A Healthful Easter Lunch Menu by Pamela Salzman

Yesterday I shared the décor details from our latest In the Veggie Kitchen gathering, which was centered on Easter lunch. Before we sat down together to enjoy the food and partake in Amy Blessing’s shibori egg DIY project, my friend and talented holistic chef Pamela Salzman hosted a cooking class so we could learn how to make each dish. In the tradition of our series, Pamela focused the menu around vegetarian recipes that are beautifully light, vibrant with color, and easy to make in large batches for a big group. You could bring any one of these dishes to a friend’s house for Easter or another spring-season gathering, or make them all for your own party, along with your personal favorites.

We started things off with a creamy asparagus soup that couldn’t have been easier to make, and yet was so delicious. Instead of dairy, Pamela used rolled oats and unrefined oil to add richness. For a salad, she made a classic spring salad with avocado and lemon cashew dressing drizzled overtop. And cauliflower steaks with cauliflower puree and mint pesto served as the vegetable side dish. The puree is made with Yukon Gold potatoes, butter or ghee, and a little bit of salt; it is creamy and turns the cauliflower into a decadent addition to any plate. For a “main”, protein-rich recipe, Pamela selected a mixed herb and spring onion frittata. A frittata is always a great choice for brunch because it’s beautiful on the plate, keeps for hours, and is a crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike.

Of course, we couldn’t forget about dessert! Carrot cake felt like the appropriate choice, but Pamela’s recipe put a healthier spin on the treat. Her recipe was grain-free and used an almond-milk frosting in lieu of traditional cream cheese. It was beautiful and divine; all of us agreed that it was better than the original. Get the recipe below! XXJKE