During this cold front, there’s no better time to enjoy a bowl of comfort food! To make matters better, enjoy it in the comfort of your home. Mac & Cheese is an ultimate childhood favorite for most my clients, friends..and even myself. So, I decided to recreate this classic recipe into a dairy free & gluten free, #Solutions approved dish! Check out the the recipe below!

Recipe: Vegan Banza Mac & Cheese

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

1 package of Banza Cavatappi Chickpea Pasta
1 large roasted carrot
1 cup roasted butternut squash
1/2 cup of nutritional yeast
1/4 cup of cashews (soaked for 5 minutes in warm water)
1 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 onion , finely chopped
2 cups of sautéed organic baby spinach
1/2 cup of nut milk (almond works fine)
1 tbsp of tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp of paprika
salt & pepper to taste
crushed red pepper to taste

Decided to go with this Banza Cavatappi Chickpea Pasta instead of a traditional elbow pasta.

I recommend cooking the pasta about 6 minutes for an “al-dente” finish. Drain and immediately rinse pasta under running lukewarm water.

Instructions:

Roast the carrot and butternut squash at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.
Cook banza pasta using instructions on package.
Meanwhile, in a pan sauté the onion and garlic together until slightly browned.
Add all the ingredients (except pasta, salt, pepper and paprika) to a small food processor to create the sauce.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it into a medium- sized pot with a tablespoon of olive oil.

Add the sauce along with the cooked spinach into the “pasta pot”, and stir to combine well. Bring pot to very low heat and add crushed red pepper, paprika & salt and pepper to taste. Finally, remove from heat to be served.
Garnish with dairy free cheese, fresh basil and enjoy!

A Green Smoothie is how I start my day every day! I use it to absorb a large amount of vitamins and minerals, plus they taste so good! Use this smoothie recipe as your breakfast, snack or to compliment a meal.

What is the Green Solutions Smoothie?

The Green Solutions Smoothie is a nutrient packed beverage. This smoothie is loaded with fiber which keeps you feeling full and your digestive system working properly. In fact, this smoothie provides 50% of your daily recommended fiber intake.

Can I Use The Solutions Green Smoothie As A Meal Replacement?

Yes, you can! Use the base recipe found below, but add extra protein or carbohydrates if needed.

The Benefits of Each Green Smoothie Ingredient

Cinnamon
- A natural blood sugar stabilizer - perfect for combining with the sugar from fruits.
Spinach & Kale
- Rich in B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Potassium, Magnesium & Iron.
Unsweetened Nut Based Milks
- Easy to digest, easy to make and may be enriched with calcium & Vitamin D.
Ground Flaxseed or Chia Seed
- Great source of omega fatty acids and fiber.
Avocado
- Monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Plant Based Protein Powder
- Added protein helps stabilize blood sugar.
Spirulina
- Rich in iron! This smoothie provides over 60% of your recommended daily iron intake.

Tips For Making Green Smoothies

Ideally, when making this smoothie, you want to consume fresh fruits and vegetables to avoid nutrient loss. Blending and storing for a short amount of time may decrease the nutrient content slightly, however, it’s still better than not consuming this drink at all. I do recommend purchasing a reusable airtight miron glass you can to prevent oxidation (or loss of nutrients).

GREEN SOLUTIONS SMOOTHIE:

Dairy Free, Gluten Free & Vegan Friendly

Ingredients

1 serving of protein powder (or 2 tbsp of DIY protein mix )
2 handfuls of spinach or kale*
1 cups unsweetened nut milk
1/4-1/3 avocado
1 tbsp of ground flaxseed
1 dash of cinnamon
1 tsp spirulina (optional)
1/2 banana or apple (optional)
1/2 cup crushed ice
add water for desired consistency

*Organic is best for this ingredient but not necessary

Instructions

Add Measured Ingredients To A Food Processor. or NutriBullet
Blend For 60 Seconds
Enjoy instantly or take it on the go!