Thai Mango, Tofu, and Green Bean Salad

I'll admit, it's a little shameful I've had a copy of Vegan Eats World on my bookshelf since January  without any use. It's not for lack of great recipes in it, I just haven't been as prolific in trying out new recipes of late. But a few weeks ago I was searching through the index for a seaweed salad recipe (more to come on that later), when I spotted the Thai Shredded Mango Salad. It was one of those "I Must Make This ASAP" moments.

Smoothietude Contest!

I love smoothies, especially when the weather starts to get warmer. They are so refreshing, and- if done right- filling, nutritious, and delicious too. Plus, they are quick and easy. I learned the great trick of using frozen banana in smoothies to help make them thick & creamy from Kathy from Healthy.Happy.Life., and when I saw her smoothietude contest, I thought I'd finally enter one of these things (especially since the prizes are awesome, including a Vitamix- I have been lusting after one for soooooo long)! The above pic is my photo entry for the contest.

I tend to keep my smoothies pretty simple, but I do love trying out new ones too. Some staples in my smoothies:

• Vega One Powders- Vanilla Chai is my fave, I think.
• Frozen banana
• Other fresh or frozen fruits
• Superfood mix-ins, such as chia seeds, maca or lucuma powder, etc... a little can really boost the nutrients you're getting!
• Almond milk &/or water for the base

The above smoothie recipe, for the contest, also uses some banana coconut "soft serve" - I simply mixed together frozen banana with some (light) coconut milk, and then re-froze it. Thawed a tiny bit, this actually makes for a surprisingly nice dessert on it's own (or even better with fresh berries!) Added to a smoothie, it adds a nice creaminess.

Wish me luck! And enjoy a smoothie ;-)

**Updates:

• I recently tried using frozen watermelon (another great recommendation from Kathy- the smoothie queen!) in my smoothies and it seriously rocks my world. My NEW fave is: frozen watermelon+coconut water+ Vega One vanilla powder (and sometimes some frozen banana too). It's incredibly delicious and so refreshing.
• I can't wait for Kathy's smoothie book:  365 Vegan Smoothies. Every smoothie of hers I've had I've loved- they are always innovative (frozen canteloupe? Yup!), delicious, and easy.
• I was nominated as a finalist for the above contest! So excited! EEK! (I would love your vote if you have a sec- trust me, I have a really, really, really good reason for needing a Vitamix- more to come on that later!!)

and PS- looking for the absolute star of my photo entry? That's my Vizsla Captain, and he has his very own blog too: It's a Vizsla Thing. He's my really, really, really ridiculously good-looking love bug ;-)