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20+ HEALTHY RECIPES TO KICK START THE NEW YEAR


After an indulgent holiday season, I always look forward to getting back on track and into a routine that supports my overall well being in January. During the first week of each new year, I find myself searching my FOOD archives for my healthiest winter recipes — and know you’re doing the same, as my views on these posts skyrocket. So, I created my 20+ Healthy Recipes to Kick Start The New Year roundup! This mega post contains over 20 of my healthiest, freshest, plant-based recipes incorporating all the gorgeous seasonal produce available to us in early January, for easy browsing reference. From breakfast through dinner, with nourishing snacks, fresh juices and smoothies along the way, you’ll find everything you need to create a healthy January meal plan in this post! As always, my recipes are free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar — and most are vegetarian / vegan. I’ve indicated these categories in this post with convenient labels so you can easily find what you’re looking for! 

Although I do my best to maintain my plant-based diet over the holidays, I firmly believe in balance — you better believe I indulge in my fair share of treats as well! As someone with dairy and gluten sensitivities, I find my digestion can easily get thrown out of whack when I’m not being as mindful while I’m eating, drink and being merry. My favourite ways to kick start my metabolism and get things running smoothly again is by treating my body to lots of colourful fruits and veggies, juices and smoothies, hearty salads and bowls, plant-based entrées and simple, wholesome soups. I also aim to keep my snacking to a minimum and give the baking and the booze a rest (you won’t find any snacks, baking or cocktail recipes in this roundup). Who else is having a dry January this year? If you’re in need of some fresh recipes to help fuel these first few weeks of the new year with intention, you’ve come to the right place — pour yourself a mug of herbal tea and come peruse my all-time-favourite, nourishing winter recipes!


HEALTHY RECIPES TO KICK START THE NEW YEAR


Friends, I have so many delicious winter recipes to share that I’m going to jump right in!

If you’re familiar with my typical recipe roundup format, I’ve organized this post by course or category for easy browsing. I’ve included a photo, summary and link to each recipe — and also indicated which category each recipe falls into: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free and Freezer Friendly. 

Find my favourite healthy, plant-based recipes to kick start the New Year below, categorized by categorized by meal / type for easy browsing. I’ve included a photo, summary and link to each recipe ( along with a Pinterest friendly graphic at the footer for easy reference if you’d like to bookmark this roundup for later). Here’s to nourishing bodies and out minds to look and feel our best this January!


BREAKFAST


Winter Breakfast Bowl with Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oats // JustineCelina.com

WINTER BREAKFAST BOWL WITH PUMPKIN SPICE STEEL CUT OATS

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Winter Breakfast Bowl with Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oats is one of my favourite steel cut oat recipes for this time of year, this seasonal breakfast bowl combines warming spices with my favourite seasonal superfoods. Homemade pumpkin puree (which I also share the recipe for!) subtly flavours the steel cut oats, while a splash of coconut cream adds richness and decadence. This hearty winter breakfast is a harmonious medley of textures, colours, flavours and aromas — it’s a true delight to the senses! Prep this recipe on the weekend to enjoy all week long.


SNACKS

Hazelnut Oatmeal Golden Raisin Energy Bites | The Best No Bake, Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free Energy Bites | High Protein Energy Bites | Post Workout Recovery Energy Bites | Breakfast Energy Bites | Protein Powder Energy Bites | Healthy Energy Balls | Oatmeal Balls without Peanut Butter | Easy 9 Ingredient Energy Bites // JustineCelina.com

HAZELNUT OATMEAL GOLDEN RAISIN ENERGY BITES

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Each January, I find myself craving simplicity in all areas of life, including what I fuel my body with. My no-bake Hazelnut Oatmeal Golden Raisin Energy Bites are reminiscent of your favourite cookie, elevated with a healthy, plant based, protein-packed, antioxidant-rich spin! This incredibly easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes with 9 intensively nourishing ingredients — including fibre-rich quick oats, omega-packed flax meal, my new favourite vanilla protein powder, decadent hazelnut butter, scrumptious golden raisins, pure Canadian maple syrup, creamy vanilla extract, Himalayan pink salt and a kiss of cinnamon. As always, they’re free free of dairy, gluten and refined sugar — and absolutely delish!


SMOOTHIES & JUICES


Tropical Zinger Green Smoothie | #dairyfree #glutenfree #refinedsugarfree // JustineCelina.com

TROPICAL ZINGER GREEN SMOOTHIE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Tropical Zinger Green Smoothie combines all the island flavours I start to crave during the winter — creamy banana, sweet pineapple, zingy satsuma, hearty pear, bright lime, healing ginger and hydrating coconut water — plus a mega dose of nutritious spinach and omega rich chia seeds (I promise you can’t taste the spinach at all!). This tropical elixir is packed full of vitamins, potassium, iron and protein. It’s also a great way to persuade your littles to eat their fruits and vegetables! Whip up a Tropical Zinger Green Smoothie anytime you’re craving a taste of the tropics — it’s refreshing, revitalizing and reminiscent of a super charged pinã colada (no white sandy beach required!).

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VEGAN CARDAMOM CARROT CAKE SMOOTHIE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Vegan Cardamom Carrot Cake Smoothie tastes exactly like carrot cake batter but is packed full of heart healthy, anti-aging, digestion-aiding ingredients. Gorgeous heirloom carrots, hearty pear and fresh ginger combine with frozen bananas, pineapple, gluten free quick oats, vanilla protein powder, creamy cashew milk, dried apricots, a splash of bright lemon and a medley of warming, anti-inflammatory spices to create a nourishing, spring-inspired smoothie. The next time you’re craving the essence of carrot cake, indulge in this sweet and spicy smoothie to treat yourself to some incredible health benefits!

Pantone Inspired Banana Walnut Green Smoothie Bowl // JustineCelina.com

BANANA WALNUT GREEN SMOOTHIE BOWL

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Pantone Inspired Banana Walnut Green Smoothie Bowl is packed with plant based protein (read: no prepackaged protein powder necessary!) thanks to a healthy dose of walnuts and a protein rich nut milk. This bowl’s vibrant green hue is courtesy of tender baby spinach — with a natural, creamy sweetness thanks to bananas, powerhouse medjool dates and fresh vanilla bean. It seriously tastes like dessert, but you can eat it for breakfast!

Super C Hibiscus Berry Smoothie // JustineCelina.com

SUPER C HIBISCUS BERRY SMOOTHIE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Now, here’s a major throwback — to the very first post I ever published here at JustineCelina, back when I took all my photos on my iPhone in square format! While my styling, photography and writing has definitely come a long way over the almost 4 years I’ve been blogging, I can assure you this recipe is absolutely delicious and one we still enjoy. My Super C Hibiscus Berry Smoothie is actually inspired by an authentic, Oaxacan Agua de Jamaica recipe I discovered during our last trip to Mexico. Infused with flowering hibiscus tea and lots of fresh, tart, citrus flavour, this pink powerhouse helps aid digestion — which I can definitely use some help with post-holiday! It’s also good for your heart, blood pressure, circulation and it’s a powerful cold-fighter thanks to a mega-dose of antioxidants.

Blushing Beet Juice // JustineCelina.com

BLUSHING BEET JUICE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Blushing Beet Juice incorporates seasonal produce like beets, oranges and grapefruit with ingredients that I don’t normally juice, like strawberries (which have been looking particularly delicious lately, even though they’re not in season). The result is a perfectly sweet, balanced pink juice, packed full of amazing, heart healthy ingredients. Enjoy this vibrant pink juice for love month — the recipe makes enough for two generous servings, and you can also freeze it to make your own popsicles (kids love them!). Have some fun in the kitchen this winter and shake up your juicing menu!

Sweet Sunshine Juice // JustineCelina.com

APPLE CARROT LEMON GINGER JUICE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

This is my all-time-favourite juice recipe, the first one I published here at JustineCelina and also my most popular to date! Sometimes simple really is best. Enjoy this little bit of sunshine in a glass whenever you need a quick dose of vitamins and antioxidants to cleanse your digestive system and rev up your metabolism, or you have a ton of apples to use up.

Citrus Season Elixir | The Best Fresh Pressed Citrus Juice | Ruby Red Grapefruit, Blood Oranges, Lemons // JustineCelina.com

CITRUS SEASON ELIXIR

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Citrus Season Elixir is an ode to one of my favourite times of year for produce — January’s bountiful citrus season! During our Canadian winters, I’m absolutely crazy about all things citrus. This refreshing glass of liquid sunshine combines blood oranges, red grapefruit, lemons, carrots, apples and ginger to create a powerhouse elixir — brimming with a mega dose of vitamins, antioxidants and anti aging ingredients. Enjoy my ultra refreshing Citrus Season Elixir to help replenish your body post workout, or anytime you need a colourful pick-me-up this winter!

Lean Green Protein Juice // JustineCelina.com

LEAN GREEN PROTEIN JUICE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Another very early recipe here at JustineCelina (note the square iPhone photos!) that still remains my go-to green juice. There are so many reason why I love this recipe — and why I think you will too. First, it’s quick to make and I usually have all the ingredients on hand. It’s a perfect on-the-go option when I’m busy.It’s full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and complete protein (did you know when celery and cucumber combine, they form a complete protein!). When I drink it consistently my skin is more radiant (seriously!). And last but certainly not least, it’s absolutely delicious!


SOUPS


Vegan Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup with Winter Squash // JustineCelina.com

VEGAN SLOW COOKER TORTILLA SOUP WITH WINTER SQUASH

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free and Freezer Friendly

This is the ultimate throw-everything-in-the-pot-and-forget-about-it recipe featuring pantry staples, seasonal produce and minimal effort! Hearty winter squash, brown rice, protein packed black beans, bright cherry tomatoes, sweet orange peppers, yellow onion, garlic and a mosaic of spices infuse a tomato and vegetable stock base with feisty mexican flavour. My Vegan Slow Cooker Soup with Winter Squash is an ultra clean, ultra comforting meal perfect to help you get back on track after the holidays!

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SUMAC ROASTED CARROT APPLE SOUP

Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Sumac Roasted Carrot Apple Soup is a fruity, exotic twist on a classic roasted vegetable soup — where seasonal produce staples of carrots, apples, onion and garlic are generously seasoned with sumac and simple spices, roasted to perfection and pureed with creamy cashew milk, vegetable stock, fresh ginger and zingy lemon. This ultra simple, ultra nourishing, family-friendly soup is vegan, gluten and refined sugar free and comes together in just one hour with twelve ingredients, including seasonings!

Truffled Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Sage | Sofritto Calgary White Truffle Oil | #vegan #glutenfree #dairyfree // JustineCelina.com

TRUFFLED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH CRISPY SAGE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free and Freezer Friendly

A luxurious, sophisticated twist on a cold weather classic and a more recent addition to my recipe archives! With just 10 ingredients, this creamy bowl of vegan comfort is a breeze to whip up and makes a great light lunch or accompaniment to dinner. You can skip the white truffle oil this recipe calls for it’s you’re not a truffle fan, but if you are, I also share my favourite source for incredible quality, affordable white truffle oil!

SLOW COOKER VEGAN MULLIGATAWNY SOUP WITH RED LENTILS

Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Warm up with a batch of my Slow Cooker Vegan Mulligatawny Soup with Red Lentils — an ultra clean, nourishing, protein packed, plant-based spin on a classic English soup with South Indian roots. The best part? You likely have most (if not all!) of these ingredients on hand and this recipe truly couldn’t be easier! A hearty base of red lentils combines with a mirepoix of carrots, celery, onion and apple simmered in a rich, exotically spiced, tomato-based broth with a splash of coconut milk and a kiss of cinnamon.


SALADS & BOWLS


New Year Detox Salad with Pink Tahini Dressing // JustineCelina.com
NEW YEAR DETOX SALAD WITH PINK TAHINI DRESSING

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My New Year Detox Salad with Pink Tahini Dressing is overflowing with ultra-clean, nourishing ingredients, antioxidants, and tons of plant-based protein to help keep your new year health and nutrition goals on track. Oh, and the dressing is bright pink! In this recipe, I show you how to make a gorgeous (and delicious) Pink Tahini Dressing, with all natural ingredients. This fresh, fun and colourful spin on winter produce is a January favourite in my kitchen!

#Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with #GlutenFree Croutons | The Best Vegan Kale Ceasar Salad Recipe | Healthy, #PlantBased Summer Recipes | #MeatlessMonday // JustineCelina.com

VEGAN KALE CAESAR SALAD WITH GLUTEN FREE CROUTONS

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Kale is still in season in January — so if your body is screaming for greens, my Vegan Kale Salad with Gluten Free Croutons is a classic. This nutritious, protein packed, plant based spin on a classic eats like a meal — and I promise no one will know it’s vegan (in a blind taste test, it was praised by meat eaters!). There’s no marinating or planning ahead and it can be on your table in 15 minutes.

Tangled Thai Salad with Ginger Peanut Sauce // JustineCelina.com

TANGLED THAI SALAD WITH GINGER PEANUT SAUCE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

If you’re craving some fresh thai flavours, my Tangled Thai Salad is a simple, healthy salad overflowing with veggies and plant-based protein (including the best Ginger Peanut Sauce, ever). I love to make a big salad for dinner when I feel like I need a some extra nourishment Calgary winters always leaves me craving come colour! I also share my tips for making your salad look pretty when you’re serving it as a main course — because we eat with our eyes first, right?!

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HARVEST BOWLS WITH CREAMY POPPYSEED DRESSING

Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Harvest Bowls with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing are an ultra nourishing, 30 minute vegan meal that beautifully showcase hearty produce, pantry staples and can be enjoyed year-round. A bed of baby spinach and arugula houses a hearty melange of black glutinous rice, chick peas, fresh apples and shredded carrots — topped off with a tanini-based Creamy Poppyseed Dressing, dried cranberries and roasted pecans.

VEGAN POWER SALAD WITH LEMON DILL DRESSING

Vegan, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Vegan Power Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing is a raw, protein packed, ultra simple, seasonless bowl full of plant-based goodness that can be on your table in less than 20 minutes! Chick peas, green lentils, broccoli, orange pepper, red onion, garlic stuffed olives and an abundance of fresh dill combine with a zingy, lemon based dressing to create a powerhouse vegan salad brimming with clean, lean protein, fiber and vitamins. The best part? There’s absolutely no planning ahead or cooking involved and you may just have all the ingredients on hand. Lighten up your weekly meal plan with this flavourful, herb-forward, hearty salad — prep it this weekend and you’ll have healthy lunches sorted for the week!


MAINS


Roasted Purple Cauliflower with Red Pepper Romesco | Wild Rose D-Tox Friendly! // JustineCelina.com

ROASTED PURPLE CAULIFLOWER WITH RED PEPPER ROMESCO

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My delicious Roasted Purple Cauliflower with Red Pepper Romesco is a breeze to whip up, packed full of vitamins, minerals, fibre and plant-based protein — a great lighter entree option for winter. This unconventional main is extremely colourful, inexpensive, ultra clean and nourishing with a gourmet flair and simultaneously light yet hearty! It’s a simple recipe with minimal ingredients that packs a big wow factor that will be on your table in less than an hour. It’s completely Wild Rose D-Tox friendly was also featured on Purewow!

Curried Winter Vegetables with Roasted Acorn Squash // JustineCelina.com

CURRIED WINTER VEGETABLES WITH ROASTED ACORN SQUASH

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

In the winter especially, plant based curries are a staple in our kitchen — and my Curried Winter Vegetables with Roasted Acorn Squash is healthy comfort food at it’s finest! A medley of onions, garlic and ginger are caramelized, then accompanied by a flavourful trio of carrots, peppers and celery simmered in a decadent, tomato based curry sauce dancing with rich Indian spices and just the right amount of heat. Roasted Acorn Squash houses the Curried Winter Vegetables in a nourishing, edible bowl — a playful, hearty spin on typical bread-based options. This recipe yields a generous amount of curry that freezes well, so you can stock the freezer with healthy options to help fuel January’s resolutions when you’re running short on time!

Carrot Cashew Zoodles with Crispy Sesame Tofu // JustineCelina.com

CARROT CASHEW ZOODLES WITH CRISPY SESAME TOFU

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

My Carrot Cashew Zoodles with Crispy Sesame Tofu is an ultra-light, ultra-fresh stirfry brimming with clean, plant-based protein. If you’re craving something fresh, colourful and satisfying, you’ll love this recipe! I’d been experimenting a lot with cooked carrots in smoothies and sauces when I developed this recipe — and I have to say this Creamy Carrot Sauce is to die for! It’s smooth and decadent, and takes on Asian-inspired flavours so well. Paired with a veggie stir-fry atop a bed of zoodles, sprinkled with Crispy Sesame Tofu and toasted cashews, this is a perfectly balanced dish — which is one of my favourite things about Asian flavour profiles! There’s a healthy mix of freshness, acidity, sweetness and spice, with a touch of richness here. This stir-fry makes a beautiful, light winter dinner! It’s also been featured on Brit + Co and The Feed Feed.


SIDES


Roasted Sweet Potato Fries with Lemon Tahini Sauce // JustineCelina.com

ROASTED SWEET POTATO FRIES WITH LEMON TAHINI SAUCE

Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free

Without fail, this recipe makes it into our weekly rotation (even when sweet potatoes aren’t in season!). It’s also one of your favourites and my most featured. These sweet potato fries are infused with fresh thyme and oven roasted — they come out crisp on the outside and soft and velvety on the inside. Topped off with my Lemon Tahini Sauce (you’ll want to drizzle it on everything!) and pepitas, this is a bright, plant based spin on traditional loaded fries.


PIN MY HEALTHY RECIPES TO KICK START THE NEW YEAR


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Thanks for stopping by to check out my 20+ Healthy Recipes to Kick Start The New Year roundup! I hope you found this post helpful, informative and delicious! I have so many more healthy, plant based recipes coming your way in 2021 that I can’t wait to share.

As always, if you try one of my recipes, please let me know how you liked it — I absolutely love your feedback! Leave me a comment, or tag me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. I’d love you to hashtag #justinecelinarecipes in your recreations so I can find them — browsing my feed and stumbling on your beautiful recreations is one of my favourite feelings! I’ve also created a 20+ Healthy Recipes to Kick Start The New Year Pinterest board and a general Recipe board if you’re looking for more healthy, plant based recipes. Wishing you all a safe and healthy New Year!


Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, and contains my genuine thoughts, ideas and recommendations. JustineCelina uses affiliate and referral links, which allow me to receive a small commission when you make a purchase through one of my links. Thank you for supporting the brands and businesses that support JustineCelina.com!

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4 Comments

  • Reply Colleen January 5, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    It’s very tough to pick a favourite out of all this nutritious deliciousness, Justine! But I think I’m trying that tropical zinger green smoothie first. Pinned to try the rest.

    • Reply Justine January 6, 2019 at 9:19 am

      Thanks so much, Colleen! I’m actually whipping up a Tropical Zinger Green Smoothie this morning. Happy New Year to you!

  • Reply Leanne | Crumb Top Baking January 8, 2019 at 5:57 pm

    All of those recipes look so light, beautiful and refreshing! Those juices and smoothies look particularly lovely! Great round up Justine! Happy New Year!

    • Reply Justine January 9, 2019 at 9:08 am

      Thank you, Leanne. Fresh juices and smoothies are favourite way to get back on track after the holidays. Simple, quick and so nutritious! Happy New Year you you and Crumb Top Baking as well — I can’t wait to see what it brings!

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