Simple and Satisfying!

Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Like this salad for example. Very basic.

What did it consist of??
Bagged salad mix; romaine, frisse, radicchio and shredded carrots
Petite baby carrots
Grape tomatoes
Rolled and sliced roasted turkey
Sliced American cheese
Chic peas
Croutons
Dressing; extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dried dill weed

THAT'S IT. Toss it all together in a bowl and call it lunch or dinner.
Simple, easy, healthy and so delicious!

Whip one up of your own. You'll be glad you did ;)

Chick Pea Salad

Great For a Light Lunch!

I have been bringing salads to work for lunch for about a year now. Usually it's a classic salad with romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, shredded carrots, black and green olives, croutons, and chic peas. I make my own dressing with organic raw apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and a lemon dill seasoning. It is so refreshing and extremely good for you. I am really surprised that I haven't gotten sick of eating salad everyday yet.

This past week I changed things up a bit, however. Not because I didn't want my usual salad, but because I forgot the romaine this week. Also, my friend and avid gardener extraordinaire, Jen, has been supplying me with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes from her garden. So I decided to feature the cucumbers and tomatoes along with my usual protein packed chick peas. I pretty much just adapted the recipe on the back of the Goya Chick Pea can. It turned out delicious, light and refreshing!

Chick Pea Salad

1 15.5 oz can of Goya Low Sodium Chick Peas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup red pepper, sliced in 1 inch strips
1 small shallot, chopped
1 medium cucumber, sliced in half lengthwise, seeds removed and cut into half moons
1/4 cup mixed kalamata and green manzanilla olives, sliced in half lengthwise
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
1/3 cup organic raw apple cider vinegar
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon lemon-dill seasoning

Toss all ingredients together and refrigerate until chilled and flavors combine.
Serves 5 - 6

Three Bean Salad

Sweet, Tangy and a Little Squeaky!

I love fresh green beans and I'm always on the lookout for a new way to prepare them. Although this recipe is not a new concept, it's new for me. I have never made three bean salad, nor have I ever even eaten a homemade version. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I've only had the one that comes in a jar. I don't buy it too often because it's not very nutritious and has way too many chemicals.
Have you ever noticed that the beans in this type of salad become squeaky when you bite into them? I wonder what makes this happen. It doesn't bother me, as a matter of fact it kind of adds to the playfulness of this recipe. Since it is sweet and a little tangy, so why not squeaky!

Three Bean Salad
Adapted from Cook's Illustrated

1 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup organic cane sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 medium cloves garlic, grated on microplane or pressed through a garlic press
1 teaspoon sea salt
Ground black pepper
8 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch-long pieces
8 ounces yellow wax beans, cut into 1-inch-long pieces
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans , rinsed and drained
1 medium/large shallot, chopped medium dice
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

1. Heat vinegar, sugar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to taste in small nonreactive saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large nonreactive bowl and cool to room temperature.
2. Steam green and yellow beans in water with 1 tablespoon salt added to it; cook until crisp-tender, about 7 minutes. Meanwhile, fill medium bowl with ice water. When beans are done, immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking process; let sit until chilled, about 2 minutes. Drain well.
3. Add green and yellow beans, kidney beans, shallot, and parsley to vinegar mixture; toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving. (Salad can be covered and refrigerated up to 4 days.)