Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Doin' Some Cookin'... Mediterranean Lentil Salad


This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is protein packed with veggies and mixed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Lentils should be a part of every healthy diet as they are fat free and low calorie. I was even able to get Little Man to try this by strategically serving him just the lentils and cucumber bites.

This salad keeps well in the fridge and is perfect to pack for lunch to take to work.

Next time I will add any of the following extras: kalamata olives, green bell peppers, celery, artichoke hearts, capers, pine nuts, and oregano.

Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Adapted From: Alida's Kitchen
Makes 4 Servings

Stars of the Show:
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • dried parsley, to taste
  • garlic powder, to taste
  • 1 cup dried green lentils, sorted and rinsed
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
  • sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
And Action:

Boil 2 1/2 cups water, add lentils. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until lentils are tender, about 25 minutes. Drain.

To make the vinaigrette, combine the vinegar, water, olive oil, mustard, and garlic to a small saucepan. Heat on low until warmed.

Place lentils in a serving bowl, add cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, feta, and vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Doin' Some Cookin'... Wendy's Inspired Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad


Because my priorities have shifted to studying for my CLFP exam I have been recording all of my shows to watch on Friday night/Saturday morning to catch up. Even though I get to fast forward through the commercials I couldn't help getting sucked into the marketing of Wendy's Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad because it comes on every commercial break so I catch glimpses of strawberries and bacon. Oh my!

One evening after work I was exhausted, it felt like 100 degrees, and I did not want to cook. I could have easily pulled into the Wendy's drive thru but have been making healthier choices the last week and didn't want to get off course so I pulled into Randalls to gather the ingredients. 

I went on the Wendy's menu to read the salad description so I knew what to get. 

I know I said I didn't want to cook but frying bacon doesn't count. To me anyway. 

This salad is sweet and tangy with spring greens topped with grilled chicken, crumbled bleu cheese, salty bacon, and juicy red strawberries. This salad is perfect for dinner being that it is light and healthy coming in under 500 calories.


Wendy's Inspired Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad
Adapted From: Wendy's
Makes 1 Serving

Stars of the Show:
  • 2 cups spring mix
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, quartered
  • 1/8 cup bleu cheese crumbles
  • 2 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
  • 1/8 cup sunflower seeds
  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 tbsp fat free balsamic vinaigrette 
And Action:

Layer all the ingredients on top of the mixed salad greens and drizzle with the dressing. Enjoy!