Not sure what to do with those tasty greens and veggies everyone keeps telling you to eat? 

One of the biggest obstacles for many of my clients, when it comes to cooking vegetables, is knowing how to make them taste delicious without smothering them in melted cheese. Here are 5 of my favourite recipes that make healthy taste good.

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GREEN BEANS IN A ZESTY VINAIGRETTE 

Serves 4

 

Ingredients

1 pound green beans, trimmed

7 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

 

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except for the green beans.

Steam the green beans to desired tenderness. Place hot beans in large bowl, pour in the sauce and gently toss to coat.

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ZUCCHINI NOODLES WITH HEMP SEED MINT PESTO 

Serves 2 meal sized and 4 side dishes

 

Ingredients

1 extra large zucchini spiraled (if you have the machine), or thinly sliced with vegetable peeler

For The Pesto:

1/3 cup hemp seeds

1 cup packed fresh mint

Juice of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lemon

1 clove of garlic

Pinch of sea salt

Black pepper to taste (optional)

 

Directions

Add all pesto ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth.

Gently toss with zucchini noodles and serve. This dish is also good heated up.

Weight Loss Tip: Pesto usually calls for Parmesan cheese, but I’ve left it out. If you want to use Parmesan cheese, I recommend added 1-2 tablespoons to the dish you are mixing the pesto with. This will cut down the fat and calories.

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ZUCCHINI THAI SALAD

Serves 4

 

Salad Ingredients

1 extra large zucchini

1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup thinly sliced red onion

2 large carrots, cut into matchsticks

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

½ cup thinly sliced radishes

 

Dressing Ingredients

1” piece of fresh ginger

Handful of fresh mint

1 tablespoon sesame tahini

2 tablespoons unsweetened almond butter

2 tablespoons Bragg’s liquid soy sauce

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Juice of 1 lime

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon ground coriander

 

Directions

Start with making the dressing. Place all ingredients into food processor and process until smooth. Add a few splashes of water if the dressing is too thick. Set aside while you assembly the salad.

Spiral zucchini with a spiral machine, or thinly slice with vegetable peeler to make spaghetti-like strands.

In a large mixing bowl add the zucchini noodles and all the other salad ingredients. Gently toss with the dressing until thoroughly mixed.

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ITALIAN FRIED MUSHROOMS

Serves 4

 

Ingredients

5 cups buttons mushrooms, washed and left whole

¼ cup Earth Balance vegan butter or regular unsalted butter

1 heaping tablespoon Italian spice

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

 

Directions

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat with butter.

Once the butter has melted, add the mushrooms, Italian spice and pepper. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook until mushrooms are a golden brown, stirring occasionally.

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MINTY PEAS

Serves 2

 

Ingredients

½ cup chopped onion

¼ cup chopped fresh mint

1 398ml can peas, drained

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt

 

Directions

Preheat a medium skillet over medium-high heat with the extra-virgin olive oil. Add onions and a pinch of sea salt. Cook until the onions are translucent.

Stir in the peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mint.

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Related Post: 6 Side Dish Recipes To Spice Up Your Meals