Grilled Zucchini and Corn Salad

A fresh and smoky salad that tastes like summer on a plate—perfect alongside grilled fish, chicken or tofu, or just on its own with crusty bread.

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise

2 ears fresh corn, husked

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Juice of 1 lemon

Sea salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brush zucchini and corn lightly with olive oil.

Grill until tender and slightly charred, turning corn occasionally.

Cut corn kernels from the cob and chop zucchini into bite-size pieces.

Toss with cherry tomatoes, basil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tip: This salad is even better with a sprinkle of feta or a handful of toasted pine nuts.

Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Cooling, crunchy zucchini paired with a creamy lemon-tahini sauce makes for a light and delicious dish that is easy on your digestion and keeps you feeling light and balanced.

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini, spiralized or peeled into ribbons
¼ cup tahini
1 tablespoon olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 small garlic clove, grated (optional)
2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
Pinch of sea salt
Hemp seeds, or chopped nuts for topping

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic (if using), and salt. Add water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Toss the zucchini noodles with the sauce until well coated. Sprinkle with hemp seeds, chopped nuts, or a protein before serving.

Pro Tip: Serve this chilled or room temp—perfect for hot summer days when your body craves cool, calming foods. You also could add a protein of choice to make it a full meal ( grilled shrimp, tofu, chicken etc)

Ratatouille

Ratatouille originated in the 18th century in the region of Nice. The word comes from the verb “to stir it up”. Basically, it is a chunky stew that was made to use up the last of the Summer Vegetables. It is a great entree or side dish that pairs well with a GF pasta, zucchini noodles, quinoa or just as a healthy snack. GF, V, VG

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1/2 lg yellow onion chopped

2 eggplants ( approx 1lb)

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cloves of garlic minced

2 cups of cherry tomatoes ( or 1 can of diced tomatoes w/ juice)

1 bell pepper ( red or yellow) seeded and cut in strips

2 medium zucchini cut in half and sliced

1/2 cup olives drained ( optional)

1 tablespoon of fresh thyme ( 1/2 tbsp dried)

1 teaspoon of Herbes de Provence

1 teaspoon of sweet paprika

1 teaspoon of dried oregano

Ground pepper

1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar

Fresh herbs to garnish ( basil, thyme, fresh oregano)

Instructions:

In a dutch oven or large sauce pan heat olive oil and add garlic, onion, zucchini, bell pepper and eggplant. Sauté for 10 minutes.

Add in your paprika, oregano, herbs de provence, thyme, salt and stir until fragrant.

Add in the tomatoes and olives and stir well.

Cover and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar and add garnish of fresh herbs or even some toasted pine nuts or pepitas.

Bon Appetite !

Note: This dish should be on the thick side, but if you have used the fresh cherry tomatoes and it needs a bit more juice, just add in half a can of diced tomatoes with juice.

Health Benefits : High in fiber, B6, Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants etc. An all in one healthy dish!