While many fantastic raw foods recipes and books are growing in popularity, many are complicated and require fancy (and costly) new kitchen gadgets. The secret to a successful raw foods diet or cleanse is simplicity; rather than trying to imitate cooked foods with "raw burgers" and "raw pizza", try these recipes and embrace the beauty of fruits and vegetables in their natural form.
Note: Consult a doctor before starting any diet or cleanse. Any ingredients in the following recipes can be omitted or added according to taste.
Mixed Greens Salad
Ingredients:
- Variety of leafy greens (kale, spinach, arugula, romaine)
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Onion
- Ripe Avocado
- Sea salt
- Fresh lime or lemon juice
Directions:
- For those who miss creamy dressings, avocado is a key addition to any salad. After washing all produce, chop the greens, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and celery into small pieces. Grate the carrot and cucumber, and combine in a large bowl. (Chopping all ingredients finely will aid in digestion.)
- Squeeze the juice of a lemon or lime onto the salad. Scoop out the flesh of one avacado and add along with a pinch of sea salt. Use hands to mix thoroughly. The idea is to "smush" the avocado; as it mixes with the lime juice, it will form a natural, delicious creamy dressing. Wash hands and serve!
Guacamole and Zucchini Chips
Ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Ripe Avocado
- Tomato
- Garlic
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Fresh lime juice
- Sea salt
In a small bowl, combine pitted and peeled avocado, chopped tomato, onion, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and sea salt. Use a fork to blend, working the mixture until the avocado is a smooth dip consistency.
Slice the zucchini fairly thick, about 1/2" in diameter. Serve alongside guacamole for dipping.
Refreshing Corn Salad
- Raw corn (dehusked)
- Tomato
- Onion
- Cilantro
- Bell peppers
- Avocado
- Organic pre-cooked black beans*
- Fresh lime juice
- Sea salt
- Ground black pepper
In a large bowl, combine corn with chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, bell peppers, avocado, and beans. Squeeze the juice from one lime, and add sea salt and pepper to taste. Mix and serve.
*For those not on a 100% raw diet
Green Smoothies
Suggested Ingredients:
- Banana
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Peaches
- Mangos
- Papaya
- Watermelon
- Spinach
- Romaine
- Mint
Green smoothies are a delicous way to sneak in extra green vegetables. Try starting with a ratio of 90% fruit to 10% veggie, and slowly balance out. A few suggested combinations:
- Watermelon and mint
- Banana, strawberry, and romaine (great for beginners)
- Mango, banana, and spinach
- Papaya, blueberry, and kale
Fruit Cobber
Ingredients:
- Apple
- Mixed berries
- Walnuts and/or pecans
- Blue Agave nectar or Raw honey*
- Cinnamon
Chop the apple and berries in small pieces. Place the nuts in a baggie and pound with a mallet until finely crumbled. Mix fruit and nuts with a drizzle of honey in a small bowl, sprinkle with cinnamon, and serve.
*For those not following 100% raw, vegan diet.
Help on Raw Foods Diets and Cleanses
Converting to a raw foods lifestyle is challenging, but rewarding. For more tips and recipes, plus lots of support from experienced raw foodists, consider joining a forum like Raw Food Talk.
