Black Bean Avocado Salad

This was another super fast dinner on a hot night.  I love it when dinner is made in 5 minutes or less.

You will need:

• 1/4 olive oil
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 avocado, peeled and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed

In a serving bowl mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper.  Add black beans, onions, red pepper, garlic and avocado.  Toss to combine. 

Broccoli Salad

Rach and I sort of just made this up based on a recipe a neighbour gave me.  It turned out really good.

You will need:

• 1 bunch broccoli, washed and cut into small flowerettes
• 1 jar of Renee's Greek salad dressing
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1 cup trail mix
• 1/3 sweet onion, chopped
• salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.  That's it.  

Taco Salad

This salad turned out amazingly well.  It has to be built in layers, so it is a bit fiddly, but it is worth it.

You will need:

• Vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. chili flakes
• 1/2 cup TVP
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup chili sauce
• 4 cups tortilla chips
• 1 cups shredded lettuce
• 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 English cucumber, chopped

Saute onion, garlic, jalapeno, and chili flakes in vegetable oil.  When softened add chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper.  Add in TVP and water.  Add chili sauce and kidney beans.

Next we layer.  Spread some nacho chips on a plate.  Cover with bean mixture. Top with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream.

Great Gluten-Free Find

I have recently been trying some of Amy's products.  Not all work for me, but this Indian dinner was amazing. It is completely vegetarian with rice and cashews, dahl and veggies.  It is worth a try. 

Kidney Beans & Corn

I spiced this recipe up, but you can turn the heat up or down as you like.  It was very nice poured over white and wild brown rice.

You will need:

• Vegetable oil
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves, garlic crushed
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 1/2 tsp, chili flakes
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. dry mustard
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can corn
• Salt and pepper

Saute onion, garlic, jalapeno, and chili flakes in vegetable oil  When softened add pepper, cumin and mustard powder. Stir in beans and corn with liquid and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Gluten-Free Find

I found these burritos and pizza wraps at Noah's Health Food Store.  They are made by Glutenfreda Foods.  I didn't find them to be worth the money, but they did give me some ideas to try in the future.  Stay tuned.

Great Gluten-Free Find

I found these at Noah's Natural Foods. I had a BBQ this weekend and wanted a gluten-free meatless burger.  These were pretty good and worth a try.  They are by a company called Sol.  With some cheese and all the fixings, it was  a great taste.