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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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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!

 

 

Quinoa & Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce

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Quinoa & Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

I love fresh veggie bowls. They’re so easy to make, plus you can customize them they way you like ’em. I also love to experiment with the sauces and dressings. I think you’ll enjoy this Orange-Tahini Sauce, but to really make it a hard decision, here’s a list of other dressings to suit your fancy:

Cashew-Curry Sauce

Thai-Curry Sauce

Peanut Sauce

Cashew-Coconut Curry Sauce

Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce

Coconut-Garlic Cashew Sauce

Cilantro-Ginger Cashew Sauce

Lemony-Almond Butter Dressing

Tahini Dressing

Thai Peanut Sauce

Orange-Maple Miso Dressing

(I obviously like to make cashew-based sauces!) There’s a ton of variations of veggie bowls out there, but sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. These fresh and delicious, gluten-free and soy-free bowls are easy to make and chances are, you already have the ingredients in  your fridge, so chop chop!

INGREDIENTS:
Bowls
1 C quinoa
2 C vegetable broth
4-5 C chopped kale
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
pepitas
Orange-Tahini Sauce
3/4 C tahini
1/2 C orange juice
1 Tbs sesame oil
2 Tbs white wine vinegar
1 Tbs tamari
1 Tbs agave
salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed. Pile the kale on top and replace the lid. Let the kale steam for about 10 minutes, then stir it into the quinoa.
Quinoa and Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

To make the sauce, combine everything in a food processor and blend until smooth. I then transferred it to a squeeze bottle. Assemble the bowls by placing a scoop or two of the quinoa mix in a bowl and top with garbanzo beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, and sauce. It’s that easy. Enjoy!

Quinoa & Kale Bowls with Orange-Tahini Sauce
 
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There's a ton of variations of veggie bowls out there, but sometimes, simplicity is the way to go. These fresh and delicious, gluten-free and soy-free bowls are easy to make and chances are, you already have the ingredients in your fridge, chop chop!
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Bowls
  • 1 C quinoa
  • 2 C vegetable broth
  • 4-5 C chopped kale
  • 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 C cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
  • pepitas
  • Orange-Tahini Sauce
  • ¾ C tahini
  • ½ C orange juice
  • 1 Tbs sesame oil
  • 2 Tbs white wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbs tamari
  • 1 Tbs agave
  • salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until all the liquid has been absorbed.
  2. Pile the kale on top and replace the lid. Let the kale steam for about 10 minutes, then stir it into the quinoa.
  3. To make the sauce, combine everything in a food processor and blend until smooth. I then transferred it to a squeeze bottle.
  4. Assemble the bowls by placing a scoop or two of the quinoa mix in a bowl and top with garbanzo beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, and sauce. It's that easy. 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!

 

Teriyaki-Quinoa Burgers

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Teriyaki-Quinoa Burgers -- Epicurean VeganThese veggie burgers are quite amazing. They’re easy to make, delicious, and they actually hold together when you cook them—that’s not always an easy thing when making veggie burgers. I got the recipe from Thrive Forward and I’ve had them a couple of times now. I’ve made some subtle variations and added the teriyaki-pineapple-avocado part, which I think you will love.

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (I use a tri-bean blend)
1 C cooked quinoa (I like the tri-color variety and I cook it in veggie broth)
1 C quinoa flakes or oats (I opt for oats since I usually have those on hand)
1/2 C red onion, chopped (I use 1 cup)
1/3 C chopped cilantro (I use 1 cup)
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp salt
1 Tbs chili powder
1 Tbs cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbs chia seeds mixed with 1/3 C water (recipe says to use ground chia seeds, but I use them whole)
Cooking spray
Toppings
Pineapple rings, jarred Teriyaki sauce, avocado slices. Veggie bacon is also a great option.
6-8 burger buns

DIRECTIONS:
I start by mixing the chia seeds and water together and setting aside. Cook the quinoa (1/2 C quinoa with 1-1/4 C broth). In a food processor, add the beans, onion, cilantro, garlic, salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. I didn’t mince the garlic beforehand; it’s up to you.
Teriyaki-Quinoa Burgers -- Epicurean VeganBlend everything to the consistency you’d like. If you want some chunks, go for it. Of course, you may not want to bite into a piece of garlic, so you may want to  mince it first. You decide how much you want to blend it. I went for it and mostly pureed it. Transfer to a bowl and fold in the quinoa, oats, and chia mixture.
Teriyaki-Quinoa Burgers -- Epicurean VeganShape the batter into patties. You could make beefy burgers or even some sliders. I went for the beefy kind (about 4″ across, 3/4″ thick).
Teriyaki-Quinoa Burgers -- Epicurean VeganI actually got 5 burgers, but only had room for 4 on the pan. Again, you get to make the executive decision on this. Much will probably depend on how large or small of buns you use. Feel free to use a grill pan, too. Last time I made these, I used my grill pan and they came out great with fancy grill marks and all. I should add that you’ll need to spray the pan first with cooking spray. I should also tell you that I typically chill these in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking them. I don’t know if it helps keep them together or not, but it just so happens that each time I’ve made these, I’ve prepared them ahead of time. Just cover with plastic wrap first.

When you’re ready, cook them over low-medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side.
Teriyaki-Quinoa Burgers -- Epicurean VeganServe on a toasted bun with a ring of pineapple, avocado slices, and some Teriyaki sauce. Enjoy!

Teriyaki-Quinoa Burgers
 
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These veggie burgers are quite amazing. They're easy to make, delicious, and they actually hold together when you cook them---that's not always an easy thing when making veggie burgers. I got the recipe from Thrive Forward and I've had them a couple of times now. I've made some subtle variations and added the teriyaki-pineapple-avocado part, which I think you will love.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (I use a tri-bean blend)
  • 1 C cooked quinoa (I like the tri-color variety and I cook it in veggie broth)
  • 1 C quinoa flakes or oats (I opt for oats since I usually have those on hand)
  • ½ C red onion, chopped (I use 1 cup)
  • ⅓ C chopped cilantro (I use 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • 1 Tbs chili powder
  • 1 Tbs cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbs chia seeds mixed with ⅓ C water (recipe says to use ground chia seeds, but I use them whole)
  • Cooking spray
  • Toppings
  • Pineapple rings, jarred Teriyaki sauce, avocado slices. Veggie bacon is also a great option.
  • 6-8 burger buns
Directions
  1. I start by mixing the chia seeds and water together and setting aside. Cook the quinoa (1/2 C quinoa with 1-1/4 C broth).
  2. In a food processor, add the beans, onion, cilantro, garlic, salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. I didn't mince the garlic beforehand; it's up to you.
  3. Blend everything to the consistency you'd like. If you want some chunks, go for it. Of course, you may not want to bite into a piece of garlic, so you may want to mince it first. You decide how much you want to blend it. I went for it and mostly pureed it. Transfer to a bowl and fold in the quinoa, oats, and chia mixture.
  4. Shape the batter into patties. You could make beefy burgers or even some sliders. I went for the beefy kind (about 4" across, ¾" thick).
  5. I actually got 5 burgers, but only had room for 4 on the pan. Again, you get to make the executive decision on this. Much will probably depend on how large or small of buns you use. Feel free to use a grill pan, too. Last time I made these, I used my grill pan and they came out great with fancy grill marks and all. I should add that you'll need to spray the pan first with cooking spray. I should also tell you that I typically chill these in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking them. I don't know if it helps keep them together or not, but it just so happens that each time I've made these, I've prepared them ahead of time. Just cover with plastic wrap first.
  6. When you're ready, cook them over low-medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side.
  7. Serve on a toasted bun with a ring of pineapple, avocado slices, and some Teriyaki sauce. Enjoy!

 

Lentil Bowls with Avocado & Tomato

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Lentil Bowls with Avocado and Tomato -- Epicurean Vegan

This makes a great side dish or main meal. It’s also ready in about 30 minutes. Lentils are so easy to make and are incredibly healthy. They’re full of fiber (perfect for lowering cholesterol), a fabulous source of folate and magnesium which contribute to heart health, and good for the digestive system. They also contain the third highest level of protein, lots of iron, and are low in calories, and virtually no fat. Dig in!

INGREDIENTS:
3 C vegetable broth
1 C green lentils
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 Tbs lime juice
4 green onion, sliced
1 tomato, diced
1/4 C pepitas
3 Tbs nutritional yeast
1/2 C fresh cilantro, chopped
Avocado slices

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the broth and lentils in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking process, stir and season with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste the lentils and if they’re soft, with a little firmness, they’re about done. Drain any excess liquid off.
Lentils with Avocado and Tomato -- Epicurean VeganGently fold in the green onion, tomato, pepitas, nutritional yeast, and lime juice. Top individual servings with 2-3 slices of avocado and some cilantro. Enjoy!

Lentil Bowls with Avocado & Tomato
 
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This makes a great side dish or main meal. It's also ready in about 30 minutes. Lentils are so easy to make and are incredibly healthy. They're full of fiber (perfect for lowering cholesterol), a fabulous source of folate and magnesium which contribute to heart health, and good for the digestive system. They also contain the third highest level of protein, lots of iron, and are low in calories, and virtually no fat. Dig in!
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 3 C vegetable broth
  • 1 C green lentils
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • 4 green onion, sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • ¼ C pepitas
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • ½ C fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Avocado slices
Directions
  1. Combine the broth and lentils in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, and cover for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Halfway through the cooking process, stir and season with cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. After the 20-25 minutes, taste the lentils and if they're soft, with a little firmness, they're about done. Drain any excess liquid off.
  4. Gently fold in the green onion, tomato, pepitas, nutritional yeast, and lime juice.
  5. Top individual servings with 2-3 slices of avocado and some cilantro. Enjoy!

 

Bean & Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce

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Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean VeganSummer is around the corner, which means fresher, lighter meals make a resurgence. Frankly, these are good any time. They come together in a snap, too. I paired these with the Avocado Bruschetta that’s always a hit.
Avocado Bruschetta -- Epicurean VeganI made these pretty mild, but feel free to chop up a jalapeno or add some hot sauce to the cashew sauce. Some iceberg lettuce would also add some nice crunch. Either way, I think you’ll enjoy these tasty, gluten-free tacos for lunch or dinner.

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large onion (any variety), diced
2 Tbs red wine vinegar
2 Tbs ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbs lime juice
Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce
1 C raw, unsalted cashews
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 to 3/4 C cold water
3 Tbs lime juice
1 C fresh cilantro leaves
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
The rest
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
6-8 soft corn tortillas

DIRECTIONS:
When it comes to making a dish with a cashew sauce, I’ll usually start by pouring boiling water over the cashews and let them soak for at least two hours. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients. Combine the beans, bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl. In a small dish, combine the cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently fold into the bean mixture along with the red wine vinegar and lime juice. Set aside.
Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew SauceTo make the sauce, drain the cashews and add them to the food processor along with all of the ingredients. Go easy on the water at first and add more as you go in order to reach a desired sauce consistency. I use a funnel to transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle.
Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew SauceIf you’d like, warm the tortillas, or keep them room temperature. I squeezed on some sauce, spooned some filling inside, added an avocado slice, then topped with more sauce. Enjoy!
Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew SauceWith leftovers, we changed it up a little by warming up the filling and using corn shells and adding lettuce and tomato. So good!

Bean and Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

 

FBean & Avocado Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce
 
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Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ large onion (any variety), diced
  • 2 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbs ground cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tbs lime juice
  • Cilantro-Lime Cashew Sauce
  • 1 C raw, unsalted cashews
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ to ¾ C cold water
  • 3 Tbs lime juice
  • 1 C fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • The rest
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
  • 6-8 soft corn tortillas
Directions
  1. When it comes to making a dish with a cashew sauce, I'll usually start by pouring boiling water over the cashews and let them soak for at least two hours. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Combine the beans, bell pepper, and onion in a large bowl. In a small dish, combine the cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Gently fold into the bean mixture along with the red wine vinegar and lime juice. Set aside.
  3. To make the sauce, drain the cashews and add them to the food processor along with all of the ingredients. Go easy on the water at first and add more as you go in order to reach a desired sauce consistency. I use a funnel to transfer the sauce to a squeeze bottle.
  4. If you'd like, warm the tortillas, or keep them room temperature. I squeezed on some sauce, spooned some filling inside, added an avocado slice, then topped with more sauce. Enjoy!

 

 

Raw Walnut Tacos {The 22-Day Revolution}

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Raw Walnut Tacos, The 22-Day Revolution -- Epicurean VeganEarlier this month, I brought you my review of The 22-Day Revolution, a new plant-based cookbook by Marco Borges. I promised to post the Raw Walnut Tacos recipe, so here it is. Everyone here loved these; great flavor and ready in 10 minutes. The only thing I added was some cilantro. This makes a fabulous lunch option, or a light dinner.

INGREDIENTS:
Taco meat:
2 C walnuts
1-1/2 Tbs cumin
1 Tbs coriander
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs coconut aminos
dash paprika
dash garlic powder
dash black pepper
Garnish:
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 Tbs parsley flakes
pinch of black pepper
pinch sea salt
1 lime
The rest:
2 heads of romaine lettuce

DIRECTIONS:
Separate and wash the romaine leaves and set aside. Combine all of the taco meat ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times, careful not to grind them too small.
Raw Walnut Tacos, The 22-Day Revolution -- Epicurean VeganSpread the walnut meat on the romaine leaves and garnish with cilantro (if using), avocado slices, tomato, parsley, pepper, salt, and lime juice.
Raw Walnut Tacos, The 22-Day Revolution -- Epicurean Vegan

Enjoy!

Raw Walnut Tacos {22-Day Revolution}
 
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Author:
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • Taco meat:
  • 2 C walnuts
  • 1-1/2 Tbs cumin
  • 1 Tbs coriander
  • 2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbs coconut aminos
  • dash paprika
  • dash garlic powder
  • dash black pepper
  • Garnish:
  • 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ Tbs parsley flakes
  • pinch of black pepper
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1 lime
  • The rest:
  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce
Directions
  1. Separate and wash the romaine leaves and set aside.
  2. Combine all of the taco meat ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times, careful not to grind them too small.
  3. Spread the walnut meat on the romaine leaves and garnish with cilantro (if using), avocado slices, tomato, parsley, pepper, salt, and lime juice.
  4. Enjoy!

 

 

Spinach Salad with Homemade Rosemary Croutons and Creamy Vinaigrette

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Spinach Salad with Homemade Rosemary Croutons and Creamy Vinaigrette -- Epicurean Vegan

I’m excited to bring you this light and delicious salad. I know this isn’t a complicated or complex recipe, but it’s so delicious and perfect for a light meal. I love salads, but sometimes they need to be livened up with flavor—it’s easy to fall into a salad rut. I obviously didn’t have anything, but for some color, I’d recommend some dried cranberries or maybe some radishes. Raspberries would also be a great addition. For the croutons, I had half a loaf of multi-grain sourdough with sunflower and sesame seeds from Trader Joe’s, that was probably going to go bad if I didn’t so something with it. The vinaigrette is simple and delicious, and perfect for a springtime salad. Everything comes together beautifully!
Trader Joe's Multi Grain Sour Dough

INGREDIENTS:
Croutons:
6-8 C cubed sourdough
Olive oil
Dried rosemary
Salt
Garlic powder
Dressing:
2 clove of garlic
1/2 a large shallot
1/2 C olive oil (I really used just less than half a cup, but slightly more than 1/4 C)
1 Tbs red wine vinegar
1 Tbs unsweetened almond milk
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp agave
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 Tbs lemon juice
Salad:
8 C baby spinach
1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
2 C sliced mushrooms
1/2 cucumber, diced
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
1/3 C pepitas
Dried cranberries, radishes or raspberries (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400. Put the bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil—not a lot—you do not want to coat each bread cube with oil. Add the rosemary, salt, and garlic powder—to taste—and use a rubber spatula to combine everything well. Transfer to a large cookie sheet, preferably one with sides, and bake for 10-15 minutes, checking and stirring around about halfway through. When they start to brown around the edges, they’re done.
Spinach Salad with Homemade Rosemary Croutons and Creamy Vinaigrette -- Epicurean VeganFor the dressing, add the garlic clove and shallot to the food processor or blender and blend until minced. Add the rest of dressing ingredients and blend until smooth; transfer to a jar.
Spinach Salad with Homemade Rosemary Croutons and Creamy Vinaigrette -- Epicurean VeganCombine all of the salad ingredients, except the avocado (I like to keep avocado out of any leftover salad because it doesn’t always stay fresh; I had it on top of individual servings). I’d treat raspberries the same if you decide to add them. Add some croutons and drizzle with a bit of dressing. Enjoy!

Spinach Salad with Homemade Rosemary Croutons and Creamy Vinaigrette
 
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I'm excited to bring you this light and delicious salad. I know this isn't a complicated or complex recipe, but it's so delicious and perfect for a light meal. I love salads, but sometimes they need to be livened up with flavor---it's easy to fall into a salad rut. I obviously didn't have anything, but for some color, I'd recommend some dried cranberries or maybe some radishes. Raspberries would also be a great addition. For the croutons, I had half a loaf of multi-grain sourdough with sunflower and sesame seeds from Trader Joe's, that was probably going to go bad if I didn't so something with it. The vinaigrette is simple and delicious, and perfect for a springtime salad. Everything comes together beautifully!
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • Croutons:
  • 6-8 C cubed sourdough
  • Olive oil
  • Dried rosemary
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Dressing:
  • 2 clove of garlic
  • ½ a large shallot
  • ½ C olive oil (I really used just less than half a cup, but slightly more than ¼ C)
  • 1 Tbs red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbs unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 Tbs Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp agave
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 Tbs lemon juice
  • Salad:
  • 8 C baby spinach
  • 1 can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
  • 2 C sliced mushrooms
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
  • ⅓ C pepitas
  • Dried cranberries
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400. Put the bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil---not a lot---you do not want to coat each bread cube with oil. Add the rosemary, salt, and garlic powder---to taste---and use a rubber spatula to combine everything well. Transfer to a large cookie sheet, preferably one with sides, and bake for 10-15 minutes, checking and stirring around about halfway through. When they start to brown around the edges, they're done.
  2. For the dressing, add the garlic clove and shallot to the food processor or blender and blend until minced. Add the rest of dressing ingredients and blend until smooth; transfer to a jar.
  3. Combine all of the salad ingredients, except the avocado (I like to keep avocado out of any leftover salad because it doesn't always stay fresh; I had it on top of individual servings). Add some croutons and drizzle with a bit of dressing. Enjoy!

 

Quinoa Stir-fry with Avocado

by

Quinoa Stir-Fry with Avocado -- Epicurean VeganWell, let’s see if I can still do this; it’s been a while. Sorry for the absence, but I think I’m getting back into the swing of things. Our kitchen counter tops are supposed to arrive today . . . just when I was getting used to the plywood stand-in! I bring you this easy and delicious, gluten-free meal that’s ready in no time. Speaking of stand-ins, quinoa is a great alternative to rice. It’s a nice change, plus it’s an excellent source of protein. The avocado is also a nice touch, contrasting well with the crunchy cashews.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C tri-colored quinoa
1-1/2 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 small zucchini, sliced
2 C mushrooms, quartered
1/3 C tamari or soy sauce
1/8 C lime juice
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
1 C unsalted cashews
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks

DIRECTIONS:
In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery; cook 8-10 minutes, or until softened.

Quinoa Stir-Fry with Avocado -- Epicurean VeganNext, add the zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
Quinoa Stir-fry with AvocadoIn a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the tamari, lime juice, sesame oil, and ginger; set aside. Once the quinoa is cooked, add it to the cooked veggies, along with the cashews. Reduce heat to low and stir in the tamari mixture, combining everything thoroughly.
Quinoa Stir-fry with Avocado -- Epicurean Vegan

Top individual servings with avocado and enjoy!

Quinoa Stir-fry with Avocado
 
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Cook time
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I bring you this easy and delicious, gluten-free meal that's ready in no time. Speaking of stand-ins, quinoa is a great alternative to rice. It's a nice change, plus it's an excellent source of protein. The avocado is also a nice touch, contrasting well with the crunchy cashews.
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 C tri-colored quinoa
  • ½ C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 small zucchini, sliced
  • 2 C mushrooms, quartered
  • ⅓ C tamari or soy sauce
  • ⅛ C lime juice
  • ½ tsp sesame oil
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
  • 1 C unsalted cashews
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks
Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the broth and quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic over medium heat for 1 minute. Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery; cook 8-10 minutes, or until softened.
  3. Next, add the zucchini and cook for 4-5 minutes, then add the mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the tamari, lime juice, sesame oil, and ginger; set aside.
  5. Once the quinoa is cooked, add it to the cooked veggies, along with the cashews. Reduce heat to low and stir in the tamari mixture, combining everything thoroughly.
  6. Top individual servings with avocado and enjoy!

 

Loaded Baked Potatoes

by

Loaded Baked Potatoes -- Epicurean VeganThese loaded baked potatoes are new favorite at our house. They’re so easy to make and you can play with the toppings to change them up. I went pretty unconventional by topping these with kale chips and a delicious cilantro cashew cream that is to die for. I also topped them with a “Parmesan” from Oh She Glows, which is ideal for salads or pasta dishes, too. You can’t see them in the picture, but there’s diced tomato, green onion, and avocado on these as well. These make a great weekday meal when you don’t have a ton of time, although, they might become a weekend favorite, too!

INGREDIENTS:
6 large russet potatoes
1-2 large avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
1-2 large tomato, diced
1 C green onion, sliced
Tofutti sour cream (optional)
5 C kale, torn into pieces
Olive oil
Salt
Cilantro-Cashew Cream
1 C unsalted cashews
3/4 C cold water
1 garlic clove
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 C fresh cilantro
3/4 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Nut and Seed Parmesan (from Oh She Glows)
1/4 cup raw cashews
1 tablespoon raw sesame seeds
2 tablespoons hulled hemp seeds
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
fine grain sea salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. I prepared everything and then nuked the potatoes because it just seemed easiest that way. First, place the cashews in a bowl and pour boiling water over them; set aside. (You’ll prepare the rest of the sauce last). To make the Parmesan, place all of the ingredients in a food processor and grind to a fine crumble. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Nut and Seed ParmesanNext, to prepare the kale chips, place the kale in a medium bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Using your hands, massage the oil onto the kale leaves. Transfer to a baking dish and set aside.
Kale ChipsI then microwaved the potatoes. Stick each one several times with a fork first, then nuke. (I used the potato setting), so about 5 minutes, then turn and another 5 minutes. During the first five minutes, prepare the cashew sauce: Drain the cashews and place in a food processor along with all of the other ingredients; puree 2-3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl a few times.
Loaded Baked Potatoes, Cilantro-Cashew Cream -- Epicurean VeganUsing a funnel, I poured the sauce into a squeeze bottle.
During the last five minutes of potato cooking, place the kale chips in the preheated oven. Keep an eye on them so they don’t turn black—they’ll shrivel up, but still have bright green spots. Let them bake 4-5 minutes, remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt.

To assemble, cut each potato in half and top with sour cream (if using), tomato, avocado, green onion, cilantro-cashew cream, crumbled kale chips, and finally, the nut and seed Parmesan mixture. So good! Enjoy!

Loaded Baked Potatoes
 
Print
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
These loaded baked potatoes are new favorite at our house. They're so easy to make and you can play with the toppings to change them up. I went pretty unconventional by topping these with kale chips and a delicious cilantro cashew cream that is to die for. I also topped them with a "Parmesan" from Oh She Glows, which is ideal for salads or pasta dishes, too. You can't see them in the picture, but there's diced tomato, green onion, and avocado on these as well. These make a great weekday meal when you don't have a ton of time, although, they might become a weekend favorite, too!
Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 6 large russet potatoes
  • 1-2 large avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
  • 1-2 large tomato, diced
  • 1 C green onion, sliced
  • Tofutti sour cream (optional)
  • 5 C kale, torn into pieces
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • .
  • Cilantro-Cashew Cream
  • .
  • 1 C unsalted cashews
  • ¾ C cold water
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ C fresh cilantro
  • ¾ tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • .
  • Nut and Seed Parmesan (from Oh She Glows)1/4 cup raw cashews
  • .
  • 1 tablespoon raw sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons hulled hemp seeds
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • fine grain sea salt, to taste
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425. I prepared everything and then nuked the potatoes because it just seemed easiest that way. First, place the cashews in a bowl and pour boiling water over them; set aside. (You'll prepare the rest of the sauce last).
  2. To make the Parmesan, place all of the ingredients in a food processor and grind to a fine crumble. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Next, to prepare the kale chips, place the kale in a medium bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Using your hands, massage the oil onto the kale leaves. Transfer to a baking dish and set aside.
  4. I then microwaved the potatoes. Stick each one several times with a fork first, then nuke. (I used the potato setting), so about 5 minutes, then turn and another 5 minutes.
  5. During the first five minutes, prepare the cashew sauce: Drain the cashews and place in a food processor with the garlic. Puree for 30 seconds. Add all of the other ingredients and puree 2-3 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl a few times.Using a funnel, I poured the sauce into a squeeze bottle.
  6. During the last five minutes of potato cooking, place the kale chips in the preheated oven. Keep an eye on them so they don't turn black---they'll shrivel up, but still have bright green spots. Let them bake 4-5 minutes, remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt.
  7. To assemble, cut each potato in half and top with sour cream (if using), tomato, avocado, green onion, cilantro-cashew cream, crumbled kale chips, and finally, the nut and seed Parmesan mixture. So good! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

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