If you know me well you KNOW that I am a big advocate for setting yourself up for success! One of the ways that I like to do this is I bring THIS very salad with me to every holiday party that I go to. WHY you may ask? Because while I cannot control what food they will have at the party I choose to not let my food choices be determined by chance. I choose to bring this delicious salad with me to add to the table of food so that I KNOW that I am filling my plate with good nutritious food and I know that I will feel great later. Instead of showing up to the party starving and eating all the hors d'oeuvres and desserts and feeling gross, sluggish and lethargic later. I choose to set myself up for success!
Likewise goes for Thanksgiving. Whether I am hosting Friendsgiving or going to Thanksgiving I always bring this salad. So that I can fill my plate with salad, add some turkey and any other side I decide but I fill my plate with mostly this salad so that I am fueling my body and feeling great!
INGREDIENTS:
> 1 large package of mixed greens
> 1 honey crisp apple - sliced
> 1-2 avocados
> 1/2 cup dried cranberries/or pomegranate seeds if dealing with gut issues
> 1/2 cup pine nuts/walnuts/roasted pumpkin seeds/slivered almonds or pecans
> Cheese of your choice - my two favorites are feta or crumbled goat cheese
DIRECTIONS:
1.Combine ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Layer the salad
Mixed Greens
Sliced apple
Sprinkle dried cranberries
Sprinkle nuts of your choice
Arrange avocado on the outside of the bowl on one side
Put the cheese in the center
Char's Balsamic Vinaigrette INGREDIENTS:
> 1/2 cup olive oil
> 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
> Fresh cracked pepper to taste
> Pink Himalayan sea salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
Combine ingredients in a mason jar & shake well
Pro Tip: Don't add the dressing to the salad right away! Bring it to the party so people can add their own! This will keep the lettuce and other ingredients fresh crisp longer!
Reminder: Thanksgiving is just one day! You don't have to stuff yourself until you feel sick. Instead you can choose to eat a balanced meal and go for a walk afterwards and just enjoy the day with close friends or family! I hope you got some inspiration and some tasty recipes to add to your yearly tradition!
