Rainbow Salad with Ranch

One of my favorite go-to’s in Spring and Summer! And for my DF, Vegan friends, I have options for the ranch too. Enjoy !

Ingredients

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (Red)

• 1 cup shredded carrots (Orange)

• 1 cup yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced (Yellow)

• 1 cup cucumber, diced or spirlized zucchini (Green)

• 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced (Purple)

• 1 cup cooked beets, diced (Indigo)

• 1 cup corn kernels (Yellow)

• 1 cup mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, or lettuce)

• 1 handful of micro-greens

• Sliceded onion, scallions, olives, nuts and seeds toppings (optional)

Ingredients for the dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise ( or sub Veganaise )

• 1/4 cup organic milk or unsweetened plain almond milk (or any other unsweetened plant-based milk)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare all the vegetables as indicated in the ingredients list. You can either chop, dice, slice, or shred them according to your preference.

1. In a large salad bowl, combine all the vegetables along with the mixed salad greens. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.

2. In a medium bowl, ( I use my Vitamix blender) whisk together the mayonnaise and milk until smooth.

3. Add the lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.

4. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Taste and add anything if needed. Pour the dressing into a glass jar and refrigerate to chill. Best is 30 minutes to blend flavors if you can wait that long.

5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the vegetables with the dressing.

6. Add Micro greens on top

7. Once the salad is evenly dressed, serve immediately as a colorful and nutritious addition to any meal!

8. Add a protein if desired and make this a main meal!

   If you want to travel with this or meal prep, place dressing in a small container , or add it first to the bottom of the jar then layer.

Note: My Thai peanut Sauce is also a delicious dressing option.

Glorious Green Smoothie

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup kale or collard greens firmly packed, stems removed, coarsely chopped

• 1⁄2-1 Granny Smith apple, coarsely chopped ( or 1 cup grapes or pineapple)

• 1 ripe frozen banana

• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves ( or mint/ basil)

• 2 cups water (plus more if needed)

• 1⁄2 cup of raw almonds or almond butter (optional)

METHOD

Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth
If too thick, add a little more water

Cinnamon Roasted Pears

I love stewed or cooked fruit in the Fall and Winter. Healthy, grounding, and oh so comforting!

Ingredients:

2 ripe pears, halved and cored ( trim a bit off the bottom so they can lie flat)
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up, . Drizzle with maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until pears are tender. Serve warm.

Pro Tip: Top with a spoonful granola, yogurt, vanilla ice cream or add in your morning oats.