Discover how delicious healthy food can taste!
SALADS & SALAD DRESSINGS
Celebrate the beginning of the glorious summer fruit season with fresh cherries. An early summer treat, cherries are a pleasure to eat and are packed with nutritional benefits. The rich, ruby hue is a clue to fact that they contain anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. In addition to snacks and desserts, cherries are delicious in savory dishes, such as this light, but hearty, main-dish salad. The protein from the grilled chicken makes this dish satisfying, while fresh greens add volume and texture—with a minimum of calories. As the season progresses, you can replace the cherries with sliced nectarines, peaches, plums, and grapes.
Kale is a nutritional superstar in vegetable kingdom. It is delicious cooked in soups, casseroles and side dishes, but it is also tasty raw. Baby kale is tender and delicious. Sweet balsamic vinegar, raisins and red bell pepper balance the pungency of kale in this hearty salad. Kale stands up to a vinaigrette dressing better than lettuce, so this salad is a good choice for a buffet or potluck.
With their stellar nutritional profile, low cost and long shelf life, lentils offer some of the best value at the grocery store. Unlike dried beans, they don’t require pre-soaking. They also cook relatively quickly. You are probably most familiar with lentils in hearty winter soups, but they are also delicious in refreshing summer salads like this one. If possible, use small French green lentils because they hold their shape well and have the most appealing texture for a salad.
Lots more recipes coming soon!
This hearty yet refreshing salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics and backyard barbecues. It provides the benefits whole grains and lots of colorful vegetables in one dish and requires no last-minute preparation. The base of the salad is quinoa, which although it is treated like a grain, is actually a seed. It is gluten-free and it supplies complete protein, as well as magnesium and fiber. Quinoa has a delicate, nutty flavor and cooks in less than 20 minutes. You can find it in natural foods stores and many supermarkets.
Packed with vibrant colors and contrasting textures, this hearty salad makes a tasty, nutritious and economical summer side dish. And since it keeps well, it is perfect for toting to picnics and potlucks—or simply to the office for lunch.
