side – Page 3 – Strong Roots Nutrition

favorites, salad, side, summer, vegetarian

August 4, 2014

Southwest quinoa salad

If you live in St. Louis, it's worth checking out the Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden: a summertime concert series within the rose gardens where picnics are encouraged. A fun event like this calls for a fun, packable menu like spicy black bean and corn patties with chipotle barbeque sauce, strawberry-rhubarb crumble bars, and southwest quinoa salad. This southwest quinoa salad is incredibly quick and easy to assemble, and the fresh lime juice and cilantro give intense fresh flavor that can't be beat. This is a dish th[...]

condiment, side, snack, summer, vegetable, vegetarian

July 23, 2014

Spicy dill refrigerator pickles

Cucumbers can be a valuable addition to many dishes. They add fantastic fresh flavor to my Tzatziki on some creamy-crunchy Black-Eyed Pea Falafel. A few slices of cucumber and a squeeze of lemon juice transforms ordinary water into sippable spa heaven. Sushi isn't really sushi without some cucumber strips inside. I'm totally intrigued by Joy the Baker's Cucumber Gin Salt and Pepper Cups. Homemade pickles are crazy simple to make and their flavor is unmatched by grocery store brands. Kirby cucumbers are classic for pickling, but Pe[...]

salad, side, summer, vegetable, vegetarian

July 14, 2014

Crispy kale salad with avocado and strawberries

I dreamed up this dish last summer when the farmer's markets in Denver were fantastic, and honestly, it's really delicious - the crunchy kale, sweet strawberries, and creamy avocado all provide tons of flavor. I provided a dressing here that I think works well with the bold flavors, but feel free to try your own dressing based on your tastes. Summer is the time to get your fill of berries while the prices are low and the flavor is unbeatable! Kale chips are delicious, so a kale chip salad is an obvious next step. Crispy kale salad with avoc[...]

salad, side, summer, vegetable, vegetarian

July 7, 2014

Green on green salad

Spending time outdoors can be a great mood-booster. Try it sometime: take a barefoot walk around in the grass, lay on a blanket on the lawn, or cartwheel down a grassy hill. We know that spending time outdoors can have real health benefits, and being outside can give us perspective and remind us how big the world is outside of our busy and chaotic lives. This salad reminds me of the things I love about the outdoors: lush shades of green, a variety of shapes and textures, and sharp flavors and smells. Use whatever greens you like. The arugula and Tuscan[...]

salad, side, summer, vegetable, vegetarian

June 17, 2014

Asian black rice salad

Since converting to full-time at my job, I've become much more appreciative of the Portable Meal, and salads like this one that can be served at room temperature are awesome for taking to go. This rice salad features black rice, a slightly sweet and nutty variety with a chewy, creamy texture, and the bright vegetables look stunning against the dark color. Serve as a side or top with a grilled salmon fillet and call it a meal. One aspect of nutrition that I think is kinda cool is the value of the pigmentation of our fruits and vegetables. It's so[...]