I love ethnic foods, and I especially love experimenting with recipes to find ways to make them healthier. This Asian Rotini Pasta Salad is one of my new favorites! It is loaded with fresh vegetables for a great crispy texture, and it tastes just as good for leftovers.

You can experiment with the vegetables in this salad based on preference and what’s available. Tossed with a delicious peanut sauce that adds a burst of distinctive Asian flavor, this dish is great as a side or featured as the main course of your meal.

I’ve tried many versions of peanut sauce, and this one is definitely a winner! It’s not too sweet and perfectly balanced for this salad. The secret ingredient is fresh orange juice, which adds a delicious brightness. You may even want to make a double batch of the dressing to use with spring rolls, salads, or even just fresh veggies.

Make it a Meal

This pasta salad makes a delicious lunch or light dinner. Or you could try it as a side dish with a heartier main course like these Pulled BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches.

This vegan pizza is so delicious and flavorful, you won’t believe it is vegan and gluten-free. I love this recipe because I can modify it depending on what ingredients we have on hand or what I’m in the mood for! And because the crust is so versatile, it is the perfect base for any of your favorite toppings. I know you agree this Caramelized Onion, Fig, and Arugula Pizza is worth the time and effort!

Recipe Notes

Did you know that eating 1/2 cup of figs supplies as much calcium as drinking 1/2 cup of milk? Plus, figs deliver more fiber than prunes and more potassium than bananas.

If you can’t find fresh figs, you can substitute pears or any other fruit of your choice in this recipe.

Take your time caramelizing the onions. It takes a long time on very low heat to get the sweet, rich flavor we are going for.

Inside onion cells are disaccharides, which are sugars formed by two monosaccharides (simple sugars) bonded together. When onions are heated, these disaccharides are broken down into monosaccharides by breaking the bonds that link the monosaccharides to each other. This reaction of breaking down larger sugars into single sugar molecules is what causes sautéed or caramelized onions to brown and develop a sweeter flavor.

The combination of the sweet onions and figs with the slightly bitter tang of the arugula and also the creamy vegan ricotta are an unbeatable combination in this Caramelized Onion, Fig and Arugula Pizza.

Make it a Meal!

Pizza is often a meal in itself. The combination of the crust, toppings, and vegan cheese make it filling and satisfying. To whet your appetite, consider starting off with some Buffalo Maitake Mushrooms!

The mojito is a marriage of zesty citrus and mint with a touch of sweetness. This refreshing combination makes the mojito a favorite summertime cocktail. On July 11, celebrate National Mojito Day with this essential oil-infused mocktail recipe.

How’d the Mojito Come to Be?

The mojito originated in Havana, Cuba. Supposedly, Sir Francis Drake’s crew members went ashore in Cuba seeking a remedy for an outbreak of scurvy and dysentery on the ship. They returned with limes, which are rich in vitamin C and an effective treatment for scurvy, “burning water”, which was essentially a rum/sugar mixture, and mint. The story goes that this was the first marriage of these ingredients. At that time, the drink was dubbed “El Draque” after Mr. Drake.

Later on, sometime in the 19th century, the drink was renamed mojito, which may be a variation of the Spanish word mojado, which means “wet.” Some sources say the mojito was a favorite drink of Earnest Hemingway. Whether or not this is true, it lends a bit of sophistication and class to an old favorite.

Cheers! and Happy National Mojito Day!

As always, when choosing your essential oil for this recipe, make sure it is labeled safe for ingestion.

Love homemade mocktails? Try this Ginger Lime Mocktail or a Refreshing Watermelon Margarita!

I always try to find new ways to squeeze healthy vegetables into my diet with unique, delicious recipes. This Vegan Broccoli Salad is a summer favorite from my home growing up. It may sound a bit bizarre: broccoli, raisins, mayonnaise, and pecans? Trust me, the combination is delicious. And it gets better and better the longer it sits. So feel free to make this salad a day ahead of time and let the marinade tenderize the broccoli.

Super Broccoli

Broccoli is a superfood in the cruciferous vegetable family. Loaded with phytochemicals, antioxidants, and phenolics, eating more broccoli can help reduce the risk of disease and improve overall health. This salad is one way to enjoy this mighty immune-boosting vegetable.

The Struggle of Holiday Parties

Whenever I am invited to parties or dinners at friends’ houses, I know that the pickins will be slim for me. Most parties feature all kinds of rich, unhealthy foods. These high-fat, mostly meat options used to make me avoid potlucks and parties, especially while cleansing.

I have learned a few recipes, like this Vegan Broccoli Salad, that allow me to attend a party and bring a delicious dish everyone will love. Planning ahead and bringing something for yourself is a great way to still enjoy festive gatherings without feeling guilty on the way home. The best part is, there are enough great options that no one will question what you bring to share and most people won’t even notice if you don’t eat much of the other offerings.

So if you are headed to a holiday party, mix up this crowd-pleasing Vegan Broccoli Salad!

Make it a Meal

Looking for a main course to please a crowd? Try this Baked Ziti with Sausage!