Recipe: Parsley Chimichurri Sauce

This chimichurri makes a vibrant and healthy topping for steak, fish, poultry, or roasted veggies.

Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (8 grams) finely chopped fresh parsley

• 1 Tbsp fresh oregano

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes

• ¼ tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Taste and adjust salt & pepper. Scrape into a small serving bowl. It’ll keep in the fridge for several days. 

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Mizina from Getty Images 

Recipe: Luscious Homemade (Dairy-Free) Caesar Dressing

This easy Caesar dressing is great on salads you might find yourself using it as a sauce with other foods! It’s even good on sweet potatoes.

Don’t be scared of the anchovy paste – but if you decide not to use it, be sure to adjust the salt and pepper level.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp anchovy paste

• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ tsp each salt and pepper

• 1/2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 cup avocado oil or light-tasting olive oil

Directions:

1. If using an immersion blender, place all the ingredients except the oil in a jar and insert the blender. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. With the blender still on, slowly drizzle in the oil, moving the blender around so that all the oil is incorporated and the dressing emulsifies.

2. If using a blender, do the same as above, except slowly drizzle in the oil until it emulsifies into dressing.

3. The mixture should be thick and creamy when you’re done.

4. Place in an airtight jar and store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by wmaster890 from Getty Images

Recipe: Homemade Buffalo Sauce

Warning: you’ll want to enjoy this buffalo sauce on pretty much everything from now on. The good news is with this homemade version you know exactly what you’re getting – and it’s all good stuff! Plus, you can adjust it to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of your favorite hot sauce (Frank’s Original works great)

• 2 tbsp grass-fed butter

• 1 tbsp coconut aminos

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1-2 tbsp honey

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir together and heat until warm, to mingle flavors.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning. This keeps in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by bhofack2 from Getty Images

Recipe: Easy, Wholesome, Homemade Mayonnaise

This super-easy mayonnaise is SO MUCH BETTER tasting and better FOR YOU than the prepared mayo you buy in the store.

Seriously: once you make this you will never go back! You can experiment by adding different spices and herbs to customize it – dill or chili powder would be amazing, depending on what you are using the mayo for.

Ingredients:

• 1 large fresh organic egg

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ tsp dry mustard

• 1 cup avocado oil

• ½ tsp salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. Place the egg, lemon juice and mustard in a high-speed blender or food processor (or if you want to use an immersion blender, in a large mason jar).

2. Turn on the blender/food processor and very slowly drizzle in the oil until the mixture begins to emulsify and looks like mayonnaise. Continue adding the oil. Adjust seasonings.

3. Let sit at room temperature (not too hot!) for about an hour before using or storing in the refrigerator. Will keep it for about two weeks.

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by natalisla from Getty Images

Recipe: Avocado Lime Sauce

This is a fantastic go-with-anything sauce that can really pull a meal together. It’s delicious over fish, tacos, chili – anything you want to add a Mexican flair to … and you can easily turn it into a salad dressing by adding just a little light coconut milk to it.

Adjust the seasonings to your palate – a little cumin or chili powder can be a great addition!

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados, peeled and cube

• ½ onion, coarsely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

• ½ lime, juiced

• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and mix until combined.

2. Store in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva