A fresh, crunchy cucumber salad from Natalie’s kitchen — layered with cooling cucumbers, creamy avocado, herbs, and bright lemon for the kind of simple summer meal that makes you feel instantly refreshed.

This recipe came together on one of those warmer evenings when we wanted something light but still satisfying.

And honestly…those are usually my favorite kinds of meals.

Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.
Very little effort.

The crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, fresh herbs, and lemony dressing all come together in the prettiest way. It feels nourishing without being heavy and somehow tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a little while.

I especially love making this ahead because it’s the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel easy.

And anything served in a chilled bowl on a summer afternoon just feels extra good somehow.

Why We Love It

Cucumbers

Hydrating, refreshing, and full of skin-loving water content that helps support that fresh summer glow.

Avocado

Adds healthy fats and creaminess that make this salad feel satisfying and balanced.

Fresh Herbs

Bring brightness, flavor, and that fresh-from-the-garden feeling that makes simple meals feel special.

Make-Ahead Friendly

One of my favorite recipes to prep ahead for lunches, gatherings, or easy summer dinners.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, sliced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh dill and parsley
Juice of 1 lemon
Olive oil
Sea salt
Fresh cracked pepper

Optional additions:

feta cheese
chickpeas
grilled chicken
extra herbs

Directions

Slice cucumbers and place into a large bowl.

Add avocado, red onion, and fresh herbs.

Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Season with sea salt and cracked pepper.

Toss gently until combined.

Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving if you have time.

Serve chilled.

Glow Note

I love recipes that feel fresh, simple, and beautiful without needing much effort.

The kind of food that leaves you feeling lighter, calmer, and well cared for.Especially in the middle of summer.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A fresh vibrant salad from Natalie’s kitchen — crisp vegetables, creamy lemon dill dressing, salty feta, and all the bright Mediterranean-inspired flavors that make healthy eating feel joyful instead of complicated.

This is the kind of salad that instantly makes you feel refreshed after eating it.

Crunchy cucumber. Sweet tomatoes. Creamy feta. Briny olives. Fresh dill. Tangy yogurt dressing.

Every bite feels bright, crisp, and satisfying.

I especially love this recipe because it’s hearty enough to stand on its own while still feeling incredibly fresh and light.

And paired with caramelized sweet potatoes? Honestly one of my favorite easy dinners lately.

Simple real ingredients layered together well always seem to create the most memorable meals.

Why We Love It

Cucumber

Naturally hydrating and refreshing while helping support healthy glowing skin from within.

Tomatoes

Rich in antioxidants like lycopene that help support overall skin health and radiance.

Greek Yogurt

Packed with protein and probiotics that help support the gut-skin connection while making the dressing creamy and satisfying.

Olive Oil + Feta

Healthy fats help nourish the skin barrier while adding richness and Mediterranean flavor.

Fresh Herbs + Garlic

Fresh dill, garlic, and lemon bring brightness, depth, and anti-inflammatory benefits to the dish.

Ingredients

Creamy Lemon Dill Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• sea salt
• black pepper

Salad

• 1 large cucumber
• 2–3 ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper
• 1–2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2–3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Optional:

• drizzle extra virgin olive oil
• extra fresh dill
• grilled chicken
• chickpeas

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Refrigerate while preparing the salad so the flavors can settle together.

Wash and chop all vegetables.

Add the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, orange pepper, and broccoli to a large bowl.

Add half the feta and toss gently.

Pour over the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Top with the remaining feta and extra dill before serving.

For best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion

This salad is especially delicious served with caramelized baked sweet potatoes.

Simply halve sweet potatoes lengthwise, drizzle generously with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side down at 400 degrees for about 1 hour until deeply caramelized and soft.

The sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the tangy creamy salad and salty feta.

Glow Note

I love meals like this because they feel both nourishing and beautiful at the same time.

Bright colors. Fresh textures. Simple ingredients.

The kind of food that leaves you feeling energized, satisfied, and genuinely good afterward.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A vibrant spring salad from Natalie’s kitchen — layered with sweet citrus, earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and all the bright nourishing ingredients that make your body feel alive again after winter.

Some meals feel like a quiet celebration of the season.

Bright colors. Fresh citrus. Crisp greens. Ingredients that somehow make you feel energized just looking at them.

This salad is exactly that for me.

Sweet juicy oranges paired with earthy roasted beets might be one of my favorite spring combinations ever.

Add creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, peppery greens, and a sharp little Dijon vinaigrette and suddenly you have one of those meals that feels beautiful enough for a dinner party but simple enough for an everyday lunch.

The kind of food that gently reminds you nourishment can feel joyful too.

Why We Love It

Beets

Rich in antioxidants and naturally supportive for circulation, helping bring that healthy vibrant glow from within.

Sumo Oranges

Packed with vitamin C to help support collagen production and overall skin brightness.

Walnuts

Healthy omega fats help nourish the skin barrier while adding satisfying crunch and richness.

Goat Cheese

Creamy, tangy, and easier for many people to digest while adding protein and balance to the salad.

Greens

Fresh greens provide minerals, chlorophyll, and freshness that make this salad feel incredibly alive and nourishing.

Ingredients

Salad

• 3–4 small to medium beets, roasted or boiled
• 1 large Sumo orange or Cara Cara orange
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 4–5 cups mixed greens
• 1/3 cup walnuts
• 3–4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Optional:

• sprinkle granola for crunch

Dressing

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• sea salt
• black pepper

Directions

If needed, roast the beets at 400 degrees for 45–60 minutes until tender.

Allow them to cool, then peel and slice or cube.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Arrange the mixed greens onto a large platter or individual bowls.

Layer the beets, orange slices, red onion, walnuts, and goat cheese over the greens.

Drizzle generously with dressing.

Finish with optional granola for extra crunch and texture.

Serve immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant.

Glow Note

I love salads like this because they feel both grounding and refreshing at the same time.

Bright citrus. Earthy beets. Creamy cheese. Crunchy walnuts.

A little reminder that eating well can still feel deeply beautiful and satisfying.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A quiet little healing soup from Natalie’s kitchen — warming pears, goji berries, jujubes, and gentle spices simmered together into a nourishing bowl inspired by traditional seasonal wisdom.

As the weather turns cooler and the air begins losing its humidity, I always notice my body craving softer, warmer foods.

Slower meals. Warm drinks. Simple recipes that feel comforting and restorative from the inside out.

This gentle pear soup is one of those recipes.

Inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, it’s beautifully simple while still feeling deeply nourishing.

Soft simmered pears. Sweet goji berries. Warming cinnamon. Little red jujubes floating in a lightly sweet broth.

The kind of recipe that feels calming before you even take the first bite.

And honestly…sometimes those are the meals our bodies need most.

Why We Love It

Asian Pears

Naturally hydrating and rich in vitamin C, helping support healthy glowing skin and overall nourishment during colder months.

Goji Berries

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients traditionally loved for supporting radiance and vitality.

Jujubes (Red Dates)

Used in traditional wellness practices to help support circulation, nourishment, and overall balance.

Cinnamon + Honey

Warming ingredients that bring comfort, depth, and gentle sweetness while making the soup feel cozy and grounding.

Ingredients

• 1 Asian pear
• 3 jujube dates
• small handful goji berries
• water to cover

Optional:

• cinnamon stick
• drizzle raw honey
• tiny pinch sea salt

Directions

Wash the pear thoroughly and cut into quarters or smaller pieces.

There’s no need to peel it — the skin adds beautiful texture and nutrients.

Add the pear, jujube dates, and goji berries to a small pot.

Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients.

If using, add a cinnamon stick.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the pear softens and the broth becomes lightly fragrant and golden.

Finish with a drizzle of raw honey and a tiny pinch of sea salt if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy both the broth and softened fruit.

Glow Note

This is one of those recipes that feels less like a meal and more like a quiet act of care.

Warm steam. Soft fruit. Slow moments.

The kind of nourishment that gently reminds you to slow down a little this season.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A cozy elevated salad from Natalie’s kitchen — crisp romaine, warm roasted brussels, creamy tahini caesar dressing, and crunchy toasted quinoa layered together into the perfect balance of comfort and freshness.

This is the kind of salad that completely changes people’s minds about salads.

Warm crispy brussels. Creamy garlicky dressing. Crunchy quinoa scattered over every bite.

It somehow feels both cozy and fresh at the same time.

I especially love making this during cooler months because it still gives you that bright vibrant salad feeling while adding enough warmth and texture to feel deeply satisfying.

And honestly…the crunchy quinoa might be my favorite part.

Little golden crispy bites tucked into every forkful make the whole thing feel extra special.

This is one of those recipes that’s simple enough for weeknights but beautiful enough for a holiday table too.

Why We Love It

Brussels Sprouts

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help support collagen production and overall skin vitality.

Tahini

Loaded with healthy fats and minerals that help nourish the skin while creating a creamy luxurious dressing.

Garlic

Brings bold flavor while naturally supporting overall wellness and balance.

Quinoa

Packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that help support healthy skin and overall nourishment.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Healthy fats and antioxidants help support skin hydration and glow from within.

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 head romaine, chopped
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
• fresh cracked black pepper

Crunchy Quinoa

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• sea salt
• black pepper

Tahini Caesar Dressing

• 1/4 cup tahini
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 2 anchovy fillets
• water as needed for thinning
• sea salt
• black pepper

Optional:

• nutritional yeast instead of parmesan
• extra parmesan
• chili flakes

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Place the brussels sprouts onto one sheet pan and the cooked quinoa onto the other.

Drizzle both with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Spread evenly and roast for about 15 minutes.

The brussels should become slightly crispy around the edges while the quinoa turns lightly golden and crunchy.

Meanwhile, add all dressing ingredients to a jar or blender and blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to thin.

Add the chopped romaine to a serving bowl.

Top with the warm roasted brussels.

Drizzle generously with the dressing and finish with the crunchy quinoa and fresh cracked black pepper.

Serve immediately while warm.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they feel comforting while still packed with fresh nourishing ingredients.

Warm. Crisp. Creamy. Crunchy.

The kind of salad that actually feels exciting to eat.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A bright creamy glow-food breakfast from Natalie’s kitchen — fresh lemon, chia seeds, turmeric, and honey layered together into a refreshing pudding that feels both nourishing and uplifting.

If you love lemon…this one is going to get you.

Bright citrus. Creamy texture. Just enough sweetness. Little bursts of fresh lemon zest in every bite.

This pudding feels incredibly refreshing while still being deeply satisfying and nourishing.

I especially love making this overnight because it turns into one of those easy grab-and-go breakfasts or afternoon snacks that already feels ready for you the next day.

Minimal effort. Maximum glow.

And honestly? Anything cold and lemony always feels like a tiny mood boost to me.

Why We Love It

Chia Seeds

Packed with fiber and healthy omega fats that help support hydration, digestion, and healthy glowing skin.

Lemon

Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help support collagen production and overall skin brightness.

Turmeric

A beautiful anti-inflammatory spice that adds warmth and glow-supportive benefits.

Honey

Naturally soothing while helping add softness and balance to the bright citrus flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup nut milk
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• pinch sea salt

Optional toppings:

• fresh berries
• coconut flakes
• hemp seeds
• lemon zest
• granola

Directions

Add all ingredients to a bowl or jar and whisk well until fully combined.

Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes, then whisk once more to prevent clumping.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

By morning the chia seeds will have thickened into a creamy pudding texture.

Serve chilled with your favorite toppings.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they make nourishment feel refreshing, easy, and genuinely enjoyable.

Bright lemon. Creamy texture. Slow mornings.

A little glow from the inside out.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A fresh spring salad from Natalie’s kitchen — tender asparagus, sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and simple ingredients that celebrate the beauty of seasonal eating.

There’s something about spring produce that always feels hopeful to me.

The colors become brighter. The meals become lighter. And suddenly the body starts craving fresh crisp foods again after heavier winter comfort meals.

This asparagus and strawberry salad is one of my favorite simple spring combinations.

Sweet strawberries paired with tender asparagus somehow just work beautifully together.

Add fresh spinach, good olive oil, lemon, and a little crunch from almonds and you have one of those effortless dishes that feels elegant without trying too hard.

Simple seasonal food always seems to taste the best.

Why We Love It

Asparagus

Rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help support healthy skin and overall wellness.

Strawberries

Packed with vitamin C, which helps support collagen production and healthy glowing skin.

Spinach

Loaded with antioxidants and minerals that help nourish the body from within.

Olive Oil

Healthy fats help support skin hydration while bringing richness and balance to the salad.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• pinch sea salt

Optional:

• chopped almonds
• black pepper
• crumbled feta
• fresh basil

Directions

Lightly steam the asparagus until just tender, then allow it to cool.

Slice into bite-sized pieces.

Add the asparagus, spinach, and strawberries to a large bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Season lightly with sea salt and toss gently until coated.

Top with chopped almonds if desired for extra crunch.

Serve immediately while fresh and vibrant.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they remind me how beautiful simple seasonal ingredients can be on their own.

Fresh produce. Sunshine. Minimal effort.

Exactly the kind of food I crave this time of year.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A simple little spring bowl from Natalie’s kitchen — tender zucchini, sweet carrots, coconut oil, and fresh herbs lightly warmed together into one bright nourishing dish.

Some recipes are less about complexity and more about how they make you feel.

Fresh. Light. Nourished. Energized.

This little zucchini and carrot bowl is exactly that.

Simple seasonal vegetables gently sautéed until just tender, finished with a touch of honey and fresh herbs.

That’s it.

The kind of quick nourishing meal you can throw together in minutes when your body is craving something fresh and vibrant without a lot of effort.

I especially love recipes like this during spring when produce starts becoming brighter, sweeter, and more alive again.

Simple food really does taste best this time of year.

Why We Love It

Zucchini

Naturally hydrating and light while adding softness and freshness to the bowl.

Carrots

Rich in beta-carotene, which helps support healthy skin renewal and glow from within.

Coconut Oil

Healthy fats help nourish the skin barrier while adding gentle richness to the vegetables.

Fresh Herbs

Parsley or mint brighten the bowl beautifully while adding freshness and spring flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini, spiralized or thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, grated or spiralized
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• pinch black pepper

Optional:

• fresh parsley
• fresh mint
• pumpkin seeds
• lemon zest

Directions

Warm the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the zucchini and carrot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still vibrant.

Stir in the honey and black pepper, tossing gently to coat the vegetables evenly.

Transfer to a serving bowl and finish with fresh herbs if desired.

Serve warm.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they remind me nourishing food does not need to be complicated to feel beautiful.

A few colorful ingredients. Gentle cooking. Slow moments.

Sometimes that’s more than enough.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A deeply nourishing glow-food bowl from Natalie’s kitchen — massaged kale, roasted vegetables, healthy fats, fermented foods, and vibrant ingredients layered together to support your body from the inside out.

I’ve been making some version of this kale salad ever since my MS diagnosis back in 2014.

And somehow…I never get tired of it.

What I love most is how flexible it is.

Different dressings. Different vegetables. Different toppings depending on the season or what’s sitting in the fridge.

But the foundation always stays the same — deeply nourishing ingredients packed with color, texture, healthy fats, and gut-loving support.

This version is one of my favorites because it’s loaded with immune-supportive ingredients while still tasting incredibly fresh and satisfying.

And if you’ve never massaged kale before, trust me…this changes everything.

The kale softens, becomes silky, flavorful, and far easier to enjoy and digest.

It completely transforms the salad.

Why We Love It

Kale

Packed with antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients that help support overall wellness and healthy skin.

Healthy Fats

Avocado, olive oil, walnuts, tahini, and seeds help nourish the skin barrier while making the salad deeply satisfying.

Fermented Foods

Sauerkraut adds probiotics that help support gut health and overall balance from within.

Color Variety

A rainbow of vegetables naturally delivers diverse nutrients, antioxidants, and nourishment for the body.

Ingredients

Lemon Tahini Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1–2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• sea salt
• black pepper
• pinch chili flakes
• splash water if needed

Salad

• 6 cups chopped kale
• 1 cup curry roasted cauliflower
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1/2 avocado
• cooked beets
• 1/4 cup sauerkraut
• raw pumpkin seeds
• walnuts

Optional Additions

• egg
• quinoa
• salmon
• chicken
• olives
• kimchi
• roasted brussels sprouts
• tomatoes
• peppers
• chickpeas

Directions

Add all dressing ingredients to a mason jar or blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Add a splash of water if needed for consistency.

Place the chopped kale into a large bowl.

Pour over the dressing and use your hands to massage the kale thoroughly.

Continue massaging until the kale softens and reduces in volume by about half.

Add the remaining salad ingredients and toss gently.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Meal Prep Tip

This salad stores beautifully in mason jars for meal prep.

Simply massage the kale slightly less if storing ahead, then layer ingredients and refrigerate tightly sealed for several days.

Glow Note

I love recipes like this because they remind me healing and nourishment do not need to feel rigid or complicated.

Just real colorful food layered together thoughtfully.

Simple habits. Consistency. Nourishment from within.

That’s always been the foundation for me.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A simple kitchen guide from Natalie’s kitchen — the easiest way to open and seed a pomegranate without staining your entire countertop in the process.

Okay…let’s be honest.

Pomegranates can feel slightly aggressive the first time you try cutting one.

Beautiful? Yes.

Messy? Also yes.

But once you learn the right technique, they become surprisingly easy to work with — and absolutely worth it for those bright juicy antioxidant-packed little gems.

I use pomegranate seeds constantly in smoothies, salads, yogurt bowls, and snack plates during the cooler months because they instantly make everything feel fresh, vibrant, and beautiful.

And the good news?

You do not need to attack them with brute force and end up repainting your kitchen magenta.

Here’s the easy low-mess way I do it.

What You’ll Need

• sharp knife
• large bowl
• wooden spoon or regular spoon
• cutting board

Optional:

• apron or dark shirt
• kitchen towel

Method One — The Water Bowl Method

(My personal favorite for the least mess.)

Step 1 — Slice Off the Top

Using a sharp knife, cut about 1/2 inch from the crown of the pomegranate to expose the inside.

Step 2 — Score the Skin

Look for the natural ridges running down the fruit.

Using your knife, lightly score along those sections from top to bottom without cutting deeply into the seeds.

Usually 5–6 sections.

Step 3 — Pull Apart

Gently pull the pomegranate apart along the scored sections.

Step 4 — Submerge in Water

Fill a large bowl with water and place the pomegranate sections inside.

Using your hands, gently loosen the seeds underwater.

The seeds will sink while the white pith floats.

Step 5 — Skim + Strain

Remove the floating pith and strain the seeds.

Done. Minimal mess. Minimal stress.

Alternative Method — The Spoon Tap

If you do not want to use water:

Hold a pomegranate section cut-side down over a bowl.

Using a wooden spoon, firmly tap the back of the fruit until the seeds begin falling out.

Rotate and repeat until mostly emptied.

Fair warning:
This method is faster…but slightly more chaotic.

Tips

• Wear something you do not mind potentially splattering.
• Use a sharp knife for cleaner cuts.
• Wash surfaces quickly if juice spills to avoid staining.
• Save any juice collected in the bowl — it’s delicious in smoothies or sparkling water.

Glow Note

Pomegranates are one of my favorite glow foods this time of year.

Bright little antioxidant-rich jewels that instantly make everyday meals feel prettier and more nourishing.

And honestly once you get the hang of cutting them…you’ll start adding them to everything.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie

A cozy golden soup from Natalie’s kitchen — filled with roasted autumn vegetables, warming herbs, creamy texture, and nourishing ingredients that support glowing skin from the inside out.

There’s something about autumn soups that always feels grounding to me.

Big pots simmering slowly on the stove. Warm spices filling the kitchen. Thick slices of bread toasted on the side.

This soup tastes exactly like the kind of meal you want to curl up with on a chilly evening.

Creamy butternut squash. Sweet carrots. Soft apples. Golden sweet potato. Garlic and thyme slowly simmered together until everything becomes silky and comforting.

And while yes — it’s absolutely delicious — it also happens to be filled with ingredients that genuinely nourish the skin and body beautifully during colder months.

The older I get, the more I believe glow starts with the quiet little things we do consistently.

Warm nourishing meals included.

Why We Love It

Butternut Squash + Carrots

Rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to help support skin renewal and healthy glow.

Sweet Potato

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that help support collagen production and overall skin vitality.

Garlic + Leeks

Warm, savory ingredients that help support balance and overall wellness while adding deep comforting flavor.

Olive Oil + Coconut Milk

Healthy fats that help nourish the skin barrier while creating that silky luxurious soup texture.

Turmeric

A beautiful warming spice known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 leek, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• sea salt
• black pepper
• 1/2 cup coconut milk or yogurt for serving (optional)

Optional toppings:

• pumpkin seeds
• chia seeds
• extra thyme
• olive oil drizzle
• toasted sourdough

Directions

Prepare all vegetables by cutting them into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped leek and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.

Add the butternut squash, carrots, sweet potato, and apple.

Sprinkle in the thyme and turmeric and stir well so the vegetables become coated with the herbs and spices.

Pour in the vegetable broth until everything is covered.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are completely tender.

Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth and creamy.

If you prefer a more rustic texture, blend only part of the soup.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm with a swirl of coconut milk or yogurt if desired.

Top with pumpkin seeds, thyme, or olive oil before serving.

Glow Note

This is one of those soups that somehow makes the whole house feel softer and slower while it cooks.

Warm bowls. Cozy sweaters. Bread torn by hand.

Exactly the kind of food I crave during autumn.

Love + Eat Well,
Natalie