When it comes to nutrition and keeping healthy, green is the new black. Take a look at these three easy recipes to incorporate more of this power color into your diet today.
Lemony Black Lentil Salad
Lentils are one of the world's oldest health foods, packed with protein and other essential nutrients. Lentils can help lower cholesterol and maintain healthy blood sugar levels and the high fiber content helps support digestive health.
Ingredients
1 ½ cup black lentils, rinsed and cooked
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 small red onions or 2 shallots, sliced
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1 pinch of fresh or dried dill
1 teaspoon of turmeric
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
1 lemon
½ cup of hemp seeds
Dressing
Add dill, turmeric, garlic powder, lemon juice and hemp seeds to a blender. Add ½ cup of water and pulse until smooth and creamy. Salt and pepper to taste. (Add more water if the mixture is too thick)
Directions
Add lentils, tomatoes, red onions and parsley to a bowl. Pour over the dressing and combine. Serve and enjoy!
Hummus and Veggie Wrap
Hummus is a thick paste or spread made from ground chickpeas that is a great alternative for mayonnaise and makes a tasty dip for vegetables. Hummus is packed full of calcium for bone health, fiber for digestive health, healthy fats, antioxidants to reduce inflammation, and many essential vitamins and minerals to promote overall health.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into ¼-inch slices
⅛ teaspoon of sumac
1 cup of your favorite hummus
4 pieces wrap bread
½ cup pitted and halved kalamata olives
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 ounces baby spinach leaves, or 2 cups lightly packed
¼ cup fresh mint leaves
Directions
Spread ¼ cup of the hummus over each piece of bread. Sprinkle a pinch of the sumac and a couple of kalamata halves. Top with 3 slices of zucchini, 2 pieces of red pepper, ½ cup of the spinach, and 1 tablespoon of the mint.
Roll each of them up and cut in half on a diagonal. Serve and enjoy!
Matcha Green Tea Latte
Matcha is made from green tea leaves that have been milled into a powder. It is rich in antioxidants, will help support your immune system, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and promote overall health.
Ingredients
1 cup almond milk
½ teaspoon matcha powder
A few drops of pure vanilla extract
Directions
Heat almond milk in a saucepan (don’t let it boil), add vanilla. Remove from heat and add matcha powder in a mug. Whisk vigorously until frothy. Be mindful of the temperature. Drink and enjoy!
