Vegetarian

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.

Italian White Bean Skillet

This easy skillet meal is comforting, satisfying, and nutritious. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes and makes a great meatless weeknight meal. Serve it with a crusty baguette to soak up all the delicious sauce.

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.

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.

Black Bean Quinoa Open Faced Burger

Here is a great vegetarian/vegan burger version that packs flavor and texture all in one patty, from the crispy surface to that rich velvety interior. Nice zesty notes from the roasted red peppers, and loads of freshness coming from the lettuce and mango black bean salsa. Looking for a lighter, healthy alternative? This is your best bet! Absolutely scrumptious!

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.

Rajma Dal

Most people think that Indian food uses mainly chickpeas and a ton of lentil varieties, but this Northern Indian dal uses red kidney beans simmered with tomato, onion and spices. Its quite hot, due to the Kashmiri red chili powder and tastes even better the next day. This is my quick, weeknight version using canned red kidney beans with a couple of shortcuts in method but no shortcuts in flavour.

Sheet Pan Black Bean and Veggie Quesadillas

The whole family will love these easy black bean quesadillas with bell peppers, onions, corn and garlic for a simple, vegetarian dinner where beans are the star. Bake in a sheet pan in the oven for easy, hands-free cooking.