Tag: salad

  • Tropical Fruit Salad

    Tropical Fruit Salad

    Tropical Fruit Salad

    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 large pineapple
    • 1 pint strawberries
    • 2 large ripe mangoes
    • 4 kiwis
    • 2 large white-flesh dragon fruit
    • ½ cup apricot preserves
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice
    • 1 ½ tablespoons red grapefruit juice
    • ¾ teaspoon poppy seeds
    • Fresh mint optional

    Method
     

    1. No more than four hours before serving, prepare fruit. Peel, core, and chop pineapple. Hull and halve strawberries. Peel, pit, and chop mango. Peel and slice kiwi. Peel and chop dragon fruit. Store fruit in the refrigerator until it's time to serve.
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and poppy seeds.
    3. Pour dressing over fruit and gently combine. Serve with optional mint garnish.
  • Cook with mint

    Cook with mint

    Cook with mint

    Fast and fresh summertime recipes

    Let’s bring the refreshing flavor of mint into the kitchen this summer. With its distinctive flavor profile and heady aroma, mint is the perfect herb to incorporate into a variety of fresh, summery dishes. Read on for inspiration and then run, don’t walk, to grab your nearest bunch of mint and whip up some delicious fresh mint dishes today.

    Mint Chip Smoothie Breakfast Bowl

    Who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream for breakfast? This cool and creamy concoction only feels like an indulgence. Packed with fiber from bananas, spinach, mint, and oats, this breakfast is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup plain yogurt
    • ¼ cup rolled oats
    • cup packed fresh spinach leaves
    • cup packed fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 medium frozen bananas chopped into 1 inch pieces
    • 1 ½ tablespoons raw cacao nibs plus extra for garnish
    • ½ cup fresh raspberries for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In blender, combine yogurt, oats, spinach, mint, and vanilla until smooth. Add frozen bananas and blend, scraping down sides of blender as needed, until thick and creamy. With blender turned off, fold cacao nibs into smoothie mixture.
    2. Divide smoothie into 2 serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with some extra cacao nibs, fresh raspberries, and a few mint leaves. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 307 calories; 8 g protein; 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat); 58 g total carbohydrates (28 g sugars, 10 g fiber); 55 mg sodium

    Minted Watermelon and Rice Noodle Salad

    This vibrant summer salad works equally great as a side dish or light lunch. It also travels well. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for a few days.
    Servings: 5

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon liquid honey
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek or 1 finely chopped bird's eye chili
    • 1 tablespoon + ⅓ cup loosely packed mint leaves divided
    • 1 cup snow peas ends trimmed
    • 1 cup bean sprouts
    • 5 ½ oz rice vermicelli noodles
    • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
    • 14 oz watermelon cut into bite-sized pieces
    • ¼ cup loosely packed Thai basil leaves or regular basil leaves
    • 2 green onions thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped toasted peanuts (optional)
    • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

    Method
     

    1. In small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, honey, water, and sambal oelek or chopped chili until well combined. Finely chop 1 Tbsp mint leaves and stir into dressing. Set aside while preparing salad, or transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
    2. Bring large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. While water is coming to a boil, prepare ice bath by placing a couple of handfuls of ice into large bowl and covering with cold water. Set aside.
    3. Blanch snow peas in boiling water for 10 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer to ice bath for 1 minute before placing on clean kitchen towel to drain. Repeat blanching and ice water bath treatment with bean sprouts, taking care to blanch bean sprouts in boiling water for only 5 seconds. Place bean sprouts to drain on clean kitchen towel alongside snow peas.
    4. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and place in large bowl. Add about half the reserved dressing and toss to combine.
    5. Cut snow peas into bite-sized pieces and add to bowl with noodles along with bean sprouts, cherry tomato halves, watermelon pieces, torn basil leaves, green onion, and remaining 1/3 cup torn mint leaves. Drizzle with remaining dressing before gently tossing all together. Pile onto serving plates and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, if using, and lime wedges.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 215 calories; 6 g protein; 2 g total fat (0 g sat. fat); 45 g total carbohydrates (11 g sugars, 4 g fiber); 590 mg sodium

    Sweet Mint Pesto with Grilled Peaches

    For this recipe, sun-kissed peaches are used; however, other fruits such as pineapple, mango, nectarine, or plums would work equally well. Paired with a refreshing minty pesto sauce, this speedy dessert is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups packed fresh mint leaves
    • 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil divided
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ¼ cup raw pine nuts, raw cashews, or raw sunflower seeds
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt
    • 4 ripe peaches
    • Your favorite vanilla ice cream to serve, if desired

    Method
     

    1. Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
    2. While barbecue preheats, make mint pesto sauce. In blender, place mint, 3 Tbsp grapeseed oil, olive oil, pine nuts, honey, vanilla, and salt. Blend, scraping down sides of blender jug as needed with rubber spatula, until pesto is mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. If pesto is too thick, thin with water, adding 1 Tbsp at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
    3. Cut peaches or your chosen fruit in half and discard pits. Rub cut side of fruit with some of the remaining 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil. Place fruit cut-side down on preheated grill and cook, moving as needed so fruit does not burn, until warm and grill marked, about 2 minutes.
    4. To serve, divide grilled fruit among serving bowls and top with some mint pesto. While delicious just as is, topping with a scoop of ice cream is highly recommended, as it gives the final dish more depth and richness.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 271 calories; 4 g protein; 19 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 26 g total carbohydrates (21 g sugars, 5 g fiber); 70 mg sodium

    By Lawren Moneta

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Salads, reimagined

    Salads, reimagined

    Salads, reimagined

    Warm salads to bowl you over

    Like their cool counterparts, warm salads can be packed with the nutrient-dense ingredients you’re trying to eat more of. Pivot to these cozy early spring salads that are, without question, hot stuff. They’re most certainly not your standard bowl o’ greens!

    Bistro Salad with Caramelized Vegetables

    This virtuous salad is reminiscent of what you’d be served at a well-reviewed bistro. For a special finishing touch, garnish egg with a pinch of smoked salt.
    Servings: 1

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 large carrots cut into ½ inch chunks
    • 2 large parsnips cut into ½ inch chunks
    • 3 cups cubed celery root
    • 1 tbsp grapeseed or avocado oil
    • 4 large eggs
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tbsp grainy mustard
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and grated or very finely minced
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 8 cups frisee and/or tender salad greens torn into bite-sized pieces
    • cup almonds preferably toasted, coarsely chopped

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 425°F and place rimmed baking sheet in oven as it heats.
    2. In large bowl, toss carrots, parsnips, and celery root with grapeseed or avocado oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Spread out on hot baking sheet and roast until vegetables are golden and tender, about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway.
    3. Meanwhile, in large saucepan, bring 3 inches of water to a simmer (the point when you see bubbles coming up to the surface, without full rolling bubbles). Into small bowl, crack an egg, then gently ease egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs, waiting until white of egg in water is opaque before adding the next egg (about 30 seconds apart). Poach until whites are set but yolks are still runny, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer eggs to paper towels as they are done.
    4. In small bowl, whisk together olive oil, cider vinegar, mustard, garlic, and salt.
    5. In large bowl, toss frisee or salad greens and roasted vegetables with dressing. Divide salad among 4 plates and top each with a poached egg. Sprinkle with chopped almonds.

    Chicken Farro Salad with Chunky Blueberry Dressing

    The blueberry dressing is a wonderful counterpoint to the earthy elements of this simple yet satisfying salad. If farro is not available, other grains, including spelt berries, sorghum, or quinoa, can be used.
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup farro
    • 2 tsp olive oil
    • 1 shallot peeled and chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled and chopped
    • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
    • 2 tsp lemon zest
    • ½ tsp dried thyme
    • ¼ tsp dried red pepper flakes
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 8 cups baby spinach or mesclun mix
    • 1 large red bell pepper thinly sliced
    • 1 lb cooked chicken sliced
    • ½ cup chopped parsley

    Method
     

    1. In medium-sized saucepan, place farro and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, or until grains are tender. Drain well.
    2. In small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; heat for 30 seconds. Add blueberries, 2 Tbsp water, lemon zest, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt; heat for 3 minutes, or until blueberries have softened and released some of their juices. Stir in balsamic vinegar.
    3. Divide greens, farro, bell pepper, and chicken among 4 serving plates. Top with warm blueberry dressing and scatter parsley overtop.

    Broccoli Confetti Lentil Salad

    Black, pearly lentils serve as a springboard for a highly nutritious salad that seems more sophisticated than its ease of prep would suggest. French green lentils also hold their shape with cooking, so they would be an adequate substitution for black lentils.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup black lentils
    • 2 tsp grapeseed or avocado oil
    • 1 cup chopped onion
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled and chopped
    • 1 large head broccoli florets finely chopped
    • Juice of ½ lemon
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp dried red pepper flakes
    • 1 cup sliced roasted red pepper
    • ½ cup chopped dill
    • 2 tbsp capers
    • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds

    Method
     

    1. In medium-sized saucepan, place lentils, 4 cups water, and a couple pinches of salt, if desired. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, covered, until lentils are tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain well.
    2. In large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add onion and heat until softened and beginning to darken. Stir in garlic and heat for 30 seconds. Add broccoli and heat, stirring a couple of times, for 5 minutes. Pour in 2/3 cup water; cover and heat until broccoli is bright green and liquid has absorbed, about 3 minutes. Stir in lentils, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes; heat for 1 minute. Stir in roasted red pepper, dill, and capers.
    3. Serve topped with pumpkin seeds.

    By Matthew Kadley, MSc, RD

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Apple and Endive Salad

    Apple and Endive Salad

    Apple and Endive Salad


    Still searching for a dish for Thanksgiving? While most item on the table are non-negotiable, the stuffing, the pie, mashed potatoes and gravy! The salad course is where you can really flex your creativity without upsetting anyone. The combination of apple and endive is crunchy and bright – a welcome contrast to the richness of so many traditional dishes.

    Apple and Endive Salad

    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    Dressing

    • 3 tbsp avocado oil
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    • 4 large basil leaves minced
    • ¼ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

    Salad

    • 2 Belgium endive
    • 1 small head radicchio
    • 1 medium Granny Smith apple
    • cup pomegranate seeds

    Garnish

    • cup walnuts
    • ¼ cup pistachio shelled

    Instructions

    • Whisk together avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, basil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
    • Chop endive and radicchio into bite size pieces. Core and chop apple. Combine in a mixing bowl.
    • Toss salad with half of the dressing and place on serving plates. Garnish with walnuts and pistachios. Serve with remaining dressing.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

    Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad


    Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

    As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s essential to have some healthier options on the menu. This Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect side dish to balance out the indulgent treats on your Thanksgiving table.


    Elisa Franco

    Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad

    This Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It's not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing choice for your body. Enjoy this healthy, colorful dish as you celebrate gratitude and good food this Thanksgiving!
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 small butternut squash peeled and diced
    • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
    • 1 cup kale chopped
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
    • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
    • 1/4 cup pecans chopped
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Method
     

    1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
    2. Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
    3. While the squash is roasting, rinse the quinoa thoroughly and cook it in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
    4. Once the quinoa and butternut squash are ready, combine them in a large bowl.
    5. Add pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, chopped kale and chopped pecans. Mix well.
    6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    7. Serve warm or at room temperature.

  • Curry Beet Salad

    Curry Beet Salad

    Curry Beet Salad


    Tender beets can stand up to strong flavors like curry in this colorful fall salad. For a shortcut, opt for pre-steamed beets for a stunning salad in no time!

    Curry Beet Salad

    Opt for a seasonal goat cheese with cranberry flavor for an ideal pairing in this recipe.
    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds red beets
    • 2 oz baby arugula
    • ½ cup walnuts toasted
    • ½ cup crumbled feta or 2 ounces herbed goat cheese crumbled
    • cup avocado oil
    • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • ½ tbsp curry powder
    • ¼ tsp sea salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place whole beets in a deep baking dish and cover with water. Cover and bake for 2–4 hours or until beets are knife tender, depending on the size of the beets.
    • When beets are tender, drain and submerge in cold water. Remove skins and set aside to cool completely.
    • To prepare salad, chop beets and place in a mixing bowl. Add arugula, walnuts, and feta or goat cheese. Whisk together avocado oil, rice vinegar, honey, curry powder, and salt. Pour over salad and toss. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve.

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Superfood Kale Salad

    Superfood Kale Salad


    Superfood Kale Salad

    This superfood kale salad is like getting
    to eat a whole bowl of guacamole without sharing—and without feeling guilty

    Think of this recipe as the perfect canvas. You can enjoy the subtle nuttiness of sunflower seeds and hemp hearts. Add it to wraps or sandwiches that could use a boost. Top with your favorite protein for a more substantial meal. Grilled tofu will keep things plant-based. You can also add some grilled shrimp, cotija cheese, diced ripe mango, and a bit of your favorite salsa for a shrimp taco salad. The canvas can take anything you throw at it, so don’t sleep on this superfood kale salad!


    Superfood Kale Salad

    This superfood kale salad is full on savory goodness with nutritional yeast, seeds, and of course avocado. By massaging kale, you can overcome the sometimes-fibrous nature of this nutritional powerhouse.

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bunch green kale
    • 1 large ripe avocado peeled and pit removed
    • 2 large garlic cloves minced
    • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1/2 tsp sea salt
    • 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
    • 2 tbsp hemp hearts

    Method
     

    1. Remove stems from kale and chop leaves into bite size pieces. Set aside.
    2. In a large mixing bowl place avocado, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. Fork through the mixture to mash avocado and to blend ingredients.
    3. Add kale and mix thoroughly with both hands, massaging until kale is fully coated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
    4. To serve, garnish with sunflower seeds and hemp hearts.
    5. Enjoy!

    Recipe Courtesy of INFRA

  • Taco Caesar Salad

    Taco Caesar Salad

    Taco Caesar Salad


    Full of protein and dressed with a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, this salad is quick and satisfying. Don’t skimp on all the extras! We love the textures and flavors that the toppings bring, from rich avocado to tangy pickled red onion and crunchy tortilla chips. Romaine lettuce holds up well to the warm beans and taco filling, but feel free to substitute your favorite hearty green. 

    Taco Caesar Salad

    Full of protein and dressed with a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, this salad is quick, satisfying, and worthy of #TacoTuesday or #MeatlessMonday!
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 4-ounce package taco seasoned plant-based crumbles
    • ½ cup cooked black beans drained and rinsed
    • ½ head romaine lettuce chopped
    • ½ cup pickled red onion drained
    • 1 avocado chopped
    • ½ cup cilantro leaves
    • ½ cup shaved parmesan
    • 3 ounces corn tortilla chips
    Dressing
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    Method
     

    1. Cook taco crumbles based on the package instructions. Stir in black beans and heat until warmed through.
    2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
    3. Place warm crumbles and black beans as the base of the salad on plates. Arrange romaine, pickled onion, avocado, cilantro, and parmesan on top. Drizzle salads with dressing and top with broken tortilla chips.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Shredded Carrot Salad

    Shredded Carrot Salad

    Shredded Carrot Salad


    Colorful, flavorful, and oh so simple, this shredded carrot salad could be your next lunch. Pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight and use the rest of the pulled chicken to take this salad to the next level! Crunchy shredded veggies like carrots and cabbage give coleslaw vibes, but the sesame tamari dressing keeps things light. With a hearty base, this riot of fiber is perfect for meal prepping. It won’t get soggy in the fridge or over the course of a barbecue or potluck. You may have lots of carrots for the easter bunny or just to celebrate spring. This is the perfect recipe to make use of that bounty. 

    Shredded Carrot Salad

    Colorful, flavorful, and oh so simple, this shredded carrot salad could be your next lunch. Pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner tonight and use the rest of the pulled chicken to take this salad to the next level! 
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound carrots peeled and shredded
    • 1 pound red cabbage finely shredded
    • 2 cups pulled Rotisserie chicken
    • ¾ cup frozen corn thawed
    • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped
    • 4 Green onions thinly sliced
    • ½ cup sliced almonds toasted
    • ¼ cup currants or raisins
    Dressing
    • cup toasted sesame oil
    • 3 tablespoons tamari
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

    Method
     

    1. In a large bowl, combine carrots, cabbage, chicken, and corn.
    2. Whisk together toasted sesame oil, tamari, and cayenne pepper.
    3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning to taste.
    4. Top with parsley, green onions, sliced almonds, and currants or raisins.
    5. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Gluten-free

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Emerald Lentil Salad

    Emerald Lentil Salad

    Emerald Lentil Salad


    This is what we call a spoon salad! Use a spoon to make sure you don’t miss a drop. We’ve got all the shades of green in this salad, with no soggy lettuce in sight. Perfect for meal planning, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. Roasted pumpkin seeds add a salty crunch. Creamy avocado keeps you satisfied. Thinly sliced broccoli is perfect raw, but if you have leftover roasted broccoli, you can use that instead. The bulk of this salad comes from the French green lentils. Unlike red lentils, these will keep their shape and ensure this hearty salad satisfies. 

    Emerald Lentil Salad

    This is what we call a spoon salad! We’ve got all the shades of green in this salad, with no soggy lettuce in sight. Perfect for meal planning, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup green or French lentils
    • 1 pound broccoli florets, thinly sliced
    • 1 Avocado, chopped
    • cup roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
    • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ cup micro greens

    Method
     

    1. Place lentils and five cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until lentils are just tender, approximately 35 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool. 
    2. In a medium mixing bowl, place cooled lentils, broccoli, avocado, and pumpkin seeds.
    3. Whisk together dressing ingredients and toss with salad. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve garnished with micro greens.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA