Appetizer

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.

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.

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!

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.

Loaded black bean nachos are such a crowd-pleaser! They are easy to make and great to put out for a game night or Superbowl party. You just layer all the ingredients in a sheet pan, bake and enjoy. Customize the toppings to your liking. These nachos are vegetarian and are high in fibre and low in saturated fat.

Roasted red pepper and white bean dip is an easy, flavourful and healthy appetizer. The dip is slightly sweet and smoky from the red peppers and pairs well with the crunchy pita chips. Serve it as an appetizer for guests or enjoy as a healthy snack anytime.

A delightful appetizer or light lunch that packs nothing but flavor and texture, from the starchy velvety cannellini beans bathed in a sweet smoky tomato sauce all atop a lovely pan-grilled baguette slice that has just a hint of rubbed garlic and olive oil. Purely scrumptious and delicious!

Think of this recipe as a base template that you can make your own. Creamy navy beans can adapt to any flavour profile so feel free to experiment.

This light and creamy dip is perfect for summer noshing. Full of flavour, thanks to the feta, you can add whatever fresh herbs you like, though dill, chives and mint are surefire winners. This dip is nutritious and delicious, and it’s best served with crostini (or crackers) and fresh, seasonal vegetables. Can be packed along on a picnic or camping trip, too.