Sweet 'n Sour Mega Salad.

Ok. Wow. Just, wow. This is by far and away THE BEST SALAD I HAVE EVER EATEN. And yes that is quite the statement. But I'm not kidding! It's the perfect combination of sweet, sour, crunchy, smooth, oh. YUMMO!

             Sweet 'n Sour Mega Salad. 

Sweet 'n Sour Mega Salad; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one (makes one "mega salad"). 

Ingredients 

1. 8 packed cups raw spinach leaves 

2. 1/4 cup TVP (mix with 1/4 cup water and microwave 1 minute)

3. 1/2 cup navy (or other white bean) beans, drained and rinsed

4. 1/2 chopped apple (I used gala)

5. 1/4 cup chopped red onion

6. Juice of 1/2 lime

7. 1 T balsamic vinegar 

8. 1 tsp Dijon mustard

8. Garlic powder and black pepper to taste

Method

1. Place spinach leaves in a LARGE bowl and add all ingredients in the order listed until you get to the balsamic. 

2. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and Dijon together until smooth. Drizzle over salad and sprinkle with garlic and pepper. Enjoy!

"Salted" Caramel Apple Smoothie.

Don't let the title fool you--this recipe is still 100% salt oil and sugar free. But the unique combination of ingredients and flavors mix together to recreate one of my all time favorite "treats": caramel apples. Quick, easy, delish. Get ready people...

      "Salted" Caramel Apple Smoothie.  

"Salted" Caramel Apple Smoothie; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients 

1. One medium apple, cored and chopped

2. 4-5 stalks celery, chopped

3. 2 pitted dates, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes

4. 1 cup almond milk

Method

1. Add all ingredients to your vitamix and blend on high speed until smooth. Enjoy! I may or may not have drank this out of the blender...totally acceptable. 

Herbed Apple White Bean and Spinach Soup

I love a good 30 minute dish. The only thing I love MORE than a 39 minute dish? A 15 minute dish! Yes, yes, you probably guessed where I am going with this. This soup takes 15 minutes (or less!) start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. And I know it's spring, but who says you can't have a spring-y soup?! It's 45 degrees in Virginia today anyway...!

   Herbed Apple White Bean and Spinach Soup. 

Herbed Apple White Bean and Spinach Soup; Vegan, Gluten-free. Serves one. 

Ingredients

1.  1 cup low sodium vegetable broth 

2.  1/2 cup canned navy beans, drained and rinsed

3.  One small green apple, chopped 

4.  Onion and garlic powders to taste

5.  1/4 tsp EACH parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme 

6.  2 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn

Method 

1. In a small soup pot, combine broth, spices, and beans. Heat over medium high heat as you add your chopped apple. 

2. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in spinach. Pour into bowl and serve! 

                            Bliss.