What better way to celebrate Earth Day than with some fresh, wholesome foods. Fruits, veggies and nuts are great choices for a healthy plant-based diet. Check out these simple five recipes to enjoy on Earth Day.
1. Crunchy Chickpeas
Ingredients
1 15-ounce can chickpeas
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 to 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Heat oven to 400 F.
Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Rinse and thoroughly dry the chickpeas.
In a small bowl, mix together cumin, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, onion powder and pepper. Set aside.
Bake dried chickpeas in the preheated oven on prepared baking sheet for 15 minutes.
Remove the chickpeas from the oven and drizzle ½ tablespoon olive oil over the chickpeas, stirring until evenly coated.
Add spices to chickpeas and stir until evenly coated.
Bake at 400 F for 10 more minutes, then stir.
Return stirred chickpeas to the oven and bake them for an additional five to 10 minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.
2. Fresh Fruit
No recipe needed. Grab your favorite fruits and eat individually or slice and dice and make a delicious fruit salad.
3. Kale Chips
Ingredients
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small bunch kale
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 350 F. Spray baking tray with cooking spray. Remove the center rib and stems from each kale leaf and discard. Tear or cut the leaves into bite-size pieces, about two to three inches wide. Wash the kale and dry it very well.
2. Place the kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil, sprinkle with the garlic powder and salt, and massage the oil and seasonings into the kale with your hands to distribute evenly. Place the kale in a single layer on the baking sheets, and bake until crisp and the edges are slightly browned for 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Fruit and Veggie Smoothie
No recipe needed but here’s one of our favorites. Use any fruits and veggies of your choice.
Ingredients
1 hand full of spinach
1 banana (the riper the sweeter it will be)
1/2 cup almond milk
Ice
Directions
Add all ingredients except ice to blender.
Blend until spinach isn’t leafy.
Add ice.
Blend until smooth.
5. Raw Veggies with Guacamole Dip
Ingredients
2 large avocados
Juice of one lime
1/4 finely chopped onion
1 finely chopped garlic clove
1/2 chopped Roma tomato
Salt and pepper
Directions
Cut avocados in half, peel and roughly chop halves in a medium-sized bowl.
Squeeze lime juice and add oil.
Mash avocados until smooth. Blend in onion, garlic, tomato, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy with raw celery, carrots or any veggie of your choice
