My Salad Quest

My focus is on food these days, because I have changed my diet and am on a journey to better health.  My goal is a high raw, mostly plant-based diet.  I will still eat cooked food, and a little meat, but will keep it to a minimum.  I don't want to simply lose weight, I want to be healthy.  God created us with a self-healing body, and I believe this type of diet will bring good health to my body.  I want to eat right & exercise not only for my benefit, but ultimately to glorify God.  I am a better witness and am better equipped for His service when I am healthy, fit, and at my best.

Right now, I am on a quest to find good and varied salad recipes.  I think many times we don't eat salads every day because we fix the same one over and over, and grow tired of it. There are many kinds of salads, and as I'm finding out, many healthy salad dressing alternatives.  As I find them and test them, I will be sharing them!

The first thing I want to share is not a lettuce-based salad, but something you can mix together and serve on top of any base salad.  I made this a few days ago, and we all love it.  There are many variations of this recipe on the internet, many that include avocado.  I love avocado, but want something that will keep well in the fridge for several days to use on top of salads.  (Avocado turns dark quickly.)  I found this recipe on a Kroger flyer.  If you like the sound of it, give it a try!

Cowboy Caviar
1 can corn, drained (I used white corn - our favorite)
1 can black-eyed peas, drained & rinsed (some recipes use black beans)
1 or 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded & minced
1 medium tomato, diced (I used two)
3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup bottled Italian dressing (or mix your own olive oil & vinegar & spices)
1 T. minced cilantro (we like much more!)
2 t. fresh lime juice
salt & pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and chill for at least one hour.  Stir and add any additional spices, to taste.  Note: I don't measure ingredients... I just throw them in until it looks right :)  You could also eat this like a salsa, with tortilla chips.

Try this on top of mixed greens, with a handful of crushed tortilla chips, a little extra Italian dressing and a drizzling of ranch dressing too.  If you want, add some fresh cut avocado.  Yum.

Do you have a favorite salad or dressing recipe you would like to share?  If so, please do!

More salads & dressings to come!