Sauces and dressings are the key to making summer salads taste great! And by making your own dressings at home, you will be eating foods that are live and fresh–and contain much more nutrition, flavor, and life force than packaged foods.
Place in Vita-mix or blender:
- 1/4 pineapple, peeled and cored, and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley
- 3 sprigs spearmint
- 1/2 banana pepper
- 1/2 t. powdered ginger (or 1″ slice fresh ginger root)
- 6 T. olive oil
- 1/2 t. natural salt
- Just enough water to allow for proper blending
Blend ingredients on high until there are no lumps. Serve this light and lively dressing over salads, rice dishes, and cooked vegetables. For extra zing, try adding a few drops of lemon or lime essential oils.
Serve within several hours, store in refrigerator if storage is necessary. Serves 2.
Mediterranean Artichoke Dressing is delicious served over salads, tomato dishes, and rice dishes.
Serve this dressing over sauteed eggplant, cooked root vegetables, or pasta, for a healthful and easy meal. It is also a wonderful dip for crackers or raw veggies.
Recipe
Combine in Vita-mix or blender:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and seeded
- 2 tsp. chopped rosemary leaves
- 2-3 T. preserved artichokes (check ingredients for preservative-free brands)
- 3 drops black pepper essential oil
- Juice from 1/4 lemon
- 1 T. Italian parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. natural salt
- Just enough water to blend ingredients together
Pulse Vita-mix on 4 (low speed) until it begins to mix smoothly. Then blend on high until it is smooth and creamy.
Serves 2.
Nutritional Facts About Artichokes
- Artichokes are higher in anti-oxidants than blueberries, cranberries, and red wine.
- Artichokes contain Inulin, a pre-biotic that supports the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
- Artichokes can help reduce cholesterol (the non-beneficial kind) in the blood.
- Artichokes contain high levels of vitamin K, which helps the brain function properly. It is a wonderful food for people with Alzheimer’s and other brain or cognitive challenges.
- Artichokes are high in folic acid, making them especially good for pregnant and nursing mothers.
Recipe for Pineapple Mint Elixir
Place in blender or Vita-mix:
- 1 pineapple, peeled and cored, cut in chunks
- 4 dates, seeds removed
- 2 springs of spearmint
- 1″ slice of vanilla bean, or 2 drops vanilla CO2 extract
- 2 to 3 cups water
- Maple syrup or agave nectar to taste
Blend on high until drink is smooth and free of lumps. Serve with a sprig of mint on top. Serves 2.
Pineapple Nutrition Facts
- Contains a wealth of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, beta carotene, thiamin, B6, and folate.
- Pineapples have the ability to improve respiratory health, coughs and colds.
- Pineapples contain enzymes that improve digestion, help you lose weight, and improve the immune system.
- Minerals in pineapple can help strengthen bones and increase heart health.
- Pineapples also can boost eye health, reduce inflammation, prevent cancer, fight off infections and parasites, and increase circulation.
To make Lime Light Strawberry Hot Sauce, you will need:
- 1 dozen strawberries
- 1 to 2 jalapenos, depending on how hot you like it
- 2 T. chopped fresh nopalitos with spines removed (Cactus pads, available in produce section of Mexican food stores)
- 3 t. raw sugar or Sucanat
- Dash of natural salt
- Dash of cayenne powder, if it is still not hot enough
- 3 drops of Lime essential oil, or the juice of 1/2 lime
Blend all of the ingredients in the Vita-mix at 4; or in a blender on low speed. Keep blending until all of the chunks are gone and the sauce is evenly textured.
This sauce is fantastic when drizzled over salads, rice, and vegetables. It also adds a great flavor to grilled or sauteed tempeh, fish or chicken–add as a garnish after it is removed from the grill or pan.
This is a real treat when served over Blue Corn Tortillas or steamed Tamales.
Makes 2 to 3 servings.