On a very cool Victoria Day long weekend, the Guelph Farmer’s Market was bustling as usual. I made my trip downtown to get ingredients for this week’s meals and found enjoyment beginning my Saturday in my very favourite way.
As usual, the Farmer’s Market fuels my imagination and gives me inspiration for new and exciting recipes while also allowing me to continue making old favourites. This week, you get an inside peak of “Simply authentic: diary of a local foodie” – enjoy spending some time in my weekly adventure at the market and in my kitchen. (Story continues after slideshow).
Mango, Avocado and Black Bean Salad
This simple and delicious fresh salad is a new creation and a new-found favourite for the summer months! First, rinse a can of black beans, then chop up a ¼ of a red onion and place the ingredients in a glass bowl. Next, mince one clove of garlic, slice and cube one avocado, and peel and cube one ripe mango and add them into the bowl. Then, chop up fresh parsley and cilantro and sprinkle them onto the rest of the ingredients. Lastly, add a dash of salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil and the juice of one lemon. Mix everything together and let the flavours come together for a half hour – serve and be ready to be satisfied.
Shopping List:
- Mango
- Avocado
- Garlic
- Red onion
- Lemon
- Salt and pepper
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Black beans
Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Feta
One of my all-time favourites – this is sure to be a crowd pleaser at summertime BBQs. First, boil pasta (I prefer farfalle or penne). Once the pasta reaches al dente, strain and rinse with the noodles with cool water to stop the cooking process. While you are waiting, it is quick to finish the rest of the prep – all you need to do is get your pesto ready, slice sundried tomatoes, slice a few leaves of fresh basil, and crumble some fresh feta cheese. Once the pasta has cooled, you are ready to mix in a large bowl the pasta, a few tablespoons of pesto, the sundried tomatoes, and the crumbled feta. I often like to add marinated artichoke hearts and kalamata olives, as well – it’s all preference. Stir together and enjoy!
Shopping List:
- Pasta
- Pesto
- Basil
- Sundried tomatoes
- Feta
- Artichoke hearts
- Kalamata olives