Vegan Thai Soup

This comforting soup is comforting and absolutely delicious, plus it’s vegan and keto friendly!

• 1/2 julienned red onion

• 1/2 julienned red bell pepper

• 3 sliced mushrooms

• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1/2-inch piece of ginger root (about 1 cm), peeled and finely chopped

• 1/2 Thai chili, finely chopped*

• 2 cups vegetable broth or water (500 ml)

• 1 14-ounce can coconut milk (400 ml)

• 1 tbsp coconut, cane or brown sugar

• 10 oz tofu, cubed (275 g)

• 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

• The juice of half a lime

• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

See the entire recipe and directions at the Simple Vegan Blog.

Grain Free Seed Crackers

These crackers are delicious and so healthy, while being perfect for special diets, whether you’re gluten free, paleo, low carb, vegan, or just want to have a tasty snack that’s good for you!

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup pumpkin seed (pepitas)

1 cup ground flaxseed

⅓ cup sesame seed

¼ cup chia seed

1 tsp salt

1¼ cup water

Additional Flavorings:

Add up to 2 tablespoons of your favorite herbs and spices. I added ½ tsp granulated garlic, 1 tsp thyme and 1 tsp basil.

See the entire recipe and directions at Downshiftology.

Almond Butter Baked Apples (Paleo)

4 medium-size apples (I like to use Honeycrisp apples but any kind will work)

8 tablespoons almond butter (I like Justin’s Vanilla Almond Butter)

12 pecan pieces, chopped (or walnuts)

1/3 cup raisins (or cranberries or Goji berries)

1/3 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup pepitas (or sunflower seeds)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

pure maple syrup for drizzling

See the full recipe and directions at Making Thyme for Health.

Spinach Muffins for Picky Eaters (GF)

These muffins are light with a delicious sweetness. Kids can call them Monster Muffins, but whatever you decide to call them, they make a wonderfully delicious (and healthy) snack, plus they’re loaded with fresh spinach!

1 ripe banana (6 to 8 ounces)

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup almond butter (or any other nut/seed butter)

1 egg (or a vegan flax/chia egg)

1/4 cup honey

2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed

1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free, if needed)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon salt

See the entire recipe and directions at Detoxinista.

Detox Cabbage Soup

This is a perfect, light soup for detoxing and bringing your body back into balance. I am especially fond of this recipe since the ingredients have been specifically chosen for the healing properties.

INGREDIENTS:

1 tbsp coconut oil or ghee (or any healthy fat of choice)

1/2 of a small cabbage, sliced thinly (about 4 cups packed)

3 stalks of celery, chopped

1/2 tsp salt

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2-1 tsp grated fresh ginger

2 and 1/2 cups of good quality broth (bone broth or veggie broth)

1 cup chopped or shredded leftover chicken (or any meat that you like)- optional

fresh cilantro for garnish

See the entire recipe and directions at Savory Lotus, as well as the reason behind each of the ingredients.

Super Seed Granola Bars

This is a fantastic recipe for a quick breakfast or snack on the go that’s also full of healthy fiber and fats!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free for GF eaters)

1/2 cup raw almonds, walnuts, or pecans (roughly chopped)

1 heaping (seriously) packed cup dates (pitted // deglet noor or medjool)*

2 Tbsp chia seeds

2 Tbsp sunflower seeds (roasted or raw)

2 Tbsp flax seeds (ground or whole)

2 Tbsp hemp seeds

1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)

1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter

Optional Additions:

Chocolate chips, dried fruit, other nuts, banana chips, etc.

See the full recipe and directions at the Minimalist Baker.

Green Detox Smoothie

This recipe is just the thing after the rich foods, sweets, and overindulgences of the holidays!

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups baby spinach

2 cups baby kale

2 ribs celery, chopped

1 medium green apple, chopped

1 cup frozen sliced banana

1 cup almond milk

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon honey

See the entire recipe and directions on the Damn Delicious recipe blog.

Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Balls

This recipe is full of the flavors of the season while still being a healthy, whole food recipe. It makes a great wintery snack or dessert!

• 1 cup dry roasted almonds

• 1 cup dry roasted cashews

• 12 medjool dates, seeds removed

• 3 tablespoons cacao or cocoa

• pinch of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of food grade peppermint oil or 1 teaspoon natural peppermint extract

See the entire recipe and directions at Whole Food Simply.

Hummus and Cucumber Appetizer Bites with Black Sesame Seeds

This appetizer recipe is light and delicious and also fits in with just about any special diets your guests may have: gluten free, paleo, low carb, vegan, dairy free… you name it. Plus they’re easy to put together and look rather gourmet on a platter. It’s a win win!

Ingredients:

cucumbers, as many as desired (One large cucumber will make 10-14 appetizer bites)

hummus (use purchased hummus, or see links to hummus recipes in the recipe links below)

black or white sesame seeds

See the entire recipe and directions at Kalyn’s Kitchen.

Italian Parmesan Crisps (GF)

This is an amazing, simple recipe that is full of delicious flavor and is a perfect light accompaniment to any holiday gathering!

1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (use the larger side of the box grater)

1 tablespoon white rice flour

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon black pepper

See the entire recipe and directions at Gluten Free Living.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie (GF)

This recipe is perfect for holiday guests who can’t have dairy or eggs and it’s also much lighter than traditional pumpkin pie, making it a great end to a feast! This recipe is also gluten free, so it’s great for people with all kinds of allergies or special diets.

• 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

• 3 tablespoons organic corn starch

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 prepared and par-baked almond flour pie crust or favorite 9-inch pie shell

• dairy free whipped cream, for serving

See the entire recipe and directions at Yummy Mummy Kitchen.

Sticky Sesame Vegan Cauliflower Wings (GF)

This is an amazing appetizer that most people won’t believe uses cauliflower! It’s absolutely delicious!

1 small head cauliflower

1/2 cup all purpose gluten free flour*

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 if you want it very spicy, leave out if you don't like spice)

1 cup crispy gluten free panko bread crumbs (seasoned with salt and pepper) OR toast your breadcrumbs slightly before using

Sauce

4 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons liquid aminos

1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

chopped scallions & sesame seeds, for garnish

NOTE: If you aren’t gluten free, feel free to substitute for regular breadcrumbs and flour.

See the entire recipe and directions at Jessica in the Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

This is a delicious fall recipe that also looks beautiful on a Thanksgiving table! The vegetables listed in the recipe make a wonderful, unique combination, but can be substituted any favorite root vegetables you have on hand- sweet potatoes, rutabagas, turnips, carrots and more. The addition of fresh herbs like rosemary is another idea to customize this dish to your family’s tastes.

1 large butternut squash, (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) halved, seeded and peeled

3 large Yukon gold potatoes (1 1/2 pounds), scrubbed

1 bunch medium beets, (about 1 1/2 pounds), scrubbed and tops trimmed

1 medium red onion

2 large parsnips (about 8 ounces)

1 head garlic, cloves separated, and peeled (about 16)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

See the entire recipe and directions at The Food Network.

Wheat Germ Pancakes

Wheat germ gives these pancakes a delicious, slightly nutty flavor. They’re a healthy way to start the day and freeze well, so you can easily reheat them in the toaster for a fast, fiber filled breakfast.

• 1 cups all-purpose flour*

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour*

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 banana mashed + enough milk to make 1 1/4 cups (non-fat milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk; I’ve used both with success)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

• About 6 teaspoons Wheat Germ

See the entire recipe and directions at Crazy for Crust.

Pumpkin Apple Carrot Soup

This recipe is perfect for fall and is full of healthy vitamins and minerals. It’s delicately spiced and tastes very comforting on dreary fall days!

1 sugar or pie pumpkin

1 large carrot diced

2 small apples, chopped (100 grams each)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1" ginger, chopped (2 1/2 teaspoons chopped ginger)

1 small red onion chopped

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

salt to taste

1 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1/2 cup milk (or coconut milk)

See the entire recipe and directions at Tastes of Lizzy T.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Blondies

These grain free blondies are absolutely delish, and you'd never guess their secret ingredient after tasting them- cannellini beans! 

Ingredients:

Cooking Spray
1    can (15 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1/2    cup peanut butter or nut butter of your choice
1/3    cup pure maple syrup
2    teaspoons vanilla
1/2    tsp Kosher salt
1/4    teaspoon baking powder
1/4    teaspoon baking soda
1/3    cup combination chocolate chips and chocolate chunks

See the entire recipe and directions at Hello to Fit.

Vegetarian Chili

This fantastic vegetarian chili makes super flavorful and healthy meatless meal! Serve it with cornbread for an extra treat!

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 large carrot, finely diced
1 large stalk celery, finely diced
1 jalapeño, diced (remove seeds if you don't like spice)
2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)
2½ tbsp chili powder
½ tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt + black pepper, to taste
1-28oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
¼ cup tomato paste
1-15oz can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
1-15oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

See the entire recipe and directions at Hummusapian.

Deconstructed Falafel Salad

This salad is absolutely amazing and gives a healthier spin on traditional falafels.

Ingredients:

1 bundle of kale, torn into pieces
2 cans of garbanzo beans, drained and patted dry
1 tablespoon of ground cumin
1 tablespoon of ground coriander
1/2 English cucumber, julienned
large handful of small tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 red onion, sliced thin
1/2 bundle of cilantro, finely chopped
1/4 bundle of flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 bundle of mint, chopped
1/3 cup of tahini
juice of 2 lemons
2 cloves of garlic
water
sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
olive oil
pita or lavash chips

See the entire recipe and directions at Honestly Yum.

Flourless Peanut Butter Zucchini Brownies

These brownies look absolutely decadent, but they're actually healthy brownies in disguise! These brownies make a wonderful (secretly healthy) dessert!

INGREDIENTS:

¾ cup natural peanut butter* (I used salted)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 cup shredded zucchini (don't squeeze out water)
¼ cup cocoa powder
2 tbsp ground flaxseed**
¾ tsp baking soda
¼ cup chocolate chips (I like mini), plus more for sprinkling
Optional: splash vanilla extract, pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter

See the entire recipe and directions at Hummusapian.

Vegan Spanakopita

This recipe is a miracle for people who are dairy free. Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that uses feta cheese- this is a fantastic alternative for people avoiding dairy (plus it's healthier too!). This recipe is a little more work than most of the recipes we post, though I think the end result is worth it!

Filling:
1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
8 green onion stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach packages, thawed
1 15 oz. can of chickpeas, drained, rinsed and mashed
3 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
1/3 cup kalamata olives, de-pitted and chopped
1/3 cup tahini
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 Tbsp. dried oregano
1/2 Tbsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 lemon, juiced (divided into 1/4 cup and remainder)
12 phyllo dough sheets

Glaze:
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup
2 Tbsp. ground flax seed

See the entire recipe and directions at Produce on Parade.