Watermelon Mojito Salad
Cool off with this “5 ingredients or less” watermelon salad. The brightness of the lime combined with the flavorful mint adds a wonderful taste to this simple salad.
Learning Objectives
Learn how to safely cut watermelon and how to add flavor with citrus zest.
Level Ups (optional)
Add in 1 cup berries, 1 diced cucumber and/or ¼ cup pumpkin seeds. You can add more color by combining pink and yellow watermelon cubes. Optional to add a pinch of cayenne pepper if not using the jalapeno for a little kick.
Substitutions (optional)
If crunched for time, substitute pre-cut watermelon. Cantaloupe, honeydew, musk melon or any other melon can be substituted for the watermelon.
Almond Flour Cookies
These vegan and grain-free cookies are easy to make, and the dough comes together in less than a minute. Fiber-rich almond flour is the star ingredient, and the sweetness comes from real maple syrup. If you don’t have almond extract, just double the vanilla extract. These cookies are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
Learning Objectives
Learn how to use almond flour for baking.
Level Ups (optional)
Add ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts or dried fruit. Add ½ tsp each of cream of tartar and cinnamon for a Snickerdoodle-like cookie.
Substitutions (optional)
Substitute ½ cup coconut flour for the almond flour and ½ tsp coconut extract for the almond extract. Skip the powdered sugar and add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips.
Chopped Vegetable and White Bean Salad
This salad is so easy to make! Start by making the vinaigrette into the same bowl in which you will be tossing the salad (less dishes, yay!). Add in chopped romaine and your favorite assortment of vegetables—really, anything goes! The addition of pepperoncini and olives will add another layer of flavor, and protein and fiber are found in the white beans. Finally, shave some hard cheese such as a Parmesan or Romano on top. The creaminess and saltiness of the cheese balances out the acidity of the dressing.
Learning Objectives
Lean how to make a simple, veggie packed salad with a basic vinaigrette.
Level Ups (optional)
Substitute 1 Tbsp fresh oregano leaves for the dried oregano. Add a handful of sprouts for extra nutrition or a handful of nuts/seeds before serving for more fiber, fat and protein. A little bit of lemon zest will add some extra acidity.
Substitutions (optional)
Substitute Pecorino Romano or feta for the Parmesan cheese. Substitute cooked chicken or fish for the white beans.
Black Bean Sandwiches with Chipotle Sauce
Both humble and popular, black beans seem to make their way into burgers and chilis. Why not make a recipe even easier by preparing a cold sandwich filling with this star protein? Easy-to-fold pita is spread with a smoky-tangy chipotle sauce and topped with mashed, fiber-rich black beans and crunchy vegetables.
Learning Objectives
Learn to substitute beans for traditional lunch meat.
Level Ups (optional)
Add any sprouts, thinly sliced radishes, thinly sliced jalapenos, cheese and/or microgreens to your sandwiches.
Substitutions (optional)
Substitute 1 Tbsp of chipotle salsa or ½ tsp dried chipotle powder for the chipotle puree. Omit the chipotle and substitute 2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt. Substitute a packet of taco seasoning for the garlic and spices.