It is unbearably hot and humid here in NYC. So hot that the thought of turning on the stove makes me lethargic. This salad requires no more than 5 minutes of heat, and those 5 minutes are well worth it. Tomato panzanella is a quintessential summer dish, and I am happy it has found a home on the crunchy radish summer salad series. Instead of white french bread to soak up the juices and dressing, I use a hearty sprouted whole grain loaf, but a gluten-free option would work well too. Cucumbers add the perfect amount of crunch and pair perfectly with vibrant and flavorful cherry tomatoes for this simple and savory summertime dish.
Read moresummer salad series + grilled peach, arugula, and mozzarella salad
This salad came from pure necessity after a week trip of deliciousness in Copenhagen and Paris (more on that soon). I initially featured a grilled peach salad on crunchy radish a few years back, but wanted to revisit it here and give it a little tune-up. Peppery arugula plays perfectly with the smooth and silky mozzarella and sweet caramelized peaches. I threw in some quick pickled radishes for more complexity and bite, but this can be replaced with onion or omitted altogether. The simplest of dressings is used to truly allow the ingredients to shine. In summer, when produce tastes so exceptional as is, it is best to leave things unadulterated and pure.
Read moresugar snap pea salad + garlic scape pesto
My friends at Fresh Direct sent over a very special delivery, a basket full of gorgeous and incredibly fresh and flavorful produce highlighting some of the seasons most unique offerings. When produce is fresh and local, I typically prefer to leave it be - pure and unadulterated. This allows the natural crunch, textures, and flavors to speak louder than sauces, seasonings, and denaturalization.
Read morekale tabbouleh - a classic dish, with a very crunchy twist
Some purists may snark at the thought of this salad being considered tabbouleh. Yes, it is another glorified kale salad and a fantastically delicious way for you to get your greens. But au contraire, there are many similar elements to beloved tabbouleh peeking out all over this dish. Quinoa serves as your hearty grain, creamy lemony mint-laced dressing delivers that signature zesty pop, and crunchy cucumbers and vibrant tomatoes have a prominent presence - just like conventional tabbouleh, but with a twist. Technically tabbouleh, or not, this summer salad is one not to be missed.
Read moreWho Knew Caesar Was a Vegan?
Caesar salad is notoriously known for its cheesy, garlicky, and creamy dressing that blankets leafy, watery greens. What it is not known for is its nutritional attributes. Traditional caesar salad dressing contains anchovies, raw egg yolk, and parm - tasty, but not necessarily virtuous. For a vegan and healthified version, I made a few swaps and modifications to add nutrient density to a classic dish without sacrificing palatability and mass appeal.
Read moreWhat the F is a Mung Bean?
Every year a hot new food item emerges that is touted to make you feel better and look better. But maybe this trend setting food has been around all along. Mung beans have been praised for their nutrient properties by health-minded individuals and holistic practitioners for years and, most recently, they have started making their way into the mainstream dining arena. So what exactly are mung beans, and once you find them, what the heck do you do with them?
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