The Salad Edition
One item I love to keep on hand is homemade already prepped salad dressing. Store bought dressings are generally FULL of additives, unhealthy oils and sneaky preservatives. I remember finding out that Tazikis’s “healthy” Mediterranean chain used KEN’S Caesar dressing in their salads. Ken’s is, unfortunately, full of gunk.
I’ve tried sooooo many recipes — often so excited about the potential — only to be deflated by the reality. I almost have to laugh thinking back to how many times the sink has been full, food processor dirty and I’m looking at a huge container of a healthier Caesar or creamy Greek dressing attempt that I don’t like. And while I’m still experimenting like crazy on new ones, basic vinaigrettes are always solid performers. Here’s the simplest of options that’s insanely easy and stores well.
Prep Ahead: Easy Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
3/4 cup of good olive oil
1-2 Tbsp of either apple cider vinegar, balsemic or white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp dried italian herbs (I use this seasoning for everything!)
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste (I use heavy shakes of each.)
Assembly:
Shake it all up in a covered container or with a whisk. Adjust to taste if you like more of any flavor.
All real ingredients no additives or processed stuff!
OPTION 2: Swap lemon juice for the vinegar. Keep all else the same.
Grab and Go: Not a Basic Salad
A salad can go from good to great quickly - with a few more ingredients. From salty to crunchy… ahh… so many ways to add taste but also staying power AND nutrients. Here are some of my staple ingredients to throw in for a salad to take on the go. All you need are small ice packs and a lunch cooler!
Ingredients:
Greens (Organic spinach, mixed greens, arugula and butter lettuce are my favorites)
Whole grape tomatoes (don’t even need to chop them!)
Pre-bagged shredded carrots (this is a time saver)
Crumbled walnuts
pumpkin seeds (great for magnesium, fiber, antioxidant disease-fighting power and more)
Salt and pepper to taste (yes, I love salt and pepper on salads)
Roasted chickpeas (in the nuts section at the grocery store)
Olives (add good fats)
Cheese of choice (feta is a favorite of mine)
avocado
Hard boiled eggs (are a great protein addition if you have them on hand and are a fan)
Assembly: Sometimes I add dressing ahead of time and sometimes I bring a small container of it separately in my cooler bag. The challenge with salad if you don’t have a large protein like chicken/fish/ tofu is lasting power since we need protein to stay full (plus for so many health reasons!)
The addition of nuts, pumpkin seeds and the chickpeas helps bulk it up a bit but you’ll likely need more protein. Things I reach for to check that box include a Chomps beef stick, yogurt or cottage cheese. I personally love cottage cheese with a ton of dried dill and dried chives mixed in. Maybe consider trying it!?