Health Trending Recipes

Vegan Veggie Dip

It can be hard to find a good veggie dip without dairy that tastes good and is free of artificial things.  But the good news is it is easy to make your own in five minutes, and it is so tasty that your family or guests will not know the difference.  The veggie dip I am sharing with you today uses a base of cashews and coconut milk to make it rich like the dairy dips we are all used to.  The other ingredients I add to it are pantry seasonings so it makes it super easy to whip up fast when you know you are going to be entertaining guests with dairy allergies.  This is naturally gluten free as well!  It would be perfect to serve at a graduation party or picnic, since it keeps well.

Side Dish Snack Beginner Child Friendly Easy Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Paleo Vegan Vegetarian

Moroccan Potato Salad

Classic potato salad is delicious, but sometimes I like to switch it up and make something a little different.  My favorite variation is my Moroccan Potato Salad.  In place of the usual onions and celery, I use kalamata olives green beans, asparagus and shallots which are perfect for Spring.  And in place of the mayonnaise, I use a silky tahini based dressing with a bit of cumin, garlic and lemon juice which is delicious with the veggies and potatoes. I sprinkle it with some toasted sesame seeds and smoked Spanish paprika, and voila!  A delicious vegan, gluten free potato salad that is perfect for a weeknight meal with some sort of protein on the side, or entertaining as a side dish.

Salad Side Dish Beginner Easy Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Salad Vegan Vegetarian

Chipotle Black Bean Stuffed Yams

Yams are one of the most nutritious foods, and they taste amazing when roasted in the oven allowing the sweet flavor to intensify.  Although they are wonderful as a side dish, I love them roasted and filled with things for a satisfying dinner. Black beans go especially well with them.  The recipe I am sharing with you today has black beans with a little kick of chipotle to make them even more warming on a chilly day.  I top them off with avocado instead of cheese  to make these heart healthy.  Not only do these make a wonderful weeknight dinner with little effort, they make a wonderful post workout recovery food!  Yams are perfect for replenishing your muscles and refueling for the next day.

Entree Beginner Easy Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Vegan Vegetarian

Matcha Coconut Latte

If you need a boost in the morning but want to stay away from coffee, green tea is a good option.  You can even make a latte to make it a little more delicious and special. Matcha (green tea) lattes are one of my favorite things.  They are simple to make, delicious and give you a boost of antioxidants.  I like to use coconut milk in mine instead of dairy milk to keep it vegan.  On a chilly morning, this drink is warming, heart healthy and satisfying.  Plus green tea has less caffeine than coffee so you will not be left feeling jittery.

Drink Beginner Easy Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Paleo Vegan Vegetarian

Avocado Citrus Green Smoothie

Healthy fats are always important in a balanced diet, and  allow us to absorb other nutrients to keep our bodies going. They are especially important in the winter when our skin and hair tends to be drier.  Sometimes it can be tough to get the right amount in, so one easy way is in a delicious smoothie. The recipe I am sharing with you today contains avocado, a heart healthy fat, as well as plenty of citrus to boost your vitamin c, and greens for extra goodness.  It tastes wonderful, and if you choose to add the optional protein powder, it is the perfect breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Drink Snack Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Paleo Vegan Vegetarian

Flu Fighter Juice

The cold and flu bugs are rampant this time of the year. Everyone is looking for all those extra tricks to stay healthy.  Getting extra vitamins in the form of veggies is always a good way to combat the flu and cold season.  Juices are loaded with a bunch of nutrients that are absorbed into the body quickly.  The juice I am sharing with you today comes with a nice hit of vitamin C and other vitamins sure to help boost your immune system.  If you are feeling like you are already coming down with something, add in the optional garlic for a dose of natural antibiotics. Happy juicing!

Drink Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Paleo Vegan Vegetarian

Winter Jewel Kale Salad

Eating your greens is easy when they taste delicious!  My favorite green is kale. I prefer to dress it with a light vinaigrette.  Many people think kale needs to be cooked in order to be eaten, but when massaged with dressing, it becomes soft and still retains all of the nutrients. This recipe I am sharing with you today is packed with nutrients because I add in sweet potatoes, beets, and pomegranate seeds, rich in vitamins and antioxidants.  I also added hemp seeds and hemp oil because they contain lots of omega-3 oils, and lemon juice; it helps cleanse the body.  If you are trying to get on the right track and eat clean this year, this salad is a good start for a recipe. It keeps well for a few days in the fridge, so it is great to bring along with your lunch.

Entree Salad Side Dish Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Paleo Vegan Vegetarian

Grain Free Detox Tabouli

This is the time of the year when many of us are trying to detox after maybe indulging a little too much last year.  However, detoxing does not always have to be fasting or juicing; it can be done by eating clean.  It is important to have things to eat that are satisfying and delicious.  In this grain free tabouli recipe, celeriac stands in for the grains; it is so tasty that you will not even miss them.  Want to make it even more nutritious and a full meal?  Add in the optional 1/3 cup shelled hemp seeds. Happy Detoxing!

Entree Salad Side Dish Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Paleo Vegan Vegetarian

Sparkling Pomegranate Mocktail

It is nice to have something festive to toast with on New Years Eve. Yet not everyone wants to drink alcohol or perhaps keep it kid friendly, mocktails (or non-alcoholic cocktails) are a good option.  Plus they are just as tasty if you choose the right ingredients.  I prefer real fruit juices with sparkling water, add a bit of stevia to keep it light and not into an unhealthy sugar bomb.  The recipe I am sharing with you today uses heart healthy pomegranate juice and cleansing citrus. It has the opposite effect of alcohol, instead being healthy for your body.  No need to feel guilty about drinking this! Cheers!

Drink Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Heart Healthy Paleo Raw Vegan Vegetarian

8 Days of Recipes. Day 4: Dark Chocolate Shortbread with Macadamias and Coconut

Christmas cookies are tradition this time of the year.  Although it is fine to indulge a little, those with food allergies or health conditions may not be able to enjoy traditional treats, which is where gluten free and healthy sweetened cookies come in.  The recipe I am sharing with you today covers both.  These Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are delicious, and you would never be able to tell they are gluten free and non dairy.  Not only that, I use coconut sugar in this recipe because it is low glycemic; meaning it is less likely to spike blood sugar levels.  If you don’t like macadamia nuts and coconut, feel free to swap out for things like cranberries or another type of nut.

Dessert Allergen Friendly Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Health Trending Vegan Vegetarian