mango gazpacho

It seems like we're all fighting to stay cool in this summer heat! With temperatures over 100 degrees, we are getting quite the summer. I love feeling the warmth, though...especially when I can relax with some summer snacks or a refreshing meal. 

So, gazpacho for dinner it is! Gazpacho is a chilled, tomato based, chunky soup that you typically find in Spain. It is filling and refreshing at the same time. I used a couple of mangoes in mine to add some sweetness and brighten up the soup. I also had a huge heirloom tomato from the garden that I was excited to eat. This recipe was incredibly easy to create, but had some really great flavors. I'm excited to share it!

mango gazpacho:

2 mangoes

1-2 large tomatoes

2 cups spring mix

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. tumeric

1/2 red bell pepper

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup cilantro

If you can, chill all ingredients in the fridge before preparing. Chop up all ingredients and blend together in your Vitamix (or blender). I preferred my soup a little chunky, so I blended on the low setting until everything was mixed up. Pour into a bowl and top with avocado, red onions, and more tomato. A little hot sauce would be nice, too. I used spring mix today, but spinach would also work.


This recipe makes about 2 bowls. Since it is LFRV, you could eat both... or share with a friend. 

Enjoy!

summer snacks

I've been getting asked a lot lately for some good summer snack recipes. For me, I always carry a snack in my purse - usually an apple or a banana. But, if you're looking for something a little more interesting, here are a few of my new favorites...


peachy fruit salad:
1 chopped peach
1 sliced banana
1/2 cup blueberries
sprinkle of goji berries
drizzle with honey


Nothing says "summertime" like a juicy, ripe peach. Eat them while they are in season and fresh. Yum!






hummus and carrots:
1/8 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sesame tahini
1/4 cup soaked sesame seeds
1 chopped zucchini
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp. cumin
3/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne 
4 small garlic cloves
sea salt to taste
Blend  all ingredients in your food processor or Vitamix, adding the sesame seeds and tahini last. 


This no-bean hummus is an adaptation Dara Dubinet's recipe. Beans contain both a starch and a protein, making them harder to digest. Beans can also leave you feeling bloated. This raw, bean-free hummus is light and filling, and will satisfy your cravings for some creamy hummus. 


summertime spinach dip:
1 cup spinach
1.5 cup chopped zucchini
1 slice of red onion
3 tbsp. hemp seeds
1.5 tbsp dill
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tsp. thyme


Blend all ingredients until smooth. I like to eat this with bell peppers - so refreshing and summery!

papaya smoothie:
1/2 fresh or frozen papaya
1 fresh or frozen banana
juice from 1 orange
1 tbsp. chia seeds
handful of ice cubes


Blend all ingredients until smooth. This summer smoothie recipe is filling, refreshing, and creamy! 






What are some of your favorite snacks?