Marina Delio's Blog, page 10
May 21, 2017
How to Make Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes
This bright salsa is made with fresh summer tomatoes. It's quick and easy to make in the blender and perfect for snacking or taco night. 
"Mama, do we have any guacamole?" "No, I'm sorry, we don't""Can we make some?" "We don't have any avocados right now." "Oh. Do we have any salsa?" "No, sorry." "Oh. Can we make some?" "Yes! You're right little lady, we do have the ingredients for salsa!"
That was a real conversation that my youngest daughter and I had a recently. It made me happy to see her come up with ways to make her snack. I love that she knew that salsa doesn't just come from a tub at the grocery store, but from tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients we probably had at home. We pulled an old salsa tub out of the recycling, checked the ingredients, and started making a recipe for our own homemade salsa. Making our salsa took about 5 minutes to whip up in the blender, and was just as tasty as the store bought version. My girl and I were both proud to have so easily made salsa ourselves and she got to work snacking on the salsa and chips. Since then, I've been making homemade salsa regularly. It's just so easy. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
"Mama, do we have any guacamole?" "No, I'm sorry, we don't""Can we make some?" "We don't have any avocados right now." "Oh. Do we have any salsa?" "No, sorry." "Oh. Can we make some?" "Yes! You're right little lady, we do have the ingredients for salsa!" That was a real conversation that my youngest daughter and I had a recently. It made me happy to see her come up with ways to make her snack. I love that she knew that salsa doesn't just come from a tub at the grocery store, but from tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients we probably had at home. We pulled an old salsa tub out of the recycling, checked the ingredients, and started making a recipe for our own homemade salsa. Making our salsa took about 5 minutes to whip up in the blender, and was just as tasty as the store bought version. My girl and I were both proud to have so easily made salsa ourselves and she got to work snacking on the salsa and chips. Since then, I've been making homemade salsa regularly. It's just so easy. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
May 17, 2017
Vegan Quinoa Salad with Avocado, Beans, Corn, and Peaches
One of the best vegan quinoa salads around, this recipe is bursting with fresh summery ingredients and Tex-Mex flavors. It's perfect for parties or meal prep lunches at home.
I posted a similar summer quinoa salad recipe a few years ago. It was just after a family dinner where my mom had made a hearty bean and corn salad with pieces of sweet juicy summer nectarines. It was so fresh and delicious I had to recreate it at home to share with you. Since then I've made this salad over and over. When I spotted the first fresh peaches of the season last week I knew I had to make it again. It was just as tasty as I had remembered. This salad is filled with so many of my favorite summertime ingredients. It's got plenty of satiating protein from the beans and quinoa, savory bell peppers and onions, creamy avocado, and sweet peaches and corn. One of the things that surprised me most about that salad was just how tasty the fresh, raw corn was. Have you tried raw corn? It's sweet, slightly crisp, and more refreshing than cooked corn. I can't think of a better salad to add to your summer lineup.
I know I've posted several salads recently, but I just can't help it! I mean, I've just posted this Chickpea Greek Salad and this Strawberry Kale Salad in the last few weeks too. I'm on a roll with the salads at the moment because I am loving having a big nourishing salad for lunch at my desk most days. They make me feel better than anything else. While I usually think to make this salad for parties, because it is so pretty, when I made it this time I realized how great it is to prep for lunches and dinners at home. This recipe isn't just any old salad. It's filling enough as a small meal on its own. When I don't have time to make myself lunch this is a fantastic jar salad to grab-and-go. If you're someone who likes to meal prep, this is the recipe for you. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
May 10, 2017
One Pan Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
My best ever zucchini noodle recipe. Zucchini noodles with roasted cherry tomatoes, white beans, garlic, and fresh basil is one of my favorite recipes of summer. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. This one-pot meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
Zucchini season is upon us! I can't believe it's that time already. We planted two zucchini plants in March and suddenly they are huge and covered with little zucchini and big bright yellow blossoms. One of the reasons I grow zucchini year after year is that it's so fail proof. As much as I enjoy gardening, I still have a lot to learn and not everything grows well for me. Zucchini though, has always provided us with a steady supply of squash for months and months. The irony is that my family doesn't love zucchini. I do have a few ways to prepare zucchini that are really delicious, however. Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles" are at the top of my list. I never thought my family could go through 4 zucchini in a night, but with this recipe we really do! Zucchini noodles are a great way to get more veggies sneak more veggies in.
This zucchini noodle recipe is adapted from one of my most popular summer recipes, Capellini with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. Readers and friends absolutely loved that one. It's incredibly simple, but so flavorful and mouthwatering. I love that the pure summery flavors of fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic are at the forefront. Most of the ingredients get tossed into the pot at once to roast. Fresh cherry tomatoes sweeten up and burst while being roasted in the oven or stovetop with garlic and white wine. This recipe is even quicker than the original pasta version, as once the tomatoes are done cooking, I add the zucchini noodles to the same pot and let them soften for a few minutes. To make this zucchini dish a meal, I like to add hearty white beans. Beans are a great source of plant based protein. White beans like Cannellini are a natural choice as they are so often used in Italian cooking.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
Zucchini season is upon us! I can't believe it's that time already. We planted two zucchini plants in March and suddenly they are huge and covered with little zucchini and big bright yellow blossoms. One of the reasons I grow zucchini year after year is that it's so fail proof. As much as I enjoy gardening, I still have a lot to learn and not everything grows well for me. Zucchini though, has always provided us with a steady supply of squash for months and months. The irony is that my family doesn't love zucchini. I do have a few ways to prepare zucchini that are really delicious, however. Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles" are at the top of my list. I never thought my family could go through 4 zucchini in a night, but with this recipe we really do! Zucchini noodles are a great way to get more veggies sneak more veggies in.This zucchini noodle recipe is adapted from one of my most popular summer recipes, Capellini with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. Readers and friends absolutely loved that one. It's incredibly simple, but so flavorful and mouthwatering. I love that the pure summery flavors of fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic are at the forefront. Most of the ingredients get tossed into the pot at once to roast. Fresh cherry tomatoes sweeten up and burst while being roasted in the oven or stovetop with garlic and white wine. This recipe is even quicker than the original pasta version, as once the tomatoes are done cooking, I add the zucchini noodles to the same pot and let them soften for a few minutes. To make this zucchini dish a meal, I like to add hearty white beans. Beans are a great source of plant based protein. White beans like Cannellini are a natural choice as they are so often used in Italian cooking.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
May 7, 2017
Oatmeal Scones with Berries
Oatmeal scones you'll want to make every weekend. This version is made with fresh berries and is easy to make vegan and gluten-free. They're on the table in under 30 minutes.
Oatmeal scones are a bit of a weekend ritual in our house. On mornings were we can finally be a little lazy and not rush out the door as we do during the week, the my girls often ask to bake a batch of scones. It all started years ago when they discovered the dreamy fresh buttery scones at a favorite local breakfast spot, Jeannine's. I quickly realized I had better learn how to make scones at home. To boost the nutrition I use as little sugar as possible and bulk the scones up with whole grain oats. In the fall and winter I use this exact same recipe, only I use diced apples and a dash of cinnamon instead of berries. My oldest daughter prefers the apple cinnamon version, though I love making them with juicy berries in the summer. My only problem with these oatmeal scones is that I like them a little too much. I have a hard time resisting "just another little nibble" when I pass them sitting on the cake stand on my kitchen island.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
Oatmeal scones are a bit of a weekend ritual in our house. On mornings were we can finally be a little lazy and not rush out the door as we do during the week, the my girls often ask to bake a batch of scones. It all started years ago when they discovered the dreamy fresh buttery scones at a favorite local breakfast spot, Jeannine's. I quickly realized I had better learn how to make scones at home. To boost the nutrition I use as little sugar as possible and bulk the scones up with whole grain oats. In the fall and winter I use this exact same recipe, only I use diced apples and a dash of cinnamon instead of berries. My oldest daughter prefers the apple cinnamon version, though I love making them with juicy berries in the summer. My only problem with these oatmeal scones is that I like them a little too much. I have a hard time resisting "just another little nibble" when I pass them sitting on the cake stand on my kitchen island.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
May 2, 2017
Vegetarian Mexican Recipes
With Cinco de Mayo coming up this week I've got Mexican food on my mind! I've rounded up 13 of my favorite vegetarian Mexican recipe to share with you. From vegetarian Mexican appetizers and starters, to easy weeknight dinners, to basics like Mexican rice and slow cooker black beans, I know you'll find something to enjoy.
While this post was inspired by Cinco de Mayo, the truth is that we eat a lot of Mexican food throughout the year. Mexican food has a strong presence here in Southern California. Our "fast food" consists of local burritos to go. One of the foods I missed most while living in Italy was burritos. I tried making them with Italian tortillas, but they just weren't the same. Mexican food has some incredible staple ingredients: tangy lime, creamy avocado, hearty rice and beans, and spicy peppers. Thanks to the rice and beans, it's easy to create easy wholesome meatless Mexican meals.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
While this post was inspired by Cinco de Mayo, the truth is that we eat a lot of Mexican food throughout the year. Mexican food has a strong presence here in Southern California. Our "fast food" consists of local burritos to go. One of the foods I missed most while living in Italy was burritos. I tried making them with Italian tortillas, but they just weren't the same. Mexican food has some incredible staple ingredients: tangy lime, creamy avocado, hearty rice and beans, and spicy peppers. Thanks to the rice and beans, it's easy to create easy wholesome meatless Mexican meals.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
April 30, 2017
Tropical Acai Bowls Recipe
I first wrote about acai bowls here in 2012 after I had just learned about and started making them. Well, I'm still making these delicious and refreshing superfood bowls. This particular recipe with tropical flavors of pineapple and mango is my kids' favorite. Acai bowls are a wonderful way to get more fruit into our diets. Whenever my girls get the sniffles or a sore throat, I make them acai bowls. Luckily acai smoothie bowls are so tasty, the girls ask for them for after school snacks regularly. While where we live in Santa Barbara there are two acai bowl shops within a few miles, it's more convenient and less expensive to make them at home.What is Acai? The acai berry grows from Eutrepe trees, which are a type of palm tree in the Amazon rainforest. It's no surprise the first time I heard about acai was after a friend visited Brazil. The acai berries themselves are slightly smaller than grapes and grow in clusters. Acai berries have numerous health benefits. They are very high in antioxidants, which means they are great for fighting free radicals and slowing down inflammation and signs of aging. Other than those fantastic health benefits, acai may also boost skin health, improve memory and focus, support weight loss, protect against heart disease and diabetes, and stimulate healthy digestion (source).
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
April 27, 2017
Cold Soba Noodles + One Potato Box Review and Promo Code
The weather has been heating up and left me craving light and refreshing meals. This chilled soba noodle recipe is just the thing I've been needing. Get the link to the recipe and a promo code for One Potato Box. 
Catherine of Weelicious and One Potato Box sent me a meal delivery kit this week. We got veggie burgers and fajitas, but this delicious cold soba noodle dish was my personal favorite, so I wanted to share it with you. Each Tuesday, One Potato delivers a box of incredibly fresh, organic food, packed in a cooled, insulated box. One Potato Box is also offering my friends and followers $20 off your first box using the code YUMMY20. Since I'm passionate about helping families eat together, and eat well, I was excited to try One Potato and report back to you. Finding time to grocery shop and create homemade dinners is a challenge that many of my friends face. It was like the universe knew I could use some extra help this week, as I spent the early evenings helping my kids with science fair projects. It was such a help to have our dinner ingredients all ready to go. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
Catherine of Weelicious and One Potato Box sent me a meal delivery kit this week. We got veggie burgers and fajitas, but this delicious cold soba noodle dish was my personal favorite, so I wanted to share it with you. Each Tuesday, One Potato delivers a box of incredibly fresh, organic food, packed in a cooled, insulated box. One Potato Box is also offering my friends and followers $20 off your first box using the code YUMMY20. Since I'm passionate about helping families eat together, and eat well, I was excited to try One Potato and report back to you. Finding time to grocery shop and create homemade dinners is a challenge that many of my friends face. It was like the universe knew I could use some extra help this week, as I spent the early evenings helping my kids with science fair projects. It was such a help to have our dinner ingredients all ready to go. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
April 25, 2017
How to Make Guacamole
Find out how to make a simple guacamole recipe, plus ideas for delicious additions to take your guac to the next level. 
Can you believe it's almost Cinco de Mayo? Before we know it it will be summertime. Coincidentally today is also Taco Tuesday, though I say any day is a good day for tacos or guacamole. Am I right? Coming from Southern California, guacamole is one of the first things I learned how to make and is a staple in my home. I make guac for our weekly taco or burrito nights, and my kids often ask to make a simple guacamole to eat with chips and veggies. To simplify and cut out any chopping, sometimes I even make super-fast guacamole with just lime juice and a pinch of garlic salt.
I wanted to share a classic basic guacamole recipe with you, and a few tasty mix-ins or toppings to take your guac to the next level. Yes, we can find pre-made guacamole at most any grocery store these days, which is super convenient. But it's also very easy to make guacamole at home, and it tastes so much better. Basic guacamole requires just a few simple ingredients: avocado, lime, garlic, and salt. To add flavor and crunch, we add finely diced jalepeno and onion or shallot. As I mention in the YouTube video, I prefer shallots here because they are milder. My kids are not always happy with a chunk of raw onion, but they are fine with shallots. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
Can you believe it's almost Cinco de Mayo? Before we know it it will be summertime. Coincidentally today is also Taco Tuesday, though I say any day is a good day for tacos or guacamole. Am I right? Coming from Southern California, guacamole is one of the first things I learned how to make and is a staple in my home. I make guac for our weekly taco or burrito nights, and my kids often ask to make a simple guacamole to eat with chips and veggies. To simplify and cut out any chopping, sometimes I even make super-fast guacamole with just lime juice and a pinch of garlic salt. I wanted to share a classic basic guacamole recipe with you, and a few tasty mix-ins or toppings to take your guac to the next level. Yes, we can find pre-made guacamole at most any grocery store these days, which is super convenient. But it's also very easy to make guacamole at home, and it tastes so much better. Basic guacamole requires just a few simple ingredients: avocado, lime, garlic, and salt. To add flavor and crunch, we add finely diced jalepeno and onion or shallot. As I mention in the YouTube video, I prefer shallots here because they are milder. My kids are not always happy with a chunk of raw onion, but they are fine with shallots. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
April 21, 2017
DIY Kitchen Herb Garden + Giveaway
This post is sponsored by Ecoscraps. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting my work! Learn how to create a beautiful, eco-friendly, kitchen herb garden to keep or gift. Enter for a chance to win a $50 Walmart gift card at the end of this post!
When I planted my garden last year I partnered with ecoscraps and used their soil and plant food. Our summer garden did so well that I was delighted to partner with them again for a fun DIY gardening post. With spring in full bloom it was time to bring some fresh plants inside. I've been snipping roses and put together a beautiful tabletop herb garden. This mini herb and edible flower garden took about 15 minutes to put together and is easy enough for the novice gardener. It's so nice to have fresh herbs on my kitchen counter to add to recipes, but I also had this project in mind as a Mother's Day, teacher appreciation, or hostess gift. Wouldn't it be the perfect homemade gift for kids to help make? CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
April 18, 2017
Vegan Paleo Lemon Tarts
These beautiful, tangy, lightly sweet, rich and creamy lemon tarts topped with berries are perfect for any spring or summer celebration. Made with pure ingredients like almond flour, coconut, and raw cashews, this recipe is vegan and paleo. These tarts are bit like lemon bars and bit like cheesecake, with a hint of coconut in the background. They are easy to whip up in the blender.
While my daughter and I were at our local natural foods store a few weeks ago she asked to try a "Miracle Tart" from one of our favorite treat companies, Hail Merry. I was impressed with the wholesome ingredients, but unsure of how delicious these little pies would be. We picked up the lemon and the chocolate almond butter tarts for a special dessert. The whole family happily devoured the tarts any wished we had more. So the next day I set out to make similar tarts. Having made plenty of vegan and paleo cheesecakes in the past, I thought it would be easy. And it was! CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
While my daughter and I were at our local natural foods store a few weeks ago she asked to try a "Miracle Tart" from one of our favorite treat companies, Hail Merry. I was impressed with the wholesome ingredients, but unsure of how delicious these little pies would be. We picked up the lemon and the chocolate almond butter tarts for a special dessert. The whole family happily devoured the tarts any wished we had more. So the next day I set out to make similar tarts. Having made plenty of vegan and paleo cheesecakes in the past, I thought it would be easy. And it was! CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
