ⓒ Janet Harriett

Cucumber and tomato salad captures the flavors of summer and is a tasty way to enjoy the fresh seasonal vegetables this time of year. This update to the classic salad removes the heavy oil from the dressing and substitutes heart-healthy garlic for the traditional onion.

The salad is a snap to prepare and can marinade in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the meal, or add feta or fresh mozzarella to the salad and serve with a whole wheat baguette for a light meal to end a hot day. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - Zocha_K

A hint of mint and a dollop of your favorite honey turns  your fruits into a delectable fruit salad that’s good for breakfast (or even as dessert.) Fiber-full melon, sun-sweet tangerines and slices of strawberries are the base in this fresh fruit salad that takes just minutes to put together. Serve it cold!

Total Time: 1 hr 15 min

Servings: 4

Ingredients
2  Tangerines, peeled, white pith removed, pulled into segments
2 c. Watermelon, cubed and seeded
2 c. Strawberries, sliced
2  Kiwi fruit, peeled and diced
2 Tbsp Fresh mint, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp Honey or Sugar

Combine and chill for about one hour.

©iStockphoto.com - VELEZGREENE

Try this winning combination of chocolate and prunes for dessert!

Prep and Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
½ cup pitted prunes
¼ cup pitted dates
3 Tbsp. almond butter
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
½ cup finely grated unsweetened coconut

Directions:

1.    In a food processor, drop the prunes and dates through the feed hole one by one. Scrape the processor bowl and run until the
Prunes and dates are smooth.
2.    Add remaining ingredients except for the coconut.  Run until smooth and scrape the bowl as needed.
3.    Roll the mixture into 12 one-inch balls and roll in coconut to coat.  Refrigerate for at least ½ hour.

Makes 12 pieces (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - SharonDay

Wakame is a Japanese seaweed easily found in whole food stores, and is a wonderful way to bring nutrition to your family. Wakame is rich in protein, calcium, iodine, magnesium, iron, and folate. It also contains a significant amount of substances called Lignans, which can help fight cancer.

This wakame salad is a big winner with kids, who find the cucumber accessible and like the saltiness of the soy sauce. It’s also something older kids can easily make themselves, while younger kids can do everything except cutting the cucumber. It’s fun watching the shriveled, dry wakame soak up the water and turn into bigger strips. (continue reading…)

©iStockphoto.com - SharonDay

Recipe by Alex Malinsky (RawGuru)

A delicious and tangy sprout salad rolled up in a crisp nori roll. All the sprouts needed can be found at www.SproutLiving.com. This light yet nutrient-dense treat will fill you up for hours.

My Favorite Dressing
2 tbs. Flora sesame seed oil
1 tbs. lemon juice
2 tsp. lime juice
1 tbs. agave nectar
1/4 tsp. Celtic Sea Salt
1/2 tsp. goji berry extract powder
¼ sea salt (continue reading…)

This girl will melt your heart!