Now That's A Salad!!

Hello there again my loves! It has recently come to my attention (based on dinners with friends, restaurant visits, and fast food stops) that the world has no idea just what should be considered a "salad"! Growing up my mom always made me a colorful confetti containing atleast 6-7 veggies, and likes to tell me that my dad used to woo her with his own delicious salad combinations in their early marriage years. But I realize that not everyone's parents are wannabe hippies, and that some have simply not been educated on what is good and healthy for them. And while its very amusing to have to explain to people that iceberg lettuce has little to no nutritional value, it also makes me sad and want to help!

So here is my down to earth instructions on how to make a salad that will qualify as a meal not just a sad side dish, and not bust your belt buttons (my brother tells me the salads at BJs restaurant are more caloric than some of the pizzas!) Lets banish those McDonalds style salads from our homes that nobody likes to eat! A few tips as you foray into the world of salad: My grandma used to say this and it's true, the deeper the color of the vegetable, the better it'll be for you! Get the greenest cucumbers, the deepest purple cabbages!! Experiment! Go out on a limb and try that armenian cucumber (they're delish) and have something new in your salad. Go to the farmers market and ask for samples!! There are so many varieties you should never get bored with your salad!

Now That's a Salad!

SALAD:

Base: Atleast 2 leafy green type substances. Romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, spinach, cabbage, etc are all good choices. Mix it up!(at the very least make it a Romaine salad not an ice berg base...bleh!)

Fiber and Vitamins!: Atleast 2 of the following: Broccoli, celery, cucumber, cauliflower, kale, peas, edamame, cooked asparagus etc. Something green with lots of fiber! Broccoli is especially high in vitamins!

Color! Add atleast 2 (Things that add additional vitamins that might be lacking in your diet) Tomatoes (go for the heirloom or organics, and skip the beefsteak they're mostly water...try the little orange ones!), carrots, bell peppers, avocado, crookneck squash

Something extra: To add protein, or more heartiness to a salad that will be a meal not just a dish, add a handful of nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc), or beans (I love garbanzo) black beans, lima beans, green beans, etc.

Sugar and Spice: Add a little kick to your salad by tossing in some sliced red onion, or a handful of dried cranberries. Or maybe add a few slices of your favorite fruit (apple, tangerines, pear, etc)

Finale: Finally, finish it off with your favorite organic dressing!! I am particularly fond of vinagrettes (high in flavor, low in fat ;p, but remember a little fat in the dressing will help you better absorb the nutrients in the veggies!)

Hope this helps y'all! Here's a pic of tonight's dinner! Made with fresh organic veggies from the farmers market (thanks mom and dad for picking these goodies up for me!) I had romaine, red cabbage, heirloom tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, celery, spinach, black beans and italian dressing! (bryan doesnt like black beans so he had a little apple and a handful of mixed nuts!)