Salsa Verde Sliders with Avocado Mayo

Photo Credit to Nikki of The Tolerant Vegan Blog

Hamburgers are such an American iconic dish which are known for its specific ingredients; namely, hamburger patty, mayo, ketchup and/or mustard, lettuce, tomato and pickle.  But with people trying to lessen their meat intake, I’m always on the lookout for meatless versions.

So when I came upon this recipe for Salsa Verde Sliders with Avocado Mayo from Nikki, who writes The Tolerant Vegan Blog, I knew I had to share it. It’s a great alternative or a break from a traditional burger and I’m sure that your body would probably appreciate the fresh vegetables that make up these veggie patties. Click here to see original recipe post.

For those of you are just becoming vegan or have been vegan for a number of years,  Nikki’s vegan recipes will be a great fit for your lifestyle plus they sound pretty tasty, too, like her Baked Blueberry Donuts or her Chocolate Potato Cake with Raspberry Buttercream Frosting.    You can also check out the “Eat” tab section of her blog to get even more recipe inspirations.

Salsa Verde Sliders with Avocado Mayo

1/4 cup Now Foods, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1-15 oz. Eden Foods Organic Black Beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup diced carrots

1/4 cup corn

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped spinach

1/2 cup Bob’s Red Mill, Cornmeal, Fine Grind

1/2 cup Ian’s Natural Foods, Panko Breadcrumbs, Original Style

1 tsp Eden Foods, Sea Salt, Portuguese Triple Sea Water Washed

1/2 cup salsa verde

12 slider buns of your choice

1 avocado (pitted, meat only)

1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise, such as Veganaise

1 clove of garlic, finely chopped

mini heirloom tomatoes for topping (optional)

To make the burgers, saute the onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for 20 minutes, until caramelized. Chop vegetables while the onions are cooking. Combine the caramelized onions, black beans, carrots, corn, bell pepper, spinach, cornmeal, breadcrumbs and sea salt in a large bowl and stir. Add in the salsa verde and use your hands to form patties.

Pour two tablespoons of olive oil into a skillet and fry the patties over medium heat. They should cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until they begin to brown. Cook longer for a crispier burger, and add more olive oil each time you add new patties to the skillet.

While the burgers are cooking, whip up the mayo by placing the avocado, Veganaise and garlic in a bowl and stirring with a fork until combined. Place the burgers on the buns, top with mayo (and put mayo on the bottom if you’re like me and you love a mess) and tomatoes.

iHerb sells thousands of natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

Smooth(ie) Operator: Colleen H. and her Minty Apple Green Smoothie

When I asked our iHerb Facebook Page Fans about some of their favorite smoothie recipes, I got a plethora of tasty concoctions, which I’d love to share with you. Presenting an iHerb Smoothie Operator, Colleen Hager and her recipe for a Minty Apple Green Smoothie.

Minty Apple Green Smoothie

1 bunch of kale
1 apple (cored and sliced, if needed)
2 cups water
3 or 4 sprigs mint
1 tsp allspice

Blend. Drink.  Enjoy.  Makes 1 serving.

Click here to check out the iHerb grocery section for inspiration on ingredients to make your own smoothie .

Berry Lemonade Green Smoothie

Photo Credit to Amy of Simply Sugar and Gluten Free Blog

There are times when I want a smoothie that has a little more tartness to it, so when I came upon this Berry Lemonade Green Smoothie from Amy, the creator of the Simply Sugar and Gluten Free Blog, I knew I had to share it.  This is actually the second recipe that Amy has kindly let me post on the iHerb blog. Her first one was a Blackberry Kefir Smoothie.  If you’d like to see the original recipe post, click here.  One last little tidbit. Amy currently has a recipe book that is available for sale at either Amazon or Barnes and Noble. So if you happen to be perusing her blog and like the recipes posted there, the book may be something to look into getting.

Berry Lemonade Green Smoothie

1/2 cup organic blueberries

4 medium to large organic strawberries, stemmed

1 1/2 inch of cucumber, peeled and cut in half

1 stalk of organic celery, cut into several pieces

1 big handful of organic spinach

a small slices of lemon

1 tsp Nature’s Answer, Chia Seed or Now Foods, Certified Organic Flax Seeds

powdered stevia to taste (optional)

1 cup of cold water

1/2 cup ice cubes

Directions:

Put all ingredients in your VitaMix or blender in the order listed. Secure lid lightly, start on low and increase slowly to medium-high. Once the ingredients on the bottom are liquified, flip your VitaMix or blender to the highest speed and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until desired consistency is reached. Use VitaMix tamper as needed or stop your blender and manually stir if necessary. Taste and add more stevia if desired.

iHerb sells over 3,000 natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta

Photo Credit to Angela of Oh She Glows Blog

Avocado is one of my favorite fruits. In fact, I love it so much that I can easily cut one in half  and eat from both halves with a spoon.  No seasoning needed.  What I also love about avocado is that it’s a healthy fat and in fact, can even be substituted for butter in a lot of recipes. So when I saw this recipe for a 15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta by Angela, the creator of the Oh She Glows Blog, I was really excited to share it with you.  This recipe is a great alternative to traditional pasta and if you’re someone  looking for a quick, healthy and delicious meal option, preparing this dish in 15 minutes is a snap. Click here to see the original recipe post.

If you have a chance, be sure to explore more of Oh She Glows. What I really like about this blog is that Angela really serves as an inspiration for those who are struggling  to find their way to  taking up a healthy lifestyle. Read about her struggle with having an eating disorder and finally being able to make healthy life changes in her Before and After story. These changes  included following a vegan and mostly unprocessed food diet that are reflected in her recipes as well as developing a love for running.  Angela also made a career change inspired by this new outlook on life that included opening a vegan bakery called Glo Bakery.

For those of you who are currently trying to find your way,  Angela is definitely an example of the possibilities that you, too, can also look forward to.

15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta

1 medium sized ripe avocado, pitted

1/2 lemon, juiced + lemon zest to garnish

1-3 garlic cloves, to taste

1/2 tsp HimalaSalt, Primordial Himalayan Sea Salt or to taste

1/4 cup fresh basil (optional)

2 Tbs California Olive Ranch, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

6 oz  DeLallo, Organic Spaghetti No. 4, Whole Wheat Pasta or your choice of pasta

Simply Organic, Black Pepper or freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Bring several cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Add in your pasta, reduce heat to medium, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or follow directions on package.
2. Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing the garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil into a food processor. Process until smooth. Now add in the pitted avocado, basil, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy.
3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer and place pasta into a large bowl. Pour on sauce and toss until fully combined. Garnish with lemon zest and black pepper. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.

Please note: This dish does not reheat well due to the avocado in the sauce. Please serve immediately.

iHerb sells over 3,000 natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

Pomegranate Granola

Photo Credit to Sam of Today’s Nest

Healthy food sometimes has the stigma of not tasting good, but how can you not look at the picture above of this delicious looking Pomegranate Granola from Sam of  Today’s Nest and not want to dig in. Nutty and tart with a little sweetness, this granola is a perfect anytime food, whether it’s for breakfast with your favorite milk, dairy or nut, as a great snack alternative to potato chips or candy or for food on the go as you’re out enjoying the day.  Even better, it can be frozen so it’s a treat that can last over a good period of time.  To see Sam’s original post and also more photos, click here.

If you get a chance, be sure to explore Today’s Nest. It’s a website where not only will you find delicious recipes, but also fitness, parenting, gardening and organizational tips. Sample posts include  How to Make a Butterfly Garden,  How to Organize Your Pantry and How to Make a Hooded Scarf.

Pomegranate Granola

2 cups Bob’s Red Mill  Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

1/3 cup Woodstock Farms Organic Pumpkin Seeds

1/4 cup Now Foods, Healthy Foods Sunflower Seeds

1/4 cup Now Foods, Healthy Foods Sesame Seeds

3/4 cup Now Foods Natural Almonds, coarsely chopped

3/4 cup Eden Foods Organic Dried Cranberries

1/4 cup Eden Foods Organic Dried Blueberries

1/2 cup Woodstock Farms Thompson Raisins

1-1/2 tsp. Simply Organic Cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Klamath Mineral Mountain Krystal Salt

1/3 cup Y.S. Organic Bee Farms Pure Premium Wildflower Honey

2/3 cup Hain Pure Foods, Organic Brown Sugar

1/2 cup pomegranate juice

Directions

Before you start:

Be sure to use rolled oats and not quick oats. The texture is important here. Purchase your seed pre-roasted or toast them yourself slightly before adding them to the mixture. Granola freezes well. If you make more than you can use in a week, put some in the freezer.

1. Spray a half sheet baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
3. Combine oats, seeds, almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the honey, brown sugar and pomegranate juice over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Pour liquid over dry ingredients in bowl and mix thoroughly.
6. Place coated mixture on baking sheet and smooth into an even layer.
7. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and stir in the dried fruits. Spread into an even layer again.
9. Bake until lightly browned (12-15 min).
10. Remove and allow to cool on a wire rack before breaking into pieces.
11. Store in an airtight container.

iHerb sells thousands of natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

Banana Avocado Smoothie

Photo Credit to Winnie of Healthy Green Kitchen Blog

Last year, I was able to share a tasty Raw Chocolate Banana Smoothie recipe from Winnie, who’s the blogger and creator of the Healthy Green Kitchen Blog.  Well, this time around, Winnie came up with smoothie recipe using Madre Labs Midori Greens, a popular greens products sold on iHerb.com.  For many, incorporating greens in your diet is not an easy task.  For some, it’s downright impossible, so enter the green smoothie.  Blender in hand, all you have to do is mix a few quality ingredients together and voila, a drinkable greens drink that is both delicious and healthy is before you.  For the Banana Avocado Smoothie recipe below, you’re good to go with just 5 ingredients.  How easy is that? To see Winnie’s original post of this recipe, click here.

Banana Avocado Smoothie

1 banana, preferably organic/fair-trade and previously peeled and frozen
1/2 perfectly ripe avocado
1-2 Tbs.  Artisana, 100% Organic Raw Coconut Butter or Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1 serving Madre Labs Midori Greens Powder
1/2 cup water, more or less- to produce the consistency you like

Directions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth and serve immediately.

iHerb sells thousands of natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

Kidney Bean Burger

Photo Credit to Linda of Eating Well…Living Thin Blog

When it comes to burgers, they don’t always have to be meat-based.  In fact, there are quite a few meatless options out there like these recipes for Green Banana Burgers and Quinoa Burgers with Yogurt Dressing.  While doing some online searching, I came upon a Kidney Bean Burger from Linda of the Eating Well…Living Thing Blog.  Linda’s Burger looked hearty, filling and s imply delicious.  What’s even better is that it’s low in fat and has a good amount of fiber and protein. Who wouldn’t want to take a bite out of a burger that’s both good and good for you? To see Linda’s original recipe post, click here.

If you’re on the lookout for more healthy recipes, check out Linda’s blog.  Her recipes are new and improved old favorites that everyone in her family enjoys, but are more health and figure conscious.  Just because a recipe is lower-carb, low-sugar or completely sugar-free, it doesn’t mean that you have to feel punished by food.  With the right ingredients and right substitutions, a “healthier” recipe could still taste absolutely delicious. In fact, looking at her mouthwatering Orange Chicken and her eye-catching Raspberry Cream Pie, I can certainly see her point.

Kidney Bean Burger

1-15-ounce can Eden Foods, Organic Kidney Beans, mashed

1/4 cup pecans, coarsely ground

1/4 cup onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 egg white

2 Tbs. Bob’s Red Mill, Whole Grain Oat Flour

2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley

1 Tbs.  Annie’s Naturals Organic Ketchup

1/2 tsp.  Simply Organic, Chili  Powder

1/2 tsp. Simply Organic, Curry Powder

1/4 tsp. Frontier Naturals Products, Organic Ground Cumin Seed

1/4 tsp. Aloha Bay, Himalayan Table and Cooking Salt

1/8 tsp. Frontier Naturals Products, Fine Ground Black Pepper

Directions

In a large bowl combine the mashed kidney beans, pecans, onion, garlic, egg white, flour, parsley, ketchup, chili powder, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill for 15 minutes. Form into burgers and fry in a small amount of oil, or in a nonstick pan sprayed with vegetable cooking spray, over medium heat. Makes 5 burgers.

iHerb sells thousands of natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

Warm Brazil Nut Milk Smoothie

Photo Credit to Nina of Veggie Wedgie Blog

These days, I’m seeing more and more smoothie and protein shake recipes that are substituting nut milk for cow’s milk. One example is the Mint Chocolate and Omega 3 Protein Shake recipe that I posted on this blog a few months back. That particular recipe utilized almond nut milk, which seems to be a popular ingredient.  I’ve also seen smoothie and shakes made with cashew nut milk.

However, when I came up this Brazil Nut Milk Smoothie from Nina of the Veggie Wedgie blog, I knew I found something different. Of course, the obvious difference is the use of Brazil Nuts which I haven’t seen before, but I also think that this smoothie is definitely a healthier hot cocoa alternative.  I love the fact that it’s naturally sweetened with agave and you get a lot of nutrients from primarily raw and whole foods.  What’s not to love? To see the original recipe post, which is also in Greek, click here.

Also, if you happen to be following a raw and/or vegan or vegetarian diet, Nina’s blog may be a wonderful new resource for you.  Her recipe index includes recipes for everything from beverages to salads, soups to entrees and more.  What caught my eye was her Sour Kick Quinoa because I love green mango and her Seaweird Spaghetti because I’m a big seaweed fan, but there’s definitely a lot more recipes to choose from, so I hope you’ll stop by and visit for awhile.

Warm Brazil Nut Milk Smoothie

1 small handful of Now Foods Raw Brazil Nuts (around 10)

1/2 vanilla pod

1 Tbs.  Now Foods Agave Syrup

1 Tbs. Navitas Naturals, Cacao Powder, Raw Chocolate Powder

2-3 Navitas Naturals, Cacao Power, Raw Chocolate Beans

1 Tbs. Navitas Naturals Raw Maca Powder

1 small banana or half a large banana

1 cup of water

pinch of Source Naturals Fine Grind Himalayan Rock Salt

Directions

First you have to make the nut milk. Place the nuts and the warm water in a high speed blender and blend until the water becomes white and the nuts are completely crushed. With a cheesecloth, strain the milk. You can use the left over nut pulp to top salads with. Place the nut milk and the other ingredients in the blender and blend until its creamy and smooth. Enjoy warm! Makes one serving.

iHerb sells over 1000 natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

Vegetarian Chili

Photo Credit to Shanon of The Curvy Carrot Blog

When the weather starts to cool down, my thoughts turn to what I refer to as comfort foods.  Comfort foods are there to warm you up from the inside out and also stick to your ribs for when you have to literally weather chilly days and nights.  So when I came upon this Vegetarian Chili recipe by Shanon, writer of The Curvy Carrot Blog, I knew this recipe would hit the spot and when I saw the delectable photo, it sealed the deal. Click here to see the original recipe post.

If you happen to click on to Shanon’s blog, you might want to stick around since there’s a good of variety of both savory and sweet recipes that might interest you. In fact, a couple of them already caught my eye like the Salmon Burgers with a Barbecue Hoisin Sauce and the Peanut Caramel Topped Brownie Cake, which looked quite decadent, by the way. As for this Vegetarian Chili, as soon as I rustle up all these ingredients, this is one dish that ‘s definitely going to be served at my family’s table.  Maybe you and your family should give it a try, too.

Vegetarian Chili
Serves 4

3 Tbs vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped fine ( about 1 cup)

1 large red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped fine (about 1-1/4 cups)

8 medium cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbs.  Simply Organic, Cumin

3 Tbs.  Frontier Natural Products, Fiesta Chili Powder

1/4 tsp. Spice Hunter, Red Pepper, Cayenne, Ground

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

1 tsp. Simply Organic, Oregano

1 Tbs. Florida Crystals, Organic Brown Sugar

1-15 oz can Eden Foods, Organic Kidney Beans

1-15 oz can Eden Foods, Organic Black Beans

1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

1-1/2 tsp.  The Real Food Trading Company, Himalayan Pink Sea Salt

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tbs.  lime juice

Cheese, optional

Sour cream, optional

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until about shimmering.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent and slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the red pepper and cook until it and the onion are soft and slightly browned around the edges, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Push the vegetables to the perimeter of the pot so that the center of the pot is clear.
6. Sprinkle the ground cumin into the center of pot and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
7. Stir the cumin and vegetables together and let cook until the cumin is fragrant, about 1 minute.
8. Add the chili powder and cayenne pepper and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
9. Add 2 cups water and stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
10. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
11. Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, and brown sugar, and bring back to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 25 minutes.
12. Add the beans and corn and stir gently to incorporate.
13. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in salt, cilantro, and lime juice immediately before serving.

iHerb sells over 3,000 natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.

Maple Olive Oil Apple Chips

Photo Credit to Aimee of The Dirty Gourmet Blog

For the best tasting produce, one should always eat them when they’re in season and when it comes to fall, apples are definitely at their peak of flavor.  When I came upon a recipe by Aimee, one of the bloggers for The Dirty Gourmet Blog, for Maple Olive Oil Apple Chips, I loved it on the spot.

First, the recipe uses only 4 ingredients, including the apples themselves.  Second, except for the slicing of the apples part, this recipe is kid-friendly.  Finally, these apple chips are a healthy snack alternative that you can take on the go.  A true win-win-win situation.  Click here to see the original recipe post.

By the way, if you’re a food lover who also happens to be outdoorsy, the Dirty Gourmet Blog might be a great resource for you.  Their mission is simple – to inspire the outdoor cook to discover their gourmet potential.

In this blog, you’ll find recipes that you can cook on-site for extended activities like camping and backpacking or recipes that can be prepared ahead of time for a simple day hike, for a day-long biking activity or for a simple picnic.  So before your next outdoor activity, be sure to bookmark The Dirty Gourmet blog for a new take on outdoor cooking and eating.

Maple Olive Oil Apple Chips

4 apples

3 Tbs.  Now Foods, Healthy Foods, Maple Syrup

1 Tbs. California Olive Ranch, Miller’s Blend, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

pinch of Klamath, Mineral Mountain Krystal Salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat, or coat them with cooking spray.
2. Combine maple syrup, olive oil, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Thinly slice the apples and place them in the bowl with the maple syrup mixture. Toss to coat the apple slices. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the baking sheets.
4. Bake for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until the apples dry out. Store the apple chips in an airtight container.

iHerb sells thousands of natural food items, everything from stevia to gluten free flours to much more!  Click here to take a look at our product offerings.  If  you’re new to iHerb, you can use Coupon Code WOW123 to get $5 off your first order.