Easy Spring-time dinner

When I think of Spring, I also start to think about wearing lighter clothing after coming out of frigid winters in the Northeast where I and everyone around me is bundled up from head to toe. With that in mind, I also begin to think about being beach body ready come summer.

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, maintenance is sometimes the hardest part. When you are not in "weight loss" mode it's sometimes easy for most people to want to go back to their old not so healthy habits of eating. Keeping that in mind is why I am constantly creating, or sometimes re-creating recipes to keep foodies intrigued to want to keep eating healthy no matter what their present goals, or maintenance regimes are.  Alas, I also keep convenience of making a quick meal, flavor and ease of preparation in mind as well.

A super easy, Springtime dinner for me consists of black bean pasta (Tolerant Foods) with cilantro pesto. The pasta is loaded with fiber and protein, while the pesto has iron from the spinach, detoxing properties from the cilantro and healthy fats such as omega 3's and vitamin E from the walnuts. It is a super filling, super delicious nutritious meal that also happens to be vegan, gluten free and dairy free.  I would love if you try making this this dish and let me know your thoughts visa vie social media! Buon Appetit!

Black Bean Pasta with Cilantro Pesto 

Dish Ingredients

1 package of black bean pasta

1 red pepper

1 sweet yellow onion

1 16 oz package portabello mushrooms

1 tbl spoon olive oil

½ tsp sea salt

2 cloves garlic

For Pesto Sauce

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup olive oil

5 garlic cloves 

1 ½ cup spinach

1/2 cup cilantro

1 tsp sea salt

Pesto Directions

Add all ingredients to food processor

Blend until smoothe

Dish Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions

Cut pepper into diced cubes

Cut onions and mushrooms into medium sized pieces

In a sautee pan, add olive oil, onions, mushrooms, sea salt and garlic

Cook over medium heat 6-8 minutes until veggies start to softenWhen pasta is complete, strain it

Combine pasta, red peppers (raw, not cooked), onions & mushrooms into a large bowl

Blend pesto sauce and blend into the remaining ingredients