CARE Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad (Great Brassica Side with Grilled Protein)

CARE Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower and Broccoli Salad (Great Brassica Side with Grilled Protein)

This salad is packed with cancer-protective brassica vegetables (also known as cruciferous vegetables). Brassica veggies, when eaten alongside grilled animal proteins, help provide some protection to cells against cancer-causing Heterocyclic Amines (HCA) (HCAs should still be minimized or avoided when possible). HCAs form when meats and animal proteins are heated at high temps that result in browning and charring (the “desired” crispiness of grilling).

CARE Recipe: Mexican Lime and Chile Glazed Asparagus (Prebiotic-Rich Tender Side)

CARE Recipe: Mexican Lime and Chile Glazed Asparagus (Prebiotic-Rich Tender Side)

We know spring is near when markets start stocking bundles of young, tender asparagus. Thin stalks cook faster, and are sweeter, milder, and don’t require peeling or trimming like thick stalks do. A simple rinse under cold water is all the prep they need. Some thin stalks will have woodier, tougher bottom ends that can be snapped off just like you’d do with thicker stalks, if preferred.

CARE Recipe: Jane’s Cod Stew (adapted from Washington Post)

CARE Recipe: Jane’s Cod Stew (adapted from Washington Post)

Jane shared on the CARE forum how delicious and easy this cod stew was from the Washington Post. She says “If you like fish, it makes a quick, flavorful light meal. I think this would be good with shrimp or salmon too.” So I tested it myself. I love the versatility of soups for packing in produce, herbs, and other fiber-rich nutrition stars. This soup also adds fish as a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats.

CARE Recipe: White Bean Sauce (“Faux Alfredo”: Great with Tender Veggies!)

CARE Recipe: White Bean Sauce (“Faux Alfredo”: Great with Tender Veggies!)

Depending on the brand, 1/2 cup of store-bought full-fat alfredo sauce can contain up to 40 grams of fat and 1800mg of sodium! With a little creativity, though, we can find alternatives for decadent choices like alfredo sauce that are better for us and leave us feeling energized, not laden. White bean sauce is tasty, a source of protein and fiber, and just as worthy of a simple weeknight dinner. Try it with fettuccine and sweet peas, broccoli, and zucchini, or simply spooned over a plate of steamed vegetables (frozen work great).

CARE Recipe: Kale and Pistachio Pesto (Lightening Fast Topping to Dinner Protein)

CARE Recipe: Kale and Pistachio Pesto (Lightening Fast Topping to Dinner Protein)

This bright green pesto is packed with flavor and nutrients. Nutrients like lutein and vitamin A, especially important for eye health. Use to dress extra lean protein (like fish or super firm tofu), spread on a sandwich, or add to any combination of cooked grains/roots and leafy and tender vegetables for a fast and delicious salad.

CARE Recipe: Vegan Creamed Spinach Pasta with Peas

CARE Recipe: Vegan Creamed Spinach Pasta with Peas

Legume-based pasta (like garbanzo, black bean, and soy) is an incredible way to continue enjoying pasta while getting much more nutrition than just carbohydrates provided by flour-based varieties. This recipe pairs legume-based pasta with our Faux Alfredo Sauce (white bean sauce) to make a plant-based protein-rich, fiber-rich (which equals FILLING) meal. Enjoy with endless varieties of leafy and tender veggies!

CARE Recipe: Roasted Parsnip, Apple, and Onion Soup

CARE Recipe: Roasted Parsnip, Apple, and Onion Soup

Try roasting a medley of roots and fruits first, then blending them to velvety soup. Any roasted root vegetables can be made into smooth soup, including carrot, beet, potato, or a mix of parsnip, apple, and red onion. Parsnips look like ivory carrots, and when roasted, they are ethereally sweet, nutty, soft, and perfect for soup. They’re also just as good simply roasted and eaten that way. For a balanced plate, pair with an easy green salad dressed in lemon and garlic and your choice of an extra lean piece of protein.