Serendipity: the making of fortunate discoveries by accident. Rummaging in the fridge for lunch, I uncovered a piece of leftover salmon, a small jar of avocado dressing, and a few salad leaves. Together with the scrap of bread on the bread board, I had all the makings of a great meal. I'm determined to become better at using my leftovers this year, so was quite proud of myself for thinking laterally and producing this tasty Leftover Salmon Caesar Salad.
My rummage through the fridge made me realise how easy it can be to make something good to eat with just a few staple ingredients. Any protein, such as cooked meat or beans, boiled eggs, or leftover grains, can form the basis of a quick meal. Add a few salad leaves and vegetables, pour over a tasty dressing, and lunch or dinner can be on the table in minutes.
A seemingly unwanted piece of bread can also be turned into something quite glorious, adding crunch and texture to a dish. Tear the stale bread into chunks and store them in the freezer. They can be quickly pan-fried until golden brown in a little olive oil, then tossed over salad greens. The crispy croutons take a dish to the next level.
Avocado dressing has become my favorite way of using up the avocados that always seem to ripen at the same time. The dressing keeps happily for a few days in the fridge, and I toss it over salads, stir it through cooked chickpeas and other legumes, or mix it with cooked chopped chicken for a quick sandwich filling.
For so many years Mr Grumpy has taken our leftovers for lunch, or they have been relegated to the chickens, or even worse the bin. Slowly though, my thinking is changing (much to Mr Grumpy's disgust as it means fewer lunches for him) and I am working hard on reducing our food waste. I now find myself cooking extra portions of meat and vegetables with the intention of repurposing them for another meal, and look forward to many more fortunate discoveries. Here's to serendipity.
Leftover Salmon Caesar Salad
P.S. Looking for more leftover ideas? Try Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes or Lentil & Roast Beef Salad.
