Category: Salad

Farro Salad

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Flavorful Farro salad

Farro is high in fiber and good for digestion. Farro is a type of wheat, so this recipe is not gluten-free. I like farro for its nutty flavor; it is also a good source of protein, zinc, and vitamins.
This is a great summer recipe; I hope you try this fresh and satisfying salad. It is a delightful dish alone or makes for a great side.

Enjoy!

Farro Salad

  • Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients:
2 Cups Farro, cooked
1/2-pint Cherry Tomatoes, sliced/quartered
1/2 large English Cucumbers, diced
1 head fresh Broccoli, chopped
1 Red Pepper, diced
1 Yellow Pepper, diced
1 Tbsp fresh Garlic, minced
4 Stalks Lacinato Kale, julienned
2 Red/Spring Onions, diced/sliced
1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Lemon, juice/zest
2 Tbsp Honey or Agave

Directions:
-Cook Farro according to package instructions. I swapped the water and cooked in vegetable broth.
-In a large bowl, add spring onions, vinegar, oil, lemon, honey, garlic, and kale. Mix together all ingredients to combine. Set aside and prep/cut all other ingredients.
-Chop all other veggies and add the farro.
-Mix all ingredients together.
Enjoy!

Follow on Instagram @veganrescue for video of this recipe.

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Watermelon-Berry & Watercress Salad

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Watermelon, Berry & Watercress Salad

I promise you; this fruit salad is Berry Berry Good!
We recently returned from a trip to North Carolina, and I definitely felt the need to detox. It is so easy to eat bad and fill up on junk foods when you are traveling.

This salad is so refreshing and packed with flavor. The berries alone are loaded with antioxidants, and still – I kicked it up a notch …with Watercress! Watercress has a peppery flavor to it, which pops so perfectly in this fruit salad. These leafy greens are a powerful antioxidant and packed with many minerals and vitamins (they’re also known to lower blood pressure). It is nutrient rich with Vitamins A, C, K, and is also Calcium rich.

The peppery flavor of the watercress, coupled with the fresh, earthiness of the basil and mint brings this recipe home. The lemon pops too, and any good salad dressing has a balance of fat and acid, so I chose coconut oil as the fat for its flavor.

Enjoy!


Ingredients:
1 Watermelon (small), seeded / cubed (reserve 1-2 cups for dressing)
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blackberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blueberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Raspberries
4oz Fresh Watercress

Dressing:
1 handful fresh Mint (about 1/4 cup)
1 handful fresh Basil (about 1/4 cup)
2 Lemons, juice/zest (about 1/4 cup)
1-2 Cups of Watermelon cubes
2-3 Tbsp Agave or Honey (raw)
2 Tbsp Coconut oil, softened or melted

Directions:
-Reserve about 1-2 Tbsp of the Mint, Basil, Lemon zest for garnish.
-Cube watermelon and rinse berries, then mix to combine. Add watercress before serving.
-Blend dressing ingredients together to combine and set aside.

Note: This recipe stored in a 1.5-gallon storage container. I mixed the berries and watermelon together and topped with the watercress but I added paper towel and did not mix in the watercress to avoid wilting. I also stored the dressing in a separate container and mixed all to serve.  

Enjoy!

Watermelon-Berry Watercress Salad

  • Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients:
1 Watermelon (small), seeded / cubed (reserve 1-2 cups for dressing)
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blackberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Blueberries
2 Pints (4 Cups) Raspberries
4oz Fresh Watercress

Dressing:
1 handful fresh Mint (about 1/4 cup)
1 handful fresh Basil (about 1/4 cup)
2 Lemons, juice/zest (about 1/4 cup)
1-2 Cups of Watermelon cubes
2-3 Tbsp Agave or Honey (raw)
2 Tbsp Coconut oil, softened or melted

Directions:
-Reserve about 1-2 Tbsp of the Mint, Basil, Lemon zest for garnish.
-Cube watermelon and rinse berries, then mix to combine. Add watercress before serving.
-Blend dressing ingredients together to combine and set aside.

Enjoy!

Chopped Spinach and Quinoa Salad

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This salad is delicious and packed with protein, especially when you add the chickpeas.

While I was preparing to make the salad for dinner, I also cut up veggies for a morning juice. Sometimes it is easier to cut, wash and prep fruits and vegetables all at once for multiple uses, such as juicing or a salad or soup.

For the salad, I used a box grater to grate the carrots and apples. While I typically leave baby spinach whole, this time I chopped it up. Proportionally it worked better for me to chop the spinach and it makes for a beautiful presentation. I used a trail mix that we had on hand. Nuts are such a nutritious add to any salad. So, whatever you have available, throw it in! This recipe makes a great lunch, dinner, or side salad. I had this salad two ways, once without the chickpeas with apple cider vinegar as my dressing (it made for a good side salad). Then I had it with a creamier tahini dressing with the added chickpeas (which was great alone for dinner).

Enjoy!

Chopped Spinach & Quinoa Salad

  • Difficulty: Easy
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Chopped Spinach & Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:
4 cups Baby Spinach, chopped
2 Large Carrots, grated
1 Large Apple, grated (I used a Honeycrisp)
1.5 cups cooked Quinoa
1/2 English Cucumber, diced
1 Cup Nuts / Nut mix or Trail mix (walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries)
Chickpeas, optional (1 15oz can drained/rinsed)

Directions:
-Grate carrots and apples and set aside in a large mixing bowl. To this add the cooked quinoa, diced cucumbers and chopped spinach.
-Add chickpeas and desired mixed nuts.
-Top with your favorite dressing or add equal parts of oil and apple cider vinegar.
-Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Chopped Spinach and Quinoa Salad with a creamy tahini dressing.

Proverbs 31:25

“Strength and dignity are her clothing,

    and she laughs at the time to come.”

Carrot and Beet Salad

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Carrot and Beet Salad
(Serves 8-10) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Raw

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I wanted to share a quick raw recipe with you all… just in case you need a last minute side for tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving!!

I have been making several raw recipes lately since Seth has been eating only raw dinners for the last few weeks. So I dare to create more raw recipes. I won’t get deep into how life has been. I will just say that new job plus higher learning equals life around me pausing or rather coming to a complete halt. I can admit at least that it has pretty much consumed me. I know I have been gone awhile but with Thanksgiving tomorrow I have been inspired…plus mom pseudo-scolded me a few weeks ago for not posting in a long time. That has been in the back of my mind.

I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving tomorrow with family, loved ones, old friends and new friends. This recipe is very fresh, crunchy and healthy! Enjoy!

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Ingredients:

2lbs Carrots (about 14), Shredded

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2 Beet roots, washed and julienned

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1 large handful Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1/4 Cup Canola Oil
Juice of 1 Lemon
1/4 Tsp Course Black Pepper
1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp Cumin
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Ginger
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Celery Seeds
1 Tbsp Raw Honey or Agave Nectar

Directions:

-Wash and shred the carrots – I used a box grater.
-Wash and julienne the beets – I used a mandoline julienne blade.
-Wash and chop cilantro.
-In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, seasonings.
-Combine together all ingredients and toss together. Refrigerate any unused portion. Enjoy!

Raw Carrot and Beet Salad

  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Ingredients:

2lbs Carrots (about 14), Shredded
2 Beet roots, washed and julienned
1 large handful Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1/4 Cup Canola Oil
Juice of 1 Lemon
1/4 Tsp Course Black Pepper
1/2 Tsp Kosher Salt
1/2 Tsp Cumin
1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Ginger
1/4 Tsp or a Pinch Ground Celery Seeds
1 Tbsp Raw Honey or Agave Nectar

Directions:

-Wash and shred the carrots – I used a box grater.
-Wash and julienne the beets – I used a mandoline julienne blade.
-Wash and chop cilantro.
-In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, seasonings.
-Combine together all ingredients and toss together. Refrigerate any unused portion. Enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash with Baked Basmati Salad

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Spaghetti Squash with Baked Basmati Salad
(Serves 4-6) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

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It will all be worth it. That feeling of accomplishment once you’ve completed a project, despite all the lost hours of sleep… It’s definitely a balancing act sometimes as an adult if you have: a family, school, work, projects, and then try squeezing in a social life here in there. I’m so pleased and proud that Seth’s latest book has finally been released, “ApocaLips” but I will blog a separate post all about it, with links for purchasing if any of my fellow bloggers are interested.

About the spaghetti squash… This recipe served four generous portions, however, it should really probably serve six given the amount of food. This is a nice recipe to serve now that we’re in that holiday season. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 Spaghetti Squash, halved
1 (15oz can) Black Eyed Peas, drained/rinsed
1 (15oz can) Black Beans, drained/rinsed
1 (11oz can) White Shoepeg corn, drained
½ Red Onion, chopped finely
½ Red Pepper, chopped
2 Cups (prepared) Basmati Rice
1 Handful Fresh Parsley, chopped (divided)
½ Tsp Italian Seasoning
½ Tsp Garlic Powder
½ Tsp Course Ground Pepper
½ Tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
(Additional Salt/Pepper and EVOO to taste)
Nutritional Yeast, optional

Directions:
-Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
-Cut Spaghetti squash in half, scoop out seeds then add a generous drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Salt/Pepper.
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-Bake cut side down for 45 minutes.
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-In a bowl toss together: Basmati Rice, Black Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Corn, half of chopped Parsley plus seasonings.
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-Remove squash from oven after 45 minutes and add rice mixture. Place back into oven for another 20 minutes.
-Top with Red Pepper, Parsley and optional (salt/pepper/nutritional yeast). I used about ½ Tbsp Nutritional Yeast. Enjoy
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Spaghetti

Ingredients:
2 Spaghetti Squash, halved
1 (15oz can) Black Eyed Peas, drained/rinsed
1 (15oz can) Black Beans, drained/rinsed
1 (11oz can) White Shoepeg corn, drained
½ Red Onion, chopped finely
½ Red Pepper, chopped
2 Cups (prepared) Basmati Rice
1 Handful Fresh Parsley, chopped (divided)
½ Tsp Italian Seasoning
½ Tsp Garlic Powder
½ Tsp Course Ground Pepper
½ Tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
(Additional Salt/Pepper and EVOO to taste)
Nutritional Yeast, optional

Directions:
-Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
-Cut Spaghetti squash in half, scoop out seeds then add a generous drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Salt/Pepper.
-Bake cut side down for 45 minutes.
-In a bowl toss together: Basmati Rice, Black Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Corn, half of chopped Parsley plus seasonings.
-Remove squash from oven after 45 minutes and add rice mixture. Place back into oven for another 20 minutes.
-Top with Red Pepper, Parsley and optional (salt/pepper/nutritional yeast). I used about ½ Tbsp Nutritional Yeast. Enjoy

Black-Eyed Chimichurri Bean Salad

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Black-Eyed Chimichurri Bean Salad
(Serves 8-12) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

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Bursting with flavor! Try this amazing side at your next bbq/party. Beans always remind me of Seth since he LOVES beans and all things beans! Hell it even inspired us naming our first dog-child together (Beanie). 😊 So I wanted to share a funny story that happened on Monday night. Seth and I have been binge watching Oz (I know so 90’s, right?) and during one of the episodes the topic of Hell, Hades or something about a ‘lifetime of torture’ came up. (Sorry I butchered that explanation, I know). Anyhow, so he asks me what I would consider so torturous that would haunt me for a lifetime. My response was something about bugs, insects or rodents crawling all over me. I have nothing against the little guys…I just don’t want them crawling all over me. SO I ask him the same question and he replies, “what would torture me for life would be to lose all my senses… to not have the ability to see you anymore, smell or touch your soft skin, or to hear your voice… that would be torture to me – losing all my senses. Knowing that I once could experience those things but to no longer have that ability…” [melt] Um – he won, lol! ❤ well now you all know another reason why I fell in love – he’s smooth, right?

SO if anyone ever asks the question… for the love of God go with your senses.

Pft!…bugs, what was I thinking. 😊 Enjoy!

Ingredients:
3 (15.5oz cans) Blackeye Peas, drained/rinsed
1 (11oz can) White Shoepeg Corn
1 Tofurky sausage, diced (sautéed for 3 minutes), optional
½ – 1 Cup Chimichurri Sauce

-Toss all ingredients to combine and refrigerate overnight. Best served cold.

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Gnocchi & Sausage Chimichurri ~ Vegan

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Gnocchi & Sausage Chimichurri ~ Vegan
(Serves 8-12)

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Again it’s all in the sauce. The chimichurri sauce is so bold but marries so perfectly with the gnocchi and Tofurky Italian sausage.

Speaking of marriages…Seth the artist is always creating something. As I always say my artistic expression is cooking, but him… if he’s not photographing, writing or painting you’ll find him always creating something. 😊 Recently he began making music – amazing work too. He’s been creating drum and bass, trance, lounge-type music. Check out his YouTube channel, here is his latest song if you’re interested: https://youtu.be/G5ud12LJCMg . He also tweets them find him @nsanity777.

My eclectic music selections can range anywhere from Miles Davis to Tool or some TripHop…a little Massive Attack/Portishead. As of late, my music sessions end up with anything Electronica/Drum & Bass. Seth turned me onto Goldie, good stuff. Oh to live in England, I’d love to even visit for that matter, the UK seems to have it going on. They’re about ten years ahead of us in music, he says. I can envision the nightclub scene out there, whew.  Good music and timeless, in my opinion. Artists and songs from ten or fifteen years ago, are still hot if you listened to them today. Drum and Bass…there’s no barricade between genres. Drum, the walls come down between jazz, reggae, house, classical, electronica and fuse into a great sound, bass. Seth is always teaching me something… He not only looks up an artist, but the artist that influenced those artists or ones that are similar. It probably started with him with that old-school ‘jungle’ music and his collection just grew. Joey Beltram, Omni Trio, The Prodigy, Goldie, Tricky, Massive Attack, Pendulum…and some popular US favs– Deadmau5, Gridlok, Skrillex, DJ Craze. We saw RL Grime in Vegas a couple years ago A-Mazing time! Maybe one day we’ll visit Bristol…

Ingredients:
Cooked Gnocchi (about 3-4 17oz pkgs)
Fresh Basil, chiffonade (about 7 pieces)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (drizzle to toss in pan before adding sauce)
Salt/Pepper to taste
1 (15oz can) Diced Garlic Tomatoes
2 Tofurky Italian Sausages, sliced (sautéed in olive oil over med-high heat for 3-5 mins.)
1 Cup Chimichurri Sauce

-Toss all ingredients to combine – adjust seasoning to taste.
Enjoy!

Stuffed Tomatoes ~ Vegan

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Sundried tomato and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes
(Serves 4) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

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You may find this hard to believe, but in all my years of cooking it never occurred to me before to stuff tomatoes, lol. I’m sure I’ve had to at least see them before at some point in my life, right? Not until a few months ago when I was perusing through blog posts and saw that one of my fellow bloggers stuffed tomatoes. This was literally the moment when the light bulb went off in my head. Why? My husband does not like stuffed peppers, maybe it’s the way the flavor of the cooked peppers permeate throughout the filling. He loves raw peppers just not cooked/baked. I’ve made them in the past for myself and really do like them, guess I never just thought to stuff tomatoes. Stuffed squash is pretty good too. This recipe is very flavorful, filling and heart healthy. The sundried tomatoes, sunflower seeds and quinoa offer a great texture.

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Ingredients:
4 Large Tomatoes
3 White Button Mushrooms, wiped clean/chopped
3 large Cauliflower Florets (about 1 cup), raw
7 Basil leaves, chiffonade
1 handful fresh Parsley (about 1/3 Cup), chopped
7 Pieces Sundried Tomatoes, chopped
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ Cup Cooked Quinoa
½ Cup Sunflower Seeds (I soaked the seeds for about 30 minutes)
1 Garlic clove, minced
½ Tsp Salt
¼ Tsp fresh Ground Pepper
¼ Tsp Chili Powder

Directions:
 -Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
-In a large bowl combine all ingredients. [except for the large tomatoes of course J ]

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-Carefully cut around the top of each tomato to core. Scoop the inside of your tomatoes with a spoon to core. (I used my ice cream scoop to core out the insides. Only because my scoop comes to a slight point. I don’t have the traditional disher style scoop with the mechanical lever which I suppose could be bulky and get in the way.)

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-Fill each tomato with stuffing mix – I used my measuring cup so I can give you all a pretty accurate measurement. I was able to fill each tomato with about 2/3 Cup of the mixture. (I used my 1/3 measuring cup – make sure to pack it down with each scoop).

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-Place tomatoes on baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle again with a dash of salt/pepper and chili powder.
-Bake for 25 minutes @ 375. Enjoy!

Tip: In this recipe I used jarred sundried tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil. Instead of using EVOO from my pantry – I used 3 Tbsp of the olive oil that the sundried tomatoes were packed in! Extra flavorful. J -I also used curly parsley in this recipe you flat leaf should work well too.

Sundried tomato and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Credit: veganrescue.com

Ingredients:
4 Large Tomatoes
3 White Button Mushrooms, wiped clean/chopped
3 large Cauliflower Florets (about 1 cup), raw
7 Basil leaves, chiffonade
1 handful fresh Parsley (about 1/3 Cup), chopped
7 Pieces Sundried Tomatoes, chopped
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ Cup Cooked Quinoa
½ Cup Sunflower Seeds (I soaked the seeds for about 30 minutes)
1 Garlic clove, minced
½ Tsp Salt
¼ Tsp fresh Ground Pepper
¼ Tsp Chili Powder

Directions:
 -Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
-In a large bowl combine all ingredients. [except for the large tomatoes of course J ]
-Carefully cut around the top of each tomato to core. Scoop the inside of your tomatoes with a spoon to core. (I used my ice cream scoop to core out the insides. Only because my scoop comes to a slight point. I don’t have the traditional disher style scoop with the mechanical lever which I suppose could be bulky and get in the way.)
-Fill each tomato with stuffing mix – I used my measuring cup so I can give you all a pretty accurate measurement. I was able to fill each tomato with about 2/3 Cup of the mixture. (I used my 1/3 measuring cup – make sure to pack it down with each scoop).
-Place tomatoes on baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle again with a dash of salt/pepper and chili powder.
-Bake for 25 minutes @ 375. Enjoy!

Succotash

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Succotash
(Serves 14-16 – Party size) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free

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Maybe I’m showing my age or generation here, but who can make succotash without saying, “sufferin succotash.” Ha! Did Sylvester the Cat ever catch the elusive Tweety? We never did want Tweety to get caught did we? Maybe it’s because Tweety is so darn cute. It intrigues me how some cultures and people hold certain animals sacred while others slaughter them in massive assembly line fashion, like cows for example. Don’t worry, I’m not getting all self-righteous here – it’s all about the succotash.

I made this dish for a party about a month ago now. This recipe is a great summer side, perfect for any bbq. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp Sugar
1 Red Pepper, chopped
½ Red Onion, chopped
½ Tsp Chili Powder
2 (14oz Pkg) frozen Baby Lima Beans, steamed
3 (11oz can) Corn, drained/rinsed (I used 1 can white shoepeg and 2 cans sweet)
1 Pint Sweet Grape Tomatoes, sliced
Salt/Pepper to taste

Directions:
-Combine chopped red peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn and lima beans.
-In a separate container whisk together: olive oil, vinegar, mustard and sugar. Toss all ingredients together; top with chili powder and salt/pepper to taste then refrigerate. Enjoy!

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Quinoa & Peas (2x) with Citrus Dressing

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Quinoa & Peas (2x) with Citrus Dressing
(Serves 4-6) ~ Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free

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Nope, this is not another peanut butter dish instead let us swap one great source of protein for another. Cue in the Quinoa! Fluffy quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids and has been deemed a complete protein. This recipe is filling and refreshing and great for the summer. I have two kinds of peas in this recipe (I ❤ peas) but you can swap for so many other recipes like another love of ours, broccoli. Enjoy!

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Ingredients:
(16oz) or 2 ½ Cups Peas, steamed
(12oz) or abt 2 ½ Cups Sugar Snap Peas, steamed
1 Cup Quinoa, cooked
7 Scallions (white/light green parts only), chopped
½ Tsp Course Ground Pepper
½ Tsp Salt
1 small handful Fresh Curly Parsley, chopped

Citrus Dressing:
Juice of ½ Lemon
Juice of ¼ Grapefruit
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (good quality)
½ Tsp Course Black Pepper
½ Tbsp Sugar
¼ Tsp Salt

Directions:
-Prepare quinoa according to package or see directions here. During the last 5 minutes of cooking add scallions – during steaming.

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-For Dressing: whisk ingredients together to combine and toss with quinoa and peas.
-Add salt/pepper, parsley and optional (coconut bacon) – [see recipe here] to taste. Enjoy!

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Quinoa and Peas with Citrus Dressing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: Easy
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Credit: http://www.veganrescue.com

Ingredients:

(16oz) or 2 ½ Cups Peas, steamed
(12oz) or abt 2 ½ Cups Sugar Snap Peas, steamed
1 Cup Quinoa, cooked
7 Scallions (white/light green parts only), chopped
½ Tsp Course Ground Pepper
½ Tsp Salt
1 small handful Fresh Curly Parsley, chopped

Citrus Dressing:
Juice of ½ Lemon
Juice of ¼ Grapefruit
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (good quality)
½ Tsp Course Black Pepper
½ Tbsp Sugar
¼ Tsp Salt

Directions:
-Prepare quinoa according to package or see directions here. During the last 5 minutes of cooking add scallions – during steaming.

-For Dressing: whisk ingredients together to combine and toss with quinoa and peas.
-Add salt/pepper, parsley and optional (coconut bacon) – [see recipe here] to taste. Enjoy!