The air is getting a little warmer, leaves are budding on trees and flowers are starting to bloom. One of our favorite spring celebrations is Earth Day, marked each year on April 22. Created by American Senator Gaylord Nelson, the very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. It continues to this day to help make people aware of the importance of keeping our planet healthy and clean.
In honor of Earth Day, we’ve pulled together some delicious “green” recipes to help you mark the day:
Green Grape Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients:
For the Smoothie:
- 1/2 cup green grapes
- 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1/2 frozen banana
- splash of plain unsweetened almond milk, if needed
Toppings:
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp yogurt chips
Combine the first four smoothie ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of almond milk until well combined. Pour into a bowl and top with sliced banana, chia seeds and yogurt chips.
Source: simmerandboil.cookinglight.com
Smashed White Bean and Avocado Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 2 15-ounce cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices multigrain bread, toasted
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 avocados, pitted and thinly sliced
- 5 ounces arugula or sprouts
Combine the beans, olive oil and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Roughly mash until it comes together but is still a little chunky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the bean mixture among four slices of the bread, spreading in a single layer. Top each with some red onion, sliced cucumber, avocado and arugula or sprouts. Season with additional salt and pepper. Top with the remaining slices of bread and serve.
Source: www.culinarycolleen.com
Green Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Kiwis
- Starfruit
- (Any other favorite green fruits!)
- Wooden Skewers
Wash the fruit, slice into smaller pieces and skewer for a pretty presentation.
Source: www.fearlesshomemaker.com