Frozen Passion Fruit Mezcalita

We love a margarita, but a mezcalita? Do tell. A mezcalita has the familiar sweet and tart elements of a margarita, but with the added smoky complexity of mezcal. This frozen version is SO refreshing and bursting with passion fruit for a fun and fruity…

Frozen Passion Fruit Mezcalita

We love a margarita, but a mezcalita? Do tell. A mezcalita has the familiar sweet and tart elements of a margarita, but with the added smoky complexity of mezcal. This frozen version is SO refreshing and bursting with passion fruit for a fun and fruity twist. 

Bonus? It’s (ridiculously) quick and easy with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes required. Let us show you how it’s done! 

Frozen Passion Fruit Mezcalita from Minimalist Baker →

Simple Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

If you love hummus and the rich flavor of tomatoes, you’ll ADORE this simple sun-dried tomato hummus. It’s SO versatile, creamy, easy to make, and adds instant flavor to just about everything. Enjoy it on pita, veggies, crackers, sandwiches, and more.

Simple Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

If you love hummus and the rich flavor of tomatoes, you’ll ADORE this simple sun-dried tomato hummus. It’s SO versatile, creamy, easy to make, and adds instant flavor to just about everything. Enjoy it on pita, veggies, crackers, sandwiches, and more.

It’s perfect for parties, picnics, meal prep, road trips, and everything in between! Just 15 minutes and a food processor or blender required. Let’s make hummus!

This recipe is adapted from the Simple Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus in our cookbook!

Simple Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus from Minimalist Baker →

Paloma Cocktail

Love a good paloma? Me, too. The paloma is a delightfully fizzy grapefruit, lime and tequila cocktail hailing from Mexico. If you enjoy a Greyhound, grapefruit margarita…

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paloma cocktail recipe

Love a good paloma? Me, too. The paloma is a delightfully fizzy grapefruit, lime and tequila cocktail hailing from Mexico. If you enjoy a Greyhound, grapefruit margarita or ranch water, this cooling drink is right up your alley.

South of the border, palomas are typically made with grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos, which taste similar to Sprite to me. Up here, bartenders often mix them with fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water instead. I prefer mine to be less sweet and more citrusy, so I love the made-from-scratch option.

paloma ingredients

This paloma recipe is made from scratch with basic ingredients. You’ll need tequila, fresh grapefruit and lime, simple syrup (which is very easy to make), and Topo Chico or sparkling water. Make them at home with top-shelf tequila and you’ll enjoy a better paloma for less money than you’d pay a restaurant.

To make this paloma, we’ll shake everything but the Topo Chico in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shaking the ingredients together yields the kind of paloma you’d receive at a fancy cocktail bar. It’s a brief step that is worth the extra effort.

Finally, we’ll pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top it with Topo Chico to retain all those glorious bubbles. You can watch how it all comes together in the brief video below.

Continue to the recipe...

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Warm Spring Salad

I’m celebrating spring with this warm spring salad featuring asparagus, leek, peas, strawberries, and parsley all tossed in a simple lemon olive oil dressing. It’s very light and veggie-packed with some protein provided by quinoa. If you’d like to add even more protein I’m sure it would be nice with some white beans, chickpeas, or…

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I’m celebrating spring with this warm spring salad featuring asparagus, leek, peas, strawberries, and parsley all tossed in a simple lemon olive oil dressing. It’s very light and veggie-packed with some protein provided by quinoa. If you’d like to add even more protein I’m sure it would be nice with some white beans, chickpeas, or French lentils thrown in too.

Warm Spring Salad

Behold, non-wimpy asparagus!

Close up picture of Asparagus

Normally I don’t consider asparagus to be one of the most exciting vegetables, but it always surprises me every time I make it. I enjoy it way more than I think I do. A simple, light sauté leaves it tender, but still crisp and fresh. I find it turns out best when I cook it a bit less time than I think I should. Less is more with this guy! I’ve made the mistake of cooking the hell out of it in the past and it’s something I try not to repeat.

Nutrition Facts about Asparagus

  • Look for firm spears that don’t bend easily. Asparagus doesn’t tend to last very long, so it’s best consumed within 48 hours of purchasing. When you bring it home, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel to extend freshness.
  • Asparagus may aid in digestion thanks to its inulin content which is said to function as a “prebiotic”
  • In 1 cup of raw asparagus you’ll receive Vitamin K (69.6% Daily Value), Vitamin A (20.2% DV), Folate (17.4% DV), Iron (15.7% DV), Vitamin B1 (12.6% DV), Vitamin C (12.5% DV), 3 grams protein, 2.75 grams fibre, and more.
  • It can act as a diuretic causing you to lose more fluid than normal. Be sure to get enough water throughout the day.
  • Asparagus is anti-inflammatory thanks to its large composition of anti-inflammatory nutrients.
  • Source: World’s Healthiest Foods

Since spring produce seems to be picking up speed around here, I’m celebrating my first spring recipe of the season today – a warm spring salad featuring asparagus, leek, peas, strawberries, and lots of parsley all tossed in a simple lemon olive oil dressing. Easy, light, and super refreshing. If you’d like to add even more protein than what the quinoa + veggies provide I’m sure it would be nice with some white beans, chickpeas, or French lentils thrown in too. Eric also suggested we sprinkle some seeds on top – pumpkin and hemp – and that was a very nice addition!

Keep in mind that the strawberries will turn the quinoa a pinkish hue once tossed. If this is a concern or if you are making this in advance, I suggest adding the strawberries on just before serving.

Cheers to crunchy, fresh spring salads!

 Leeks Strawberries Mixed with Asparagus, leeks, and Quinoa Lemon Olive Oil DressingWarm Spring Salad in a Skillet

If you like the look of this salad be sure to check out some of my other great Spring salads:

Warm Spring Salad

Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free
Yield
4 Servings
Prep time
30 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes

I’m celebrating my first spring recipe of the season with this warm spring salad featuring asparagus, leek, peas, strawberries, and parsley all tossed in a simple lemon olive oil dressing. It’s very light and veggie-packed with some protein provided by quinoa. If you’d like to add even more protein I’m sure it would be nice with some white beans, chickpeas, or French lentils thrown in too. Keep in mind that the strawberries will bleed pink juices into the salad and turn the quinoa a light pink hue once tossed. If this is a concern or if you are making this in advance, I suggest adding the strawberries on just before serving.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa (or try speltberries)
  • 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 leek, sliced into rounds or half moons
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends broken off and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup diced strawberries (optional)
  • 3/4 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, to taste
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup (or other sweetener)
  • 1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt & lots of pepper, to taste
  • lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and place into a medium pot. Add 1.5 cups vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low-medium, cover with tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15-17 minutes, or until fluffy and all the water is absorbed. Fluff with fork, remove from heat, and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, grab a very large skillet or wok. Sauté the leek and garlic in the oil for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add in the asparagus and sauté for another 5-10 minutes or until the asparagus is just tender, but still a bit crisp. Stir in the strawberries (optional), peas, and parsley. Heat for a few minutes and then remove from heat.
  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt) to taste. Pour dressing onto skillet mixture and stir in the cooked quinoa. Season to taste with salt and pepper & enjoy! This would also be lovely with nuts or seeds sprinkled on top.

Tip:

Oh, I forgot to mention – this is also fantastic served cold too!

Nutrition Information

(click to expand)
Serving Size 1 of 4 salads | Calories 313 calories | Total Fat 11.7 grams
Saturated Fat 1.6 grams | Sodium 214 milligrams | Total Carbohydrates 44.1 grams
Fiber 7.9 grams | Sugar 7.9 grams | Protein 10.6 grams
* Nutrition data is approximate and is for informational purposes only.

Oh, I forgot to mention – this is also fantastic served cold too!

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5-Ingredient Chocolate Tahini Truffles

Our new favorite fudgy, not-too-sweet truffles are inspired by a similar treat from Margalaxy in Portland, Oregon. They’re creamy and complex thanks to the inclusion of tahini, bitter and chocolaty because of cocoa powder, and dates lend the perfect te…

5-Ingredient Chocolate Tahini Truffles

Our new favorite fudgy, not-too-sweet truffles are inspired by a similar treat from Margalaxy in Portland, Oregon. They’re creamy and complex thanks to the inclusion of tahini, bitter and chocolaty because of cocoa powder, and dates lend the perfect texture and sweetness.

These seriously snack-able truffles disappeared quickly in the test kitchen. And they’re SO easy to make — just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes required!

5-Ingredient Chocolate Tahini Truffles from Minimalist Baker →

Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Want to roast chickpeas that are actually crispy? You’re in the right place. I’ve cracked the code, and I’m here to share it with you. These roasted…

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crispy roasted chickpeas recipe

Want to roast chickpeas that are actually crispy? You’re in the right place. I’ve cracked the code, and I’m here to share it with you. These roasted chickpeas are a delightful snack rich in protein and fiber. They’re also great sprinkled over hummus and salads.

To be honest, I never loved roasted chickpeas until I learned how to make them this way. They were always just ok—warm and lightly crisp on the outside but unchanged on the inside. They didn’t feel worth the effort when chickpeas warmed on the stove are nice already.

chickpeas

These roasted chickpeas are legitimately so gloriously crisp that they are popcorn-level irresistible. In fact, they’re so crisp throughout that you should serve them with a drink to help wash them down.

The trick is in the method. I found some helpful clues in a New York Times recipe by Colu Henry and tweaked the method from there. It took ten tries to ensure we had landed on the very best technique, and I found several fun flavor variations along the way. Here we go!

Continue to the recipe...

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Smoky Shredded Tofu Taco “Meat”

Have you tried shredded tofu yet, friends? We’re into it. Super firm tofu + a box grater are all you need to meet your new BFF that helps make this smoky, spicy shredded tofu taco “meat”!
Not only is it quick & easy to make, but it’s endlessly vers…

Smoky Shredded Tofu Taco “Meat”

Have you tried shredded tofu yet, friends? We’re into it. Super firm tofu + a box grater are all you need to meet your new BFF that helps make this smoky, spicy shredded tofu taco “meat”!

Not only is it quick & easy to make, but it’s endlessly versatile! It’s perfect for everything from tacos to burritos, bowls, nachos, and beyond. Just 20 minutes required and perfect for making ahead for a quick protein throughout the week.

Smoky Shredded Tofu Taco “Meat” from Minimalist Baker →

Baked Goat Cheese

Friends coming over? Make this baked goat cheese! It’s warm, creamy, tangy but lightly sweetened with honey, and a touch savory. This irresistible appetizer comes together quickly…

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baked goat cheese recipe

Friends coming over? Make this baked goat cheese! It’s warm, creamy, tangy but lightly sweetened with honey, and a touch savory.

This irresistible appetizer comes together quickly in a food processor with simple ingredients. We’ll whip the goat cheese with cream cheese, honey, garlic and seasonings. Once baked, this dip is your favorite restaurant-level delicious.

baked goat cheese ingredients

I modeled this recipe after the lovely goat cheese dip at Rye, a restaurant in Kansas City. We visited a couple of times to research the French Blond Cocktail (reportedly Taylor Swift’s favorite!) and I remembered how much I love their goat cheese appetizer.

I asked about the ingredients and came home determined to recreate it. I’ve simplified the ingredients a bit, but this dip is just as nice. I hope you’ll try it!

Continue to the recipe...

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DIY Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Spicy, savory, salty, and sweet? Jamaican jerk seasoning has it going on! When a recent craving arose for the bold, balanced flavors of this Caribbean spice mix, we got into the kitchen attempting to replicate its magic with ingredients we had on hand….

DIY Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Spicy, savory, salty, and sweet? Jamaican jerk seasoning has it going on! When a recent craving arose for the bold, balanced flavors of this Caribbean spice mix, we got into the kitchen attempting to replicate its magic with ingredients we had on hand.

Our inspired version comes together in just 5 minutes with easy-to-find ingredients! It’s so versatile and adds instant flavor to everything from chicken to plantains, veggies, chickpeas, and more.

DIY Jamaican Jerk Seasoning from Minimalist Baker →

Roasted Potato and Asparagus Lentil Salad with Tangy Mustard-Lemon Dressing

Protein-packed and perfect for spring, this asparagus French green lentil salad makes a lovely side dish, main course, or spring potluck dish, ideal for Easter gatherings. If you are looking for another salad option for Spring or for Easter dinner — check out my Warm Spring Salad. If you aren’t a fan of mustard dressings,…

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Protein-packed and perfect for spring, this asparagus French green lentil salad makes a lovely side dish, main course, or spring potluck dish, ideal for Easter gatherings.

springsaladlentils-7536 springlentilsaladvegan springsaladlentils-7554

If you are looking for another salad option for Spring or for Easter dinner — check out my Warm Spring Salad.

Roasted Potato and Asparagus Lentil Salad with Tangy Mustard-Lemon Dressing

Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free, soy-free

5 from 26 reviews
Yield
4 servings
Prep time
25 minutes
Cook time
30 minutes

Protein-packed and perfect for spring, this French green lentil salad makes a lovely side dish, main course, or spring potluck dish. Roasted potatoes and asparagus are folded into the salad along with a tangy mustard-lemon dressing. I also roasted the red onion, but I think next time I might leave the onion raw for a fresh crunch. I imagine this salad would also be fantastic with some cooked quinoa mixed in or using any seasonal vegetables you prefer. The dressing makes a lot - 2/3 cup - so I prefer to stir in half of the dressing into the salad and then serve the rest of the dressing on the side to drizzle on top. This dressing is inspired by one I came across in It's All Good.

Ingredients

FOR THE SALAD:
  • 1 cup uncooked French green lentils/du Puy lentils (about 2 1/2 cups cooked)
  • 3 medium yellow potatoes, diced (about 3 1/2 cups)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends broken off and chopped
  • 1/2 medium red onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • handful minced fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
FOR THE DRESSING (makes 2/3 cup):
  • 2 tablespoons coarse seeded/old fashioned mustard (see photo in post)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
  • pinch or two fine grain sea salt or pink salt
  • up to 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup, to taste (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Rinse lentils in a fine mesh sieve. Place lentils in a medium pot along with 3 cups of water. Bring water to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and simmer the lentils for about 18-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain off water and season lentils with salt (such as Herbamare).
  3. Place chopped potatoes on one baking sheet and drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon oil. Toss to coat and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.
  4. Roast the potatoes for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place the asparagus on the other baking sheet (and the red onion if you prefer to roast it too - see headnote) and drizzle with 1/2 tbsp. oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. After the potatoes have roasted for 15 minutes, flip the potatoes and return them to the oven along with the asparagus (and red onion if you are roasting that) for another 12-15 minutes. The potatoes should be golden on the bottom when ready and the asparagus will be tender. Add roasted veggies into a large bowl along with the lentils and gently toss to combine.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing by whisking all of the dressing ingredients together. I love a tangy dressing with a bite so I used 4 tbsp. lemon juice. If you prefer a less acidic dressing you might want to add more olive oil or you can also experiment with adding a touch of maple syrup (the sweetness will offset a bit of the bite). It's definitely a dressing you can play around with!
  7. Pour half of the dressing onto the veggies and lentils in the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the salad warm with a garnish of fresh dill (optional), with the rest of the dressing served on the side.

Nutrition Information

(click to expand)
Serving Size 1 of 4 servings | Calories 430 calories | Total Fat 18 grams
Saturated Fat 2.5 grams | Sodium 380 milligrams | Total Carbohydrates 51 grams
Fiber 9 grams | Sugar 5 grams | Protein 14 grams
* Nutrition data is approximate and is for informational purposes only.
springsaladlentils-7570

If you aren’t a fan of mustard dressings, I recommend making the Creamy Avocado-Potato Salad recipe in my first cookbook The Oh She Glows Cookbook (p.107) It’s received great feedback and it’s perfect for spring as well.

Have a fun weekend everyone!

The post Roasted Potato and Asparagus Lentil Salad with Tangy Mustard-Lemon Dressing appeared first on Oh She Glows.