Marina Delio's Blog, page 7
September 9, 2017
Tahini Sauce
This quick and easy tahini sauce recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and comes together in 5 minutes. Tahini sauce ads a ton of flavor and luxurious creaminess to falafel, wraps, salads, and vegetables. 
I've been buying the creamy tahini sauce from Trader Joe's for ages. I add it to my falafel wraps, veggie sandwiches, chickpea salads, and really anything that could use a little extra flavor and creaminess. I finally decided to make make my own tahini sauce and am so glad I made that switch. Homemade tahini sauce is so stupid easy. It takes under 5 minutes to add the few simple ingredients to a bowl and whisk together.
Tahini sauce is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo. If you have a gluten allergy, be sure to check the tahini label, because even though sesame seeds are gluten-free, they can be contaminated during processing.
I always have a jar of tahini in my cupboard or fridge for my favorite Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing. I could eat that Mediterranean inspired salad every single day. One of the things I love about that dressing and this tahini sauce is that it doesn't need any added oil. What is tahini? It's like a nut butter, but made with ground sesame seeds. Tahini is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It's also a main ingredient in hummus, so you know it's got to be something special. While tahini has a stronger and sometimes slightly bitter flavor, it can also be used in sweet recipes. Check out these Tahini Ginger Cookies or these Chocolate Tahini Cookies. In this easy tahini sauce recipe, the tahini gets thinned and mellowed out with fresh lemon juice and water. It gets extra flavor from garlic. While I used finely minced fresh garlic, garlic powder works well too. You can experiment with other flavors. Dill would be a great way to add fresh herby flavor. If you like spicy foods, add a little cayenne pepper.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
I've been buying the creamy tahini sauce from Trader Joe's for ages. I add it to my falafel wraps, veggie sandwiches, chickpea salads, and really anything that could use a little extra flavor and creaminess. I finally decided to make make my own tahini sauce and am so glad I made that switch. Homemade tahini sauce is so stupid easy. It takes under 5 minutes to add the few simple ingredients to a bowl and whisk together. Tahini sauce is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo. If you have a gluten allergy, be sure to check the tahini label, because even though sesame seeds are gluten-free, they can be contaminated during processing.
I always have a jar of tahini in my cupboard or fridge for my favorite Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing. I could eat that Mediterranean inspired salad every single day. One of the things I love about that dressing and this tahini sauce is that it doesn't need any added oil. What is tahini? It's like a nut butter, but made with ground sesame seeds. Tahini is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. It's also a main ingredient in hummus, so you know it's got to be something special. While tahini has a stronger and sometimes slightly bitter flavor, it can also be used in sweet recipes. Check out these Tahini Ginger Cookies or these Chocolate Tahini Cookies. In this easy tahini sauce recipe, the tahini gets thinned and mellowed out with fresh lemon juice and water. It gets extra flavor from garlic. While I used finely minced fresh garlic, garlic powder works well too. You can experiment with other flavors. Dill would be a great way to add fresh herby flavor. If you like spicy foods, add a little cayenne pepper.CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
September 6, 2017
Vegan Lentil Loaf
This is the best vegetarian and vegan meatloaf! This easy lentil loaf is stuffed with veggies and lentils, and is even better than the classic!
I've been working on this lentil loaf recipe for weeks and am so excited to finally share it with you. This veggie lentil loaf is hearty and has those cozy flavors I remember from when my mom made meatloaf when I was a kid. If you're ready to move away from light summery salads, this is a great place to start. I'm not going there yet, but you may want to pin this recipe for Thanksgiving. Just saying.
This recipe developed in a funny way. One night a few months ago, my family was having dinner at one of our favorite local Italian restaurants. My littlest love started having a hard time and went on a little walk with Yummy Hubby. They strolled past a diner and came back to our table excitedly chatting about "Meatloaf Mondays" at the diner. As you can imagine, I immediately began dreaming up ways to make a meatless Meatloaf Monday at home. I tried a vegetarian lentil meatloaf recipe but it was just too mushy, and I wanted to get rid of the dairy. After about 5 tries, I've gotten the lentil loaf down.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
I've been working on this lentil loaf recipe for weeks and am so excited to finally share it with you. This veggie lentil loaf is hearty and has those cozy flavors I remember from when my mom made meatloaf when I was a kid. If you're ready to move away from light summery salads, this is a great place to start. I'm not going there yet, but you may want to pin this recipe for Thanksgiving. Just saying.
This recipe developed in a funny way. One night a few months ago, my family was having dinner at one of our favorite local Italian restaurants. My littlest love started having a hard time and went on a little walk with Yummy Hubby. They strolled past a diner and came back to our table excitedly chatting about "Meatloaf Mondays" at the diner. As you can imagine, I immediately began dreaming up ways to make a meatless Meatloaf Monday at home. I tried a vegetarian lentil meatloaf recipe but it was just too mushy, and I wanted to get rid of the dairy. After about 5 tries, I've gotten the lentil loaf down.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
September 1, 2017
Kale, Heirloom Tomato, and Orzo Salad
This beautiful vegan salad is filled with kale, tomatoes and orzo. Add chickpeas or pine nuts for extra protein. This colorful kale salad is perfect for meal prep or parties.
Monday is Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. Facebook and Pinterest are already abuzz with pumpkin spice this and that (guilty). But with all the gorgeous summer produce at its peak right now, I couldn't resist sharing this kale salad with juicy, rainbow colored heirloom tomatoes. This salad recipe is inspired by a salad I grabbed from the Whole Foods salad bar on a busy day. It was so good that I had to have more, and create my own recipe. This salad is perfect to bring to a Labor Day get-together. It can be made early in the day and actually tastes better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. It's also a great meal-prep option. Make it on Sunday and enjoy for lunch for several days. As often is the case in Santa Barbara, this September has started off pretty warm and toasty. I added a can of chickpeas to this salad and had it for a cold dinner. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
Monday is Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. Facebook and Pinterest are already abuzz with pumpkin spice this and that (guilty). But with all the gorgeous summer produce at its peak right now, I couldn't resist sharing this kale salad with juicy, rainbow colored heirloom tomatoes. This salad recipe is inspired by a salad I grabbed from the Whole Foods salad bar on a busy day. It was so good that I had to have more, and create my own recipe. This salad is perfect to bring to a Labor Day get-together. It can be made early in the day and actually tastes better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours. It's also a great meal-prep option. Make it on Sunday and enjoy for lunch for several days. As often is the case in Santa Barbara, this September has started off pretty warm and toasty. I added a can of chickpeas to this salad and had it for a cold dinner. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
August 30, 2017
Breakfast Cookies Two Ways
This post is sponsored by Santa Cruz Organic. I received product and compensation, but all opinions are my own. These wholesome and delicious breakfast cookies are perfect for not only for breakfast, but for lunch boxes and after school snacks too!
The first week back to school was a great success! We are so happy with our girls' teachers, and unlike the last few first-days-of-school, there weren't any tears shed. We are all finding our groove getting back into school day routines. I wanted to make a wholesome treat for the girls' lunch boxes, as well as after school snacks, and a breakfast our whole family would love. These oatmeal peanut butter breakfast cookies checked all of those boxes!CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
The first week back to school was a great success! We are so happy with our girls' teachers, and unlike the last few first-days-of-school, there weren't any tears shed. We are all finding our groove getting back into school day routines. I wanted to make a wholesome treat for the girls' lunch boxes, as well as after school snacks, and a breakfast our whole family would love. These oatmeal peanut butter breakfast cookies checked all of those boxes!CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
August 27, 2017
Vegan Pumpkin Ice Cream
This vegan pumpkin pie ice cream is easy to whip up in the Vitamix or blender and made with simple real food ingredients like coconut milk and maple syrup.
I am suddenly so excited for fall! The craft and home stores are all dripping with pumpkins and leaves, and, I just couldn't wait any longer to share a fall recipe. Is it too soon? I'll just leave this one here and you can pin it to come back to when you're ready. This vegan pumpkin ice cream tastes exactly like pumpkin pie, but is perfectly cold, so it's great for warm early fall days. When your heart says fall, but the weather says summer, pumpkin pie ice cream is the obvious solution, right? CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
I am suddenly so excited for fall! The craft and home stores are all dripping with pumpkins and leaves, and, I just couldn't wait any longer to share a fall recipe. Is it too soon? I'll just leave this one here and you can pin it to come back to when you're ready. This vegan pumpkin ice cream tastes exactly like pumpkin pie, but is perfectly cold, so it's great for warm early fall days. When your heart says fall, but the weather says summer, pumpkin pie ice cream is the obvious solution, right? CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
August 25, 2017
4 Tortilla Wrap Recipes
This post is sponsored by Horizon Organic. All opinions are my own. 4 wholesome tortilla wrap ideas for kids and adults. 
My kids, like many others around the country, went back to school this week. It's been a swirl of mixed emotions for me. On the one hand, I'll miss our lazy days together, but on the other, we all thrive with some routine. I know I'm more balanced when I get a little time to myself. I'm excited to get back into my yoga and workout mornings, and having time to work during the day, rather than at 5am. With the back-to-school season comes lunch packing.
I know we can all use more ideas for packed lunches, whether it's for work or school. So I wanted to share four of my go-to tortilla wraps. You can use tortillas or lavash, although lavash is my family's preference taste wise. These wraps all take just a few minutes to prepare and are filled with nourishing veggies or fruit. The options for wrap fillings are endless, but here are four ideas to get you started.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
My kids, like many others around the country, went back to school this week. It's been a swirl of mixed emotions for me. On the one hand, I'll miss our lazy days together, but on the other, we all thrive with some routine. I know I'm more balanced when I get a little time to myself. I'm excited to get back into my yoga and workout mornings, and having time to work during the day, rather than at 5am. With the back-to-school season comes lunch packing. I know we can all use more ideas for packed lunches, whether it's for work or school. So I wanted to share four of my go-to tortilla wraps. You can use tortillas or lavash, although lavash is my family's preference taste wise. These wraps all take just a few minutes to prepare and are filled with nourishing veggies or fruit. The options for wrap fillings are endless, but here are four ideas to get you started.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
August 18, 2017
Yellow Curry with Chickpeas and Roasted Vegetables
This easy vegan yellow curry recipe is loaded with chickpeas, coconut milk, and roasted vegetables. It made a delicious, comforting, nourishing weeknight meal.
I've been making curry for years, as it's old family tradition, but my Thai style coconut curries have always fallen short. I started out making them with curry powder, but they always lacked the flavor I wanted, no matter how much powder I added. So I started using pre-made sauce, like Trader Joe's yellow curry sauce or another brand in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. While these had the flavor, they also had ingredients I didn't love. Recently I got my hands on yellow curry paste and had that "aha moment." Yellow curry basically comes down to yellow curry paste and coconut milk. When I finally realized that fact I felt beyond silly for ever buying pre-made curry sauce! It really takes about 5 minutes to mix up a homemade coconut curry sauce. From there you can add whatever your heart desires. Chickpeas and veggies are my favorite curry additions.
Yummy Hubby was cracking me up while eating this dinner and the leftovers the next day for lunch. His comments included, "This is the best dinner you've ever made." And "I loved every minute of that." This yellow curry is comforting, healthy, and mildly spicy. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
August 17, 2017
Real Food Refrigerator Prep for Busy Families
This post is sponsored by Revolution Foods. All opinions are my own. Real food organization to help you and your family eat well during the busiest of times. Enter the giveaway to win a month supply of Revolution Foods. 
I can't believe it's already back-to-school time! It's such a fun and exciting time, but I'll be honest, it stresses me out a little too. Getting kids' breakfasts and lunches made, finding that stray shoe the dog hid under a bush, and everyone out the door on time can feel like a marathon! After-school time can feel the same way when rushing from work to school to dance class and trying to get a nourishing snack into hungry tummies while wriggling into ballet tights.
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
I can't believe it's already back-to-school time! It's such a fun and exciting time, but I'll be honest, it stresses me out a little too. Getting kids' breakfasts and lunches made, finding that stray shoe the dog hid under a bush, and everyone out the door on time can feel like a marathon! After-school time can feel the same way when rushing from work to school to dance class and trying to get a nourishing snack into hungry tummies while wriggling into ballet tights.CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
August 15, 2017
Chocolate Maca Smoothie
This delicious vegan maca smoothie tastes like a chocolate malt! Maca is used to balance hormones and enhance fertility, strength, and endurance.
If you've been around this blog, you probably know that I really love my smoothies. After my last post where I shared 4 Superfood Smoothies, I realized I hadn't shared one of my most favorite smoothies! This maca root smoothie is rich, creamy, chocolatey, and tastes like a chocolate malt. It has been my go-to post workout smoothie lately. On hot summer days it's given me that extra energy boost to get through the afternoon slump. It's a pretty fantastic when your nourishing snack tastes like a dessert reminiscent of a Wendy's frosty. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
If you've been around this blog, you probably know that I really love my smoothies. After my last post where I shared 4 Superfood Smoothies, I realized I hadn't shared one of my most favorite smoothies! This maca root smoothie is rich, creamy, chocolatey, and tastes like a chocolate malt. It has been my go-to post workout smoothie lately. On hot summer days it's given me that extra energy boost to get through the afternoon slump. It's a pretty fantastic when your nourishing snack tastes like a dessert reminiscent of a Wendy's frosty. CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
August 12, 2017
20 Recipes for Fresh Tomatoes
20 delicious ways to use fresh garden tomatoes, from sauces to soups to salads and more.
It's summertime, and I'm trying to pick my tomatoes before the birds do! My favorite varieties to grow have been red and yellow cherry tomatoes, Costoluto Genovese, and Roma. While there's not much better than sun warmed juicy cherry tomatoes straight from the vine, there are so many great recipes we can make with fresh tomatoes too. From fresh tomato sauce, to salsa, to creative recipes from my favorite bloggers, I've rounded up a bunch of fresh tomato recipes for you to try! What's your favorite way to use fresh tomatoes?
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
It's summertime, and I'm trying to pick my tomatoes before the birds do! My favorite varieties to grow have been red and yellow cherry tomatoes, Costoluto Genovese, and Roma. While there's not much better than sun warmed juicy cherry tomatoes straight from the vine, there are so many great recipes we can make with fresh tomatoes too. From fresh tomato sauce, to salsa, to creative recipes from my favorite bloggers, I've rounded up a bunch of fresh tomato recipes for you to try! What's your favorite way to use fresh tomatoes?
CONTINUE READING THIS POST »
