Barley Peach & Walnut Salad

Here is another light summer salad dish using peaches!

Barley Peach & Walnut Salad

1 c. quick cooking barley
1/4 c. curly parsley, chopped
1/2 c. walnut pieces
1 fresh peach, diced (can substitute a nectarine for the peach)
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 TBSP lime juice
1/4 c. orange juice
1/4 tsp. cumin (add another 1/4 tsp. if desired)
1/4 tsp. extra fine sea salt

-Cook barley according to directions. Rinse with cold water.
-In a large bowl, add the cooked barley and the remaining ingredients.
-Toss to coat and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for the flavors to blend.

Stir before serving!

Quinoa & Peach Salad

I had purchased a few peaches and I wanted to make something different. Peaches are really juicy and sweet this time of year!  Here is a healthy summer salad that is sure to satisfy!

Quinoa & Peach Salad

1 c. white quinoa...follow directions for cooking. Let cool.
1/2 of a red bell pepper, seeded & diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small lemon, juiced
1 TBSP. pure maple syrup
1/4 tsp. extra fine sea salt
1 large peach, sliced or chopped

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour for the flavors to blend. Serve & enjoy!

My recipe is in VegNews online!

Come to my surprise, a recipe of mine "Jackfruit Mint Smoothie" is #12 in VegNews online ....13 Stellar Vegan Jackfruit Recipes.  So excited!

http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=5978&catId=2

Pea-camole Dip

What is Pea-camole? It's a dip with peas, a avocado, salsa & cilantro! Peas are the main for this dip...which has practically disappeared in my refrigerator!

Pea-camole Dip

2 c. frozen peas
1 small avocado, pitted & scooped
1/2 c. salsa
1-2 TBSP. fresh cilantro
1/2 tsp. lime juice

-Cook peas according to directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
-In a food processor combine all ingredients and run until smooth.

Put in a bowl with cover and refrigerate any uneaten portions!

Raw Cashew Alfredo Sauce

What's for dinner? Homemade Raw Cashew Alfredo Sauce over pasta with peas, carrots & mushrooms!

Raw Cashew Alfredo Sauce

1 c. raw cashews, soaked in hot water for a few hours
1 medium lemon,  juiced squeezed in small bowl
1/2 c. soy milk or another non-diary milk
1 TBPS. nutritional yeast
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. extra fine sea salt
few dashes of pepper

-Drain cashews.
-Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth. If you want the sauce thinner, add more soy milk or water.

Pour over your favorite pasta and veggies...Enjoy!

Maple Dijon Mustard Dressing recipe...for my salad

What on your plate for lunch?
This is a romaine salad with blueberries, apples & red bell pepper with my homemade Maple Dijon Mustard dressing!
Here's the recipe for the dressing:

Maple Dijon Mustard Dressing

1 TBSP. Dijon Mustard
1 TBSP. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. pure maple syrup

-In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together and pour on your favorite salad!

Thick & Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup

I know it's summer but I just don't like turning on my stove. My house heats up and it takes many hours to cool back down! That's why today I make Vegetable Barley Soup! It's easy and it's made on the stove top!

Thick & Hearty Vegetable Barley Soup

1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 14.5-oz. can diced fire roasted tomatoes, undrained
2 c. water or veggie broth
1 bay leaf
4 fresh sweet basil leafs, rolled together and thinly sliced or 1/2 tsp. dry basil
1 c. quick cooking pearled barley
salt & pepper (optional)

-In a large pot, put a thin layer of water or broth. Add the onions and celery.
-Cook the onions & celery on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
-Add the tomatoes, water or broth, bay leaf , basil and barley. Stir and bring to boil.
-Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
-Turn off heat.
-Add salt and pepper to taste.

The longer this soup sets...the tastier it gets.

Vegetable Radiatore Summer Salad

I purchased this vegetable radiatore from Trader Joe's. The ingredients are Organic Durum Wheat Semolina, Spinach, Beet, Red Bell Pepper and Paprika. This salad is great for gatherings or just to make and nibble on for a few days! (this is what we do) This is a keeper and one to share!  Make ahead of time to so the flavors can blend and to get cold in the refrigerator!

Vegetable Radiatore Summer Salad

3/4 c. apple cider vinegar
2/3 c. turbinado sugar or raw sugar
1 1/2 TBSP. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. extra fine sea salt (optional)
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 12-oz package vegetable radiatore
1/2 green bell pepper, seed and diced
2 TBSP. chopped green onion
1 cucumber, peeled, quartered, seeded & chopped (peeling optional)
1 roma tomato, chopped

-In a medium saucepan, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
-Bring to boil or until the sugar dissolves. Turn off heat and let cool.
-Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
-In a large container, add the pasta, veggies & vinegar mixture. Combine well.
-Cover & let set in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to get cold and flavors to blend.

Mango & Papaya Smoothie

A very refreshing drink on a hot summer day!

1 c. fresh cut up mango, then freeze (or can use can or store bought frozen)
1 c. papaya chilled, fresh or canned (I use canned)
1 c. unsweetened coconut milk beverage
1 TBSP  pure maple syrup (optional)
shredded coconut (optional)

-Combine all in blender until smooth. Enjoy!

Happy Fourth Of July!

What is on your menu today?