Vegan Wednesday! Vegan BBQ Ideas!

The summer months are always filled with pool parties, outdoor sporting events, and lots and lots of BBQs! As a vegan, it's always a bit challenging finding a dish to bring that is vegan and universally appetizing (even to those die-hard meat eaters!). I've scoured the internet to find some great vegan friendly side dishes that are sure to please even the most stubborn meat and potatoes BBQ guests.

Easy Avocado-Lime Black Bean Salad from Oh She Glows blog


Ingredients

• Two 15-ounce can black beans
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 small shallots, diced
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4-1/2 tsp Kosher Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large avocado, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

Directions: Drain the beans thoroughly and rinse. In a large bowl add the beans and toss with lime juice, cilantro leaves, diced shallot, and ground cumin. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Peel and slice an avocado, and serve the beans at room temperature, with chopped avocado on top or mixed throughout the salad. Note that I did not have any cilantro on hand, but it still tasted delicious! Makes 3-4 servings.

Edamole from FitSugar.com


Ingredients

3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
3 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 garlic clove, halved
1 Roma tomato, diced

Combine all ingredients except for the tomato in a food processor until smooth. Add the diced tomato and stir gently. Cover and chill.

Check out Vegan Wednesdays through out the month of June and July for more vegan BBQ dishes!

Drink yourself Svelte!

It's here!.....a healthy AND delicious protein drink! CalNaturale Svelte drinks come in four scrumptious flavors including Chocolate, French Vanilla, Spiced Chai and Cappuccino. Thick, rich and creamy with 16 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber!

These drinks make a wonderful snack or meal replacement if you are on the go or just don't have time to sit and actually chew your food. They leave you feeling full and satisfied and will definitely tie you over til dinner!

Ingredients include organic soymilk, erythritol and stevia and a vitamin and mineral blend including including B-12. Oh, and did I mention they are on SALE this month?

Manic Monday Recipe: Burrito

The weekend is over and it's back to reality! Each Monday we will post an easy recipe, either for the crockpot, quick fix or five ingredient or less recipe. Here's to eating healthy, simply!

Guilt-Free Burrito

This recipe can be completed from start to finish in 30 minutes!

Ingredients:
1 cup white basmati rice
1 1/2 cups water or vegetable stock
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 can refried beans
1 avocado, seeded and sliced
1 large tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup grated vegan mozzarella
4 large whole-grain tortillas
Vegan Sour Cream
2 cups chopped lettuce
Directions:
1.  Place the rice in water in a medium-size pot and bring to boil.  Cover and lower the heat to a simmer.  Cook for 10 minutes.  Turn off the heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
2.  While the rice is cooking, place the beans in a small pot over low heat.  Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  You may need to add a small amound of water and watch that it doesn't boil.
3.  Warm the tortillas on a griddle or in a large saute pan.  Prep the remaining ingredients as indicated.
4.  Build your own burrito!

 
Recipe found in The 30 Minute Vegan