Appetizer

Aji Verde Dense Bean Salad

The internet is buzzing with dense bean salads right now. After some Tik Tok investigation, I was surprised to learn that I have been making them for years! A big, protein bomb salad that keeps in the fridge all week that I can reach for a couple of times a day keeps me alive when life gets super hectic. It gets better every day as the ingredients marinate in the dressing, too. Instead of a basic vinaigrette, I like to make my favourite Peruvian sauce/condiment for the dressing. Despite the mayo (you can use low-fat mayo), it is not heavy, it is a bit spicy, it’s tangy, and it’s pretty and delicious. You can make this salad vegan using vegan mayo and feta. It is low fat, protein rich, high fibre and dense - it will fill you up and keep you feeling full. I used a combo of white and black beans, but you can use whatever you have. Just remember to make it colourful, crunchy and deliciously beany.

Cucumber Salad with Beans

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant and refreshing flavours of this Cucumber Salad with Beans! Crisp English cucumbers, white pea beans, and zesty red onion unite in a medley of deliciousness. The dressing, bursting with notes of sweet, salty and sour, will take your entire meal to the next level.

Mexican Corn White Bean Dip

Craving a fresh, flavorful twist on traditional Mexican street corn? Look no further than this lighter, healthier alternative. Instead of using heavy creams or sour cream, we've swapped them out for creamy white beans, providing a satisfying texture without the added fat.

Vegetarian Taco Salad with Red Kidney Beans and Sweet Potatoes

Here is a lovely take on a Mexican favourite, slightly deconstructed. Lovely sauteed red kidney beans meet amazing roasted sweet potato, bathed in aromatic spices of cumin, turmeric, paprika and so much more. The mixture lays on a freshly dressed romaine with evo oil and lime juice and comes together with the addition of fresh ripe cherry tomatoes and Kalamata together with a bit of spice from tomato salsa, and sriracha mayo. You cannot have a taco of any kind without some shredded cheese and we put an Italian spin using slightly aged Asiago. Absolutely refreshing, healthy, and so delicious. So worth a try! Make it for taco Tuesday!

Orange Mango Smoothie

This refreshing vegan smoothie is perfect for warmer weather. It is creamy without having to add any dairy products, thanks to the addition of white kidney beans. The beans add fibre and protein to help keep you feeling full as well as vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium that contribute to good overall health. This smoothie is also high in Vitamin C from the orange juice and mango.

Mediterranean Pasta and White Bean Salad

Warmer weather means it’s time to start thinking about picnics, potlucks, and pasta salads! This recipe is loaded with tender pasta, fresh kale, creamy white beans, sun dried tomatoes, briny olives, and heaps of Parmesan and feta cheese. Tossed in a bright and garlicky basil dressing, the pasta salad tastes best after it rests in the fridge for an hour before serving, and given the sturdiness of the greens, it’s perfect for make-ahead meal planning too. Not only does the pasta salad taste delicious, it’s nutrient-dense thanks to the fibre and protein rich white beans and the superfood that is kale.

Garlicky White Bean and Spinach Melts

This recipe is a delicious combination of creamy white beans sauteed spinach, garlic, onions and chili flakes piled onto your favourite toast and topped with provolone cheese. This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and is hearty and comforting.

Sausage Rolls

The perfect combination of savoury sausage, hearty beans, and aromatic spices encased in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. These sausage and bean rolls are a mouthwatering treat that will pass as a sophisticated appetizer at a party or an afternoon snack for your kids to dunk in ketchup!

Zucchini and Corn Salad with Crispy Beans

It’s August in Ontario, meaning tomatoes, corn, and zucchini are at their best. This salad makes the most of our late summer harvest. We are adding crispy cranberry beans for a proteinpacked crunch that is gluten-free, low fat, and delicious flavour. These addictive beans also make a great snack. I like to throw them into a bowl with roasted nuts and dried cranberries.