Tag Archives: Summer Sides

Creamy Cannellini Bean Salad for your next Backyard BBQ

Cannellini Bean Salad for a Creamy Side or Burger and Sandwich Topper

Cannellini Beans, which are white kidney beans, have to be one of the creamiest beans I have ever had.

The fact that they are white makes them very eye appealing when cooking them with other bright colors like red onion and herbs.

Cannellini Bean Salad Keeping It Real

This Cannellini Bean Salad is reminiscent of a good potato salad. The texture and flavor reminds me of it.

I started making this recipe several months ago, and my kids have been requesting it, so I finally decided it was time to blog it.

Cannellini Bean Salad for your Backyard BBQ's

I always buy my canned beans from Eden Organics, because when beans are not properly prepared, they can be difficult to digest, and I like the way Eden prepares them. I personally don’t react to them. Eden Organics prepares all their beans by first washing and soaking them overnight before pressure cooking them, which thoroughly inactivates the lectins that can cause gas, bloating and difficulties with digestion. They also use BPA Free cans, and their beans contain no additives.

Creamy Cannellini Bean Salad

You can go crazy with this salad by adding it on top of burgers and in sandwiches or just eat it as it was originally intended, as a side. But if you’re like me, you push the boundaries.

I have a new dip I will share soon using Cannellini Beans that is super good too! You gotta love these creamy beans and their versatility!

Beans are healthy when prepared properly and contain plant based protein and fiber along with vitamins, minerals, folic acid, potassium, and zinc. Their complex carbs also provide crash free energy.

Creamy Cannellini Bean Salad

1 Can of Eden Organics Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed

1/3 Cup of Diced Red Onion

1/3 Cup of Diced Celery

1/4 Cup of Good Mayo (I use this brand)

1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon of Yellow Mustard

1 Tablespoon of Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 Teaspoon of Dried Dill

1/4 Teaspoon of Dried Parsley

1/4 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper

Directions:

Place Cannellini Beans into a medium bowl and very roughly mash them with a fork. You only want them to be partially mashed. But you can play with this to make them to your liking. Add the diced onion and celery and toss.

In a separate bowl whisk together the remaining ingredients for the dressing. Fold the dressing into the beans, onion and celery. Refrigerate for one hour. This salad will last three days in the refrigerator.

Creamy Cannellini Bean Salad for your next Backyard BBQ - Keeping It Real. This recipe is Dairy Free and is Naturally Gluten Free and Vegetarian

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Orange Apple Pecan Cookout Salad

I am so excited that cookout season is here finally! Cold salads to serve alongside something on the grill lets me relax outside with a glass of something to sip beforehand, because the sides are prepared and marinating in the refrigerator.

Orange Apple Pecan Cookout Salad

Leafy green salads are great, but heartier salads to heap on your plate are filling and fun as well. I have a new recipe for you that is packed with vegetables and fruit with a sprinkling of crunchy pecans. You can make it up to two days in advance. It just gets better with time. One of the things I love about this salad is all the colors and the fresh tastes.

This is a robust side with healthy, grain free, nutrient rich carbohydrates. Here is what you will need!

Orange Apple Pecan Cookout Salad

Preheat the oven to 375º degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and prepare the Squash.

Butternut Squash Prepped for Roasting

Place the squash cubes from below on the cookie sheet and toss with 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil, 1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt and 1/4 Teaspoon of Black Pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until tender but still holding together. Try a piece to make sure it is how you like it. Then,

Ingredients for Salad:

1 Medium Butternut Squash, Peeled, Seeded and Cubed into 1 1/2 inch cubes

(Roast the Squash Above and Cool Slightly before making the Salad, Measure out 4 Cups of Squash and save any extra for another time.)

1 Can of Mandarin Oranges (I used Native Forest Brand in it’s own juice)

1 Apple, seeded and diced (I like Fuji, but you choose)

1/4 Cup Fruit Sweetened, Dried Cranberries

1/4 Cup Raw Pecans, Coarsely Chopped

2 Scallions, sliced

Ingredients for Dressing:

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

2 Tablespoons of Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon of Honey

1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt

1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper

Directions: Whisk together your dressing and set aside. In a large bowl, add the prepared salad ingredients including the roasted squash cubes that have mostly cooled. Pour the dressing over the ingredients, and gently toss. Taste, and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Place in the refrigerator two hours before serving to let the flavors meld.

Ready to Toss

This salad keeps well in the refrigerator. It is a delicious, filling, colorful salad that is packed with all those wonderful fruits and veggies to make us glow with health!

Eat Your Nutrients!

Grilled Zucchini, Tomatoes and Scallions with Fresh Basil and Dill

On a beautiful Summer evening, I don’t want to be in the kitchen. Did you ever notice with grilling, you get to sit and relax while the food cooks more than when you are preparing a meal in the kitchen?

Grilled Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Green Onions with Fresh Basil and Dill

Grilled Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Scallions with Fresh Basil and Dill

Grilled vegetables also taste really delicious, they aren’t mushy, and you can combine ones that have relatively the same cooking time, toss them with a marinade and seasonings and come up with endless one dish vegetable sides.

Here is a fairly quick recipe for grilled zucchini, tomatoes and scallions I find Summery and a crowd pleaser.

Grilled Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Green Onion with Fresh Basil and Dill

Grilled Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Scallions with Fresh Basil and Dill

Grilled Zucchini, Tomatoes and Scallions with Fresh Basil and Dill

Organic Ingredients:

4 Zucchini on the smaller side (about 4 cups) sliced into spears

2 Local Medium Tomatoes (any color)

1 Bunch of Scallions, sliced in half lengthwise

1/4 Cup Fresh Basil, torn roughly into pieces

1 Tablespoon Fresh Snipped Dill

2 Tablespoons of Virgin Avocado Oil

1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt

Directions:

In a large bowl toss all the prepped ingredients together until well coated with oil. Place in a grill pan with holes. Grill on medium for 30 minutes, top of grill down, (relax until the vegetables are tender).

Eat Your Nutrients!