Creamy Feta Dip

I have been on a real feta kick these days. I’ve been adding them to my turkey and lamb burgers, throwing it in salad, and slicing it with grilled eggplants. Last night, I used a fresh block of feta to create this tangy, creamy dip (or sauce) for some roasted sweet potato wedges and I am so glad I did! You can use this feta dip/sauce/dressing however you’d like! Serve it with roasted veggies, add it as a “special sauce” for your turkey or lamb burger, or use it as a salad dressing! For those of you who live in San Francisco, it really reminds me of the Souvla dressing, and that is tough to beat!

Ingredients:

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ⅓ cup feta, crumbled

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tsp olive oil

• Pinch of pepper
  

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor until creamy and smooth

Optional: Add in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for more of a green goddess sauce. You can also thin this out with more lemon juice or water if using for a salad dressing.

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This is my go-to salad dressing. It has the perfect amount of tang in my opinion and quickly brightens up the flavors of any salad! I’ll make a batch and store it in my fridge so that I have dressing for the week!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey

• ¼ tsp salt

• Pinch of pepper

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a jar and shake (or whisk) until combined

• Add to your favorite salad, like the one pictured here (lettuce, watermelon radishes, avocado, and pumpkin seeds)

Health Benefits of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple Cider Vinegar is great for gut health! It will bring beneficial bacteria to your gut, which leads to enhanced digestion and absorption of nutrients. 

• It also has antiviral and antifungal benefits, which also improves microbiome conditions and your immune functioning!

• Although acidic, once ingested, it has an alkalizing effect on the body, which ensures good gut health!

• Apple cider vinegar has been shown to help balance blood sugar levels 

• Finally, it can help lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol and promote heart health

Sources and Additional Reading:

• https://www.amymyersmd.com/2019/07/8-benefits-apple-cider-vinegar/

• https://draxe.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-uses/

• https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5875/15-Reasons-to-Use-Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Every-Day.html

• https://tacanow.org/family-resources/balancing-the-gut-why-do-you-want-to-be-more-alkaline/

Cilantro Lime Avocado Vinaigrette

This dressing is a great way to spice up a salad or quinoa/rice bowl!

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, washed and dried and stems removed

• 1 garlic clove, smashed and roughly chopped

• Zest from one lime

• Juice from 2 limes

• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 avocado, diced

• 2 tbsp water

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth