It’s Easy Being Green during National Salad Week

Guess what week is coming up? National Salad Week! I don’t know about you but I am excited to try some new salad combinations this coming week. Most people think of salad as the typical, boring, healthful lunch but it doesn’t have to be. Salads can be great for any meal! What makes salads exciting is that the combinations are endless!

Why do salads deserve their own week you may ask? Well they are the perfect, complete meal so why not? You can cover all of your food groups with one meal! And they don’t just have to be for lunch anymore.

Start Your Day Right

Who ever heard of having a salad for breakfast? But I’m here to say, try it? Skip the sugary breakfast cereals and fruit danishes and try a salad instead. Use baby kale, sliced heirloom tomatoes, and two poached eggs dressed with pomegranate vinaigrette, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a new take on breakfast. This breakfast will keep you going all morning with 12 grams of protein from the eggs alone! Not to mention the vitamin C from the tomatoes and powerful vitamins and antioxidants from the kale. This salad will make breakfast your new favorite meal.

Take a Trip around the World

The best part about having a salad is that they are a blank canvas for you to have some fun with. In the mood for some Asian take-out but know that this may not be the best option? Try adding some mandarin orange slices, toasted almonds, shelled edamame beans, and shrimp to some baby spinach. Finish it off with a little rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, sesame seeds, and cilantro for a bright finish to your salad. Craving Southwestern fare? Take your mixed greens to the next level with sliced avocado, roasted corn, diced bell peppers, and grilled lean steak. You can really travel anywhere you wish with your salad!

Lose the Lettuce

Not all salads start off with the jaded iceberg lettuce. Treat yourself to some chicken salad for lunch! Lighten up your favorite recipe by losing the mayonnaise and replacing it with some plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. Tired of chicken? Whip up a nice, light seafood salad by combining your favorite fish or shellfish like shrimp, tuna or salmon with a splash of white wine vinegar and lemon juice.

Perfect Ending to any Meal

In need of something to satisfy that sweet tooth? Try a healthy fruit salad. There are so many wonderful options available right now. Go for local, fresh produce and choose what’s in season. Who wouldn’t love a simple salad made with sweet peaches, juicy strawberries, bursting blueberries, and perfectly ripe kiwis!

Your Turn to Take Action: Challenge yourself by planning a day of salads! Try mixing each meal up with a different type of salad for each meal. Let me know what you come up with!

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