Showing posts with label Salad Dressing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salad Dressing. Show all posts

Salad Change Up

We all love those restaurant recipe salads, they are a big go to. We think we are getting a healthy salad, but in most cases we are not. Here are a few of those favorites, but they are lightened up a bit.

Oriental Chicken Salad feeds 4
1 (16 oz) bag of coleslaw mix
2 cups romaine chopped
2 cooked chicken breasts- grilled or baked with 

                 1 tsp tamari, 1/2 tsp coconut oil/oil pepper and onion powder
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (I used red)
1/2 cup cooked edamame (If you're watching soy, replace with a green onion or celery)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 

11 ounce can mandarin oranges
sliced almonds, toasted
2 tbsp crunchy chow mein noodles*
sesame seeds

Dressing:
1/2 cup rice vinegar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar, splenda or honey
2 tablespoons canola oil

salt and pepper pinch

*I have yet to find a gluten free chow mein noodle, sorry 



Lemon Chicken Caesar 
3 romaine lettuce heads, chopped (or torn)
12 oz grilled chicken breast, boneless, skinless, sliced
3/4 cup Lemon Caesar dressing

1/4 cup whole wheat or GF croutons
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese 


Dressing:
8 oz nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 2 tsp. anchovy paste in a tube (This is a better method than opening a small can)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
Sea salt and ground black pepper





Buffalo Chicken Salad makes 4 salads
2 chicken breasts
       marinate your chicken in franks red hots with a squeeze of lemon and 1/2 tsp oil. Bake chicken on foil lined sheet until thoroughly cooked about 15 minutes at 400o. Remove and let cool. Do not slice until your salad is assembled

2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese 
1 tbsp ranch dressing (I used lighthouse brand)
1 tsp franks red hots sauce
2 carrots peeled and sliced into rounds
2 stalks celery cut on the bias
4 cups mixed romaine and iceberg lettuces

Mix greens, celery and carrots with ranch. It doesn't seem like very much ranch dressing, but it will be. Portion out your salad, top with chicken and blue cheese crumbles and drizzle the buffalo sauce on top of chicken. 





This next salad is my very favorite. I swapped out the sour cream in the dressing for low fat plain yogurt and an extra pinch of cumin and a squeeze of lime. It made it even better. Trust me on this one, it's better than the original. The object of the game is to bump up all the veg, mix the salad with as little as 1 1/2 tsp dressing and mixing your own bean salsa instead of buying homemade. I do recommend the black bean salad at The Store. It's all natural and full of really yummy seasonings that are all gluten free and fresh. If I use that salsa mix, I use 1 tbsp total for my salad.

 
Chipotle Chicken Salad makes 4 servings
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro1/2 cup plain lowfat yogurt
1 tablespoon minced chipotle chile, canned in adobo sauce*
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt


*If you don't like your dressing with heat, try adding 1 small can of green chilies instead of the chipotle in adobo.  

2 chicken breasts, seasoned with cumin, salt and pepper and cooked in a skillet or baked in oven
4 cups romaine or mixed blend
1 avocado cubed
1/4 cup black bean salsa
                 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
                 1 large tomato diced, seeds removed
                 1/2 can sweet corn
                 1/2 bell pepper diced (I used red)
                 1 shallot sliced in rings or minced
                 1 small jalapeno minced
                 1/2 tsp cumin
                 1 tsp oregano
                 1/2 tsp salt
                  2-3 dashes pepper
                  2 limes juiced
                 1/2 tsp cider vinegar 

Toss your greens with dressing, then top with all veg and chicken. Drizzle a little more dressing if needed. Enjoy!

Summer Salads

I'm really into grilled style salads. Anything that can be prepared and cooked easily and without much mess or heating up the kitchen is a win win for me. I adapted this recipe from the Randall Beans website. I chose to use canned northern white beans because it was easier for me. This salad has a great grilled and fresh flavor all in one. You'll love it, try it this weekend.

Grilled Ribeye with Northern White Beans & Potatoes
4 rib-eye steaks, sliced thin *use whatever tender steak you want
1 tsp steak seasoning mix          

    combine and store in sealed container
       1/4 cup Paprika
       1/4 cup Kosher Salt
       1/4 cup Sugar
       1/4 cup Cumin
       1/4 cup Granulated Garlic
       1/4 cup Chili Powder
       2 tablespoons Mustard Powder
       2 tablespoons Ground Black Pepper
       1-2 tablespoons Cayenne Pepper          

2 lbs baby yellow potatoes
1/4 red onion, sliced thin
1/4 tsp course salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp butter/ I used hemp butter
2 cans northern white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried dill
1 5-oz package spring greens mix
2 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper



Light the grill and let it heat up while you prepare the meal.
Season the rib-eye steaks with seasoning and set aside.
Make a foil packet to hold the potatoes and onions. Toss them with the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and butter. Pour into the foil packet and seal. Grill for 20-30 minutes or until fork tender.
While the potatoes are cooking, make a foil packet for the great northern beans. Toss beans with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the dill. Pour into the foil packet and seal.
Grill the steaks for 8 minutes when the potatoes are close to being ready. Put the beans on the grill for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before cutting into strips.
Grab a large bowl and toss in the spring greens. Add the potatoes and onions, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt and black pepper and stir, incorporating the dressing onto all parts of the potatoes and greens. Add the grilled great northern beans and stir lightly as to not mash the beans.
Plate the salad and top with the steak strips and serve.




Sick of the traditional heavy mayo based potato salad? Here is a lighter and flavorful option.
2 lbs small potatoes (purple, red, fingerling, and/or baby dutch)
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
freshly ground pepper
1/2 lb green beans, stems removed and cut in 1 inch pieces
1 bunch garlic scapes (about 8-10 scapes), stems removed and cut in 1 inch pieces
7 ounces of tuna in oil (or two 4 oz cans)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1/4 cup pitted or unpitted nicoise olives
5 hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile halve or quarter potatoes. Salt the water and add the potatoes. Boil 20-30 minutes or until tender. Drain.
While potatoes cool, make the vinaigrette. Whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour about half the vinaigrette over warm potatoes and toss to combine. Chill potatoes.
Bring another large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, green beans, and garlic scapes. Boil for about 5 minutes until just barely tender. Drain and chill.
In a large bow, combine cooked potatoes, green beans, garlic scapes, tuna, tomatoes, scallion, parsely, and Nicoise olives. Dress with remaining vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
Serve with hard boiled egg slices.
- See more at: http://impeckableeats.com/2014/09/salad-nicoise-twist/#sthash.NxVCuv8L.dpuf

Garlic-Roasted Potatoes
2 pounds mixed fingerling potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup white wine or stock
2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1 clove garlic, finely minced 
 
Buttermilk Dressing
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (I used thick fage)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 lbs small potatoes (purple, red, fingerling, and/or baby dutch)
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
freshly ground pepper
1/2 lb green beans, stems removed and cut in 1 inch pieces
1 bunch garlic scapes (about 8-10 scapes), stems removed and cut in 1 inch pieces
7 ounces of tuna in oil (or two 4 oz cans)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1/4 cup pitted or unpitted nicoise olives
5 hard boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile halve or quarter potatoes. Salt the water and add the potatoes. Boil 20-30 minutes or until tender. Drain.
While potatoes cool, make the vinaigrette. Whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour about half the vinaigrette over warm potatoes and toss to combine. Chill potatoes.
Bring another large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, green beans, and garlic scapes. Boil for about 5 minutes until just barely tender. Drain and chill.
In a large bow, combine cooked potatoes, green beans, garlic scapes, tuna, tomatoes, scallion, parsely, and Nicoise olives. Dress with remaining vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
Serve with hard boiled egg slices.
- See more at: http://impeckableeats.com/2014/09/salad-nicoise-twist/#sthash.NxVCuv8L.dpuf

I like to start my fingerling potatoes in an oven proof heavy bottom pan on the stove. If you don't want the hassle, place potatoes mixed with oil and seasoning, stock onto a baking sheet and bake at 400o until golden...usually about 20 minutes. 
If you choose to use the stoptop to oven method, heat oil and drop your seasoned -garlic potatoes in the hot pan with the cut side down and roast for about 10 minutes no moving the potatoes. Once you've peeked on them and they're browned, roll them over, shake the pan, add garlic and stock and then transfer to the oven for 10 more minutes. Make sure you don't burn the garlic. 

Combine all dressing ingredients and then pour over your hot potatoes and serve. 

 
I don't know about you, but I'm a pretty big fan of marinated mushrooms. They are earthy and add such a yummy bite to any bbq outing or picnic. 


Mushroom Salad
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 pounds white mushrooms, trimmed
Salt and pepper
1 to 2 large shallots, sliced thin
3 garlic cloves, crushed and minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 generous Tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley


Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium high heat until just smoking. Add mushrooms and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, covered and stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until skillet is dry and mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
To the pan, add the shallot, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the vinegar and water and bring to a boil. Cook until liquid reduces by half, about 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 6 tablespoons oil, Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Add the mushroom mixture to this bowl and stir to combine. Let cool completely. Stir in parsley.
Cover mushrooms and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Mushrooms can be refrigerated up to 3 days.



Tori Avey had this great purple cabbage recipe on her blog today. I'm going to make it this weekend. Yum!

Red Cabbage Apple Salad with Blue Cheese - Unique and Delicious Salad Recipe with Toasted Walnuts, Dates and a Tantalizing Creamy Dressing
Purple Cabbage Salad
1 head of red cabbage (about 2 lbs), shredded
2 red apples (I recommend fuji), sliced thin or chopped small
6 dates, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh mint, torn into small pieces
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
 

Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp salt


In a mixing bowl whisk together the olive oil, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, honey and salt until well combined.
Toss the salad ingredients together with the dressing until the salad is evenly covered and ingredients are well mixed. Add the dressing to taste-- you may not need all of it depending on personal preference. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, if desired. Serve.


Blackberries YUM!


Blackberry Crumble
2 1/2 C blueberries
2 1/2 C raspberries
5 Tbsp sugar, you can use splenda
2 Tbsp cornstarch (for thickening if using frozen berries)
1 C flour or use 1 C + 1 tbsp all purpose gluten free flour like Pillsbury or bobs redmill
1 C oats (make sure they are gluten free if your doing that version)
3/4 C packed brown sugar/splenda
1 Tsp cinnamon
1/2 Tsp nutmeg
1/2 C butter

Preheat oven to 350o
In a bowl combine berries and sugar. Mix and set aside
If using frozen berries add in 2 Tbsp of cornstarch for thickening.
In another bowl mix together flour or gluten free flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Add in butter using a pastry mixer until crumbly.
Put berries into mason jars or use a 9 x 13 pan and add crumble on top.
Bake for 15 minutes in mason jars or 30-40 minutes for 9 X 13 or until the fruit is bubbly and the topping will be golden brown.


 
This recipe is from ourfamilyofseven.com. This honey butter is delicious and my little boy says it's amazing on bagels. 

Blackberry Honey Butter
1/2 lb softened Butter
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Blackberries

Whip butter and honey until fluffy.
Add blackberries and mix just until berries break up and are distributed.
Either scoop into jar and seal or form into a log and refrigerate.



Blackberry Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette 
Baby greens
Pecans
Feta
Avocado
Blackberries
Pumpkin Seeds

10 Oz. seedless Sugar Free Blackberry preserves
1/2 C. frozen raspberries or blackberries
1/4 C. lite olive oil
1/4 C. water
1/4 C. apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. dijon
1 1/2 tsp. Honey
1 1/2 tsp. Sugar
2 Tsp. Chia Seeds optional
Salt & Pepper to Taste


Place all ingredient into a food processor or blender, then strain out the seeds. Refrigerate.



Blackberry Chicken Salad
1 chicken breast cooked and chopped
1 cup blackberries
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and sliced jullienne 
6oz greek yogurt like vanilla, pear or plain
1/4 tsp cumin
1 bunch of spinach
salt and pepper to taste
Croissants or your favorite gluten free bun

Cook chicken (or use a rotisserie pre-cooked one). I boiled my chicken breast for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
Shred chicken.
Dice cucumber & blackberries.
Mix chicken with cucumber, blackberries, yogurt, and cumin.
Serve on croissants with spinach, or just on a bed of spinach as a salad. 
recipe comes from onaroll.com