One of the best things about summer celebrations is the food. People get to show off their culinary skills, usually in the form of dips, snacks, and appetizers. Finger food is exactly what you want at a potluck, picnic, barbecue,  or cookout. Although you can use slow cookers, Instant Pots, or grills to make main dishes, they don’t have anything on snacks and apps! That’s why this article is all about dippin’ and chippin’.

The truth is that people will eat almost any dip at a party or gathering, so long as it is tasty. We don’t mess around with flavor here at Dherbs! Every dish you make needs to impress your taste buds, but that doesn’t mean each dip requires a long list of ingredients. As with most recipes, the quality of the ingredients is what makes the dish. If you make vegan bruschetta, for example, opt for heirloom tomatoes in place of Roma tomatoes. Quality ingredients elevate an average dish to something spectacular!

Why make your own dips when there are so many dip options in grocery stores? This is a valid question, and the simplest answer is that almost every store bought dip contains processed ingredients and preservatives. Do you want to worry about high sodium levels when you are dipping on Labor Day? We didn’t think so. With the following dips, you can both enjoy their flavors and feel good about eating them. If you make some of the dips, drop a comment to let us know if you enjoy them!

Homemade Bitchin’ Sauce

Bitchin’ Sauce is a brand that is readily available in many supermarkets, and you can typically find various flavors. This homemade version doesn’t contain any preservatives or excess sodium and it is 100% raw vegan

Click here to make the recipe. 

Mango & Watermelon Radish Salsa

Refresh your palate and elevate your salsa game with this raw vegan dip made with mango, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, and watermelon radish.

Click here to make the recipe. 

The Best Guacamole Ever

When you make food in an authentic way, it tends to taste beyond delicious. That’s why this dip is the best guacamole ever.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Homemade Baba Ganoush

A healthy and traditional Mediterranean dip that’s sure to impress, baba ganoush is a unique, roasted eggplant dip with bold flavor and a subtle char.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Make this roasted garlic white bean dip with five simple ingredients in just five minutes of hands-on prep work. You’re going to love it!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Watermelon Avocado Salsa

Refresh your palate and indulge in this sweet, zesty, and slightly spicy watermelon avocado salsa that embodies the flavors of summer. This salsa is so versatile and ideal for raw vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike.

Click here to make the recipe.

Healthy Homemade Hummus

Whip up a batch of this healthy homemade hummus and enjoy a smooth, creamy dip that is m

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post 7 Great Dips To Make For Labor Day Festivities appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you are ever lucky enough to get your hands on some heirloom tomatoes, use them wisely. Make sure that you enjoy them raw to appreciate their sweetness because they are a notch above your average tomato. Combine that juicy sweetness of heirloom tomatoes with the fresh, sweetly tart nectarines that are readily available during summer and you’ve got summer in a bowl. Although it is a simple combination, it is highly addictive and we think you’ll love it.

SHARE:

The post Summer Heirloom Tomato And Nectarine Salad appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Are you ready to enjoy a homemade salsa that is every bit as spicy and delicious as it is chunky and smoky? Some people like smooth, pureed salsa, while others prefer the chunky salsas that you make in a molcajete. Is the salsa imperfect? Yes, but it’s also perfectly chunky, smoky, and full of flavor. Not everything that you make has to look like a work of art. Sometimes, foods or dishes that don’t satisfy everyone’s aesthetic appeal taste the best! That’s how we feel about this salsa.

A molcajete, in case you are unaware, is the Spanish word for mortar and pestle. The name comes from the Aztec words that translate to “seasoning” and “bowl.” A traditional molcajete varies slightly from your average mortar and pestle, though. It is made from volcanic rock and the hard, rough surface makes it easier to grind spices or mash different ingredients, for example, the pan-roasted ingredients for this salsa. Just make sure that you don’t add all of the ingredients to the molcajete at once. Start by mashing the onion and garlic, then follow that with the jalapeño.

Once you have a smooth paste of onion, garlic, and jalapeño, you can add the tomatoes, one or two at a time. Don’t overcrowd the molcajete, or you’ll have tomato juices flying all over the place. Add your chopped cilantro, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper and mix to combine. Serve with some sturdy chips that can support the weight of this homemade chunky salsa. It’s got a little kick, but not so much so that it overpowers the rest of the ingredients. If you like a spicier salsa, add two jalapeños!

SHARE:

The post Salsa de Molcajete appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you are ever lucky enough to get your hands on some heirloom tomatoes, use them wisely. Make sure that you enjoy them raw to appreciate their sweetness because they are a notch above your average tomato. Combine that juicy sweetness of heirloom tomatoes with the fresh, sweetly tart nectarines that are readily available during summer and you’ve got summer in a bowl. Although it is a simple combination, it is highly addictive and we think you’ll love it.

Nectarines belong to the stone fruit family, but unlike peaches, nectarines have a smooth skin. They come in yellow or white varieties and vary in shape. For this salad, you want nectarines that are not overripe. The last thing you want are mushy nectarines! They should have a slightly firm texture to contrast the soft and juicy heirloom tomatoes. Nectarines that are slightly firmer also offer a flavor that is slightly more tart, which complements the other herbs in this salad.

Because all of the ingredients in this salad are delicate, make sure that you don’t over-toss the salad. A light toss will do to ensure that all ingredients are coated in the dressing. You can pour the ingredients directly over the salad, instead of whisking separately in a small bowl. The simple dressing is very bright and provides the acidity to balance the sweetness of the nectarines and tomatoes.

SHARE:

The post Heirloom Tomato And Nectarine Salad appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

You may have heard of the FODMAP diet from a friend or article on a health website. This diet calls for people to eat foods low in FODMAP, certain sugars that cause intestinal discomfort. In theory, this diet should help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) figure out which foods are problematic and which foods reduce symptoms. Think of this diet as a temporary restrictive eating plan, almost like an elimination diet of sorts.

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, which are short-chain carbs that the small intestine absorbs poorly. People with FODMAP sensitivity can experience cramping, diarrhea, stomach bloating, constipation, or gas after eating high-FODMAP foods. In the case of this lemon vinaigrette, you can enjoy it without worrying about experiencing those symptoms. That is because all of the ingredients in this dressing are low FODMAP foods.

Because this lemon vinaigrette is very citrusy and acidic, we recommend serving it with salads that contain tomatoes, cucumber, romaine lettuce, or kale. If you are not cleansing, serve this dressing with your buddha bowl or pour it atop your quinoa. It can even be a great dressing to use for homemade tabbouleh or Italian pasta salad. Be mindful of the foods you eat with this, especially if you are monitoring your intake of these types of sugars, or if you have a digestive disorder.

SHARE:

The post Low FODMAP Lemon Vinaigrette appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It’s safe to say that almost every single person adores pasta. There are countless pasta recipes in existence, but most people tend to stick to simple marinara or Alfredo sauce recipes. In fact, most people purchase jarred versions of these classic sauces. You are better than jarred sauce, people! We understand the convenience of jarred sauce, but convenience doesn’t equal health. Jarred sauce contains an excessive amount of sodium, processed ingredients, and other things that have no place in your pasta sauce.

This recipe calls for unsalted tomato sauce from a jar, but it is simply pureed tomatoes. There are no added flavorings or anything else! Additionally, this recipe takes your taste buds down to the south to enjoy some classic cajun flavors. Cajun seasoning is yet another ingredient that contains copious amounts of sodium. One serving of cajun seasoning (about 1/4 teaspoon) contains 130 to 170 milligrams of sodium, depending on the variety. Why put your body at risk when you can easily make your own with spices you probably have in your spice rack?

That was a lot of information, and we apologize, but it was necessary. The great thing about this pasta is that you only need one pot. You don’t need a separate pot for cooking the pasta, one for the sauce, and a colander to strain the pasta. Just. One. Pot. That is the beauty of a one pot pasta recipe! You have minimal cleanup and the dried pasta noodles get to cook in the sauce, so they absorb all of the flavors as they cook. We hope you like this vegan cajun pasta!

SHARE:

The post Creamy Vegan Cajun Pasta appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The sun is shining bright and there is a general sense of warmth, laziness, and relaxation in the air. Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the start of the season than refreshing the palate with a delightfully light bowl of heirloom tomato gazpacho?

Some argue that heirloom tomatoes are the crown jewel of the summer harvest. We aren’t arguing against them, either! Think of heirloom tomatoes as nature’s candy, bursting with lovely sweetness and a touch of acidity in every bite. Don’t let their looks scare you away, either! They may appear strange and come in a variety of colors, but they are some of the best tasting tomatoes you’ll ever enjoy. When you blend together the different colors to make this gazpacho, you get to fully appreciate their inherent flavor. Let’s take a look at some of their benefits below.

• Powered by vitamins: These tomatoes are rich sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that works to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Plus, organically-grown heirloom tomatoes tend to be higher in lycopene, which may help protect against breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, bladder, and skin cancers.
• Precious seeds: Much like your grandmother’s china, heirloom seeds are viewed as precious treasures. For an heirloom tomato to meet heirloom status, it needs to have been around for at least 50 years. Newer genetic variations of heirloom tomatoes are simply hybrids.
• Vitamin K for the win: Studies suggest that heirloom tomatoes are great sources of vitamin K, which is necessary for healthy, strong bones. Researchers note that vitamin K consumption can help prevent osteoporosis.

SHARE:

The post Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you eat seasonally, you actually contribute to a more sustainable environment and support local farmers. On top of that, studies show that eating seasonally can help increase your nutrient intake. That means that growing and buying summer vegetables from local growers at farmers markets can improve your health and contribute to your community. 

What are the best vegetables to enjoy during these warmer, summer months? Some of those vegetables include leafy greens like kale, bell peppers, squash, garlic, shallots, and herbs like basil. Continue reading to learn what’s in season during summer and the health benefits that these produce items offer. 

Eggplant

Belonging to the nightshade family, eggplant holds some highly unique plant compounds within their dark purple skins. The same polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, that are in blueberries and red wine exist in eggplant skin. That’s why the skin is purple! Eggplant may help fight free radical damage and provide the body with manganese and folate, both of which support bone and metabolic health. 

Shallots

Shallots are members of the allium plant family, which includes onions, garlic, and leeks. Researchers found that the organosulfur compounds in allium vegetables exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. That means that they help support immune defenses, and some studies show that shallots may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They even have compounds that may help the body battle certain cancers, but more studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy. 

Basil

Basil is one of the world’s most popular herbs, making its way into everything from sauces and dressings to broths and salads. Manufacturers extract basil essential oil from the plant because the herb is rich in protective compounds. Some of those compounds include linalool, citronellol, and eugenol, all of which work to fight inflammation. Studies show that the antioxidants and antibacterial properties in basil work to boost digestive function, promote detoxification, and maintain healthy skin. 

Garlic

As another member of the allium family, garlic contains a compound called allicin, which works to protect against infections and fight pathogens. However, allicin is an unstable compound and it is only briefly present after you cut or crush garlic cloves. The sulfur compounds from garlic enter the body from the digestive tract, from which they travel throughout the body and have biological effects. 

Kale And Other Summer Greens

Kale is a popular superfood for good reason. As one of the healthiest greens available, kale is rich in antioxidants, including isothiocyanate. Kale also contains a good amount of potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and vitamins A, C, and K. Some studies show that certain substances in kale bind to bile acids in the digestive tract, preventing them from reabsorption into the body. That helps reduce the total amount of cholesterol in the body. Other heat-tolerant greens to enjoy in the summer include mizuna and Manoa lettuce, which yield new greens every three to five weeks. 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes, especially heirloom varieties, are bountiful in the summer months. They are the juiciest and go great in summer salads, so we encourage you to eat them raw. Tomatoes happen to be great sources of vitamins A & C and disease-fighting antioxidants like lycopene. Each tomato has its own unique taste and nutritional profile, so get your hands on grape, Roma, heirloom, and beefsteak varieties this summer. 

Cucumbers

The summer months are quite hot, so you need all the hydration help you can get. Cucumbers are more than 90% water and can help you reach your daily hydration goals. The high water content also helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. Cucumbers are naturally rich in vitamin K, which is a big bonus for bone health. Sufficient vitamin K levels reduce your risk of bone fractures and encourage healthy bone mass.

SHARE:

The post The Best Summer Vegetables To Eat And Their Benefits appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Believe it or not, not all pesto is green. The classic green pesto that you know and love is from Genoa, Italy, and it typically consists of basil, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. If you peruse our recipe section, you will find many pesto variations, many of which are raw vegan. Your love for pesto doesn’t have to stop at the color green, though. There are many kinds of pesto sauces from various regions throughout Italy. This recipe is inspired by the traditional Sicilian pesto.

What makes a Sicilian pesto different from the classic green pesto is that it uses almonds instead of pine nuts. It also uses fresh tomatoes, which prominently grow in the south of Italy and Sicily. Traditionally, Sicilians use the small Pachino tomato, but this recipe calls for grape or cherry tomatoes. Adding tomatoes to the sauce brightens the flavor and gives the sauce a lighter consistency.

This is a great condiment and sauce to have on hand, especially now that the weather is warming up. You can use it as a dip or pour it over your zucchini noodles to enjoy a light raw vegan entree. If you aren’t cleansing, feel free to spread this pesto on a crostini, or serve it alongside roasted or grilled vegetables. It also makes for an excellent cheese board condiment. Try it out and let us know if you like Sicilian pesto more than a classic Genovese pesto!

SHARE:

The post Sicilian Pesto (The Raw Version) appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We are very excited to share this homemade bitchin’ sauce, which looks like hummus but is made from almonds. Bitchin’ Sauce is a brand that is readily available in many supermarkets, and you can typically find various flavors. This homemade version doesn’t contain any preservatives or excess sodium and it is 100% raw vegan. That makes this dip great for anyone following our cleansing programs. It goes great with almost any raw vegetable, but we prefer it with celery, carrots, mini sweet bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or cauliflower.

Because this bitchin’ sauce uses almonds as the base, it has a thicker consistency, but isn’t quite as thick as hummus. Not only that, this sauce is oil-free, which helps to cut down on the calories. Almonds, just like other nuts, are calorically-dense, so keep that in mind when enjoying this dip. Trust us when we tell you that you will want to eat the entire batch. Although it contains ingredients that benefit your overall health, eating too much of it will not do you any favors. Don’t do it! Your waistline will regret it!

Once you make this recipe and get comfortable with the ingredients, you can start to flavor it differently. Play around with the seasonings to start developing different bitchin’ dip flavors. Perhaps you add some sun-dried tomatoes and basil, or garlic, herbs, and lemon. The possibilities are endless, but keep in mind that the more fresh ingredients you add to the dip, the shorter it will keep fresh in the fridge, even in an airtight container.

SHARE:

The post Homemade Bitchin’ Sauce appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.