Heirloom Tomato and Golden Plum Salad

Enjoy the best of summer with this spicy, sweet, savory salad!

Ingredients:

Salad:
2-3 cups fresh baby arugula, lightly tossed in olive oil
2-3 heirloom tomatoes of different colors, cut into 1/4-inch slabs and lightly salted
3-4 small golden (or purple) plums, cut into wedges
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
Pansies, marigolds, and/or fresh berries for garnish

Dressing:
1/4 cup grapeseed or mild olive oil
Juice of 1/4 lemon
3 Tbs. balsmic vinegar
5 ripe blackberries
1 drop lemon doTERRA essential oil
Salt to taste
*Optional: 1/2 tsp. honey if you like sweeter dressing

Method:

Salad:
Plate a small handful of arugula on a plate
Stack a few slabs of heirloom tomato on the side of the arugula
Top tomatoes with a few wedges of plum
Scatter a few pistachios over the whole salad
Salt to taste

Dressing:
Place all dressing ingredients in a small food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
Add a few berries or a little more oil to reach desired consistency.

Finish:
Drizzle dressing over the salad.
Adorn the plate with fresh flowers and berries for extra beauty and deliciousness. Bon apetít!

Benefits:

Arugula: Arugula is a rich source of folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and B-complexes (such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, which are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions). This is a low-cal lettuce leaf that packs a nutritional wallop, so don’t be afraid to ask for a second helping! See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Blackberries: Blackberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They contain powerful anti-oxidants which help soothe internal inflammation, boost heart and digestive health. They also abound with vitamin K, which helps with maintain healthy blood and bones. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system cleansing, and promote a sense of well-being. It is also miraculous for removing grease, gum, oil, and unwanted marks and spots. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Pistachios: These nuts are rich with antioxidants, phytosterols, unsaturated fats, vitamin B-6, and thiamin. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information. Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.

Tomato: Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain high amounts of manganese and vitamin E. Multiple studies have shown that tomatoes are wonderful for heart health. See here for more health benefits of tomatoes. Heirloom varieties of any flora and fauna are dear to my heart. I’ll write more about this later. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

 

Farm Fresh Spring Salad

Everything is better topped with a fried egg!

Ingredients:

2 bountiful handfuls of the fresh greens of your choice (mixed, spinach, baby kale are yum!)
3-5 sprigs of fresh asparagus
1-2 radishes, sliced into rounds
1 egg
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/4 small lemon
1 drop doTERRA lemon essential oil
*Optional: 1/8 teaspoon sweetener of your choice
1 teaspoon of any fresh herbs you have on-hand (basil, thyme, and tarragon are lovely choices…), chopped

Method:

Place the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon oil, optional sweetener, and herbs in a bowl. Whisk together.

Mix the salad greens in the salad dressing and toss to coat.

Blanch or lightly sauté your asparagus.

Fry an egg.

Serve the salad mix (or just leave it in the same bowl).

Place the fried egg and asparagus atop the salad mix. Enjoy!

Benefits:

Asparagus: Asparagus is packed with vitamins K and A, as well as iron and folate. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory and abounds with antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and the minerals zinc, manganese, and selenium. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Lemon: Lemons are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system cleansing, and promote a sense of well-being. It is also miraculous for removing grease, gum, oil, and unwanted marks and spots. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Mixed Greens: Salad greens abound with vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, fiber, and other phytonutrients. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before eating. See here for more health benefits and safe handling instructions and nutritional information.

Olive Oil: Olive Oil is packed phytonutrients including polyphenols. Most of the polyphenols in olive oil function as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients in the body. When eaten in moderation, olive oil can be very beneficial to our gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Radish: These easy-to-grow root veggies are a good source of riboflavin, bitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese. They’re also low in cholesterol and high in dietary fiber. See here for more nutritional information.

 

Sliced Spring Radishes with Herbed Cream Cheese

Enjoy the flavors of spring with garden fresh radishes and herbs in a swirl of cream cheese.

 

Ingredients:

5 fresh radishes (the wider the better)
1/4 cup organic cream cheese (full fat, please!)
3 mint leaves
5 basil leaves
A little sprig of rosemary
A little sprig of tarragon
Any other herbs you’d like to include
1 drop doTERRA lemon essential oil
A pinch of sea salt

Method:

Scrub and de-stem the radishes. Cut them into quarter-inch thick “coins.”

Lightly salt your radish coins.

Rinse and mince the herbs, and stir them into the cream cheese until well-mixed.

Slather the cream cheese mixture onto the radish coins (to taste), serve with a sprig of the herb of your chose as garnish and enjoy!

Benefits:

Basil: Basil contains flavanoids called orientin and vicenin, which protect us at a cellular level. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Basil is also high in vitamin K, so is great for our blood health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system cleansing, and promote a sense of well-being. It is also miraculous for removing grease, gum, oil, and unwanted marks and spots. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Peppermint: Peppermint is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as manganese and copper. It is also great for the digestion and has antimicrobial properties. See here for more health benefits.

Radish: These easy-to-grow root veggies are a good source of riboflavin, bitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese. They’re also low in cholesterol and high in dietary fiber. See here for more nutritional information.

Tarragon: Tarragon is an excellent source of minerals like calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium, and zinc. It has also been used in various types of traditional medicine as an appetite stimulant, and as a remedy for anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence and hiccups. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Minty Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is minty fresh.

Ingredients:

1-2 kiwis, peeled and sliced into coins
1/4 small cantaloupe, de-seeded, de-rinded, and cut into 1″ hunks
1 cup strawberries, de-stemmed and sliced
1 grapefruit, peeled, and sectioned (then peel each section so that all that remains is the glistening flesh)
4 mint leaves, minced
Juice from 1/4 lemon
1 drop doTERRA lemon oil

Method:

Gently toss all ingredients together until fruit is coated with lemon and mintiness.

Serve and enjoy.

Double or triple the recipe if you have more than 1-2 hungry hippos partaking of your masterpiece fruit salad, and feel free to get creative with what fruits you add.

Benefits:

Cantaloupe: This melon is a plentiful source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fruit, which means it can help us to fight off unwanted inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Grapefruit: This citrus fruit is packed with Vitamins C and A. The pink varieties are an excellent source of the phytonutrient, lycopene, which has been touted for its ability to battle cancer-causing free radicals. Grapefruits also contain phytonutrients called “limonoids” which help inhibit tumor formation and growth. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Kiwi: This little antioxidant-packed gem abounds with vitamins C, K, and E. It’s also a great source of copper and dietary fiber. A very tasty way to support your heart, lungs, and colon! See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon: Lemons are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including anticancer, antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system cleansing, and promote a sense of well-being. It is also miraculous for removing grease, gum, oil, and unwanted marks and spots. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Peppermint: Peppermint is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as manganese and copper. It is also great for the digestion and has antimicrobial properties. See here for more health benefits.

Massaged Kale Salad with Globe Grapes Goat Cheese and Sauteed Veggies

Start with a base of “massaged kale” and add whatever fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, cheese, or protein you have on hand. The result will be delicious!

I always have at LEAST one bunch of fresh kale in the fridge. Kale makes a great base for a lunch or dinner salad. Plus, it’s a great food to favor in the month of February, as our metabolism is getting ready to rock-n-roll for spring. Hangry and need instant food? Have a whole bunch of leftovers, but nothing that’s dinner worthy? Put them on a base of massaged kale and, tadaaa! Dinner is soived.

Massaged kale is a lovely canvas for raw or cooked veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds, cheese, legumes, meat protein, whatever sounds good. Each meal can be one of a kind, and a delicious way to enjoy your masterpiece. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

1 head of kale (purple, lacinto, dino…your call), rinsed
Healthy slathering of extra virgin olive oil (2-ish tablespoons)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 drop doTERRA lemon, lime, or grapefruit essential oil
1 pinch sea salt
Ground pepper to taste
Any other fixins that sound good.
(The version pictured includes sauteed zucchini and jicama, globe grapes, and herbed goat cheese.)

Method:

Gently tear the kale leaves off of the vein in the center of each leaf.

Shred or chop the kale into bite-sized pieces.

Place the kale in a bowl and add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Massage the kale in this mixture until it is soft (a few minutes).

Allow the kale to sit for a few more minutes as you peruse the pantry and fridge for the rest of your fixins.

Dress up your salad with other yummy ingredients, serve and enjoy!

Benefits:

Kale: Kale is a powerful green which has been proven to help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of various types of cancer including bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate. It has powerful detoxifying properties and is an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and A. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon: Lemons are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including anticancer, antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system cleansing, and promote a sense of well-being. It is also miraculous for removing grease, gum, oil, and unwanted marks and spots. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Olive Oil: Olive Oil is packed phytonutrients including polyphenols. Most of the polyphenols in olive oil function as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients in the body. When eaten in moderation, olive oil can be very beneficial to our gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per batch. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Warm Pickled Beet Salad with Goat Feta

Cleanse your blood and please your palate with this tasty pickled beet salad!

This recipe was inspired by A Thought For Food.

February marks the last bit of winter. In Ayurveda it is “kapha” season, which means that our digestion and our bodies might feel sluggish. It’s an important time to start to boost our metabolism of fat in preparation for spring cleansing. So in order to assist our gall bladders and livers rev up their fat-busting super powers, we should favor natural cleansers such as vinegar, lemons, beets, kale, and beans.

Beware of too much dairy this time of year, as it can keep our systems slow and sludgy. If you’re going to partake, then try to include goat dairy, as it is generally easier on the digestion than most cow dairy.

In terms of seasonal eats, there’s not much growing outside in February, so it’s nice to have stocked up on some canned or pickled items (I just learned how to make pickled beets in November…Thanks Tamlin!). And folks who are fortunate enough to have a greenhouse or cold frame might have some greens growing. So thus was born this warm pickled beet salad with arugula and goat feta. Feel free to add whatever kinds of herbs to your vinaigrette that sound tasty. I personally liked the basil/mint combo, but get creative and enjoy!

Tamlin and me, having a domestic goddess day in our frilly aprons. She taught me how to can beets. So fun!

Ingredients:

1 Pint jar of pickled beets (or you can just roast or boil 4 beets that have been trimmed, peeled, and sliced into rounds)
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons ghee
3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 Clove garlic, minced
1/2 Teaspoon ground allspice
Salt and pepper
1/2 Drop doTERRA basil essential oil
1/4 Cup chopped mint, or 2 tablespoons dried mint
1/4 Cup chopped basil, or 2 tablespoons dried basil
1 Small red onion, thinly sliced into rounds
4-6 Cups arugula (you can use spinach or watercress in its place too…)
1 Cup goat feta cheese, crumbled

Method:

Drain the pickled beets. (If using fresh beets, roast or boil them to your liking, skin, and slice them into rounds, and allow them to cool a bit.)

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, allspice, salt and pepper to taste, the mint, the basil. Then dip a toothpick in the doTERRA basil oil and stir it into the mixture.

Heat a medium saute pan over medium heat, add the ghee, and the onions. Allow the onions to brown, then add the pickled beets. Saute them together for a few minutes until sufficiently warmed. Add a bit of the dressing mixture into the pan to coat the beets and onions.

Toss the arugula in remaining dressing. Put it into serving bowls (2 for a meal-sized salad, 4 for an app-sized salad), then adorn each bowl with a bit of the beet onion mixture.

Crumble some goat feta atop each one. Serve and enjoy!

Benefits:

Arugula: Arugula is a rich source of folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and B-complexes (such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, which are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions). This is a low-cal lettuce leaf that packs a nutritional wallop, so don’t be afraid to ask for a second helping! See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Basil: Basil contains flavanoids called orientin and vicenin, which protect us at a cellular level. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Basil is also high in vitamin K, so is great for our blood health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Basil Essential Oil: Basil has powerful anti-infectious, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It can be used to boost alertness and concentration, ease anxiety, nervous depression, headaches, mental fatigue, and insomnia. See here to learn more about doTerra essential oils.

Beet: A great source of phytonutrients called betalains, which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. They are also an excellent source of folate, which is a crucial nutrient especially for those who are (or are looking to get) pregnant. They are also very high in manganese and fiber. These root veggies contain nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information (raw) (cooked).

Ghee: A favorite among Ayurvedic practitioners, said to help cure ailments from tight muscles to memory loss. Ghee is essentially clarified butter that has been separated from the milk solids and saturated fats. I highly recommend replacing your regular butter with this. Read up on the health benefits and nutritional information.

Peppermint: Peppermint is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as manganese and copper. It is also great for the digestion and has antimicrobial properties. See here for more health benefits.

Apple Beet Salad Stacks

Get architectural and stack which ever produce you have on hand for a new take on salads!

Autumn is one of my favorite times of year because a huge variety of produce is in season. I’m happy to report that the veggies in this salad were grown locally. I’d say they weren’t harmed in the making of this salad, but I’d be lying. They were all gobbled up (with love and appreciation, of course!).

If you’re looking for a new and delightful way to enjoy fruits and veggies, I highly recommend engaging your creative streak and stacking your veggies to towering heights. It’s important to tickle all the senses while preparing and eating one’s food, so may you build glorious vegetable stacks. (Sorry, Mom…I guess I’m telling people to play with their food.)

What other stackables can you imagine? Squash? Peppers? Eggplant skyscrapers? Other potential items to crumble over the top: bacon…maybe I’ll just leave it at that. (Apologies, vegans…a little chopped avocado would be delicious too…) Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

Salad: (Serves 2)

Large handful or two of local, organic mixed greens
1 large apple, sliced thinly (honeycrisps are my personal favorite: sweet, tart, and crisp!)
2-3 medium sized beets, boiled or roasted until soft
Balsamic glaze for drizzling
*Optional toasted walnuts or pecans
*Optional blue cheese crumbles

Dressing:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
squeeze of 1/2 a lemon
1/2 teaspoon local honey
hefty pinch of salt
1-2 drops doTERRA lemon essential oil

Method:
Mix dressing ingredients and set aside.

Skin and slice the beets to match the width of your apple slices.

Toss the greens in the dressing in a mixing bowl.

Plate the greens.

Atop the greens, stack slices of the beets and apples, until you’ve reached your desired level of stacked-ness (new word?)

Sprinkle with nuts and cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Serve and enjoy!

Benefits:

Apples:  My, what balanced phytonutrients you have, oh beloved apple. Apples contain a wide array of polyphenols which help regulate our blood sugar. They’re also a great source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, and fiber. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Beet: A great source of phytonutrients called betalains, which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. They are also an excellent source of folate, which is a crucial nutrient especially for those who are (or are looking to get) pregnant. They are also very high in manganese and fiber. These root veggies contain nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information (raw) (cooked).

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including anticancer, antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system, and promote a sense of well-being. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Mixed Greens: Salad greens abound with vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, fiber, and other phytonutrients. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before eating. See here for more health benefits and safe handling instructions and nutritional information.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per dish. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Wilted Spinach Salad with Peaches and Goat Cheese

Autumn is the perfect time for “warm” salads. Toss some greens in a pan with vinaigrette, top with yummy fruits, veggies, nuts, or cheese, and you’ve got your self a real meal!

‘Tis officially autumn, and the harvest is bountiful. This salad is a delicious way to enjoy the last fresh peaches of the season. Combine sweet peaches, savory spinach, healthy fats of goat cheese and nuts, and acid of the vinaigrette to create a very well-balanced dish. The flavors pair together perfectly.

And with the cooler weather, give your digestion a head start by warming up the greens of the salad. Your taste buds, and your tummy, will thank you. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

3-4 cups fresh local organic spinach
1 ripe local peach, sliced
1 handful toasted walnuts
1-2 tablespoons goat cheese

For the dressing:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
pinch salt
pinch cumin and/or garlic salt

Method:

Place the dressing ingredients in a little jar and shake to blend, set aside.

Warm a large sauté pan and add the dressing ingredients until warm.

Add the spinach and toss in the warm dressing until just wilted (don’t overcook! Will turn into sludgy greens!)

Divide the wilted spinach between two serving bowls and add the remaining ingredients. Serve and enjoy!

Benefits:

Olive Oil: Olive Oil is packed phytonutrients including polyphenols. Most of the polyphenols in olive oil function as both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients in the body. When eaten in moderation, olive oil can be very beneficial to our gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Peach: Peaches are high in a number of nutrients such as niacin, thiamine, potassium, and calcium. They are also high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A (which is essential for healthy hearts and eyes). Some say the darker the peach’s color, the richer it is in Vitamin A. The antioxidants may also help in maintaining healthy urinary and digestive functions. Eastern cultures consider peach tea as a powerful kidney cleanser and is used in detoxification. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Spinach: Spinach is a rich source of vitamin K (think blood builder/purifier!), vitamins A, C, B2 and B6, as well as manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium. Popeye apparently knew how to protect himself against inflammatory problems and oxidative stress-related issues, while promoting his cardiovascular and bone health. AND he got the girl! See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Walnuts: Walnuts are powerful medicine. They are packed with valuable antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega fatty acids, manganese, and copper. Walnuts have been studied and proven to help decrease risk of certain cancers,  including prostate and breast. They also help prevent cardiovascular problems and type 2 diabetes. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information. Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.

5-Minute Mediterranean Wraps

Make these wraps in a snap. Throw a few ingredients in a bowl and voilá, a healthy snack or meal.

Eating out of a can is not my forte. However, when the moment calls for an instant snack, sometimes a can of beans is a lifesaver. With this recipe, I just scavenged leftovers from the fridge, added a can of garbanzo beans, a huge dollop of pesto, and rinsed a few cabbage leaves. Presto change-o, there was lunch. Other potential additions: cucumber, chopped red onion, Greek olives, fresh or sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese, avocado, or even hunks of leftover fish or chicken. Perhaps a few more herbs like flat leaf parsley or cilantro would be nice. No wrong way to make a wrap! Enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 large can garbanzo beans
1 can black, green, or Greek olives
1 jar roasted red peppers
1-2 tbs. capers
1/4 cup pesto (or you can just use olive oil, spices, salt and pepper to taste…)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Zest of 1/2 lemon
1-2 drops doTERRA lemon oil
Hefty sprinkle garlic salt
Sprinkle cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Cabbage or lettuce leaves for wrapping

Method:

Empty garbanzo beans into large mixing bowl.

Chop the olives and peppers and add to the bowl.

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until well-combined.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Scoop a dollop into your leaf of choice. Serve and enjoy!

Benefits:

Bell Peppers: NOTE! Bell peppers, a member of the nightshade family, are not for everyone. They are on the “dirty dozen” list of pesticide laden produce (when not organic), and have been known to cause inflammation in some people. HOWEVER, they have lots of health benefits too: Sweet bell peppers are high in vitamins C and A, and contain other antioxidants. Don’t cook over high heat or they loose some of their nutritional wallop. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Garbanzo Beans: Also known as “chickpeas,” these beans are particularly high in insoluble fiber, which means you have a squeaky clean colon and feel fuller for longer when eating these legumes. They are also extremely high in lots of nutrients such as manganese, folate, and tryptophan. They are a great source of plant-based protein. If you find legumes make you gassy, try pre-soaking them for easier digestion. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.  Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.

Lemon: Lemons are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including anticancer, antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system, and promote a sense of well-being. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Olives: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of olives abound, making them ideal cancer fighting food. Olives are also rich in iron, fiber, copper, and monounsaturated (read “healthy”) fats. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per dish. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Grilled Veggies Chickpeas and Pesto (a.k.a. the easiest lunch ever)

Toss some leftovers in a bowl, swirl with pesto, and voilá! Lunch!

I love pesto. So much that I often snag a spoonful from the jar all by itself. But when I feel like not being a barbarian, and actually putting a full three minutes into lunch preparation, pesto of any variety (cilantro, basil, or arugula…whatever you have on hand) is quite a treat when mixed in with veggies and beans.

If you’re on the Paleo diet, then you can replace the beans with diced chicken or hard boiled egg for protein. It works with just about any type of grilled or sauteéd veggie you have on hand. What’s your favorite combo? Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

1 cup of chopped sautéed or grilled veggies, diced (for this batch I used grilled zucchini and carrots)
1/3-1/2 cup garbanzo beans (or the beans of your choice)
2 tbs. pesto of your choice (I used basil pesto)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Stir all ingredients in a bowl.

Serve and enjoy!