Drink it like a smoothie, eat it with a spoon or throw it back like a shot. But whatever you do to get in this chocolate mint green smoothie, it’s well worth it. Bottoms up!

Peppermint and chocolate are long-time allies in the world of flavor combinations. They just work, and so damn well at that. Chocolate is rich and earthy and peppermint is smooth and aromatic; together they go down easy, igniting your senses and releasing endorphins that could get your through any breakup. I’ve decided to take this classic pair and bring them to the beloved green smoothie so that you can enjoy a festive St. Patty’s Day without compromise your dietary goals.

Because a green smoothie condenses an otherwise large volume of ingredients into an easy-to-consume drink, it is important that each ingredient is the best of its kind. This means that they should be organic, raw and free of additives.

Instead of using a chocolate bar or chips for this green smoothie recipes, I’ve pared it down big time on sugar calories by sticking to cacao nibs. Use a raw version so as to extract the most nutrition (especially antioxidants) with each sip.

The spinach and mint work together to balance green goodness with flavor. Too much fresh mint can overwhelm the taste buds. Therefore, the spinach is there to provide more blood-cleansing chlorophyll to the body whilst keeping the green smoothie, well, green, and offsetting the perkiness of the mint’s flavors.

You can use any vegan milk of your choice, but be sure that is is unsweetened and (preferably) free of preservatives and other additives. Learn how to make your own almond milk to have the most control over what goes into your green smoothie. Almond butter is also something you can make yourself! Feel free to use other nut or seed butters in place of almond butter, though.

If you want to up the ante on the heftiness of this green smoothie with a protein powder, I’m personally a huge fan of this raw, vegan version called Sunwarrior. Stevia is also my go-to sweetener when the occasion calls. You could also add maple syrup, coconut palm sugar, or honey.

Chocolate Mint Green Smoothie

Makes 1 smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 overflowing cups of spinach (kale works well too)
• 1 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 handful fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped apple, mango, or pineapple
• 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
• 1 tablespoon cacao nibs
• Dash of cayenne
• 1 scoop protein powder (optional)
• Drops of liquid stevia to taste (optional)
• Ice (optional)

Directions: Add all to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

Related on EcoSalon

Sunday Recipe: Kale and Ginger Green Smoothie

Foodie Underground: Can I Have a Green Smoothie With That?

Sunday Recipe: Fig and Almond Energy Bites

Photo Credit: SweetOnVeg

The post Chocolate Mint Green Smoothie: A St. Patty’s Day Green Recipe that’s Good for You appeared first on EcoSalon.

Would you pay 42 cents for this 1977 version of egg nests?

A 42 cent lunch would be nice! However, I’m not quite sure I’d even fork over that amount, measly it may be, for the above egg nest featured in a March 1977 publication of Homemakers. From the looks of the recipe, there’s nothing in the dish but the elements to a satisfying breakfast! The picture is what gets me. The egg yolk looks raw and the egg white puff looks like some sort of mold overgrowth – not the best thing to imagine on a sensitive morning stomach.

My modern adaptation of an egg nest breakfast uses similar ingredients to those in this retro recipe, but the result looks a lot less worse for wear. I use the egg whites to coat the bread and seal in the moisture, form a nest for the egg yolk, and then give the dish a hint of sweetness with honey and a touch of light earthiness with the fresh mint.

French Toast Egg Nests

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream
• Dash of sea salt
• Dash of black pepper
• 2 slices of a thick, fluffy bread
• 1/2 teaspoon butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A few mint leaves for garnish

Directions:

Separate the egg white from the egg yolk. Reserve the egg yolks for later, keeping them whole.

In a small bowl that has the width (or greater) of the length of the bread slices, whisk together the egg whites, cream, salt, and pepper.

Over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Soak both sides of each piece of bread in the egg white mixture so that both faces’ areas are covered, and place in the saucepan.

Let the bread sit over the head for 1 minute, or until slightly browned, before flipping. Once you rotate the bread, delicately pull apart the center of each slice to create a small nest. Fill each nest with the reserved whole egg yolks, one for each bread.

Pour any remaining egg white mixture in the nests as well, equally distributing it among the two. Don’t worry about the egg whites leaking outside of the nests. Embrace the rustic look!

Immediately transfer the entire saucepan into the oven. Broil on high until the egg yolk cooks to your liking – approximately 2 minutes.

Remove from oven and present the dish in the center of the breakfast table while the toast is still in the saucepan. However, not before drizzling with honey and garnishing with mint.

Enjoy!

There is nothing quite like flipping through the pages of grandmother’s faded cookbooks in all their imperfect glory — the worn edges, the rampant sauce stains and the cluttered pencil marks. With their casseroles, ham dishes and affinity for elaborate presentation, the Betty Crockers and the Joy of Cookings provide a glimpse of food before it all became so much more complicated. At EcoSalon, we love good vintage inspiration, even when it comes to food. Welcome to Vintage Revamp, where we take old and classic recipes and refresh them with a modern-day twist.

Image: JBCurio, Aylin Erman

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Vintage Recipe Revamp: Egg Nests With Fresh Mint and Honey appeared first on EcoSalon.

Who needs a small bag when you’ve got a pantry?

The most potent and effective remedies are often the natural ones already hanging out in the pantry. Aside from the remedy-specific nature of the following 10 homemade teas, one of the most exciting thing about them is that they don’t require a tea bag! Your spice cabinet, fresh ginger root, some green herbs, a few fruits and vegetables, and honey are all that stand between you and an elixir to treating a pesky ailment – 10 of them, to be more exact.

To put together the following recipes, make sure to mix them until evenly combined and let the teas involving herbs or fruit to steep for several minutes before drinking. Sweeten as you see fit and enjoy!

Morning Liver Tonic

When you wake up in the morning, you’re body is in a very special place. The reason we are usually instructed to take supplements in the morning is because our stomachs are empty and there is little to interfere with said supplements’ potency. This morning tea pulls you out on the right side of the bed, giving a morning cleansing body flush. The lemon juice is highly alkaline and turmeric is known for its detoxifying properties.

Turmeric dates back 2,500 years in India, where it is commonly used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. Turmeric packs a lot of health benefits, but for our purposes it should be regarded as a liver cleanser, antiseptic and antibacterial agent. But it doesn’t hurt that the spice lowers the risk of cancer, is anti-inflammatory and helps to lose weight. Turmeric additionally treats Alzheimer’s, depression and arthritis.

You can sweeten with honey to balance the earthiness of the tea.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Deep Sleep Tea

Wind down at the end of the day with a tea that promotes a deep, comfortable sleep. Chamomile is a great stress reliever and has a calming effect on the body. It has been used for thousands of years to help people around the world get some shut eye, and a Japanese study put some legitimacy behind this widespread observation when it noticed that rats fed chamomile fell asleep just as quickly as those given a tranquilizer. Ginger is anti-inflammatory and helps to clear mucous from your passageways, allowing for more effective breathing and hence a more pleasant sleep.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Dried chamomile flowers to fill one sachet
• 1/2-inch nob of fresh ginger, crushed

Detox Elixir

Holding a bit more weight than you’d like? Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and lemon join forces to rev up your metabolism and get your body back in shape. Cayenne pepper warms the body, speeding metabolism and burning more calories. Cinnamon reduces blood sugar and LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as boosts metabolism and increases insulin levels. Lemon packs some flavor and added cleansing power.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 2 dashes cayenne pepper
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 dashes cinnamon powder)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Immune Booster Tea

Oranges are packed with vitamin C, a known antioxidant that may help protect your body from cell damage and boost resilience from disease and illness. Cinnamon and honey both have antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which means they are effective in warding off infections. Mint not only brings a fresh aroma, but it’s a leafy green that carries with it antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that keep you healthy.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Juice of 1/2 orange
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 dashes cinnamon powder)
• 1 teaspoon high-quality (raw) honey
• 4-5 mint leaves, muddled

Beautiful Skin Tea

This may seem like an unlikely concoction, but it’s actually quite delightful! Carrot juice is packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an essential part of skin health. Sage inhibits the growth of bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne contains vitamins A and C, which help to absorb free radicals that break down your skin’s collagen.

Warm this recipe, without bringing it to a simmer. You want to retain the carrot juice’s potency.  Let the leaves sit in the juice for a bit before drinking so that their flavors become infused into the tea.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces warmed carrot juice
• 2 sage leaves
• Dash of cayenne

Brain Power Formula

Blueberries contain anthocyanins and flavanols, which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These antioxidants rid the brain of free radicals, which can otherwise lead to oxidation, memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Ginger is commonly used to stave off migraines and basil naturally reduces tension and fatigue in the brain and mind.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 1/2-inch nob fresh ginger, crushed
• 1 tablespoon fresh blueberries, muddled
• 3-4 leaves fresh basil, muddled

Regularity Tonic

This tonic is geared towards those of you with difficulty digesting. The taste of this tea is very comforting and earthy. The pear and apple slices bring pectin to the mix, and pectin acts as soluble dietary fiber in humans. It helps promote healthy digestion, prevents diarrhea and constipation, and reduces the risk of colon and gastrointestinal tract cancers. Purple grapes contain quercetin, a plant pigment that contributes to healthy digestion, while cinnamon warms and stimulates metabolism.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 2 small slices of pear
• 2 small slices of apple
• 4-5 purple grapes, muddled
• Dash of cinnamon

Lady’s Tonic

For that time of month, this raspberry ginger tonic is just what the doctor ordered. Raspberries are a uterine tonic, relaxing and toning the uterine muscles as needed. The fruit is also beneficial during pregnancy, easing morning sickness, stabilizing digestion, and soothing the pelvic area. According to a 2009 study, women who take a dosage of ginger for three days from day one of their period witnesses the same pain relief as those who treated their menstrual cramps with ibuprofen.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 6-8 raspberries, muddled
• 1/4-inch fresh ginger

Aches and Pains Relieving Tea

Feeling sore as the Winter nears? Be ready to combat the worsening of your symptoms with a tea that cleanses your joints and puts them at ease. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that makes cayenne spicy. It lowers the levels of a chemical that relays pain signals to your brain. Fresh ginger and cardamom have both long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce joint pain and inflammation.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• Dash of cayenne
• 4-5 cardamom pods, crushed
• 1/2-inch fresh ginger, muddled

Nausea-Be-Gone Tonic

This recipe uses the soothing and potent effects of basil and honey to rid you of stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting symptoms. It is refreshing just as much as it is energizing, which will help to reverse your symptoms and keep you alert and feeling good.

The Formula:

• 8 ounces hot water
• 3-4 basil leaves, muddled
• 1 teaspoon of high-quality (raw) honey

Images: Aylin Erman, Steven Jackson, Leszet Lezsczynski, Cthoyes, Jennuine Captures, CLC Photography, Simply Bike, Clyde Robinson, Kodamakitty, Michael Newman, Cinnamon Cooper

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post 10 Healthy Tea Elixirs You Can Make Yourself appeared first on EcoSalon.

Get tipsy without tipping the scale.

A lot can go wrong in the preparation of a cocktail. The most common culprit – sugar. Whether it be by way of corn syrup, an artificial fruit blend, or straight up white cane, it is very difficult to get a forgiving cocktail when out on the town. And who wants to fuss at the bar? Going out is a time to let loose and relax, not bring a subtext of conditionality with every drink order.

But when you’re at home, the game changes – you have complete control! The trick is now to bring your hard-earned buzz the flavor, not the kill. A standard restaurant or bar mojito will contain upwards of 200 calories. Replace the sugar with a calorie-free alternative and you can cut the calories by nearly half. This recipe is a fun twist on a mint mojito. It uses fresh peaches for summery sweetness and stevia to replace the otherwise pound-packing cane sugar.

Enjoy!

Skinny Peach Mojito

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1 peach
• 6-8  mint leaves
• Juice of half a lime
• 3-4 drops liquid stevia (1 small packet powder stevia)
• 2 ounces rum
• Large handful of ice cubes
• Club soda

Directions:

Skin and then puree the peach. Pour it into the bottom of a cocktail glass. Add 6 mint leaves, the stevia, and the lime juice. Muddle the ingredients to release the mint’s flavor as well as distribute the sweetness from the stevia.

Add the rum and ice cubes. Top off the remaining space in the cup with the club soda. Garnish with mint leaves and serve. If you want a virgin peach mojito, nix the rum altogether. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.

Bottoms up!

Photo Source: DavidKenny

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Nutritional Breakdown: Lightening Up Your Cocktail’s Calories appeared first on EcoSalon.

Protein-packed and ahead of the grain gang.

I am a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast, but I often force myself to break the cycle for the sake of an exciting ingredient. Amaranth is a new find on my part, and it completely defied my expectations with its uber-light, yet creamy texture. This recipe turned out delicious and is definitely going to be repeated for a high-protein and high-fiber start to my day!

Amaranth is one-of-a-kind. Although it acts very much like a grain, it is actually the fruit of a plant. It boasts a nutritional profile that tallies off both the protein and fiber boxes – it is packed with 5 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein per cup. It contains up to 30% more protein than wheat flour, rice, and oats do. Amaranth is also free of gluten, which is inherent in many other grains, and it is a great source of the essential amino acid lysine, which is rather limited in other grains or plant sources. Cooked amaranth is 90% digestible, is high in vitamins and minerals and prevents disease, supports the immune system, prevents grey hair, and lowers blood pressure.

It is an unusually healthy food that you should experiment with, and why not for breakfast?

Amaranth Cereal Breakfast

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Serve with fruit. I chose fresh figs and bananas. I also added a teaspoon of no-sugar-added strawberry preserves for some extra sweetness and a sprig of mint for an aromatic touch.

Perfect way to start the day!

Bon Appetit!

The post Recipe: (Protein Packed) Amaranth Fruit Cereal appeared first on EcoSalon.

More than just a garnish.

Take these 10 herbs and you’ve got yourself 20 different ways to tackle everyday issues, from keeping mice away to treating the common cold. This list gives you reason to chew shamelessly on fresh tarragon leaves, re-establish Mojito Monday, and pass up your expensive and toxic perfume for slightly green-tinted wrists. Enjoy!

Tarragon

1. Toothache Treatment

Back in the day, Greeks used to chew on tarragon to numb their mouths from toothache. Instead of reaching for a painkiller, try easing the pain the natural way. If anything, at least your breath will be refreshed!

2. Internal Cleanser

Clean yourself from the inside out with tarragon. Tarragon consumption has been linked to increased bile production, which contributes to the elimination of toxins from the body. Tarragon is packed with tannins, bitters terpenes, flavonoids and coumarin, which are the backbone to its cleansing properties.

Mint

3. Mojito Makin’

Make a mint mojito with a kombucha base. With or without alcohol, the herb is the star of this show stopping drink.

4. Keep Mice Away

Despite our predilection for the fresh aroma of mint, mice beg to differ. They despise the smell mint so much, they will avoid all areas – even a block of cheese – where mint is scattered.

Marjoram

5. Natural Perfume

According to mythology, the goddess of love Aphrodite grew marjoram. Because of this, marjoram has been used in many a love potion. Take fresh marjoram leaves and rub them on your wrists and behind your ears. The aroma is sweet and light but with a spicy edge that makes it fitting for both males and females.

6. Bone Building

Marjoram offers some 520% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, making it one of the richest herbal sources of the vitamin. Vitamin K contributes to healthy bones and preventing the onset of osteoporosis.

Rosemary

7. Mosquito Deterrent

Rosemary is a great way to turn an itchy Summer evening into a bug-free one. Grow rosemary in your garden or near an area of your porch where you like to entertain guests or hang out most. Mosquitoes are averse to rosemary and will stay clear.

8. Hair Rinse

Rosemary has been associated with hair re-growth and strengthening as well as the elimination of dandruff. Boil a handful of rosemary leaves in two cups of water, let the water cool, and then rinse your hair with the rosemary-infused liquid.

Oregano

9. Common Cold Fighter

Oregano is an effective treatment for the treatment of colds and to relieve sinus pressure. Oil of oregano, which is available at most health stores, is especially effective. Place a few drops under the tongue or place 2-3 drops in a glass of water or juice before drinking. The oil drains sinuses and reduces inflammation.

10. UTI Treatment

Oregano has anti-microbial properties that can fight off E-Coli, the bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections. Oregano oil is the most potent forms of this treatment.

Thyme

11. Lung Booster

Thyme contains an oil called thymol that acts as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Add a sprig of thyme to hot water with honey and lemon for a soothing drink that prevents bronchitis and clears lung passageways with each sip.

12. Household Cleaner

Because of thyme’s disinfectant properties, the herb can be used to clean around the house in place of toxic, harsh chemical cleaners. Brew fresh thyme in water. Mix water with a light, vegetable-based soap and pour into a spray bottle. Use the liquid to clean kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

Basil

13. Fatigue Support

Basil is known to help treat adrenal fatigue. Place a few drops of basil oil on clothing to carry the effects with you all day or include some fresh basil at mealtime for a pick-me-up.

14. Acne Treatment

Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, basil is great for combating acne. Steep fresh basil leaves in hot water for 20-30 minutes. Let the water cool and use a cotton ball to apply the basil-infused liquid to acne-prone areas on your skin.

Coriander

15. Headache Healer

Coriander is regarded as a natural way to help get rid of a headache. Grind coriander leaves to release their juices and rub the paste on your forehead to relieve an aching headache. Or, sleep with a coriander leaf on your pillow.

16. Immunity Strengthener

Coriander leaves are packed with magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Eat coriander regularly and you will surely boost your overall immunity.

Parsley

17. Dark Under-Eye Circle Remover

Crushed parsley is a great remedy for ridding dark circles under the eyes. Parsley contains vitamin C, chlorophyll, and vitamin K and many other active compounds that cause it to reduce inflammation and tighten and lighten the skin.

18. Breath Freshener

Chew on parsley after dinner, especially if garlic was involved, to remove the stink and leave behind a fragrant and pleasing scent.

Saffron

19. Memory Booster

Saffron contains a compound called “crocin” that contributes to faster learning and better memory retention. This is especially helpful for those with age-related mental impairments.

20. Colorant

A little goes a long way with saffron. Whether it’s to color a grain dish red or even stain fabrics, adding saffron to the mix will ensure a dark rosy tint. This is a much better option than the overused red 20 coloring, which is derived from crushing red ants.

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

Image: VancityAllie, DebbieC, Gravitywave, Greatist, FeatOfFun

The post 20 Unusual Uses for Everyday Herbs appeared first on EcoSalon.

Create a new summer food staple to add to the family recipe archives.

Zucchini is a summer staple in my kitchen. It’s light and versatile. I like to pair it with Italian flavors, such as goat cheese, tomatoes, and basil, and create unique variations of antipasti. This recipe bakes zucchini slices and rolls them around in basil and sun-dried tomato while being mixed into soft goat cheese. The result is a poppin’ appetizer or snack.

And you’re getting more than just a delectable, bite-sized treat. Zucchini is a powerhouse of nutrition. It contains only 36 calories per one cup and improves digestion, prevents cancer, lowers cholesterol, is anti-inflammatory, reduces blood pressure, and contributes to vibrant and glowing skin.

But, don’t take my word for it. Incorporate zucchini into your diet and see for yourself – starting with this recipe!

Zucchini and Goat Cheese Sliders

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Dash of sea salt
• 3 ounces soft goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Dash of salt and pepper
• Dried mint for garnish

Directions:

Slice along the length of the zucchinis, cutting pieces 1/4-inch thick. Layer them on a greased baking sheet, season with sea salt, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until the zucchini is elastic, able to bend freely without falling apart. You could alternatively grill the pieces, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side.

While the zucchini is cooking, in a small bowl combine the goat cheese basil, and sun dried tomatoes. Mix until evenly combined.

When the zucchini has finished cooking, place 1-2 teaspoons of the goat cheese mixture on the end of each piece. Roll the zucchini unto itself, starting with the goat cheese side.

Serve with a garnish of fresh or dried basil, mint, or oregano. Enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Recipe: Zucchini and Goat Cheese Sliders appeared first on EcoSalon.

A new twist on a classic, hot-weather favorite.

This eco beverage uses herbs that can be grown in your own backyard rather than tea grown on the other side of the globe. So pluck some homegrown mint and basil from your repurposed balcony planters and get started! The caffeine-free tea is light and refreshing — perfect for a sunny June day. Try pairing it with a Superfood Salad.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 8 cups hot water
• 1/3 cup sweetener of choice (simple sugar syrup, maple syrup, agave, honey, etc.)

Directions:

The post Recipe: Basil Mint Iced Tea appeared first on EcoSalon.

Watermelon: off of the rind and onto your plate.

Nothing screams warm weather quite like watermelon. And while it’s enough to enjoy the fruit in its simplest form, it’d be a shame not to explore watermelon’s versatility.

The juxtaposition of the flavors in watermelon salad is really what makes it so special – not because of the thrill offered by a quirky combination, but because the pairing of these contrasting characters actually works. The sweetness of the watermelon brings a summer overtone of lightness to the otherwise grounding and earthiness of the tomatoes, onion, and goat cheese – to say nothing of the refreshing effects of fresh mint leaves! Combined with apple cider vinaigrette, the salad gets yet another whiff of fruity goodness, averting any suspicions of a train wreck and coming together as a decidedly balanced dish, each ingredient enhancing the flavor of the other. For this reason, variations of this watermelon salad are breaching “summer staple” status.

Do not be fooled by watermelon’s 92-percent water content. There is more to the fruit than thirst-quenching, poolside goodness. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, C, ad B6, maintaining eye health, strengthening immunity and promoting brain function, respectively. It is also a great source of cancer-fighting lycopene, an antioxidant we often hear about with regards to tomatoes and of which watermelon has the highest concentrations among all fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also a great source of potassium, which contributes to healthy muscles and nerve functions, and the heart-healthy amino acids citrulline and arginine.

And – I plead – don’t chuck the rinds! They are packed with nutritional benefits. Hide them in your favorite fruit juice or chop and sauté them into a stir fry or stew. Experiment until you find a way that makes them palatable to you. As for the pink part, I’ve got you covered:

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Dash of sea salt and freshly ground pepper

For the Salad:

• 3 cups watermelon, seeded and chopped
• 2 plum tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion
• Handful of fresh mint leaves

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Set aside.

Chop the watermelon, removing any seeds, chop the cherry tomatoes, and cut the onion from stem to bud into thin slices.

Combine the salad ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and toss with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately or let sit for at least a half hour in order to let the flavors intensify.

Before serving, garnish with chopped mint leaves and pieced goat cheese. The vinaigrette wilts the mint leaves and thins and spreads the goat cheese, so I like to add them last to ensure that they are robust and distinct upon serving.

Serve and enjoy!

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Recipe: Spring Watermelon Salad appeared first on EcoSalon.

Trench coats never go out of style. We’ve picked out five to wear this spring.

The trench coat is one of those classics that never really goes out of style. This spring, however, it’s a very on trend garment that you can wear with anything from cropped jeans to a cute dress. A good trench is an investment that will last for a very long time. You could always go for a classic beige one, but consider choosing from other fun variations of the trench offered right now – with colors and unexpected details giving new life to this beloved wardrobe staple. We’ve picked out five eco-trench coats that we think would make excellent additions to your spring wardrobe.

Grommet Detailed Trench Coat by Edun
This cool yet classic trench coat from Edun is made from a blend of organic cotton, polyester and hemp. The grommet details add some interest to this otherwise simple piece, making it edgier. Avoid the head-to-toe black look by pairing it with white denim, a bright-colored top and heels.
$598, Edun

Linda Loudermilk Siren Coat
This 100% organic cotton lace coat by eco-designer Linda Loudermilk is gorgeous, timeless and graceful. It’s also made in the U.S. With this trench coat you’ll hit two of spring’s biggest trends – white and lace – in one shot. Wear it with a white or pastel-colored dress or toughen it up with distressed denim.
$575, Juno & Jove

Organic by John Patrick Double Breasted Trench
This classic, double-breasted trench coat by Organic by John Patrick features a slightly relaxed silhouette with tie belt at waist. It’s made from 100% recycled cotton and fully lined in Cupro. The utility-green color is a good complement to many of springs other trends, like color blocking, patterns and pastels.
$550, La Garçonne

Mini Soft Trench by Prairie Underground
Part of Prairie Underground’s Spring 2012 collection, this oyster white trench has a simple cut which makes it a timeless addition to your spring wardrobe. If you want to add a bit more visual interest, swap out the belt for a wide, patterned or colored one.
$248, Show Pony Seattle

Vintage Belted Wrap Coat
This vintage belted wrap coat is part of Kaight’s Vintage Shop in a Shop, where the NYC-based eco-boutique is now featuring some of our favorite pieces from the shop online. Made from 100% wool, this mint green coat has pockets and is the perfect length to wear as a dress jacket.
$150, Kaight

The post On Trend: Five Trench Coats for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.