Spring Recipes

March 12th, 2021

I am fortunate to be taking in some early spring weather out in Victoria, BC, as I prepare for the 2021 outdoor track and field season. Here are some of the spring recipes that are fuelling my running and other adventures out here in BC!

Fresh Tofu Salad & Homemade Bread

This fresh tofu salad is made with spinach, baked tofu, fresh strawberries and avocado, chopped white onion, grated beet, and topped with balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The fresh ingredients make all the difference! For the baked tofu and salad assembly, see the following ingredients and directions.

Baked Tofu

1 Block of Firm Tofu (cut into even squares)
2 Tsp Olive Oil
2 Tsp Balsamic Vinegar
1-2 Tsp Garlic Powder
Thyme (to taste)
Dash of Salt
Pepper (to taste)

Preheat oven to 375 F and bake on parchment lined baking sheet for 30 min (turn tofu over half way through).

4 SERVING SIZES

Fresh Tofu Salad Assembly

Handful of Spinach

Baked Tofu

1/4 Chopped White Onion

3-4 Chopped Strawberries

1/4 Diced Avocado

1 Small Grated Beet

1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Optional: Nuts or Seeds of Choice

Serves: 1 (large)

For the homemade bread I used a recipe from Our Best Bites and substituted the all-purpose/bread flour for whole wheat flour. I also brushed some olive oil on top and added sesame seeds and everything bagel seasoning!

Strawberry Smoothie & Dark Chocolate Date Square

As a runner, I’m doubling up on snacks to meet my fuelling requirements. You’re missing out if you don’t treat yourself to both of these delicious snacks!

Dark Chocolate Date Square

1/2 Cup Rolled Oats

1/2 Cup Pitted Dates

2 .5 Tbsp Cocoa Powder

2 Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter

Pinch of Sea Salt

Water (as needed)

Put all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Add water (slowly) until the mixture becomes a thick and sticky spread. Line a square 8×8 pan with parchment paper and press the mixture into it (I wrapped a piece of parchment paper around a spatula for this process). Freeze the mixture.

Prior to eating, remove from the freezer and cut into 4 squares. I eat this semi-frozen to make sure the square holds shape!

Serves: 4

Strawberry Smoothie

1 Cup Strawberries

1/2 Cup Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt (or yogurt of choice)

1/3 Cup Almond Milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 Tbsp Maple Syrup

1 Tbsp Peanut Butter (optional)

Handful of Ice

Serves: 1

Hopefully spring weather is on the way, wherever you are located! Meanwhile, you can enjoy these fresh spring recipes.