Sunday, February 5, 2012

Produce Picks Salad

I love salad! and I can't tell ya how many times I've heard people say they are "sick of salad" or they "can only eat so much lettuce" or they "don't like rabbit food," etc. The real problem? Their definition of salad is so very limited...yes I agree, wilted lettuce from the back of the fridge covered in rancid, sodium-bomb Kraft dressing is not appetizing, filling or healthful.

My favorite way to keep it fresh with salads is by creating a meal while walking through the produce department, choosing a whatever fruits and vegetables that look good and/or on sale.

Check out this deliciousness!

Ingredients
1 red pepper, chopped (on sale @ $3.69/lb--> $1.75)
1 tomato, chopped ($1.99/lb--> $.40)
bulk spinach, chopped ($6.69/lb --> around $1.00)
slice red onion, chopped fine
1/2 avocado, diced (on sale @ $.89 ea--> $.45)

and for the dressing... blend up
1 mango, peeled and chopped ($2.29)
1 lime, juiced ($.50)
1 handful cilantro (about $.25)
dash sea salt & apple cider vinegar

Using 100% organic co-op produce and leaving enough dressing for another meal or two, the total cost of this meal was around $4.75 for a huge portion. Creating raw meals that feature produce specials is a great way to keep things affordable.

I encourage you to give this method of salad-making-madness a try. Not only is it fun, it is economical and will increase the variety of produce you consume. In closing, I must insert a little plug for shopping at your local co-op, 'cause when you've got amazing, flavorful produce to work with, you cannot "mess up" in the kitchen.

Go have some fun with the salad friends!

<3