The Secret is in the Sauce!

If you are using Paleo w/Zone portioning, you know you need equal blocks of protein, carbs, and fat in each meal...  right...well we have got the formula down, its just a matter of taking this and making it into something quick and palatable at the end of a long day.  I wouldn't consider myself a super picky eater, but the basic grilled protein and vegetable just does not cut it in my house.  I have found the fastest and easiest way to give your quick grilled veggie/protien combos a nice kick, is with some super simple, but flavorful sauces.   This is also a good way to make sure you get your fat blocks in.

Everyones taste varies of course, but here are a few of my favorite sauces I have found on the
 inter-webs to keep on hand!

1.  Cilantro Chimichurri-  This is sort of like a South American pesto sauce, that keeps well in the fridge and tastes best after at least a day or two.  It goes well with any type of meat, I prefer it on grilled pork, steak, or chicken.
Ingredients

• a large bunch of cilantro, about 1 cup packed
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons red or white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, or 1 tablespoon fresh
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake, optional
• kosher salt
• pepper

1. Combine cilantro, garlic, vinegar, oregano, cumin, and optional red pepper flake in a food processor. Pulse until fine.
2. Turn food processor on and stream in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2.  Basic Paleo Mayo Recipe-  This is great to replace regular mayo in tuna salad.  I must stress the use of light tasting oil though, regular EVOO, just takes it to a bitter place.  To turn this into Ranch dressing, mix One cup of  prepared paleo mayo with tsp of garlic powder, tsp of black pepper, about 2 tsp of fresh chopped dill about 2 tsp of fresh chopped chive (optional), 1 cup of coconut milk
Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 cups light tasting olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or fresh lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon salt

Optional additions to basic paleo mayo recipe:

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the eggs, vinegar, salt, mustard (if using) and cayenne (if using) in a blender*** and pulse a few times until frothy.
2. With the blender running, add the olive oil a little at a time – almost drop by drop at first – until an emulsion starts to form.
3. Continue adding the rest of the oil in a slow, steady stream.
4. Add more salt or other ingredients to taste.
5. Store, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

3.  Raw & Creamy Paleo Cilantro Sauce-Stolen from whatrunslori.com(excellent site for paleo recipes.)  Similar to the chimichuri but different and delicious.  Also good on pretty much anything

• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 medium orange, about 3 tbsp
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 cup water
• 1 spring fresh rosemary, about 1 tsp, chopped
• salt & pepper to taste (taste, adjust, taste again, taste again, and again…)

Pulse all ingredients together with a food processor or immersion blender, until mostly creamy- some chunks of walnuts add to the texture.

4.   Avocado alfredo-  toss with a slice grilled chicken breast and some sauteed veggies or even 1 lb of cooked shrimp and some tofu noodles or maybe spaghetti squash.

• 1 ripe avocado
• a small handful of fresh spinach
• basil 4 leaves fresh, or a teaspoon dried
• 2 TBS lemon juice
• 1/2 TBS lime juice
• 1 TBS olive oil
• 4 TBS walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• salt to taste

 Dump all of the pesto/alfredo ingredients into a food processor and blend well.