Smoked salmon and an elevated salad
Frank was traveling some, the kids were extra "amped" up, and while I didn't have to cook dinners quite as much as I usually do, I still felt like I was struggling to keep up food-wise. So for this week I'm keeping it simple (one of my favorite slogans for.... pretty much ALL things) for this week's lunch ideas. Grab and Go requires some hard boiled eggs which is one thing I try to have lying around. They're such a versatile touch of protein. My husband can't stand them so if you're in that camp, skip the egg part. Let me know if you try these and share them with your busy mama friends!
Prep Ahead: Salmon Sandwich
Smoked Salmon Sandwich Ingredients: Salmon, Bread, Cheese, Greens
Smoked Salmon: Ideally wild caught (it will say it on package.) Farm raised is less nutrient dense, it's often contaminated with toxins and a no-no. It can even have added dyes.
Bread: I like Dave's Killer breads/buns, Ezekiel or Trader Joe's organic sprouted whole grain.
Cheese: Cream cheese, goat, marscapone, chevre, vegan
Greens: Spinach, arugula, etc
Optional: capers, sliced tomatoes, red onions, or cucumbers (any more veggies you have could work.)
Assembly: I use Dave's Killer Bread and spread a SMALL amount (I go light here) of cheese first. Next, add on your greens. Top with several pieces of salmon (it kind of holds it down if doing open faced.) I like to top both slices of toasted bread but closed face works too. Toasting is optional. You get greens, protein AND fiber and all those good Omega-3 fats from the salmon. Win!! I've been on a mission to incorporate more "incidental salmon" other than the typical entree at dinner way. And this one's basically a grab and go quickie!
For all my recommendations, ingredients selected are key for nutritional value and clean eating. For greens, you ideally want organic (they're on the EWG dirty dozen for worst pesticides.) Breads are also notorious for sugar, processed ingredients and additives.
Grab and Go: Trader Joe's Salad
$3.99 for two lunches worth
Trader Joe's Organic Mediterranean salad kit (it's the only organic one) but the same tweaks can be applied to any of their salads. Bonus... it's enough for two meals at only $3.99. Add-in's:
Throw in an avocado and hardboiled eggs to bulk this one up with good fats (avocado) and protein (and soooo many other nutrients) from the eggs. Or top with any leftover chicken or fish you have laying around.
Ditch their dressing (it has inflammatory soybean oil) and use olive oil/vinegar, Primal Kitchen (available at Walmart, HT, and most stores) or any Tessamae brand dressings (HT, Target, Thrive Market, Whole Foods, Amazon, Publix.) These are the cleanest store bought brands and salad dressings are notorious for additives.
Powering up for yourself helps you show up better for everyone else. Can't wait to share two new ideas with you next week.