written by Elizabeth of Pure Simple Wellness
It’s hot.
You don’t feel like turning on the oven.
You are tired of the same old meals…
Hi, I’m Elizabeth Girouard of Pure Simple Wellness here to share with you some simple tips to make healthy eating easy and enjoyable – instead of a painful chore.
When you think of a ‘salad’ you may not think of a looking for a recipe. Instead — it’s often the same old routine, which can become drab. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
It’s time to mix things up and make salads exciting, delicious and something you crave. Salads provide you a generous helping of nutrient-packed greens, healthy fats and satiating proteins. With so many perks all in one bowl, it’s time to re-kindle your relationship with salads and get them back on your plate.
Here are 3 tips for making killer salads that you will crave:
- Use ingredients that are fresh and in season. Take a trip to the Farmers Market or your grocery store to pick up some local, fresh and in season produce…your taste buds will thank you. Salads aren’t just about lettuce! Why not use shredded brussels sprouts and broccoli slaw for the base or different greens like arugula, radicchio or watercress. Some of my favorite veggies are: Swiss chard, which I use in my morning smoothies, broccoli, which is delicious steamed, sautéed and roasted, and organic strawberries which I can eat with anything, particularly chocolate! Checkout this list for seasonal veggies by season from the USDA.
- Mix it up. Get creative with your ingredients and play with mixing textures. Combining raw veggies with one cooked veggie can really take it up a notch. For example, roasting broccoli, mushrooms or onions for your salad will add an interesting and delicious element to your plate. Also, adding foods with different textures makes your salad more interesting. If you use something soft like avocado, balance it with something crunchy like diced carrots or chopped almonds. Don’t forget the fruit! Adding berries to a summer salad is refreshing and quenches that taste for something sweet.
- Add fresh spices and herbs. One of my favorite ways to add extra flavor to my salads is with fresh herbs. Mince some fresh rosemary, dill or anise into your salad and change the flavor significantly. A ½ teaspoon of fresh minced herbs can take your salad from ho-hum to wow in no time!
I know you’ll want a healthy option to put atop that delectable salad in your near future that gives it a nice pop, so I’ve included one of my favorite easy, homemade salad dressing recipes for you below. It’s full of healthy fats and real ingredients. It’s simple and much healthier than the sugar laden bottled salad dressings made with inflammatory oils and preservatives. Enjoy!
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Olive oil — 1/2 cup
- Balsamic Vinegar — 1/2 cup
- Dijon Mustard — 1⁄2 teaspoon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Basil — 1⁄2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Combine in jar with lid, shake and store. It will keep for 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
Want some help making tasty salads to go? Grad your free guide to making delicious mason jar salads that won’t wilt. These salads are perfect to grab and go. Get your copy here: https://mailchi.mp/puresimplewellness/saladstogo
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