Center for Health & Wellness

Vitamix Blender Recipes- Oh the Possibilities!

How many of you have a Vitamix blender or another variation of a high speed blender? Are you stuck in a smoothie rut? I suggest you break free of this rut and try one of the countless possibilities for quick, easy and wholesome meals, snacks and treats that are possible with a good blender!pro-750-vitamix-blender-popup_2

There are many more uses than just smoothies for a good blender…And the best part is the simplicity of these Vitamix blender recipes!

-Soups                 -Marinades           -Desserts            -Nut Butters

-Sauces               -Spice rubs          -Dressings          -Snack items

Here are a few of my favorite fresh yet simple recipes to make your dinner fresh and delicious!

Mixed Greens & Butter Beans with Carrot Ginger Dressing

IMG_3456 (2)

 

prep time: 7 minutes

serves: 4

gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian

 

 

INGREDIENTS

4 cups mixed greens

2 cups butter beans (or beans of your choice)

1 avocado diced

¼ cup dry roasted pumpkin seeds

½ sweet onion diced – yellow or white (optional)

juice of ¼ lemon

FOR DRESSINGIMG_3455

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped

1-inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

2 tbsp. EVOO

2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

finely diced shallots and/or garlic (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. First make the dressing by combining all the ingredients in a food processor, Vita-Mix, or high-speed blender
  2. Chop all salad ingredients.
  3. Squeeze lemon over salad and mix well add (a little!) salt if needed.
  4. Toss with ½ dressing before serving.

Curry Coconut Pumpkin Soup

IMG_3449

 

prep time: 10 minutes

serves: 4

gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo-friendly

 

 

INGREDIENTS

1 can of full-fat organic coconut milk

1 can organic pumpkin puree’

1 thin carrot, cut into chunks

1 small garlic clove

1 ½ tsp. galangal ginger (1 tsp. fresh ginger works well too)

2 tsp. curry powder

½ Thai chili pepper, minced (these can be quite spicy, so start with less if you don’t want it spicy!) OR ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

1 medjool date

Toppings:

2 tbsp. green onion, choppedIMG_3450

2 small zucchinis, cut into noodles

1 red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks

1 handful cilantro

½ tbsp. lemon juice (optional)

**Grilled shrimp will take this dish to a whole new level!! Or ground turkey seasoned with ground ginger, cayenne pepper and chili powder! These added protein kicks that will satisfy a large appetite and has the the perfect balance of proteins, carbs and healthy fats!

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Combine all ingredients except toppings in Vita-Mix, food processor or high-speed blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Remove from blender and warm over medium-high heat.
  4. Serve with red bell peppers, zucchini noodles and top with cilantro and green onion.

Moo-less Chocolate Mousse
IMG_3458

 

prep time: 7 minutes

serves: 4

gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo-friendly

 

 

INGREDIENTS

2 ripe avocados

2 ripe bananas

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup coconut milk

½ tsp. pure vanilla extract

pinch of cinnamon (optional)

pinch of salt (optional)

1-2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp cacao nibs or 100% dark chocolate for garnish

1 tbsp. toasted hazelnuts

1 tbsp. unsweetened coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Scoop out the flesh of the avocados into a food processor, Vita-Mix or other high-speed blender and add all other ingredients except garnish.
  2. Blend until creamy and smooth.
  3. Serve in individual size bowls and top with desired garnish.

OK, I’m hungry now and off to experiment some more with my beloved Vitamix! I encourage you all to step out of any comfort zone you may be in with your cooking and embrace the possibilities that are available to you with whole foods in order to improve the quality of your and your family’s intake!