by Julie Pace, RDN | Mar 13, 2022
Healthy Quinoa Salad
Julie Pace, RDN
You'll love this quick and easy quinoa salad recipe that's loaded with flavor and powerful nutrients. This dish is easy to make and is a great meal prep dish to make for the week ahead. It's made with quinoa a delicious whole grain that's gluten free and packed with nutrients, fiber, protein, and beneficial plant compounds along with many more health promoting ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
- 1 cup quinoa, dry white, organic
- 2 cups edamame organic, non-gmo
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped organic
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach, finely chopped organic
- 2 medium cucumbers, diced organic
Tangy Lemon Tahini Dressing
- 1 Tbsp Tahini
- 2 Tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 gloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp dijion mustard
Combine rinsed quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then decrease temperature to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until all of the water has been absorbed, usually about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool.
In a medium pot, add 3 cups water. Bring to a boil. Add in edamame. Boil for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients for dressing.
In a large bowl, add cooked quinoa, edamame and chopped veggies. Mix well. Drizzle with tahini dressing and enjoy!
Keyword healthy salad, quinoa, Quinoa Salad
by Julie Pace, RDN | Mar 4, 2022
Craving a sweet treat that’s comforting and easy to make? This Easy Jasmine Rice Pudding is the perfect dessert or snack! With its rich, creamy texture and hint of cinnamon, this pudding is ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, it’s a delightful way to satisfy your cravings with health benefits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Sweetened with maple syrup and made with almond milk, this recipe is a lighter, dairy-free version of traditional rice pudding.
- Nutritious: Thanks to jasmine rice, this pudding offers health benefits alongside its comforting flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Jasmine Brown rice (dry, organic)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1-3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (ground)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Jasmine Rice Pudding
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice in a colander until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch for a creamier consistency.
- Cook the Rice: Combine the almond milk and rice in a medium pot. Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Simmer: Cook on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is soft and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top with optional walnuts and dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Potential Health Benefits of Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice isn’t just delicious—it offers a variety of potential health benefits:
- Improved Immune System: Jasmine rice contains antioxidants and nutrients that may support immune function, helping your body fend off illnesses.
- Promotes Healthy Pregnancy: It’s a good source of folate, a vital nutrient for pregnant individuals to support fetal development and reduce birth defect risks.
- Supports Digestive Health: With its easily digestible carbohydrates, jasmine rice is gentle on the stomach, making it a great option for those with sensitive digestion.
Paired with almond milk and cinnamon, this rice pudding becomes not only a comforting treat but also a nutritious addition to your diet.
Tips for the Perfect Jasmine Rice Pudding
- Topping Ideas: Add texture and flavor with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or fresh fruit.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, perfect for a variety of dietary preferences.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is Jasmine Rice Healthy?
This Easy Jasmine Rice Pudding combines wholesome ingredients to create a dessert that’s as nutritious as it is delicious:
- Jasmine Rice: A natural source of energy and nutrients like folate and manganese.
- Almond Milk: Dairy-free and low in calories, providing a creamy base. You can swap for any other unsweetened plant-based milk.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
- Cinnamon: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a comforting snack, or a nutritious treat to share, this Easy Jasmine Rice Pudding is the perfect choice. With its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and nourishing ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Easy Jasmine Rice Pudding
Julie Pace, RDN
This thick and creamy jasmine rice pudding is simply sweet and satisfying. It's so easy to make and ready in about 15-20 minutes. Top with your favorite nuts or dried fruit and treat yourself with this delicious pudding.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Asian
- 1/2 cup jasmine brown rice dry, organic
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1-3/4 cup almond milk unsweetened
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Rinse rice in colander until water runs clear.
In a medium pot, add unsweetened almond milk along with rice.
Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes.
Turn down heat to low and add maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon
Cook on low for stirring frequently to prevent sticking for about 15-20 minutes or until rice is soft and creamy.
Optional-Top with walnuts and dried cranberries
Keyword Healthy dessert, jasmine, rice pudding
by Julie Pace, RDN | Mar 4, 2022
Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup
Julie Pace, RDN
This Sweet potato black bean soup is a simple dinner recipe that's healthy, hearty and filling. It is full of aromatic spices like cumin, ginger, smoked paprika and more.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
- 3 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 4 large garlic cloves finely diced
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 14oz cans fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 14oz cans black beans, rinsed & drained
- 2-3 cups vegetable broth
- add-in optional 2 cups fresh organic baby spinach
- salt and pepper to taste
Peel and diced sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic, then set aside.
In a large pot on medium heat, add avocado oil, garlic, onions stirring for 2-3 minutes.
Add in all the spices, mix together. Add in sweet potatoes, tomato paste, tomatoes, black beans and vegetable broth. Mix together.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer covered for 20 minutes or until potatoes are done.
Add spinach, stir and enjoy.
Serve over quinoa or rice, if desired
Keyword black bean soup, sweet potato balck bean, sweet potato soup, vegan, vegan soup
by Julie Pace, RDN | Feb 27, 2022
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats
This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats recipe makes such an easy and nutritious breakfast or dessert. All you"ll need are a few simple ingredients. This taste like you're eating cake for breakfast!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
- 1/2 cup rolled old fashioned oats organic
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp cinnamon ground
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup plant milk i used almond milk
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp plant butter melted, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
Spray 2 ramekins, if you want them to be easily removed
Pour mixture divided evenly into ramekins. Bake in oven 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes.
Top with your favorite vegan cream cheese and/or nuts. Enjoy!
Keyword baked oats, dairy free, glute free, Healthy Vegan Recipe
by Julie Pace, RDN | Feb 27, 2022
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
This Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad is made with simple ingredients that's so flavorful, healthy and delicious. It taste delicious with or without the lemon tahini dressing, however, the dressing gives this salad the perfect sweet and salty combination when paired with the feta. Nourish your body with this hydrating nutrient-rich salad that's packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It's so easy to make and ready in less than 15 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Greek
- 1 pound mini organic cucumbers diced
- 1 large red onion diced
- 2 large yellow organic bell pepper diced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, organic sliced
- 4 ounces feta vegan
- salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Tahini Dressing
- 1/8 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 4-6 cloves fresh garlic minced
- I used Follow Your Heart Feta
Keyword gluten free, healthy salad, vegan
by Julie Pace, RDN | Feb 25, 2022
Double Chocolate Banana Bread
If you love chocolate, you'll love this rich double Chocolate Banana Bread. It's so moist and delicious and so easy to make. This recipe can be used to make chocolate cake too. The more ripe the bananas the easier they are to mash and incorporate into the batter for baking.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Breads, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
- 1-1/3 cup all-purpose flour unbleached
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 large banana mashed, very ripe
- 2/3 cup plant-milk i used unsweetened almond
- 1/3 cup neutral oil I used vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup cane sugar organic
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips dairy-free
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix first 6 dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients (except for chocolate chips) Mix well then combine with dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth, then fold in chocolate chips. Top with chocolate chips, if desired.
Pour in pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center of bread.
Remove from oven. Let cool 5 minutes. Slice and enjoy!
Keyword chocolate, dairy free, easy, vegan
