Last weekend we were getting ready to go for a hike at Lake Louise and I decided (last minute, of course!) to make some trail mix for the road. It turned out to be really delicious (even the chipmunks liked it!), so today I’m sharing the recipe with you. My Toasted Trail Mix is more like a mixture of trail mix and granola — it’s full of awesome, nourishing, all-natural ingredients, and brimming with antioxidants to help fuel your day. It gets nice and toasty in the oven, and the toasted flavour is complimented by a bit of maple syrup, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne powder for that little bit extra! I also like to enjoy this trail mix on top fruit parfaits and smoothie bowls to kick my breakfast up a notch — it’s a versatile recipe that I love having in my kitchen.
Dairy Free
NECTARINE BASIL SALAD WITH PINEAPPLE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
I’m totally in love with nectarines right now, and I’ve been making my Nectarine Basil Salad with Pineapple Balsamic Vinaigrette for lunch often lately! It’s quick to whip together and combines a delicious summer flavour profile — nectarines and basil. You could also have this salad for dinner, just add some grilled chicken, shrimp (or more almonds) and you’re set! In this recipe I use a pineapple balsamic white vinegar from Lucero Olive Oil, which I picked up in Napa Valley last summer (and have been rationing like an insane person), because it’s absolutely heavenly.
CHERRY CRUMBLE SMOOTHIE
In honour of Canada Day, I’m sharing a red and white smoothie recipe inspired by one of my favourite summer desserts — cherry crumble! It’s cherry season in Canada, so I wanted to incorporate cherries into a healthy, nutrition packed smoothie that you can enjoy anytime of day (even though it tastes like a dessert!). My Cherry Crumble Smoothie also contains an unexpected superfood vegetable that makes it naturally sweet and decadent tasting — just like real cherry crumble.
DETOXIFYING WATERMELON MINT LIMEADE
I’ve been eating so much watermelon lately! I can’t help it, it’s just so delicious and hydrating. Today I’m sharing a simple juice recipe that involves a whole lotta watermelon — and all you need are 4 ingredients to make my Detoxifying Watermelon Mint Limeade! I’ve also been catching a lot of hot yoga classes lately, and indulging in a big glass of this juice after practice to rehydrate and help detoxify. Also, how gorgeous is this colour combination?
VEGAN SOUTHWEST QUINOA BOWLS
This is a pretty nerdy confession… but it’s really fun for me to try to recreate restaurant dishes I love at home! I enjoy the challenge of figuring out what ingredients were used and attempting to make restaurant-inspired cuisine — it pushes me out of my comfort zone and I end up combining ingredients I wouldn’t usually pair together (like the Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing in this recipe). My Vegan Southwest Quinoa Bowls are inspired by the Viva Bowl at NYC’s Local Thyme (where I ate lunch almost every day during my time in Manhattan!) — but with my own spin, and tons of extra veggies! Did you know that today is National Eat Your Vegetables Day?
APPLE CARROT LEMON GINGER JUICE
When life gives you lemons; you find some apples, carrots, and ginger — then you make this delicious juice! My Apple Carrot Lemon Ginger Juice is such an easy recipe that I almost didn’t want to share, but this is one of my all-time favourite fresh juices. Sometimes simple really is best. Enjoy this little bit of sunshine in a glass whenever you need a quick dose of vitamins and antioxidants to cleanse your digestive system and rev up your metabolism.
CRUDITÉ STYLE NIÇOISE SALAD
My Crudité Style Niçoise Salad is my favourite salad to make after a trip to the farmer’s market! There’s a ton of beautiful, seasonal produce available right now, and this simple salad lets the ingredients shine. I like to serve this salad crudité-style — that way everyone can take what they like and customize their plates. This is a girl dinner classic; a nutrition-packed, hearty salad that tastes just as good as it looks!