by Julie Pace, RDN | Jul 10, 2022
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob
Julie Pace, RDN
Sweet, fresh corn on the cob rubbed in homemade herb butter always makes a flavorful, crowd pleasing side dish. Whether its oven-roasted or cooked on the grill, it's always delicious.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, plant-based, vegan
- 4 ears fresh sweet yellow corn on the cob
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter, softened I used Smart Balance
- 1 tsp rosemary leaves
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tsp parsley leaves
- 2 tsp fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
Remove the husks and corn silk.
Add the herbs to the softened butter. Mix well.
Rub the herb butter on the ears of corn.
Place on baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning ears over halfway through cooking.
Keyword corn on the cob recipe, oven roasted corn
by Julie Pace, RDN | Jul 8, 2022
Watermelon Salsa
Julie Pace, RDN
This delicious and refreshing watermelon salsa is quick and easy to make. It's made with sweet watermelon, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers, onions, and avocados. Add in cilantro, mint leaves, and zest of lime & juice for more flavor.
Course healthy snack, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine plant-based, vegan
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, diced
- 2 medium fresh jalapeno peppers, finely diced de-seed
- 2 medium avocado, diced peeled
- 1 cup red onion, diced
- 2 medium seedless cucumbers, diced peeled
Optional- Add in 3/4 cup cilantro leaves and/or 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves with zest and juice of one lime.
Keyword salad, watermelon
by Julie Pace, RDN | Jul 7, 2022
Love the rich, warm flavors of apple pie but want to skip the extra sugar and fat? This Apple Pie Bites Recipe is the perfect solution! Made with flaky phyllo shells and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, this recipe gives you all the indulgent taste of traditional apple pie in a healthier, bite-sized form. Best of all, they’re ready in just 15 minutes, making them a quick and guilt-free snack or dessert.
Why Make These Apple Pie Bites?
- Healthier Alternative: By swapping traditional pie crust for phyllo shells and reducing sugar, these bites are lower in calories and fat.
- Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep and cook time, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules or sweet cravings.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these apple pie bites as a healthy dessert, a sweet snack, or a delightful addition to any gathering.
Ingredients For this Apple Pie Bites Recipe
- Apples: Honeycrisp apples bring natural sweetness and crisp texture.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, and lemon zest brightens the flavor.
- Sweetener: Organic brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Phyllo Shells: Light and flaky, these shells keep the bites perfectly portioned.
Instructions:
- Dice apples and combine with cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon zest, sweetener, and vanilla in a skillet. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
- Bake phyllo shells at 325°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them.
- Fill each shell with the warm apple mixture.
- Optional: Top with chopped pecans or dairy-free whipped cream. Serve and enjoy!
Why I Love This Apple Pie Bites Recipe
These apple pie bites are the perfect way to satisfy your dessert cravings without all the excess sugar and fat. With natural ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re an easy and delicious option for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie—minus the extra sugar and calories!
Want to learn more about plant-based or vegan nutrition? Contact Julie Pace, RDN for personalized guidance on how to transition to more plant-based eating.
Easy Apple Pie Bites
Julie Pace, RDN
These flavorful, flaky phyllo shells filled with warm cinnamon apples taste just like an apple pie, but with less calories, fat, and sugar. Ready to eat in 15 minutes or less which makes them a quick and healthy snack or dessert.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine plant-based, vegan
- 2 medium apples, diced I used Honeycrisp, Organic
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tsp cinnamon, ground
- 2 tso lemon zest
- 1/4 cup organic brown sugar if needed, can substitute for 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pkg Phyllo shells I used Athens
Core and dice apples.
Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Heat a skillet to low heat and add apples, cornstarch , cinnamon, lemon zest, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Let simmer, stirring frequently until mixture thickens and is well combine.
Place phyllo cups in the oven on baking pan for 3-4 minutes until crisp. Remove from oven.
In each shell, fill the apple pie mixture and enjoy!
Optional- Top with chopped pecans or dairy free whipped cream.
Keyword apple pie, apples
by Julie Pace, RDN | Jun 29, 2022
Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic
Julie Pace, RDN
A quick, easy and delicious side dish that's ready in 15 minutes or less. It's made with 4 simple ingredients including fresh asparagus, fresh garlic, lemon, and pepper.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
- 1 pound asparagus spears fresh
- 2 tbsp olive oil can use water instead
- 3 -4 cloves fresh garlic, choped
- 1/2 lemon juice and/or zest
- salt and pepper to taste
Place saute skillet over medium heat.
Add in olive oil or vegan butter.
Add asparagus and saute 3-5 minutes.
Saute until done to likeness or slightly tender.
Add chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Add lemon juice or zest and saute for one minute.
Remove from heat and enjoy!
Optional, sprinkle with vegan parmesan, if desired.
Keyword Asparagus, gluten free
by Julie Pace, RDN | Apr 24, 2022
Looking for a quick and easy nutritious and flavorful meal? This Chickpea Caesar Salad Recipe with vegan Caesar Dressing offers the perfect balance of taste and health. With fresh vegetables, garlicky chickpeas, and a creamy tahini-based Caesar dressing, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Not only is this salad quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s an excellent choice for a quick and easy lunch or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Nutrient-dense and satisfying, this salad supports a healthy lifestyle.
- Featuring garlicky chickpeas and a tangy dressing, it’s bursting with flavor.
Pro Tip: Customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings, such as roasted nuts or croutons, for extra crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
- Chickpeas: Seasoned with garlic powder for a garlicky crunch.
- Baby Spinach: A fresh and nutrient-rich base.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild, zesty bite.
- Avocado: Creamy and full of healthy fats.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and crunchy.
- Broccoli Florets: A nutrient powerhouse.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
For the Caesar Dressing
- Tahini: The creamy base for the dressing.
- Garlic: For bold flavor.
- Vegenaise: A vegan alternative to mayonnaise, adding richness.
- Capers: For a briny, umami kick.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the flavors.
- Dijon Mustard: Enhances the tangy profile.
- Water: To thin the dressing as needed.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for seasoning.
How to Make Chickpea Salad Recipe with Caesar Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
To begin, add tahini, fresh garlic, vegenaise, capers, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to a food processor. Then, process the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, gradually add 1–2 tablespoons of water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 2: Season the Chickpeas
Next, rinse, drain, and dry the chickpeas thoroughly. Afterward, toss them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For added flavor, you can lightly sauté the chickpeas until golden and aromatic, though this step is optional.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Start by placing a bed of baby spinach in your serving bowl. Following this, layer the chopped red onion, avocado slices, red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and diced cucumber evenly over the spinach. Finally, top the salad with the seasoned chickpeas.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Lastly, drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing generously over the salad. Gently toss everything to ensure the ingredients are well-coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Chickpea Caesar Salad!
Tips for Success
- Adjust the Dressing: If you like a thinner consistency, add water gradually until the dressing reaches your preferred texture.
- Customize: Add roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or toasted croutons for extra variety.
- Storage: Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Health Benefits of Chickpea Salad with Caesar Dressing
Not only is this salad delicious, it’s a healthy, balanced meal. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein, while the fresh vegetables deliver a variety of vitamins and antioxidants. Unlike the classic Caesar dressing, this tahini-based Caesar dressing is rich in heart-healthy fats.
Chickpea Caesar Salad Recipe with Vegan Caesar Dressing
Julie Pace, RDN
This delicious Chickpea Caesar Salad Recipe with creamy vegan salad dressing makes a quick, easy and nutritious meal. Topped with a delicious homemade vegan caesar dressing and garlicky chickpeas.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, vegan
- 1 cup chickpeas rinsed, drained, dried
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup red onion chopped
- 1/4 medium avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets chopped
- 1 medium seedless cucumber diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Caesar Dressing
- 1/4 cup tahini, organic
- 1 clove fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup vegenaise
- 1 tsp capers, diced thin
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1-2 tbsp water to thin
- black pepper, fresh ground
Keyword caesar salad, chickpea salad
by Julie Pace, RDN | Apr 12, 2022
Mediterranean Red Lentil Salad
Julie Pace, RDN
If you've got 20 minutes, you've got time to make this quick and easy Red Lentil Salad. This five ingredient recipe made with red lentils, red bell pepper, red onion, and baby spinach is so healthy and delicious. Drizzled with homemade oil free balsamic vinegar dressing makes this salad even more flavorful.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine dairy free, Gluten Free, Mediterranean, vegan
- 1 cup red lentils, organic rinsed, sorted
- 2 cups vegetable broth organic
- 1 large red bell pepper organic, chopped
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach organic, chopped
Homemade Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Dijion mustard
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp oregano, dried organic
- 1 tsp basil, dried organic
Rinse and sort lentils. Place lentils and vegetable broth in pot and bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer for about 15 minutes or until lentils are soft and broth is soaked up.
Remove lentils from heat and let cool. Drain any remaining broth, if needed.
In a medium bowl, add red bell pepper, red onion, baby spinach, along with red lentils. Mix well. Drizzle with homemade dressing and enjoy!
Balsamic Vinegar Dressing
Optional: Top with Vegan Feta Cheese
Keyword Lentil Salad Recipe, Red lentil, Vegan Recipes
