Happy National Nutrition Month (NNM). This post focuses Salads and Dressings
that are simple, ez and tasty!!!
It’s easy enough to toss together a salad. Here’s a guideline, but by all means be creative: Start with a cup or more of leafy greens. Then maybe add in a Tablespoon of chopped nuts or seeds, 1/2 medium fruit, chopped (tomato and avocado are technically fruits). If you don’t have avocado – a Tbsp of chopped low fat cheese such as feta will do. If you want to add even more powerhouse nutrients to your salad, toss in 1/4-1/2 cup chopped raw veggies (carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cucumber, carrots… to name a few).
Veggies, fruits, nuts/seeds all add in flavor. But even adding in some lemon juice and a bit of oil can add some zest and bring the flavors all together, especially if your salad has plenty of prominent flavors, such as my
Mixed Greens w/ Pistachio, Feta and Beets:
Mixed greens with Pistachio, Feta and Beets with a drizzle of oil and a splash of lemon. This salad has enough flavors from the nuts, cheese and fruit that the dressing can be simple. Although a Vinaigrette with Balsamic would work, too!
Tasty EZ Salad Dressings
The dressing you add, can really make your salad pop – bringing all the flavors together and satisfyingly so. You don’t need a lot – a little goes a long way as long as you coat it evenly.
Tip: place all ingredients in a Tupperware of Ziplock baggie, add lemon juice and a small amount of Oil (1-2 tsp) or your favorite Dressing and toss well. Because store bought dressings often have a lot of junky ingredients (including added sugars, fillers and stabilizers), it’s a good idea to make your own. It’s quite easy.
If you haven’t tried my TANGY TAMARI DRESSING, <—– here is the recipe.
Here are some other EZ, Tasty Salad Dressings Recipes you can use to add pizzazz and variety to your heart healthy salads. Remember – you don’t need a lot. Just distribute it well. :
DIJON VINAIGRETTE
- 3 parts Olive oil
- 1 Part Balsamic Vinegar
- a Pinch Sea Salt (or No Salt Season Salt)
- a Pinch (or to taste) of the following:
- Dijon mustard,
- Black pepper
SESAME VINAIGRETTE
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Seasoned Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon low sodium Tamari or low sodium Soy Sauce
- 1-2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
OLIVE OIL & BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE w/ HERBS
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 – 2 pinches Fines Herbs
- 1 pinch Garlic powder
- 1/2 lemon (lemon juice)
CREAMY SESAME DRESSING
- Mix 1 Tablespoon Sesame Vinaigrette (recipe above) with Reduced Calorie Mayo
Here are some more fun salad/dressing recipes:
Cranberry, Kale and Beet Salad w/ Feta
Refreshing Chickpea and Avocado Salad
Q: Gotta healthy salad and or dressing? Please, please share! Luv your input and ideas. : )
Filed under: healthy lifestyles, Nutri-Savvy, nutrition, Recipes, Simple Meals
