From The Table

"Beauty does not need to be rushed" - Natalie

Feed Your Glow

Nourishing recipes, glow foods, and slower living inspiration from Natalie’s kitchen.

Creamy Thai Almond Dressing

Creamy Thai Almond Dressing

A creamy Thai-inspired almond butter dressing from Natalie’s kitchen — bright lime, creamy almond butter, garlic, and ginger blended into the perfect drizzle for glow bowls, salads, roasted vegetables, and noodles.

This is one of those sauces that instantly makes simple meals feel exciting again.

Creamy, savory, a little tangy, and perfectly balanced with just enough richness to make everything feel satisfying.

We especially love it drizzled over crunchy cabbage salads, grain bowls, roasted broccoli, or tossed with rice noodles and fresh herbs.

It’s flavorful without feeling heavy.

Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
Always the goal around here.

Why We Love It

Almond Butter
Creates a creamy rich texture while adding healthy fats and plant-based nourishment.

Lime + Rice Vinegar
Bright fresh acidity that keeps the dressing balanced and vibrant.

Fresh Ginger + Garlic
Adds warmth, depth, and bold flavor to every bite.

Tamari
Brings the perfect savory umami richness.

Versatile + Meal Prep Friendly
Perfect for salads, bowls, wraps, roasted vegetables, noodles, and easy lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

1/4 cup creamy almond butter
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon tamari
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2–4 tablespoons warm water
sea salt + fresh black pepper to taste

Optional:

red pepper flakes
sriracha
fresh cilantro
extra lime
sesame seeds

Directions

Add all ingredients to a bowl, jar, or blender cup.

Whisk or blend until smooth and creamy.

Add warm water slowly until desired consistency is reached.

Taste and adjust lime, tamari, or sweetness as desired.

Store in the refrigerator for easy meals throughout the week.

Natalie’s Favorite Way To Serve It

Drizzled over:

crunchy cabbage salads
grain bowls
rice noodles
roasted broccoli
crispy tofu
rainbow vegetables

Glow Note

I love keeping flavorful homemade sauces in the fridge because they make nourishing meals feel easier and far more satisfying.

Sometimes one really good dressing changes the entire week.

 

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

Everyday Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Everyday Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

A bright simple vinaigrette from Natalie’s kitchen — extra virgin olive oil, lemon, Dijon, and a touch of honey whisked into the kind of everyday dressing that makes everything taste better.

This is one of those recipes I make constantly and almost never measure anymore.

Because once you start making your own dressings, it’s hard to go back.

It instantly makes salads feel fresher, grain bowls feel complete, and even simple roasted vegetables feel a little more special.

This vinaigrette is light, balanced, tangy, and just slightly creamy from the Dijon.

The kind of dressing that quietly works with everything.

Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
Always my favorite combination.

Why We Love It

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Rich in healthy fats and the foundation of so many nourishing meals.

Lemon + Apple Cider Vinegar
Bright fresh acidity with a little extra tang and balance.

Dijon Mustard
Adds depth while helping create the perfect silky texture.

Honey
A touch of natural sweetness to round everything out beautifully.

Everyday Versatility
Perfect for salads, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, marinades, and meal prep.

Ingredients

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
sea salt + fresh black pepper to taste

Optional:

fresh garlic
fresh herbs
extra lemon
red pepper flakes

Directions

Add all ingredients to a small jar or bowl.

Whisk or shake until smooth and fully combined.

Taste and adjust lemon, honey, or seasoning as desired.

Store in the refrigerator for easy meals throughout the week.

Natalie’s Favorite Way To Serve It

Drizzled over:

simple greens
grain bowls
roasted vegetables
avocado toast
marinated chickpeas

Glow Note

I love keeping simple homemade dressings in the fridge because they make nourishing meals feel effortless.

Sometimes the smallest things are what help healthy habits actually stick.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

Quick Pickled Red Onions

Quick Pickled Red Onions

A bright little refrigerator staple from Natalie’s kitchen — crisp tangy onions that instantly make salads, tacos, bowls, and everyday meals feel more flavorful and alive.

We make a jar of these almost constantly around here.

The second one disappears, another batch gets made.

They’re one of those tiny little kitchen staples that somehow make everything taste better.

Salads. Wraps. Tacos. Grain bowls. Eggs. Sandwiches.

That bright tangy crunch instantly wakes up whatever you add them to.

And honestly? Once you realize how incredibly easy they are to make at home, it’s hard to go back to store-bought versions.

A few simple ingredients. One mason jar. Done.

Why We Love It

Red Onion

Naturally rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that help support overall wellness and balance.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Adds bright flavor while traditionally loved for digestive support and gut health.

Garlic

Bold, savory flavor paired with natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Easy Flavor Boost

One of the simplest ways to instantly elevate everyday meals with texture and brightness.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4–5 garlic cloves
  • peppercorns (optional)

Directions

Bring the water to a boil using a kettle or saucepan.

In a mason jar, combine the vinegar, maple syrup or honey, sea salt, garlic, and peppercorns if using.

Stir or shake until dissolved.

Thinly slice the red onion and pack into the jar.

Pour the hot water into the jar until the onions are fully submerged.

Allow the jar to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Transfer to the refrigerator and chill before serving.

Store refrigerated and enjoy throughout the week.

Glow Note

I love little recipes like this because they make healthy everyday meals feel more exciting without requiring much effort at all.

Crunchy. Tangy. Bright.

The kind of thing you start putting on absolutely everything.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

 

Quick pickled onions

Creamy Dairy-Free Ranch Dip

Creamy Dairy-Free Ranch Dip

A creamy herb-packed ranch dip from Natalie’s kitchen — made with coconut milk, avocado mayo, dill, and simple pantry ingredients for the easiest dairy-free glow-food sauce.

This is one of those little staple recipes we make constantly around here.

Because honestly?

It tastes like real ranch.

Creamy. Tangy. Herby. Perfect for dipping absolutely everything into.

And nobody ever realizes it’s dairy free.

I love keeping recipes like this on hand because they instantly make raw veggies, salads, bowls, wraps, and snack plates feel way more exciting.

Plus it takes maybe two minutes to make.

Exactly the kind of low-effort kitchen win I appreciate during busy weeks.

Why We Love It

Coconut Milk

Creates a creamy rich texture while adding healthy fats that help support skin hydration.

Dill + Herbs

Fresh flavorful herbs instantly brighten the dip while adding that classic ranch flavor.

Avocado Mayo

A healthier fat-based alternative that keeps the dip creamy and satisfying.

Versatile Texture

Easy to keep thick for dipping or thin out slightly for a quick homemade dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • splash pickle juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh dill

Optional:

  • black pepper
  • fresh parsley
  • lemon juice
  • fresh chives

Directions

Add all ingredients to a bowl or jar.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Adjust thickness as desired depending on whether using as a dip or dressing.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.

Serving Ideas

Perfect with:

  • raw vegetables
  • asparagus fries
  • salads
  • wraps
  • roasted potatoes
  • grain bowls
  • chicken

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they prove simple healthy swaps do not need to feel complicated or restrictive.

A good sauce honestly makes healthy eating feel so much easier and more enjoyable.

Always worth it.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

Fresh Basil Walnut Pesto

Fresh Basil Walnut Pesto

A vibrant little jar of green goodness from Natalie’s kitchen — fresh basil, garlic, walnuts, parmesan, and olive oil blended into one of the simplest ways to make everyday meals feel beautiful.

There’s something about homemade pesto that instantly makes even the simplest food feel special.

Warm pasta. Toasted sourdough. Roasted vegetables. Eggs. Soup.

One spoonful somehow transforms everything.

And honestly, it almost feels too easy for how fancy and flavorful it tastes.

We make fresh pesto constantly around here — especially when basil is overflowing and the kitchen starts craving brighter fresher foods again.

It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes part of your rhythm once you realize how many ways you can use it throughout the week.

A little jar in the fridge always feels like a good idea.

Why We Love It

Garlic

Fresh garlic brings bold flavor while supporting overall wellness and balance from within.

Walnuts

Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants that help nourish the body and support healthy skin.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Adds richness, hydration, and that silky luxurious texture that makes homemade pesto so satisfying.

Basil + Spinach

Fresh greens packed with flavor, color, and nutrients that help make this pesto feel both vibrant and nourishing.

Ways We Love Using It

  • tossed with warm pasta or veggie noodles
  • spooned into soup before serving
  • spread onto toasted sourdough
  • layered onto roasted vegetables
  • baked with chicken or fish
  • stirred into eggs
  • drizzled over grain bowls

Honestly…once you make fresh pesto, you start finding excuses to put it on everything.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts
  • 2–3 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
  • pinch black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Add all ingredients to a food processor.

Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the olive oil depending on the consistency you prefer.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately or store chilled.

Pro Tip

When tossing pesto with warm pasta, reserve a little pasta water before draining.

The starchy water helps thin the pesto slightly and creates the dreamiest creamy sauce texture.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they make simple everyday meals feel elevated without requiring much effort at all.

Fresh ingredients. Big flavor. Beautiful color.

The kind of kitchen staple that quietly makes cooking at home feel more enjoyable.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

Healthy Yum Yum Sauce + Glow Rice Bowl

Healthy Yum Yum Sauce + Glow Rice Bowl

A healthier homemade version of the classic Japanese steakhouse favorite — creamy yum yum sauce drizzled over a nourishing rice bowl layered with kimchi, nori, sesame, and fresh crunchy toppings.

You know that sauce at Japanese steakhouses that somehow makes you want to dip absolutely everything into it?

This is that sauce.

Creamy. Tangy. Smoky. Slightly sweet. Completely addictive.

And honestly…it’s almost offensive how easy it is to make at home.

The best part is we made this version with clean simple ingredients instead of all the preservatives and mystery oils hiding in most bottled versions.

And yes — it tastes every bit as good.

We ended up turning it into a fun little glow bowl situation with rice, kimchi, nori, sesame seeds, and fresh crunchy toppings…and now we make some version of this constantly.

It’s one of those meals that feels comforting while still packed with nourishing ingredients.

Why We Love It

Kimchi

Packed with probiotics that help support gut health and digestion.

Nori + Seaweed

Mineral-rich ingredients that help support overall wellness and nourishment.

Healthy Fats

Avocado mayo creates a creamy rich texture while helping keep the sauce more balanced.

Rice Cooked in Coconut Milk

Adds richness and comfort while making the bowl extra satisfying.

Flexible Bowl Base

Easy to customize with shrimp, chicken, steak, tofu, or extra vegetables depending on what sounds good.

Ingredients

Yum Yum Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional:

  • sriracha
  • extra smoked paprika
  • maple syrup for sweetness

Glow Bowl

  • cooked rice
  • coconut milk
  • nori strips
  • kimchi
  • green onions
  • radish slices
  • sesame seeds

Optional protein:

  • shrimp
  • chicken
  • steak
  • tofu

Directions

Add all yum yum sauce ingredients to a bowl.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

To build the bowl, cook your rice with a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.

Stir in nori strips and kimchi.

Top with green onions, radishes, sesame seeds, and a generous drizzle of yum yum sauce.

Serve warm.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they prove comfort food and nourishing food absolutely can exist together.

Big flavor. Fun textures. Cozy bowls.

Honestly one of my favorite ways to eat.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

Creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing

Creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing

A creamy garlicky vegan Caesar dressing from Natalie’s kitchen — soaked cashews, lemon, garlic, nutritional yeast, and olive oil blended into the dreamiest healthy salad dressing.

There are certain restaurant dishes that stay in your brain long after you leave.

This Caesar dressing was one of them.

Every time I ordered their kale Caesar salad I found myself completely obsessed with the dressing.

Creamy. Garlicky. Tangy. Rich without feeling heavy.

So naturally…I started trying to recreate it at home.

And honestly? This version has become one of our staples.

We keep jars of it in the fridge constantly because it instantly turns a simple bowl of greens into something you actually crave.

Especially massaged into kale with crunchy chickpeas and hemp seeds on top.

So good.

Why We Love It

Cashews

Create an incredibly creamy texture naturally while adding healthy fats.

Garlic

Bold flavorful antioxidants that help support overall wellness and glow from within.

Nutritional Yeast

Adds that savory cheesy Caesar flavor without dairy.

Lemon

Bright fresh acidity that balances the richness beautifully.

Kale + Toppings

Perfect paired with hearty greens and crunchy glow-food toppings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup soaked raw cashews
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • pinch salt

Optional:

  • black pepper
  • extra lemon
  • splash water for thinning

Directions

Add all ingredients to a blender or use an immersion blender.

Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust lemon, garlic, or salt as desired.

Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

How Natalie Loves Serving It

Massage into kale and top with:

  • crunchy chickpeas
  • hemp seeds
  • avocado
  • shaved vegetables
  • roasted broccoli
  • grilled chicken if desired

How To Soak Cashews

Add raw cashews to a jar and cover with filtered water.

Soak overnight or at least 8 hours.

Drain and rinse before blending.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they make eating nourishing foods feel genuinely exciting and satisfying instead of boring.

A really good dressing changes everything.

Always worth making homemade.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

 

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

 


Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

There’s something so satisfying about foods with a little crunch.These roasted chickpeas started as one of those “use what’s in the pantry” kitchen moments and somehow became a staple around here.We make them constantly.Sometimes they end up scattered over salads in place of croutons. Other times we eat them warm straight from the pan standing at the counter before dinner is even ready.Simple food always seems to find its way back into regular rotation for a reason.Crispy. Salty. Comforting. Easy.The kind of recipe that quietly makes healthy eating feel effortless instead of complicated.


Why We Love It

Chickpeas

Rich in fiber and plant-based protein, chickpeas help keep you satisfied while supporting gut health and steady energy.

 

 

Garlic

Garlic brings warmth, flavor, and natural compounds that support overall wellness and inflammation balance.

 

 

Healthy Fats

Avocado oil or coconut oil helps everything roast beautifully while adding richness and nourishment.

 

 

Endless Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Smoked paprika, rosemary, chili flakes, parmesan, curry powder — every batch can feel a little different.

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or coconut oil
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt
Optional additions:
  • smoked paprika
  • black pepper
  • rosemary
  • chili flakes
  • garlic powder

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.Drain and rinse the chickpeas well, then gently pat dry with a clean towel. The drier they are, the crispier they become.Place the chickpeas in a bowl with the oil, garlic, and salt. Toss until evenly coated.Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.Bake for 30–45 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them toward the end — they can go from perfectly crunchy to overdone quickly.We usually take ours right to the edge for that deep golden crunch.

Glow Note

I love keeping a jar of these on the counter for easy snacking throughout the day.They make salads feel more special, soups feel heartier, and somehow turn even the simplest meal into something with a little extra comfort and texture.

 

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing

Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing

A creamy dairy-free Caesar dressing from Natalie’s kitchen — tahini, lemon, garlic, and Dijon blended into the easiest glow-food dressing for salads, bowls, and meal prep.

This dressing is one of those little refrigerator staples that instantly makes healthy meals easier.

And honestly…that absolutely counts as meal prep in my book.

Because when there’s a really good dressing waiting in the fridge, suddenly salads, bowls, roasted vegetables, wraps, and random leftovers become something you actually want to eat.

This Tahini Caesar is creamy, garlicky, tangy, and deeply satisfying without feeling heavy.

We especially love it massaged into kale with crunchy chickpeas on top for the ultimate quick glow-food lunch.

Minimal effort. Big payoff.

Exactly my favorite kind of recipe.

Why We Love It

Tahini

Rich in healthy fats and minerals while creating an incredibly creamy texture naturally.

Garlic

Adds bold savory flavor while helping support overall wellness.

Lemon

Bright fresh acidity that balances the richness beautifully.

Kale + Crunchy Chickpeas

The perfect hearty pairing for this creamy dressing.

Meal Prep Friendly

Keeps beautifully in the fridge for easy nourishing meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup raw tahini
  • 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • fresh black pepper

Optional:

  • nutritional yeast
  • extra lemon
  • splash maple syrup
  • water for thinning

Directions

Add all ingredients to a jar or blender cup.

Blend using an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.

Adjust consistency with additional water if desired.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Store in the refrigerator for easy meals throughout the week.

Natalie’s Favorite Way To Serve It

Massaged into kale and topped with:

  • crunchy chickpeas
  • avocado
  • shaved vegetables
  • hemp seeds
  • roasted broccoli

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they make nourishing yourself feel simple instead of overwhelming.

A really good homemade dressing changes everything.

Especially during busy weeks.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie