avocado and edamame zucchini noodles

Avocado and Edamame Zucchini Noodles, a light and refreshing meal in under 10 minutes!

Avocado and Edamame Zucchini Noodles ~vegan, gluten free~

We made a variation of this meal a few weeks back for dinner, which sparked the idea for this recipe.  The original recipe included spiraled zucchini and garlic lightly cooked in olive oil.  However, we served it over cooked pasta.  It tasted great, but was heavy on carbs.  Instead, this version uses zucchini as the pasta and includes edamame and avocado to make it a well rounded meal.

Avocado and Edamame Zucchini Noodles ~vegan, gluten free~

I’ve said before that I’m not a huge fan of zucchini, but something about the fun spiralized shape makes it taste different!  I’m also in a stage of pregnancy where I can’t get enough raw vegetables!  A meal that serves up a whole bowl of fresh veggies is ok with me!  Strange how these pregnancy cravings work, one day it’s muffins and the next it’s lemons and zucchini!

Avocado and Edamame Zucchini Noodles ~vegan, gluten free~

avocado and edamame zucchini noodles
 
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Makes 2 portions
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 zucchinis, spiral cut
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup edamame, steamed
  • ½ avocado, cubed
  • 5-6 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. In a small sauce pan over low heat add olive oil and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
  2. In a large bowl add zucchini noodles, lemon juice, edamame, avocado and basil leaves. Add olive oil and garlic, sea salt and pepper and toss to coat. Top with hemp seeds and enjoy!

Avocado and Edamame Zucchini Noodles ~vegan, gluten free~

Perfect for a Meatless Monday meal!

quinoa hemp seed tabbouleh

 Quinoa Hemp Seed Tabbouleh is a protein packed take on the Middle Eastern Classic.  The addition of hemp seeds upgrade this dish to power salad status!

Quinoa Hemp Seed Tabbouleh ~vegan, gluten free~

I can’t talk enough about my love for hemp seeds!  In our house we add them to just about everything…avocado toast, salads, smoothies, peanut butter sandwiches, yogurt, chia seed pudding, pasta, oatmeal, soups, you name it!  They have a nutty flavor and add a slightly crunchy texture.  Noah loves them and eats them straight out of the container!  They are packed with omega 3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, zinc and are a perfect plant-based protein!

Quinoa Hemp Seed Tabbouleh ~vegan, gluten free~

Typical tabbouleh uses bulgur, but I swapped it with gluten-free quinoa.   This is very versatile recipe, you can add tons of other ingredients to satisfy your taste buds!

Other add-ins include:

Kale

Avocado

Peas

Olives

White Beans

Pumpkin Seeds

Spinach

Roasted Butternut Squash

Scallions

Mint

Quinoa Hemp Seed Tabbouleh ~vegan, gluten free~

quinoa hemp seed tabbouleh
 
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Makes 4 servings
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa (1/2 cup dried, follow instructions on package)
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cups cucumbers, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Cook quinoa according to directions, allow to cool.
  2. Once quinoa is cooled, add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix until well combined.
  3. Eat right away or place in refrigerator for 1 hour to let flavors blend.
  4. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 250 Fat: 20 Carbohydrates: 17 Sugar: 3 Fiber: 3 Protein: 7

 Quinoa Hemp Seed Tabbouleh ~vegan, gluten free~

Stuff tabbouleh in a pita pocket for an on-the-go lunch or serve as is with a side of hummus, rice crackers and olives!

almond joy superfood smoothie bowl

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl ~vegan, gluten free~

Can you tell I’m on a superfood kick these days?!?  Smoothies are a great way to incorporate superfoods into your day!  This smoothie is loaded with antioxidant, vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber (13 grams protein and 12 grams fiber to be exact!)…plus it tastes like a bowl of almond joy ice cream!  Less liquid is added, so the consistency of this smoothie is more like a thick milk shake and requires a spoon!  However, you can add a little more milk for a drinkable smoothie!  We all agreed that this smoothie was sweet enough as is, but if you need a little more sweetness add a few pitted dates.

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl ~vegan, gluten free~

A whole tablespoon of cacao is added, which will give you a jolt!  Cacao contains the stimulant theobromine, so use with caution!  I don’t recommend large doses of cacao for toddlers, especially while snowed in during winter storm Juno!  Also, use in moderation if pregnant…needless to say, we shared this smoothie bowl three ways!

I swear my kid wears clothes other than pajamas...but not often :)

I swear my kid wears clothes other than pajamas…but not often :)

almond joy superfood smoothie bowl
 
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Makes 1 portion (nutrition facts calculated using soy milk)
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 frozen banana (slice before freezing for easier blending!)
  • ¼ cup old fashioned oats (add nuts if going grain free!)
  • ½ cup milk of your choice (hemp, soy, almond, etc.)
  • ½ tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon raw cacao or cocoa powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
  • Toppings:
  • shredded coconut
  • hemp seeds
  • cacao nibs
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients (except the toppings) in a high speed blender and blend until creamy. Transfer to a bowl, add toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 305 Fat: 8 Carbohydrates: 51 Sugar: 13 Fiber: 12 Protein: 13

Almond Joy Superfood Smoothie Bowl ~vegan, gluten free~