches! It couldn’t be easier or quicker to cut zucchini into thin ribbons, layer them on toasty bread with cream cheese, and drizzle them with really good olive oil.  These are great for a very quick lunch, but would be beautiful to serve to a crowd on a wooden cutting board 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 pieces whole wheat oat bread (or your favorite bread)

2 tablespoons cream cheese

1 small zucchini

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil, to serve

How (your directions):

Toast bread to desired doneness.  Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, slice zucchini into long, thin ribbons.

Once bread is toasted, spread one tablespoon of cream cheese (regular or vegan) onto each slice.

Layer the zucchini ribbons lengthwise across each slice.  Trim off crust (and eat!), then serve Zucchini Tea Sandwiches on a wooden cutting board.

Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy!

Why (the science):  Zucchini is rich in flavonoids, which means it can help slow down aging processes by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals.

 

 

Hemp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad (For One!)

Hemp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad (For One!)

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This salad is so yummy and refreshing, and full of heart healthy fats to keep you full!  And it only takes 5 minutes and 7 easily accessible ingredients to quickly slice, assemble, and drizzle 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 cups butter lettuce and radicchio (I use a prewashed mix from Trader Joe’s)

10 cherry tomatoes

½ small ripe avocado

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar (the older, the sweeter)

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of Crazy Jane’s Mixed Up Salt (or any seasoned salt- this one is a blend of garlic, onion, salt, and spices)

How (your directions):

Onto a large plate, place the 2 cups of butter lettuce and radicchio blend.

Slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise, then distribute evenly on top of the lettuce.

Slice a small, ripe avocado in half.  Using the half without the pit (save the half with the pit, covered, in the fridge for another time), remove the skin.  Place halved avocado cut-side down onto cutting board, then slice thinly.  Fan the avocado slices and place in the center of the salad.

Sprinkle hemps seeds over the salad, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Season to taste with a pinch of salt or seasoned salt.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Hemp seeds are a rich source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  You can sprinkle hemp seeds on savory dishes (from salads to pastas to soups) and sweet dishes (top a smoothie or bowl of oatmeal for added crunch).

 

 

Sweet and Spicy Carrot Ginger Soup

Sweet and Spicy Carrot Ginger Soup

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This luxuriously smooth Sweet and Spicy Carrot Ginger Soup is everything I want in a soup- incredible depth of flavor, bursting with nutrition, comforting.  I once had a soup at a restaurant like this, and fell in love with the sweetness of the soup that was also somewhat savory.  I hadn’t been able to recreate that balance of sweet and savory…until NOW!  This recipe is easy, quick, and can be made in advance.  Great meal prep option that lasts 3 days in the fridge 😊

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 5 minutes (30 minutes soaking cashews)

Cooking time: 20 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ red onion, chopped roughly

1 lb. carrots, chopped roughly

1 Gala apple, chopped roughly

½ granny smith apple, chopped roughly

Pinch of salt

1 garlic clove, minced

1 thumb size knob ginger, peeled and sliced

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Dash of cayenne pepper

4 cups vegetable broth

To serve: Greek style almond yogurt, maple syrup, granola

How (your directions):

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil.  Add red onion, carrots, Gala and Granny Smith apples, and a pinch of salt.  Saute for 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne pepper.  Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.  Cover, lower heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are fork tender.

Transfer mixture to a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth (start blender on low speed and gradually increase speed to medium-high.  Always hold the lid of the blender secure and be careful of steam).

Enjoy hot!

Serve with a swirl or dollop of almond yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a spoonful of granola.

Why (the science):  Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory

 

Caprese Breakfast Porridge

Caprese Breakfast Porridge

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Serves: 1

Prep time: 2 minutes (30 minutes soaking cashews)

Cooking time: 2 minutes

What (your ingredients):

3 tablespoons malt-o-meal

Pinch each of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup water

8 cherry tomatoes

½ small avocado or ¼ large avocado, diced

4-6 basil leaves

How (your directions):

Add malt-o-meal, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, mozzarella cheese, and water into bowl. 

Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Add cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and basil leaves.

Enjoy hot!

Why (the science):  Tomatoes are 95% water and are contain potassium, an electrolyte which helps lower blood pressure.

 

 

Cauliflower Chickpea Curry

Cauliflower Chickpea Curry

Chelsea Gloeckner

When I think curry, I think anti-inflammatory, filling, comforting, scrumptious- and you’ll love this Cauliflower Chickpea version for all of those reasons.  Don’t be afraid of the list of ingredients, because you probably have most of them in your pantry already.  I like reserving a few spoonsful of the coconut cream from the top of the can of coconut milk, then dolloping on top of the hot curry and brown rice.  Or even better, a drizzle of protein-packed tahini adds creaminess and richness.  Yum!

Serves: 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ red onion, diced finely

¼ teaspoon salt

Pinch of pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced or sliced finely

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon paprika

1-2 dashes cayenne pepper (optional)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 yellow pepper, diced

1 head of cauliflower, chopped or sliced into small florets

1 cup vegetable broth

1 28-oz can diced tomatoes (San Marzano is best!)

1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz can full fat coconut milk

How (your directions):

In a large Dutch oven or large Wok, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add diced red onion, salt, and pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes, until translucent. 

Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.  Push onion and garlic mixture to one side of the Dutch oven or Wok, then add the coconut oil to the pan to melt.  Add curry, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper (optional) to the oil to release the fragrance of the spices and toast slightly. 

Add tomato paste, yellow pepper, cauliflower, broth, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and coconut milk (reserving a little coconut cream if desired for serving) and stir to combine.

Simmer on medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes.

Serve with brown rice and a drizzle of tahini.  Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy hot!

Why (the science):  Curcumin from turmeric may help prevent cognitive decline!  Check out this guide to boosting brain health here: https://onmilwaukee.com/living/articles/milwaukeean-brain-health.html

Blueberry Muesli Bowl

Blueberry Muesli Bowl

Chelsea Gloeckner

Soaked oats are made more fun and delicious by making a blueberry almond milk with fresh summer blueberries!  A colorful bowl of oats, coconut, and fresh and dried fruit, this Blueberry Muesli Bowl will keep you energized for hours.  Using quick cooking oats allows the muesli bowl to be ready within 30 minutes, without needing an overnight soak to “cook” the oats.

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

½ cup almond milk

½ cup fresh blueberries

½ cup quick cooking oats

1 teaspoon chia seeds

Toppings: Blueberries, dried mulberries, unsweetened desiccated coconut, goji berries

How (your directions):

To create the blueberry almond milk, add almond milk and blueberries to a high-speed blender, and blend for 30 seconds.

To a cereal bowl, add quick cooking oats and chia seeds.  Pour blueberry almond milk over oats and chia seeds.  Stir to combine, then allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.  Tip: You can refrigerate this blueberry muesli if you like your oats cold or if preparing overnight.

Top with blueberries, dried mulberries, unsweetened desiccated coconut, goji berries, or YOUR favorite toppings.  Sliced strawberries, slivered almonds, and mint would be delicious!

Why (the science):  Blueberries contain polyphenols, compounds which are known to boost brain health and prevent cognitive decline!

Raw Vegan Pad Thai

Raw Vegan Pad Thai

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This might be one of my absolute favorite ways to eat vegetables!  The Miso Pad Thai sauce alone is worth making- drizzle over greens or roasted vegetables- yum! Perfect for hot weather, this Raw Vegan Pad Thai will satisfy you for lunch or dinner while making you feel light and energized. 

Serves: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

Miso Pad Thai Sauce:

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp coconut aminos or soy sauce

1 tsp miso paste

¼ cup almond butter

3 medjool dates

Juice of ½ lemon

1 clove garlic

¼ cup warm water

Pad Thai:

2 large carrots

1 red bell pepper

2 medium zucchini, julienned

2 small English cucumbers, julienned

1 spring onion, sliced thinly

Toppings: sesame seeds, alfalfa sprouts, pinch of salt

How (your directions):

For the Miso Pad Thai Sauce, add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.  Blend on high for 1 minute until smooth.  Set aside while you prepare the Pad Thai ingredients.

Grate 2 large carrots and add to a large bowl.  Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper and add to the carrots. 

Using a vegetable peeler, julienne 2 zucchini.  When it becomes difficult to julienne the zucchini, dice the remaining zucchini into small pieces.   Add zucchini to the bowl.  

Repeat the julienne process with 2 English cucumbers.  Add cucumbers to the bowl.

Thinly slice 1 spring onion and add to the bowl. 

Pour the Miso Pad Thai Sauce over the prepared vegetables.  Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.

Serve immediately by diving the Pad Thai salad onto two plates.  Top with sesame seeds, alfalfa sprouts, and a pinch of salt. 

Tip: if preparing the Raw Vegan Pad Thai in advance, do not add the dressing, as the salt will pull out the water from the vegetables and make the salad soupy and watery.  Dress salad with the Miso Pad Thai Sauce when ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Why (the science):  Every vegetable has a different combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, so you’ll benefit from the array of colors in this salad!

Cheesy Mexican Squash Casserole

Cheesy Mexican Squash Casserole

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Perfect for summer entertaining, Cheesy Mexican Squash Casserole serves 4-6 as a main course, or 8 as a side dish.  You can make this casserole in advance, then bake in oven right before serving.  The Cheesy Vegan Sauce is scrumptious, and your non-vegetarian friends will never know that there’s no cheese 😉

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

What (your ingredients):

Vegan Cheese Sauce:

1 yellow onion, quartered

10 mini sweet peppers

¼ cup raw cashews

½ cup nutritional yeast

¼ cup water

½ teaspoon salt

Squash Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 shallot, sliced thinly

3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

Pinch of salt

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 large yellow squash, sliced into half-moons

2 cups sweet corn

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups cooked brown rice

Parsley or cilantro for serving

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F. 

Make Vegan Cheesy Sauce by adding all ingredients to a high-speed blender.  Blend on high for 60 seconds until smooth.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes.  add garlic and a pinch of salt, sautéing for 30 seconds.

Add cumin and chili powder to the oil. Hint: This allows the spices to “bloom” and become fragrant.

Add sliced squash and sauté for 5 minutes.  add corn, black beans, pinto beans, stirring for 2 minutes until warmed through.

Add rice and Vegan Cheesy Sauce and stir to combine.

Pour casserole mixture into a 2-qt. baking dish.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Garnish with snipped parsley or cilantro.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy hot! 

Why (the science):  Dairy can be inflammatory in the body, causing bloating, gas, acne, and many other symptoms.  This Vegan Cheesy Sauce incorporates vitamin C rich peppers and anti-inflammatory onion!  The nutritional yeast provides B12 and that signature cheesy flavor. 

Crunchy Curry Salad with Farro

Crunchy Curry Salad with Farro

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Crunchy Curry Salad with Farro is filling salad, heart enough to be a meal on its own, but light and crunchy and crisp.  Refreshing for a hot, summer day!

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

What (your ingredients):

½ cup farro

¼ teaspoon curry powder

¼ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon paprika

Juice of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lemon

1 head of kale

5-7 radishes

½ large seedless cucumber

1 orange bell pepper

1 shallot

How (your directions):

Heat 5 cups of water in a large pot with 2 teaspoons salt.  Once boiling, add the farro and cook for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, to a large bowl, add curry powder, cumin, paprika, lime juice, and lemon juice.  Stir to combine.

Finely chop kale and add to the bowl with spices.  Massage 2 minutes to soften kale.

Dice radishes, cucumber, and bell pepper and add to kale. 

Mince 1 shallot and add to kale salad.

Once farro is cooked, drain farro, then add to kale salad.  Mix to combine.

Enjoy immediately or store in refrigerator for the next day’s lunch or dinner!

Why (the science):  Spices have anti-inflammatory powers, so combine spices to flavor your meals in replace of adding salt.  If the salad needs salt, add a pinch, but you won’t need a lot with the flavors of curry and cumin 😊 

Fruit Sushi with Pomegranate "Roe"

Fruit Sushi with Pomegranate "Roe"

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

How gorgeous are these fruit sushi rolls?  These would be perfect in a child’s lunch box or as a filling snack!  They would even be adorable displayed on a platter for dessert 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 beet whole grain wrap (Angelic Bakehouse)

1 tablespoon almond butter

1 banana

3 tablespoons pomegranate arils

How (your directions):

Spread almond butter onto one side of the wrap.  Place whole banana onto almond butter at the top third of the wrap, then roll wrap until banana is snugly inside the wrap.

Using a sharp serrated knife, cut of the tip ends of the wrap, as they don’t hold together as well.  Then slice the remaining wrap into six even slices.

Top with pomegranate arils.

Enjoy immediately 😊

Why (the science):  Snacks that provide satiety are ones that contain a protein, carb, and healthy fat.  Instead of a boring banana that may not keep you full for long, this snack will keep your energy levels up with the addition of a fiber-rich wrap and protein-rich almond butter! 

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