Craving a Refreshing Salad?

in The Too Busy to Diet Blog on April 9, 2014

Smells like Spring Salads!

Written by Alexis D’Ascenzo, Dietetic Student at University of Illinois at Chicago, CPT

Is it just me or do you enjoy eating foods according to the season too? When I think spring, I begin wanting to eat fresh and cold food choices. I want to get you started today with three refreshing and flavorful spring salads that will leave your taste buds feeling satisfied!

1. Spring Herb Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup quinoa
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup fresh parlsey, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh thyme
• 1/2 pine nuts, toasted
• fresh ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare quinoa  in a medium saucepan, over high heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until all water has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.  Remove the pan from the heat and let the quinoa cool.
3. Once the quinoa is cooled pour it in to a large bowl and stir in olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, pine nuts, salt and pepper.
4. Garnish quinoa with fresh herbs and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Served chilled or at room temperature (if stored in a covered container in the refrigerator it will last up to one week)!

Recipe found at: http://healthyaperture.com

2. Guacamole Spring Salad 

• 4 avocados, thinly sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• large handful fresh parsley/coriander
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)

• juice of one lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste (I used fresh white pepper)

Directions:

1. Place the sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes and red onion on a platter. Then scatter the herbs and chilli on top.
2. Mix all the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.
3. Serve immediately.

Recipe found at: http://simply-delicious-food.com

3. Balsamic Caprese Chicken Spring Salad

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and olive oil
3. Heat a grill or sheet pan over medium high heat. Brush with some oil and then grill chicken on both sides for about 2 minutes.
4. Transfer chicken into the oven and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes in the oven. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add a slice of mozzarella onto each chicken breast
5. When chicken is done, top cheese with a basil leaf and tomato slice. Drizzle with the sauce.
   

Receipe found at: cooksmarts.com