Let's face it. People say they like salad because they know they should eat veggies, but then they drown it in MSG, high fructose corn syrup, monumental amounts of sodium and unnecessary and unhealthy fat.
If there are no croutons or bacon bits, is it really a salad?
Well, my feelings are that if those are included, it can't really be classified as Clean Eating. So here are some ideas on how to build a salad that is tasty, clean and simple.
Iceberg lettuce has it's place. But in a salad, it leaves a bit to be desired.
GREENS
Spring Mix
Spinach
Romaine
Green or Red Leafy
Kale
For those of you who really like some texture in your salad:
CRUNCH
Walnuts
Almonds
Sunflower seeds
Celery
COLOR
Red, orange and yellow peppers
Roasted beets
Tomatoes
PUNCH OF FLAVOR
Raisins
Blueberries, Strawberries
Radish
Slivered onions
Salad items don't need to be limited to lettuces and raw vegetables. Make your salad a meal by adding some of these items.
OUT OF THE BOX
Quinoa or Barley
Roasted vegetables - peppers, tomatoes, zucchini
Scrambled or hard boiled egg
Cannelini (white kidney) beans
Garbanzo or black beans
Blanched green beans
Goat Cheese
TO TOP IT OFF
Ok, here is the dressing part. You can shop in the "Green Wise" section of Publix and find a great amount of non-nasty dressings. They cost a substantial amount. They are still processed. But it is one step better than the typical Hidden Valley Raunch.
Here's a thought. Make your own. I'm sure I've lost several readers already. But hang with me. Try it!
1. Requires no prep at all. After your salad is made, drizzle with olive or grape seed oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then squeeze a lemon over it. Toss and you're done.
2. A little prep with huge flavor.
Dump all into a blender:
1/2 c olive or grape seed oil.
2 Tablespoons grainy or brown mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
juice of 1 lemon
1 clove of garlic - or 1 teaspoon of minced World Spice garlic
Kick it up a bit by adding a little red pepper flake
3. Again, in the blender
1 half avocado
1/2 c olive or grape seed oil
juice of 1 lime
Salt, pepper
Dash of cumin
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Like this recipe? Buy me a smoothie.
