We all know that one of the pillars of a healthy diet is eating plenty of veggies (at least 5 servings a day). The easiest ways to do this is by adding more salads to your meals or, better yet, making a salad your meal at least once a day.
 
On most days, my lunch is a big salad mixed with some healthy fats and protein; but some days, I’m just not feeling it (let’s face it who wants to eat a salad on a cold wintery day). On those days I try to fill at least 50% of my plate with veggies. For me, this usually means making a hearty soup and adding a smaller side salad. If salads are not your thing try making veggies (cooked or raw) the center of your meal and consider the other components the sides.
 
To motivate you to eat some more veggies, I thought I would share my “go to” salads and dressings. I usually make a big batch of 1-2 types of dressing so that I have them ready to go all week. Not only are they super easy to make, but they also taste so much better than the processed bottled stuff.  A little prep beforehand means you’ll have an easy and delicious grab and go meal.
 
These salads can be easily made into a full meal with the addition of a healthy protein like grilled chicken, salmon, hard-boiled eggs, quinoa or chickpeas.  

Salad dressings 

• Apple Cider Vinaigrette
• Mustard Orange Dressing
• Balsamic Salad Dressing

Salads

• Spinach Salad with Oranges--pairs well with the mustard orange dressing 
• Kale salad with cranberries, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese-- pairs well with the balsamic dressing
• Spinach Salad with Pistachios-- pairs well with the balsamic dressing and the mustard orange dressing
• Avocado, Cucumber & Tomato Salad
• Garden Salad--pairs well with the apple cider vinaigrette

 
What are your favorite veggies and salads?  
 
XO,
Ingrid 


ps Are you in a food rut? Do you struggle to figure out how to make healthier food choices without spending all your free time in the kitchen and feeling deprived? I can help. Schedule a free session and I'll show how easy it is to eat delicious food and feel great.   

Pairs well with the Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Ingredients 

• 2-3 white radishes, cubed                               
• 2 small carrots (peeled and cubed)                                      
• 1 medium cucumber (peeled and cubed)                         
• Handful of mixed greens
• 1 small avocado diced

 
To make this a meal add one of these:
Grilled chicken
Canned garbanzos
½ cup cooked quinoa
Hard-boiled egg

Method
Mix everything together in a large bowl then add 2-3 tablespoons of salad dressing and toss. 

This is my basic vinaigrette. It’s super versatile and can be used on any salad.  I love it in a simple mixed greens salad, with cherry tomatoes a few toasted pine nuts and cranberries. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 ½ tablespoons mustard
• salt
• pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil

Method
Put everything in a glass jar and shake it. Keep leftovers in the fridge. 

Ingredients 

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup orange juice, fresh squeezed (I used blood oranges)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard  
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method 

​In a jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, orange juice, mustard and shake well.