Lettuce, tomato and cucumber. That makes a salad. But, it’s pretty boring. And if it’s topped with a creamy dressing, it could be packed with empty calories.
I love salad and often make one for dinner.
Some of my favorite ingredients are . . .
- Romaine hearts (more nutrition than iceberg lettuce)
- Round or plum tomatoes
- Cucumbers (I prefer the English or “gourmet” type)
- Chicken or turkey (white meat has less fat)
- Hard boiled eggs
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- Broccoli (sauteed in olive oil)
- Asparagus (sauteed in olive oil)
- Cauliflower (lightly steamed)
- Snow peas (sauteed in olive oil)
- Baby green peas (frozen and uncooked)
- Scallions and sweet onions
- Red, yellow and green peppers
- Mushrooms
- Black olives (sliced thin)
- Water chestnuts
- Parsley
- Sunflower seeds (plain or quickly sauteed in olive oil)
- Soy bacon bits
- Olive oil (extra virgin and cold pressed)
- Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (just enough to add some zip)
Almost any combination of these salad ingredients makes a healthy, nutritious dinner.