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Mediterranean Couscous Salad

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Let’s see if I can do this blogging thing again . . . after all, it’s been nearly 2-1/2 years since I’ve posted a recipe. Sorry for the long absence; life got busy, I suppose. To update you, we moved from Colorado to Brooklyn in March of last year, the twenty-one-year-old just finished his junior year of college, and we hit our ten-year vegan (and blog)-versary in January. So now you’re pretty much caught up.

Being stuck at home because of the pandemic, I’ve found myself cooking a lot more recently (I mean, come on, it’s NYC–we were definitely eating out more). I’ve also been trying to master the art of cooking for two, which has proved difficult for me, but I’m learning.

I decided to come out of hiding and share this recipe with you because we have been living off of it. It’s so damn good! It’s great by itself, but even better in a wrap with some hummus. Plus, it’s one of those salads that can be made with all kinds of ingredients, but these are certainly my favorites. It’s the perfect lunch, but also ideal after a workout since it’s packed with a nice mix of protein and carbs. Between The Husband and me, it lasts about four days and then it’s time for another batch. I love having something in the fridge that’s ready-to-go so I can get on with my day–which I guess right now, isn’t much, but it fills me up so I don’t find myself sitting around thinking I’m hungry, when I’m really just bored. Anyway, I think you’ll love it.

Other ingredient options: celery, capers, tomato, cucumber, pepitas, artichokes.
Serve with: tortillas (or pitas), and hummus.

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A flavorful, carb- and protein-packed salad that is perfect for lunch or as a side dish. It's super versatile, so add your other favorite ingredients such as cucumber, tomato, capers, or celery.
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Prep Time 30 mins
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C couscous (I like the tri-color variety)
  • 1 C vegetable broth
  • 1/2 C red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 C onion (yellow or red), diced
  • 2 large carrots, shredded
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 C olives (green or black), diced
  • 1/2 C dried cranberries
  • 1/2 C cashews, chopped
  • 1/3 C parsley, chopped

Dressing

  • 4 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 tsp yellow miso
  • 2 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 6 Tbs olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the couscous. In a small or medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth and add the couscous; stir to combine. Turn off the heat and cover. After about 5 minutes, fluff with a fork so that it doesn’t get too solid.
  • In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, including the couscous.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and combine thoroughly. 

Tempeh “Chicken” Salad

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Tempeh "Chicken" Salad -- Epicurean Vegan

Okay, I know what you’re thinking . . . It sure looks like the Chickpea Salad Tacos, but I assure you, totally different. (But they are both amazing!) Lunches as a vegan can be a pain to pull together, especially when you want something fast and healthy. I find it super convenient to make something ahead of time that I can enjoy the whole week. If you’re itching for change, you can always accessorize your salad with tomatoes, avocado, cucumber. This salad is easy to throw together and can be served on tortillas (I used soft corn), wraps, bread, lettuce leaves, or just by itself! Tempeh also has all the protein you need to keep you chugging along the rest of the afternoon, so you won’t fall asleep at your desk. This recipe makes about 6 cups, so feel free to halve it for a smaller batch.

INGREDIENTS:
16-oz (2 pkgs) tempeh, cut into cubes
1, 8-oz can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1 large celery stalk, chopped
1/2 C onion, diced
1-1/2 C purple/red cabbage, chopped
1 C raw and roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
1/2 C vegan mayo
1/4 C vegan sour cream
1 Tbs spicy brown mustard
2 heaping Tbs pickle relish
1 Tbs vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
Optional: diced tomato, diced avocado, diced cucumber

DIRECTIONS:
Start by steaming the tempeh for 10-12 minutes (I used my saucepan/steamer on the stove). Once softened, transfer to a large bowl and mash the tempeh into a desired consistency. I left quite a bit of the large chunks. Let cool (I stuck the bowl in the fridge while I prepared the rest of the salad).

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, mustard, relish, Worcestershire sauce, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and garlic; set aside to let the flavors mingle. In a large bowl, combine the water chestnuts, celery, onion, cabbage, and cashews. Once the tempeh has cooled, mix it in with the vegetables. Add the sauce and coat well. Serve on your choice of bread, wrap, or tortilla, or even crackers. Enjoy!

Tempeh "Chicken" Salad
 
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Okay, I know what you're thinking . . . It sure looks like the Chickpea Salad Tacos, but I assure you, totally different. (But they are both amazing!) Lunches as a vegan can be a pain to pull together, especially something healthy. I find it super convenient to make something ahead of time that I can enjoy the whole week. If you're itching for change, you can always accessorize your salad with tomatoes, avocado, cucumber. This salad is easy to throw together and can be served on tortillas (I used soft corn), wraps, bread, lettuce leaves, or just by itself! Tempeh also has all the protein you need to keep you chugging along the rest of the afternoon, so you won't fall asleep at your desk. This recipe makes about 6 cups, so feel free to halve it for a smaller batch.
Author:
Serves: 6 cups
Ingredients
  • 16-oz (2 pkgs) tempeh, cut into cubes
  • 1 8-oz can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1 large celery stalk, chopped
  • ½ C onion, diced
  • 1-1/2 C purple/red cabbage, chopped
  • 1 C raw and roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
  • ½ C vegan mayo
  • ¼ C vegan sour cream
  • 1 Tbs spicy brown mustard
  • 2 heaping Tbs pickle relish
  • 1 Tbs vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Optional: diced tomato, diced avocado, diced cucumber
Directions
  1. Start by steaming the tempeh for 10-12 minutes (I used my saucepan/steamer on the stove). Once softened, transfer to a large bowl and mash the tempeh into a desired consistency. I left quite a bit of the large chunks. Let cool (I stuck the bowl in the fridge while I prepared the sauce).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, mustard, relish, Worcestershire sauce, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and garlic; set aside to let the flavors mingle.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the water chestnuts, celery, onion, cabbage, and cashews.
  4. Once the tempeh has cooled, mix it in with the vegetables. Add the sauce and coat well.
  5. Serve on your choice of bread, wrap, or tortilla, or even crackers. Enjoy!

 

Black Rice Salad with Craisins & Shiitakes

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Black Rice Salad with Craisins & Shiitakes -- Epicurean Vegan

Black rice, a.k.a forbidden rice, rarely gets the kudos it deserves. It’s full of antioxidants (that help prevent cardiovascular disease, protect against cancer, detox the body, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function) and anthocyanins phytochemicals that aid in reducing cholesterol. This powerful whole grain also slows down absorption of sugar in the blood to help prevent diabetes, and of course, its a fiber superstar. Now about those shiitake mushrooms . . . like black rice, this special fungi protects the heart, fights cancer, improves brain function, and reduces inflammation, it’s also a powerful immune-booster, so when you’re feeling sluggish and sick this winter, pile on the ‘shrooms! This whole salad is full of tasty awesomeness and is perfect as a side dish or a take-to-the-office lunch.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C black rice
1/2 C wild rice mix (this is for variety, but feel free to just use more black rice)
2-3/4 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 C onion, chopped
3-4 C sliced shiitake and white mushrooms
3 C fresh spinach, chopped
2 Tbs fresh sage, minced
1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 C white wine
1/2 C Craisins
1/2 C pepitas

Black Rice Salad with Craisins and Shiitakes -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the rice and vegetable broth in a large sauce pan; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook another 5-10 minutes, then toss in the spinach and add the white wine. Let the spinach cook down, then add the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the mushroom mixture to the cooked rice and fold in the Craisins and pepitas. Serve hot, warm, or cold. Enjoy!

Black Rice Salad with Craisins & Shiitakes
 
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Black rice, a.k.a forbidden rice, rarely get the kudos it deserves. It's full of antioxidants (that help prevent cardiovascular disease, protect against cancer, detox the body, and, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function) and anthocyanins phytochemicals that aid in reducing cholesterol. This powerful whole grain also slow down absorption of sugar in the blood to help prevent diabetes, and of course, its a fiber superstar. Now about those shiitake mushrooms . . . like black rice, this special fungi protects the heart, fights cancer, improves brain function, and reduces inflammation, it's also a powerful immune-booster, so when you're feeling sluggish and sick this winter, pile on the 'shrooms! This whole salad is full of tasty awesomeness and is perfect as a side dish or a take-to-the-office lunch.
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 C black rice
  • ½ C wild rice mix (this is for variety, but feel free to just use more black rice)
  • 2-3/4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 C onion, chopped
  • 3-4 C sliced shiitake and white mushrooms
  • 3 C fresh spinach, chopped
  • 2 Tbs fresh sage, minced
  • 1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ C white wine
  • ½ C Craisins
  • ½ C pepitas

 

Seed n’ Green Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

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Next to summertime, I think January is high-salad time (thanks to all those New Year resolutions). I’m a salad gal all the time, but I might as well jump on the bandwagon. I could have called this something more catchy like, Grains n’ Greens, but quinoa is actually the seed that is extracted from the grain. Hence, it’s Seed n’ Green (even though I’m sure I’ve called quinoa a grain many times before). Anyway, quinoa is pretty awesome so it’s an ideal mate for salad fixings. I recommend making the quinoa ahead of time and letting it cool, but feel free to serve this salad warm.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C quinoa
2 C broth or water
6 C baby spinach
1 14-oz can sliced green olives
1 avocado, diced
Pepitas
Lemon-Tahini Dressing
2 Tbs tahini
1 Tbs red miso
1/8 C nutritional yeast
1/8 C lemon juice
1 Tbs chia seeds
1/4 C water (more for thinning out, if necessary)
1/8 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the quinoa and broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed. I then transferred the quinoa to a bowl and chilled it in the fridge, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, to make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a mason jar or other glass container. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Depending on how long it sits, the chia seeds will thicken the dressing up, so if you want a thinner dressing, whisk in a tad of water.

To make the salad, start with some spinach, then add a scoop or two of quinoa. Top with olives, avocado, pepitas and dressing. Enjoy!

Seed n' Green Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Next to summertime, I think January is high-salad time---thanks to all those New Year resolutions. I'm a salad gal all the time, but I might as well jump on the bandwagon. I could have called this something more catchy like, Grains n' Greens, but quinoa is actually the seed that is extracted from the grain. Hence, it's Seed n' Green (even though I'm sure I've called quinoa a grain many times before. Anyway, quinoa is pretty awesome so it's an ideal mate for salad fixings. I recommend making the quinoa ahead of time and letting it cool, but feel free to serve this salad warm.
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 C quinoa
  • 2 C broth or water
  • 6 C baby spinach
  • 1 14-oz can sliced green olives
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Pepitas
  • Lemon-Tahini Dressing
  • 2 Tbs tahini
  • 1 Tbs red miso
  • ⅛ C nutritional yeast
  • ⅛ C lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs chia seeds
  • ¼ C water (more for thinning out, if necessary)
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
Directions
  1. Combine the quinoa and broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
  2. I then transferred to a bowl and chilled in the fridge, uncovered, for about 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, to make the dressing, combine all of the ingredients in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Transfer to a mason jar or other glass container. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Depending on how long it sits, the chia seeds will thicken the dressing up, so if you want a thinner dressing, whisk in a tad of water.
  3. To make the salad, start with some spinach, then add a scoop or two of quinoa. Top with olives, avocado, pepitas and dressing. Enjoy!

 

 

Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing

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Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

With the fresh veggies, savory dressing, and some roasted walnuts for crunch, this salad is a easily my new favorite dish. Plus, it’s so easy to make when you use Trader Joe’s steamed lentils that are ready to eat.
Quick and Easy Lentils with Spinach and Mushrooms -- Epicurean Vegan

Let’s not forget lentils are loaded with protein, iron, and fiber–a powerhouse food ideal for any vegan diet.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg (1lb) Trader Joe’s Ready-to-Eat steamed lentils
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 C fresh spinach, chopped
1 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 C green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1-1/2 C quartered cherry tomatoes
1 C roasted walnuts
Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
1 C cashews
2 garlic cloves
3/4 C cold water
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs grapeseed oil
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
To make the dressing, I soaked the cashews in hot water for about an hour. Drain and add to a food processor along with the garlic and water. Puree, then add the balsamic vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the walnuts. Serve the salad topped with walnuts and dressing. Enjoy!

Lentil-Garbanzo Bean Salad with Creamy Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
 
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With the fresh veggies, savory dressing, and some roasted walnuts for crunch, this salad is a easily my new favorite dish. Plus, it's so easy to make when you use Trader Joe's steamed lentils that are ready to eat. Let's not forget lentils are loaded with protein, iron, and fiber--a powerhouse food ideal for any vegan diet.
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 pkg (1lb) Trader Joe's Ready-to-Eat steamed lentils
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 C fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 C fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 C green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1-1/2 C quartered cherry tomatoes
  • 1 C roasted walnuts
  • Garlic-Balsamic Dressing
  • 1 C cashews
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¾ C cold water
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs grapeseed oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt
Directions
  1. To make the dressing, I soaked the cashews in hot water for about an hour. Drain and add to a food processor along with the garlic and water. Puree, then add the balsamic vinegar, oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, except the walnuts.
  3. Serve the salad topped with walnuts and dressing. Enjoy!

 

Mexican-Style Risotto

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Mexican-Style Risotto -- Epicurean Vegan

Mexican food is definitely a favorite around my house, but I don’t always take the time to make Mexican-style, or Spanish rice. I end up using the easy boxed or microwavable bagged kind. (I know, shameful.) The Husband, however, has no problem with it, even though it’s usually dry and tasteless. We recently had a taco night with friends and I was determined to make a creamy and delicious, Mexican-style rice. My first thought was risotto. And it really doesn’t get any easier because this bakes in the oven and there’s very little work involved. Say goodbye to dry, Mexican restaurant-style rice. This creamy risotto is full of flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd.

INGREDIENTS:
5 C vegetable broth, divided
1-1/2 C Arborio rice
1 Tbs olive oil
1 C onion, diced
2 14-oz cans diced tomatoes (I like the fire-roasted kind)
1 7-oz can diced green chilies (pick your heat level)
1/4 C lime juice
2 Tbs vegan margarine
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbs cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional: fresh chopped cilantro, avocado slices (Not everyone loves cilantro, so I put it on the side. You can also mix it in at the end with the tomato mixture.)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a large Dutch oven, combine 4 cups of the broth with the rice; stir, cover, and bake for 45 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper; set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, then add the tomatoes and green chilies. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Once the risotto is done, stir in the remaining cup of broth, the margarine, lime juice, and the bowl of seasonings; stir vigorously. Next, add the tomato mixture and combine well. Serve with cilantro and avocado. Enjoy!

Mexican-Style Risotto -- Epicurean Vegan

Mexican-Style Risotto
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Mexican food is definitely a favorite around my house, but I don't always take the time to make Mexican-style, or Spanish rice. I end up using the easy boxed or microwavable bagged kind. (I know, shameful.) The Husband, however, has no problem with it, even though it's usually dry and tasteless. We recently had a taco night with friends and I was determined to make a creamy and delicious, Mexican-style rice. My first thought was risotto. And it really doesn't get any easier because this bakes in the oven and there's very little work involved. Say goodbye to dry, Mexican restaurant-style rice. This creamy risotto is full of flavor and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Author:
Serves: 10
Ingredients
  • 5 C vegetable broth, divided
  • 1-1/2 C Arborio rice
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 C onion, diced
  • 2 14-oz cans diced tomatoes (I like the fire-roasted kind)
  • 1 7-oz can diced green chilies (pick your heat level)
  • ¼ C lime juice
  • 2 Tbs vegan margarine
  • ¼ C nutritional yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 Tbs cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: fresh chopped cilantro, avocado slices (Not everyone loves cilantro, so I put it on the side. You can also mix it in at the end with the tomato mixture.)
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350.
  2. In a large Dutch oven, combine 4 cups of the broth with the rice; stir, cover, and bake for 45 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, salt, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and black pepper; set aside.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat, then add the tomatoes and green chilies. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Once the risotto is done, stir in the remaining cup of broth, the margarine, lime juice, and the bowl of seasonings; stir vigorously.
  6. Next, add the tomato mixture and combine well. Serve with cilantro and avocado. Enjoy!

 

Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Agave-Balsamic Dressing

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Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Agave-Balsamic Dressing -- Epicurean Vegan

I guess I’m a salad kick lately. But that’s a good thing, right? They’re a great way to load up on essential vitamins and nutrients and it’s pretty hard to screw up a salad. This is the perfect light lunch that not only tastes amazing, but it gave me a chance to use up some ingredients that were going to soon start showing their age. I had some leftover almond feta from earlier this week, so it worked great to sprinkle on top. The dressing has a subtle flavor so as not to overpower the strawberries, but feel free to punch up the seasonings if you’d like.

INGREDIENTS:
Dressing
1/4 C olive oil
1/8 C balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs agave
1-2 dashes of salt
1-2 dashes of black pepper
1-2 dashes of garlic powder
The rest
Mixed spring greens
Strawberries
Avocado slices
Almond feta
Marcona almonds
Marcona AlmondsDIRECTIONS:
To make the dressing, add the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or other dressing jar; shake to combine.
Agave-Balsamic Dressing -- Epicurean VeganOn a bed of greens, layer on the strawberries, avocado, almonds, and almond feta. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy!

Strawberry-Avocado Salad with Agave-Balsamic Dressing
 
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I guess I'm a salad kick lately. But that's a good thing, right? They're a great way to load up on essential vitamins and nutrients and it's pretty hard to screw up a salad. This is the perfect light lunch that not only tastes amazing, but it gave me a chance to use up some ingredients that were going to soon start showing their age. I had some leftover almond feta from earlier this week, so it worked great to sprinkle on top. The dressing has a subtle flavor so as not to overpower the strawberries, but feel free to punch up the seasonings if you'd like.
Author:
Ingredients
  • Dressing
  • ¼ C olive oil
  • ⅛ C balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs agave
  • 1-2 dashes of salt
  • 1-2 dashes of black pepper
  • 1-2 dashes of garlic powder
  • The rest
  • Mixed spring greens
  • Strawberries
  • Avocado slices
  • Almond feta
  • Marcona almonds
Directions
  1. To make the dressing, add the dressing ingredients to a mason jar or other dressing jar; shake to combine.
  2. On a bed of greens, layer on the strawberries, avocado, almonds and almond feta. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy!

 

Mediterranean Salad with Almond Feta

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Mediterranean Salad with Almond Feta -- Epicurean VeganI don’t know about you, but I tend to make the same salad all the time, and even though I love salads, I do get bored with them once in a while. It was time to shake things up. This Mediterranean salad is quick and easy to throw together and has everything you’d expect: kalamata olives, artichokes and feta—almond feta, that is! So delicious and fresh. Great for a lunch, dinner, or side. Just remember to make the feta ahead of time as it needs 2-3 hours to set up.

INGREDIENTS:
Salad
3-4 hearts of romaine, chopped
1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
1 C kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/3 C red onion, diced
1 C canned artichoke hearts, chopped
Dressing
1/2 C olive oil
1/3 C red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove
1 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp Dijon mustard
Almond feta
1 C blanched almonds
1/4 C lemon juice
3 Tbs olive oil
1 clove of garlic
1-1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C cold water

DIRECTIONS:
Start with the feta. This will need to be made ahead of time (2-3 hours). To begin, if you need to blanch them, boil them in just enough water to cover them, for 2 minutes. Drain and remove the skins; they should slide right off. Toss into a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and process several minutes until super smooth. You’ll have to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Pour the almond mixture onto  cheesecloth (I use a thin cotton napkin) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Keep wrapped in the cloth and store in the fridge on a plate or bowl. Chill for 2-3 hours.

To make the dressing, puree everything in a food processor. Blend 2-3 minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Makes about 1-1/2 cups.)
Olive oil dressingCombine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss. You can dress the whole salad or leave it off for individual servings. Top with some almond feta. The feta is also great on bread, crackers and veggies. Enjoy!

Mediterranean Salad with Almond Feta
 
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I don't know about you, but I tend to make the same salad all the time, and even though I love salads, I do get bored with them once in a while. It was time to shake things up. This Mediterranean salad is quick and easy to throw together and has everything you'd expect: kalamata olives, artichokes and feta---almond feta, that is! So delicious and fresh. Great for a lunch, dinner, or side. Just remember to make the feta ahead of time as it needs 2-3 hours to set up.
Author:
Ingredients
  • Salad
  • 3-4 hearts of romaine, chopped
  • 1 C cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 C kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • ⅓ C red onion, diced
  • 1 C canned artichoke hearts, chopped
  • Dressing
  • ½ C olive oil
  • ⅓ C red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ¾ tsp onion powder
  • ¾ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp Dijon mustard
  • Almond feta
  • 1 C blanched almonds
  • ¼ C lemon juice
  • 3 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1-1/4 tsp salt
  • ½ C cold water
Directions
  1. Start with the feta. This will need to be made ahead of time (2-3 hours). To begin, if you need to blanch them, boil them in just enough water to cover them, for 2 minutes. Drain and remove the skins; they should slide right off. Toss into a food processor with the rest of the ingredients and process several minutes until super smooth. You'll have to scrape the sides of the bowl once or twice. Pour the almond mixture onto cheesecloth (I use a thin cotton napkin) and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Keep wrapped in the cloth and store in the fridge on a plate or bowl. Chill for 2-3 hours.
  2. To make the dressing, puree everything in a food processor. Blend 2-3 minutes until completely smooth. Transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate until ready to use. (Makes about 1-1/2 cups.)
  3. Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss. You can dress the whole salad or leave it off for individual servings. Top with some almond feta. The feta is also great on bread, crackers and veggies. Enjoy!

 

Marinated Tomato Salad

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Marinated Tomato Salad -- Epicurean VeganOur garden is exploding with beautiful tomatoes, plus, a friend had given me a couple of heirlooms. so what better way to enjoy them, than a salad?

Heirloom tomatoesThis is a fabulously fresh salad, ideal as any side dish. The summer is just about over and here in Colorado, the air is getting cooler and cooler every day, so I’m going to enjoy these summer treats while I can.

INGREDIENTS:
5-6 tomatoes, cut into large chunks
1/2 a red onion, sliced
1/3 C olive oil
5 Tbs balsamic vinegar
12-15 basil leaves, cut into strips
1/4 C parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Spinach

DIRECTIONS:
In a large, resealable bag, combine the onion, oil, vinegar, basil, parsley, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Gently add the tomatoes and coat them with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least an hour, turning the bag once. When ready to eat, serve over a bed of spinach leaves. Enjoy!

Marinated Tomato Salad
 
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Ingredients
  • 5-6 tomatoes, cut into large chunks
  • ½ a red onion, sliced
  • ⅓ C olive oil
  • 5 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 12-15 basil leaves, cut into strips
  • ¼ C parsley, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ⅛ tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • Spinach
Directions
  1. In a large, resealable bag, combine the onion, oil, vinegar, basil, parsley, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gently add the tomatoes and coat them with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least an hour, turning the bag once. When ready to eat, serve over a bed of spinach leaves. Enjoy!

 

Watermelon with Mint & Almond Feta

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Watermelon with Mint and Almond Feta -- Epicurean VeganDid you know it’s National Watermelon Month? Have you had some delicious watermelon recipes yet? This one couldn’t be simpler. Of course, you will have to make the almond feta the day before, but it’s extremely simple to prepare. I recommend keeping the watermelon cold and adding the almond feta to individual servings. You’ll love the cold crispness of the watermelon mixed with the tangy almond feta—the perfect salad for a hot July day.

INGREDIENTS:
Almond Feta recipe
5-7 lbs watermelon, cut into chunks
1 C fresh mint, chopped
2 Tbs olive oil
4 Tbs lime juice
Salt and pepper
Arugula, optional

DIRECTIONS:
Make the almond feta at the day or night before (see link above). Make sure your watermelon is cold either before assembling the salad or before serving. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, and some salt and pepper, to taste. Pour over the watermelon and use a rubber spatula to gently mix the watermelon. Next, fold in the mint. When you get read to serve, you can scoop some watermelon on top of some arugula and then add some crumbled almond feta. Enjoy!

And since we’re on the topic of watermelons . . . hop on over to Goodreads and enter in a giveaway to win one of five copies of Bobbing for Watermelons.
Bobbing for Watermelons, a Novel by April J. Moore

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