If you’re anything like me, you might be on the hunt for some kick-butt, plant-powered recipes to start off 2014 on the right foot. Here are 9 favourite healthy recipes from the past year. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
1. Easy Flaked Almond “Tuna” Salad
vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free option, no bake
I think this almond “tuna” salad tastes even better than the real thing. The base of this salad is made with plump soaked almonds which are processed until “flaked” in texture. To bulk up the flaked almonds, I added celery, garlic, and green onion for more flavour and crunch. Finally some oil-based mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice brought everything together. The end result is creamy, crunchy, a bit tangy, and seriously, seriously hard to resist. I couldn’t stop eating it straight from the bowl! Try it on top of a salad, in cucumber cups, lettuce wraps, on toasted sprouted-grain bread.
2. The Best Shredded Kale Salad
Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free
Want in on a little secret? A Toronto Maple Leafs hockey player said this is the best kale salad he’s ever had (and apparently they eat a lot of kale!). My life is now complete. And I might pee my pants.
3. Detox Tabbouleh
Vegan. gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, no bake, nut-free
With a base of cauliflower rice, this non-traditional version of tabbouleh is grain-free while still tasting incredible thanks to the heart-healthy red wine and flax dressing. Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, watercress, and mustard greens) are said to be detoxifying because they provide support for the immune, inflammatory, hormonal, detoxification, and antioxidant systems in the body. One more reason to dig in! I especially love this tabbouleh served with hummus and crackers. A fun snack or light lunch.
4. Pink Power Detox Smoothie
Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, no bake/raw, nut-free, soy-free, sugar-free
Beet, strawberries, avocado, and lemon unite to create one kick-butt, surprisingly delicious, creamy, bright pink smoothie! It’s not super sweet, so if you like your smoothies on the sweeter side I suggest adding an apple to compliment the other flavours.
5. Chia Fresca
vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, oil-free, no bake, refined sugar-free, nut-free
I like to call this my all-natural energy drink! Chia Fresca has been a popular drink in Mexico and Central America for many years. It’s made up of water, chia seeds, lemon or lime juice, and sweetener. Thanks to the chia seeds, it’s packed with nutrition and the lemon or lime juice aids in detoxifying the body. Drink it after a wild night (such as NYE!) or anytime you need a boost. I know I’m going to have a bottle ready for New Year’s Day…
6. Back on Track Green Monster
vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, refined sugar-free, no bake, nut-free, soy-free
This Green Monster is great for getting your healthy eating back on track after a series of indulgences. I’ll take 8 please! It sets your day on the right tone and instantly makes you feel great. For the banana haters out there, you’ll be pleased to know that this one is banana-free. As with any smoothie, feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your own taste buds. You might like more or less lemon, ginger, apple, etc. Add to taste and you can’t go wrong.
7. Italian Bean Balls with Spaghetti Squash Noodles
Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free
Delightful Italian bean balls filled with basil, oregano, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes round out this fresh & light meal of spaghetti squash "pasta" and tomato sauce. It’s a light meal, but it totally feels gourmet.
8. Jumbo Chickpea Pancake
Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, oil-free, soy-free, sugar-free
This dense and filling savoury chickpea pancake is packed with protein and fibre and it makes a great breakfast, lunch, or quick dinner. Feel free to change up the mix-ins and toppings based on what you have in your fridge. It’s super versatile! I love it topped with hummus, avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of Herbamare.
9. Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ‘Larabars’
vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, no bake, oil-free, soy-free option (use Enjoy Life chips or omit)
Because we all need something sweet now and then! This recipe is just like the store-bought bars, only homemade in your own kitchen in a matter of minutes.
Contest Winners:
Congrats to Meredith Bessey for winning the $100 Whole Foods Gift Card and the subscription to Chickpea Magazine! I’ve sent you an email this morning to collect your info.
The Facebook winner of a digital subscription to Chickpea Mag is Kirsty Scharneck! Please email [emailprotected] and we’ll get you hooked up.
Congrats ladies! Thanks to everyone who participated.
Wishing you all a very happy, prosperous, healthy, and fun New Year! I’m so grateful that you take the time out of your day to visit my blog; you enrich my life in so many ways. All the best to you in 2014! I have a feeling it’s going to be a great year.
