Accent Salads With Flavor and Nutrition
Health Nut Cobb
Enlightened Chicken Caesar
Asian Chicken Salad
Chopped Salad
(Family Features) - Could you and your family use a salad makeover? Sometimes that's what it takes to keep everyone interested in eating a variety of good-for-you salads each week. How do you elevate a healthy salad from simple to sensational? First things first. A tempting salad starts with the freshest, tastiest and most flavorful ingredients you can find. Then, it's the small but important touches that change everything: the unexpected but delectable crunch, the appealing contrast of colors, the fresh herbs and a great dressing. Master these elements and you're on your way to a super salad.
If you're ready to begin your family's salad makeover, think about putting a new twist on a favorite combination. Even better if that twist is in the form of a nutritious ingredient that goes beyond the ordinary - like Sunkist(r) Almond Accents(tm), sliced almonds that are toasted golden brown and seasoned to perfection. Almond Accents add unique flavor and texture - that unexpected but delectable crunch you're looking for - to any salad, and they're good for you. Almonds are heart-healthy and offer important nutrients including protein, vitamin E, magnesium and fiber - without cholesterol or trans fat.
Go ahead - sprinkle a generous handful of your favorite Almond Accents on every salad and enjoy nibbling a few on the side. Available in seven flavors: Original Oven Roasted, Honey Roasted, Roasted Garlic Caesar, Oven Roasted No Salt, Butter Toffee Glazed, Italian Parmesan and Ranch Style - there's a perfect Almond Accent for every salad you can think of. Learn more and find delicious serving suggestions at www.almondaccents.com.
Here are some easy, family-friendly "Salad Makeover" recipes to get you started.
More tips to add appeal and pizzazz to your healthy salads:
Aim for a selection of at least three types of greens in tossed salads. Think about appealing textures and colors, such as a blend of radicchio, arugula and romaine. Buy a packaged blend or select your own.
Experiment with new toppings and ingredients to add a refreshing twist to your favorite salad combinations. Try almonds and pistachios for an appealing and unique crunch.
Stock up on fine ingredients such as premium extra virgin olive oil and a variety of flavored vinegars. Try sherry and champagne vinegars for a change, and keep a good balsamic vinegar on hand.
Condiments, such as mustards and soy sauces, add character to basic vinaigrettes. So do diced shallots or a sprinkling of blue or Parmesan cheese.
If you have fresh herbs, toss them in! You'll be amazed at how their intense flavors can lift a salad. From fresh basil and tarragon to simple flat-leaf Italian parsley, they're a welcome addition. Just remember, a little can go a long way, so don't add more than a handful to a salad for four.
Health Nut Cobb
Prep time: 15 minutes
8 cups romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
4 cups arugula or watercress leaves
1/4 cup low-fat ranch dressing
1 cup diced chicken breast
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 small avocado, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup Almond Accents Original Oven Roasted Flavored Sliced Almonds
1 hard-cooked egg, grated or chopped
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
1 tablespoon chopped chives
In large bowl, gently toss lettuce and arugula with ranch dressing until evenly coated. Transfer to serving dish or 4 plates. Top with chicken, tomatoes and avocado; sprinkle with Almond Accents, egg, cheese and chives.
Serves 4
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 315 calories; 22 g fat; 93 mg cholesterol; 445 mg sodium; 14 g carbohydrate; 6 g fiber; 17 g protein
Enlightened Chicken Caesar
Prep time: 10 minutes
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 minced garlic clove
1 minced anchovy fillet
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
12 cups baby romaine lettuce leaves
8 ounces grilled or roasted chicken breast, cut into strips
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Almond Accents Italian Parmesan Flavored Sliced Almonds
In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, water, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy and Worcestershire sauce. Add lettuce; toss gently until evenly coated with dressing. Divide salad among 4 plates; top with chicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Almond Accents.
Serves 4
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 197 calories; 8 g fat; 53 mg cholesterol; 388 mg sodium; 9 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 23 g protein
Asian Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
2 tablespoons canola or peanut oil
1 tablespoon Asian sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon soy sauce
4 cups shredded green or napa cabbage
4 cups shredded radicchio
3 cup shredded poached or roasted chicken breast
1 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 tablespoons pickled ginger, cut into very thin strips
1/4 cup Almond Accents Honey Roasted Flavored Sliced Almonds
In large bowl, whisk together oils, vinegar, honey and soy sauce. Add cabbage, radicchio, chicken, cilantro, green onions and ginger; toss gently until evenly coated with dressing. Divide salad among 4 plates. Sprinkle with Almond Accents.
Serves 4
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 331 calories; 17 g fat; 72 mg cholesterol; 295 mg sodium; 14 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 29 g protein
Chopped Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups chopped radicchio
4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
1 cup diced red onions
1/2 cup chopped chives
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup Almond Accents Oven Roasted No Salt Toasted Sliced Almonds
In large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Add radicchio, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, chives and cheese. Toss gently until evenly coated with dressing. Divide salad among 4 plates. Sprinkle with Almond Accents.
Serves 4
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 252 calories; 4 g fat; 6 mg cholesterol; 239 mg sodium; 13 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 5 g protein
SOURCE: Almond Accents