Monday, May 16, 2016

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad


2 cups quinoa, cooked and cooled 
1 medium tomato, finely chopped 
2 Persian cucumbers, finely chopped 
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded & finely chopped 
1 medium avocado, peel & core removed, chopped 
2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped 
1/2 cup parsley or cilantro, finely chopped 
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 
10 Kalamata olives, pitted & cut in halves 
juice of 1 lemon 
2 tsp cumin 
1 tsp black pepper 
1 tbsp garlic powder 

Combine all ingredients - makes six 1 cup servings 

1 YELLOW
1/4 GREEN 
1/2 BLUE 

Friday, May 13, 2016

Chopped Salad inspired by Portillo's

Portillo's Chopped Salad, gorgonzola, salad, clean eating salad, Portillo's, chopped saladChicago natives know Portillo's and if you've never been before, you are missing out!  The menu does not include the healthiest of foods, mostly hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and all things greasy.  But they have this salad that is just AMAZING!  Their chopped salad is something you must try if you go to Portillo's.  But....since you may not be from the area or you may not want the real version (which may have just as many calories as their cheeseburger), you can duplicate this salad to pretty close, but with much less calories and fat!  It's very filling and you can make it your meal!  Great for summer parties or a side dish to whatever you are grilling.  The recipe below is enough to serve 4 adults.   
DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

SALAD INGREDIENTS:
1 cup ditalini pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
4 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
1 cup crumbled gorgonzola
2 hearts romaine, chopped
1/4 small head red cabbage, chopped
10-15 grape tomatoes, quartered
4 scallions, chopped
2 small grilled chicken breasts, diced (optional)
For those following the 21 Day Fix, or their portion control containers, a 2 cup serving would equal: 
1 1/2  GREEN
1/4 YELLOW
1/2 BLUE
1 ORANGE
1/2 RED (Optional)