avocado ranch pasta salad

and getting out of a funk :'(

Hi everyone <3

I hope the last couple weeks have been treating you kindly. Between you and I, I’ve been in a bit of a rough patch. I know! You’d think I’d have it all together given the nature of my Instagram stories, lol (I feel like it is no shock that I basically just talk to myself on there everyday)…

A little snippet of a full May video coming soon <3

When I’m feeling low or in a funk, I remind myself that always coasting or being “okay” is not a universal given, and is likely impossible, especially if you’re putting yourself in positions to challenge yourself, take risks, or grow.

In the past, whenever I’ve felt down or drained, I’d fight it. I actually used to go boxing five days a week pre-pandemic, so while I look unassuming and mostly nice*, I can fight. Doesn’t really help. Pushing through is what we’ve been conditioned to do in times that don’t feel ideal, but I sometimes wonder if anyone actually can forgo numbing through distractions to stop, slow down, and ask themselves what’s wrong. You’d ask a friend what’s wrong, why not take the time to ask yourself? I wish that we could all exercise as much patience, trust, and love with ourselves as we do with the people we care about. 

* or so I’ve been told

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When I’m feeling low or in a funk, I do a few things. I remind myself that always coasting or being “okay” is not a universal given, and is likely impossible, especially if you’re putting yourself in positions to challenge yourself, take risks, or grow. And that, importantly, you can still have amazing things happening in your life and hold gratitude for all of it, yet still feel off. Plastering guilt or judgment on top of your existing emotions does nothing but keep you stuck further. Give yourself permission to not feel okay. Here’s a little compass I keep for myself during these sorts of times. 

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Anxious → Walk. Switch up your environment. 

Stressed → Call a friend. Or send a voice note! 

Sad → FEEL! Cry, release it, then write. Put all of your thoughts to paper. THIS HELPS!

Unsure → when you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Be still.

Frustrated → put on an upbeat playlist. I know it’s more fun to listen to sad music when you’re sad, but music is such an amazing tool when you’re not feeling like yourself.

Tired → make yourself a nourishing meal and get in bed at 9pm. I’m serious

Here’s the good news, if you feel like nothing is going right, you’re probably on the precipice of something great, even if it doesn’t feel like it. This is just the way the universe works. So if right now, the best you can operate at is a 20%, that is MORE THAN ENOUGH! It’s temporary. I hope this helps you feel not alone if you’re going through it, too. 

P.S. I know I’ve said this many times over the years, but if you are ever struggling with something and in need of a friend or an ear, my DMs & messages are always open. I can’t imagine going through things without the help and support of my community and if you’re going through a time that makes you feel unsure of who those humans in your life, I’m always here for you <3  you can reach out to me at samah@dadaeats.com or on Instagram.

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avocado ranch pasta salad

If anything will brighten up this letter, it’s THIS Avocado Ranch Pasta Salad. You are going to love it. It’s perfect as the weather starts warming up, and the sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything (and you can).

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I don’t do sad salads here, and if pasta is involved, even better. This pasta uses healthy, wholesome ingredients that are doused in a creamy, dairy-free avocado ranch that will change your life. The ranch doubles great as a dip, too or a dressing for other vegetables. This is perfect to prep for lunch, or nice to make for a picnic, BBQ, or just for yourself.

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ingredients

10 oz short pasta

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed thoroughly

1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes

1/3 cup fresh spring peas

1/3 cup thinly sliced radishes

Avocado Ranch Dressing

1 ripe avocado

2 tbsp pickle brine

1/4 cup dill, finely chopped, plus more for garnish

2-3 tbsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

method

1. For the dressing, add avocado, pickle brine, dill, lemon, garlic, salt, pepper to a high speed blender, along with a splash of water (I started with 1/4 cup). Blend on high until completely smooth - add an extra splash of water if needed. Adjust to taste with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain and let cool.

3. Combine the pasta with the sauce, chickpeas, tomatoes, peas, and radishes. Mix and adjust the pasta with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Garnish with flaky salt, fresh dill, and radishes if desired.

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I hope you enjoy!! Lots of love always

Samah