It’s starting to get a little warmer in many areas of the country. And that means you’re likely looking to switch up your go-to recipes in the coming weeks. Here in Arizona, it’s warm almost year-round, so I like to eat lots of cool, refreshing dishes pretty regularly. And this Vegan Cucumber Gazpacho fits the bill!

If you’re not familiar with gazpacho, it’s basically a veggie-based soup that’s served cold. So, not only is it easy (no cooking required) and refreshing, but it’s also full of healthy ingredients designed to provide your cells with the nutrition they need for optimal energy.

Did you know that dehydration is one of the biggest energy drainers for your body? Here’s the great news: Aside from drinking water, you can also eat certain plant-based foods with high water content, such as cucumbers (95 percent water), to help keep your body adequately hydrated. In fact, a 2009 study revealed that cucumbers were actually found to hydrate the body twice as much as a glass of water! [1]

The tomatoes in this Vegan Cucumber Gazpacho are also found to have high water content (94 percent). But there are more health benefits to consuming tomatoes as well. They’re actually a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to improved heart health, lower risk of certain cancers, and even healthier skin. [2, 3, 4]

You can see why this delicious Vegan Cucumber Gazpacho is one of my favorite recipes for warmer weather. So, pick a night when you don’t feel like firing up the oven or stovetop and give it a try. It’s also a great grab-and-go lunch option anytime, since it doesn’t require reheating. I know you’ll love this recipe and its versatility!

Vegan Cucumber Gazpacho

Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

½ white onion, chopped

2-3 large tomatoes, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

3-4 garlic cloves 

1-2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped

1 cup fire-roasted crushed tomatillos

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. In a high-speed blender, blend together all ingredients on high until fully combined. 

2. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to be eaten.

Vegan Cucumber Gazpacho

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Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 white onion, chopped
• 2-3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves 
• 1-2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup fire-roasted crushed tomatillos
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

• In a high-speed blender, blend together all ingredients on high until fully combined. 
• Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to be eaten.

A family favorite for spring and summer, this Vegan Pasta Primavera recipe is as refreshing as it is delicious! It mixes fresh ingredients such as onion, cucumbers and tomatoes along with healthy pantry staples such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and gluten-free noodles. And, in a helpful turn, it can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until it’s ready to be served.

So, what makes this Vegan Pasta Primavera healthy? Well, for starters, this recipe skips the traditional gluten-filled pasta and opts for gluten-free brown rice noodles instead. This is important because even if you don’t have celiac disease or a known gluten issue, you may still have a gluten sensitivity. In fact, a 2015 study revealed that up to 13 percent of the population may have gluten sensitivity. [1] 

Additionally, this dish contains nutrient-rich vegetables such as onion, cucumbers, and tomatoes. But that’s not all. The olive oil in this Vegan Pasta Primavera is full of health benefits, too.

Specifically, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which are known as a healthy fat that’s been linked to blood sugar regulation, heart health, healthy weight management, and more. In fact, in a study of over 125,000 participants, researchers found that substituting MUFAs for saturated fatty acids (SFAs) actually lowered risk of coronary heart disease by 15 percent. [2]

As you can see, you can eat this Vegan Pasta Primavera with full confidence that you’re filling your body with nutritious ingredients that will support your health and wellbeing. Now, all that’s left is to put it together!

Vegan Pasta Primavera

Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

¼ white onion, chopped

1-2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped

2 large tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Gluten-free brown rice noodles, cooked

Parsley, to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.

2. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to be eaten.

Vegan Pasta Primavera

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Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 white onion, chopped
• 1-2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil 
• 1-2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• Gluten-free brown rice noodles, cooked
• Parsley, to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
• Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to be eaten.

If you love the frozen mocha beverages from your local coffee shop but hate the high calories and sugar they contain, I have just the treat for you! My Mocha Breakfast Smoothie delivers the taste you love without the added calories, sugar, and chemicals you don't. 

Sweet, rich, and absolutely delicious, you can make this smoothie a regular part of your morning routine—no guilt required. Why? Well, in place of the sugar-filled ingredients with tons of empty calories, this Mocha Breakfast Smoothie features nutritious foods such as bananas, dates, almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and gluten-free oats.

You may be surprised to learn that cocoa offers some amazing health benefits. From supporting healthy blood sugar levels to lowering anxiety levels to even helping protect your skin from UV damage, cocoa is one amazing health food. But that’s not all it does.

Studies have also shown that regularly consuming cocoa is linked to a 50 percent lower rate of both cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. [1] And one study on 30 healthy adults revealed that when participants drank chocolate drinks containing higher concentrations of cocoa, their working memory performances were significantly improved compared to when they consumed drinks with lower amounts of cocoa. [2]

But it’s only the true cocoa and dark chocolate options that offer these benefits. In fact, a 2011 study compared consumption of white chocolate and dark chocolate. Researchers discovered that consuming dark chocolate improved memory, reaction time, and even visual function. [3]

The incredible benefits of cocoa combined with the other healthy, nutritious ingredients in this recipe makes this one recipe you’ll want to try immediately. Why waste one more dollar on those frozen coffee concoctions when you can make this health-promoting delicious Mocha Breakfast Smoothie at home?

Mocha Breakfast Smoothie

Total time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 banana, frozen

3-4 medjool dates, pitted

¼ cup gluten-free quick-cooking oats

1½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ cup cold brew coffee, hot coffee, or espresso

1 cup nut milk of choice

Handful of ice

Directions

1. In a high-speed blender, put all ingredients and blend on high until well-combined.

2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Mocha Breakfast Smoothie

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Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• 1 banana, frozen
• 3-4 medjool dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup gluten-free quick-cooking oats
• 1 1/2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup cold brew coffee, hot coffee, or espresso
• 1 cup nut milk of choice
• Handful of ice

Instructions

 

• In a high-speed blender, put all ingredients and blend on high until well-combined.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Is there anything like a fluffy, flaky biscuit straight from the oven? But if you have a gluten sensitivity, biscuits are pretty much off-limits, right? Wrong! If you have a fierce love for biscuits, you're going to love my 6-Ingredient Fluffy Gluten-Free Biscuits! They're quick, easy, and made with ingredients you already have lying around your kitchen. And as a bonus, they include some health-promoting ingredients!

To start, these biscuits include apple cider vinegar, which is known to support digestion. In fact, the pectin in apple cider vinegar has been shown to not only aid digestion but also relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. [1]

Furthermore, apple cider vinegar has also been shown to support healthy weight management. One study even revealed that people who consumed two tablespoons of vinegar each day lost more weight than those who didn’t drink it. [2]

Another ingredient serving up some great health benefits is almond milk. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, which contains properties that fight oxidative stress, which helps to lower the inflammation in your body. [3] 

Who says biscuits have to be unhealthy? With these healthy ingredient options, you really can have your biscuit and eat it, too! So, keep reading to get the recipe for these incredible fluffy gluten-free biscuits!

6-Ingredient Fluffy Gluten-Free Biscuits

Total time: 30 minutes

Yields: 6 biscuits

Ingredients

1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 cup almond milk

2 cups Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1:1 baking flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

5 tablespoons vegan butter, cut into small squares

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

2. In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar and the almond milk, stir, and set in the refrigerator for 3-4 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the butter.

4. Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix the dough until it’s in pea-sized pieces.

5. Slowly add the almond milk mixture, continuing to mix until combined. 

6. Form the dough into a ball, wrap, and refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.

7. On a floured surface, place the dough and, using your hands, press the dough, folding it one or two times. 

8. Gently press to desired biscuit height and use a cookie cutter to cut the biscuits.

9. Place the cut dough in a greased cast iron skillet and bake for 14-16 minutes. Check to see if the tops are golden at 14 minutes.

10. Remove from the oven, top with butter and/or jam, and enjoy! 

6-Ingredient Fluffy Gluten-Free Biscuits

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Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 6 biscuits

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 tsp  apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 5 tbsp vegan butter, cut into small squares

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• In a small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar and the almond milk, stir, and set in the refrigerator for 3-4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the butter.
• Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix the dough until it’s in pea-sized pieces.
• Slowly add the almond milk mixture, continuing to mix until combined. 
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap, and refrigerate for 5-10 minutes.
• On a floured surface, place the dough and, using your hands, press the dough, folding it one or two times. 
• Gently press to desired biscuit height and use a cookie cutter to cut the biscuits.
• Place the cut dough in a greased cast iron skillet and bake for 14-16 minutes. Check to see if the tops are golden at 14 minutes.
• Remove from the oven, top with butter and/or jam, and enjoy! 

Looking for a quick and easy healthy snack? Look no further! My Easy Homemade Hummus recipe is delicious, filled with nutritious ingredients, and ready in only 5 minutes! As a bonus, you can pair it with fresh veggies for the ultimately healthy and filling treat. 

So, what makes this recipe so nutritious? Well, chickpeas, which are also known as garbanzo beans, are a fantastic source of plant-based protein. They also support satiety and help cut down on in-between-meal snacking. 

In fact, a 2010 study followed 42 participants and discovered that when they supplemented their diets with chickpeas, they reported eating less junk foods, feeling more satisfied, and having improved bowel function. Interestingly, when the participants stopped eating the chickpeas, they consumed more processed snack foods. [1] They’ve also been known to support both healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. [2, 3]

In addition the cumin in this recipe has been found to decrease IBS symptoms within as little as two to four weeks. [4] It’s also known to contain anti-viral and antibacterial properties, which help to fight off infections. [5]

Now that you know the health benefits of this incredibly delicious Easy Homemade Hummus, let’s get to the recipe. You’re just 5 minutes away from a satisfying, tasty snack!

Easy Homemade Hummus

Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients

2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas (reserve 1-2 tablespoons for topping)

¼ cup tahini

¼ cup nut milk 

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ tablespoon cumin

3-4 garlic cloves

Pine nuts, to taste

Smoked paprika, to taste

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine all the ingredients, except the reserved chickpeas, pine nuts, and paprika. Process until well-combined.

2. Serve topped with the reserved chickpeas, pine nuts, and smoked paprika, or store in an airtight container until ready to be eaten. 

Easy Homemade Hummus

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Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas (reserve 1-2 tablespoons for topping)
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup nut milk 
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tbsp cumin
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• Pine nuts, to taste
• Smoked paprika, to taste

Instructions

 

• In a food processor, combine all the ingredients, except the reserved chickpeas, pine nuts, and paprika. Process until well-combined.
• Serve topped with the reserved chickpeas, pine nuts, and smoked paprika, or store in an airtight container until ready to be eaten. 

If you’re craving something with a spicy kick, I have the perfect recipe for you: Harissa Tofu! Filling and flavorful, harissa is a spicy chile paste often containing tomatoes, chile peppers, olive oil, garlic, and spices such as caraway, coriander, cumin, and more! I love adding harissa to my tofu to give it a powerful punch of flavor, and I know you will, too. But before we dive into this Harissa Tofu recipe, let’s take a quick look at what makes it a healthy meal.

There are many health benefits in this dish, starting with the tofu, which is a great plant-based source of protein. It also contains all nine essential amino acids and contains iron, calcium, and several vitamins and minerals. Tofu is made from soy, and, interestingly, soy consumption has been linked to an improvement in menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes. [1]

The spices in the harissa also offer great health benefits. For example, studies have shown that caraway contains anti-inflammatory properties and is especially beneficial for improving IBS symptoms. [2] Meanwhile, cumin has been shown to help support the immune system by containing both anti-viral and antibacterial properties. [3] And, finally, coriander also contains anti-inflammatory properties and was shown to help fight certain cancer cells in a 2015 in vitro study. [4]

As you can see, this Harissa Tofu recipe is not only incredibly flavorful, but it also delivers by helping to promote overall health and wellbeing. Now, all that’s left is to taste it! Scroll down for the full recipe and enjoy!

Harissa Tofu

Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 jar (16 ounces) roasted red peppers

1 tablespoon harissa

½ tablespoon cumin

½ tablespoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

1 block extra-firm, non-GMO tofu, cut into squares

1 leek, white and light green parts, halved lengthwise and rinsed

Juice of ½ lemon

Fresh herbs such as: cilantro, parsley, mint, dill, basil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2. In a high-speed blender, combine the roasted red peppers, harissa, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 

3. In an 8 x 8-inch baking dish, place the tofu and pour the mixture on top. Bake for 30 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, rinse the leeks, halve them lengthwise, and slice into half moons. 

5. Remove the dish from the oven, add the leeks, and bake for another 5 minutes.

6. Serve over cauliflower rice and vegetables. Top with fresh lemon juice and herbs.

Harissa Tofu

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Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 jar (16 ounces) roasted red peppers
• 1 tbsp harissa
• 1/2 tbsp cumin
• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 block extra-firm, non-GMO tofu, cut into squares
• 1 leek, white and light green parts, halved lengthwise and rinsed
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Fresh herbs such as: cilantro, parsley, mint, dill, basil

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• In a high-speed blender, combine the roasted red peppers, harissa, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 
• In an 8 x 8-inch baking dish, place the tofu and pour the mixture on top. Bake for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, rinse the leeks, halve them lengthwise, and slice into half moons. 
• Remove the dish from the oven, add the leeks, and bake for another 5 minutes.
• Serve over cauliflower rice and vegetables. Top with fresh lemon juice and herbs.