Chopped salad with homemade vinaigrette

Okay, friends - it doesn't get much simpler than this right here.  And it is as delicious or more delicious (according to my hubby) than any salad you'll get at a restaurant.  The best part?  You can customize it to your taste and include all the family favorites.  I'll give you the framework and you can run with it.  This will be a HIT at your next dinner party or picnic.  And in the meantime it will become one of your favorite salads to whip up for lunch or dinner.  Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Chopped Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
4-5 cups (or large hand fulls) of mixed greens, such as spring mix and romaine, or your favorite lettuce
1/2 cup of garbanzo beans (you can use any bean you prefer)
1 medium sized carrot, shredded with a vegetable peeler
1/4 cup sliced black and green olives
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
3 hard boiled eggs, sliced up
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, or your favorite crumbly cheese such as feta or goat cheese
1 recipe of the homemade vinaigrette listed below
****all of the above ingredients are optional - use your favorite healthy salad toppings and veggies.  This salad serves 2 for lunch or dinner

Homemade Vinaigrette:
1 T white wine vinegar
2 T olive oil
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl, begin by whisking together the vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper until well combined.  Slowly add the olive oil while you continually whisk, which allows the dressing to emulsify.   Set aside while preparing the veggies (cutting, slicing, and dicing).  

Once you are ready to eat, add the veggies, lettuce, and other salad toppings to the dressing and toss until well combined.  I don't add the eggs until the very end....I don't like the yolk to go all over the place but that's a personal preference.  Like I said earlier, make this your own and make it how ever you like it.  Eat up and enjoy!

BLT chopped salad with Creamy Garlic Herb Dressing

This salad is everything I love in a salad only really, really good for you!  Typical salads can be loaded with hidden calories from cheese, croutons and fat-filled dressings.  In fact, I'm a total sucker for lots and lots of ranch dressing...I just can't get enough.

This salad is my solution to my ranch craving- it's made with a yogurt and herb based dressing, no cheese, and just enough bacon to make it taste super delicious without adding too much extra fat or calories.  In fact, if you use turkey bacon this salad is in line with any clean-eating lifestyle.  Plus, we added some chopped hardboiled egg on top for some extra protein.

I made it with my husband's 21 day fix in mind...although he hasn't started his 21 days yet, I am experimenting with recipes that will work for him and that really enjoys.  No one will stick to a healthy eating plan and decide to make it a lifestyle unless they really like what they are eating.  And yes - it is possible to do these things!  Healthy eating doesn't have to mean plain grilled chicken breasts with steamed veggies - it is so much more than that!!!

So get in the kitchen and get creative!  Or just let me do all that work for you and visit my blog often for more delicious and nutritious, healthy, recipes for you and your loved ones.  This dressing also tastes delicious with a little added blue cheese.  Add your favorite greens and veggies to make it your own!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

BLT Chopped Salad with Creamy Garlic Herb Dressing
my recipe was inspired by http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/02/blt-chopped-salad-with-homemade-creamy-buttermilk-ranch-dressing.html

For the salad:
5-6 cups of spring mix (we like the 50% baby spinach, 50% spring mix)
1 cup of grape tomatoes, cut in half (about 1/2 pint)
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup of fresh mushrooms, diced or sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
1/2 cup peas (I used frozen peas, only defrosted, not cooked)
3 scallions, sliced

1-2 hard boiled eggs per person 

6 slices of extra crispy nitrate free bacon, crumbled (use turkey bacon for an even healthier version.  I like to cook my bacon in the oven at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until extra crispy.  I even use foil and parchment paper on the cookie sheet for an easy clean up.)

***This salad recipe serves 2 for a very generous lunch or dinner (depending on your daily caloric intake, you may need to divide this into 3 or 4...but what's better than having extra for the next day???).

For the dressing:

3/4 cup of Greek Yogurt (I used 2%)

1/4 cup of Mayonnaise (you could just use more Greek yogurt or some light sour cream)

1/4 cup of 2% milk 

1 T apple cider vinegar

1 T lemon juice

2 T olive oil

1/3 cup parsley

1/4 cup chives

1 small garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

***this dressing is enough for two recipes of the salad...I used about 1/3 of it on the salad ingredients listed above.  It stores nicely in the fridge for up to a week and tastes even better the next day!

Place the vegetables in a large bowl after chopping and shredding to your delight.  (Feel free to purchase already shredded or chopped ingredients to save yourself time or if you think it will encourage you to eat more salads throughout the week).  Set aside while you make the dressing.

Place all the dressing ingredients in a blender (we have a Ninja) and blend until smooth.  Store in the fridge until you are ready to eat.  

Once it's chow time, add the lettuce, bacon, and dressing to the large bowl with your vegetables.  Toss until well combined and serve immediately.

I always mix my salads in a large bowl - it's the perfect way to ensure you won't over-dress your salad.  A little goes a long way!  Remember: you can always add more, but can never take the dressing off your salad once it's there.

You guys are gonna love this salad!  Make it your own - add your favorite toppings and change it up to whats fresh at the farm stand.  Enjoy!

Week 24 & 25 - family and supporting goals

I've been quiet...again!  So many amazing recipes to share and so little time to do it.  I promise to try to be better about that...I've been having too much fun with my family members visiting us here in Boston, enjoying their company and this beautiful weather.  Plus the hubby has been traveling a lot for work.  But now I have a break of two weeks with no visitors until our vacation, so it's time to re-focus.

This week is all about being a support system - My hubby has declared that he wants to change his eating habits and daily physical activity.  I'm so excited for him and very grateful that he WANTS to do this for himself.   He is surprising me with his level of commitment over the past few days and I will do everything possible to help support him in the coming weeks.  In the interest of his weight loss goals, I am back to trying many new recipes and many of them are no-carb per his request.  Here is a sample of what he is eating (and therefore, so am I - I don't cook twice):

Breakfast:  protein shake

AM snack:  apple and 10 almonds

Lunch:  vegetable chopped salad with garbanzos, hard-boiled eggs, and a homemade vinaigrette

PM snack:  Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup berries

Dinner:  grilled chicken with a watermelon, arugula, and feta salad

I plan on writing a post in the near future on other breakfast, lunch, snack options and of course the dinner recipes with be posted in the following days (if they aren't already on my blog).

Below is our dinner plan for the week and the link to week 24 and 25 from last year (same scenario last year - hubby was traveling, family in town visiting).  I wish you all a wonderful week!  Keep on reaching for your health and wellness goals!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Week 25 - June 22, 2014

Sunday:  grilled chicken with watermelon, arugula and feta salad
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/06/grilled-yogurt-marinated-chicken-with.html

Monday:  BLT chopped salad with creamy herb dressing

Tuesday:  grilled salmon, Asian quinoa salad, stir-fried snap peas and shallots

Wednesday:  grilled steak, black bean and corn salad, sauteed greens

Thursday:  chopped salad w/leftover veggies and proteins in the fridge

Friday:   cheat night - pizza night

Saturday:  Spanish chicken and rice with saffron cream (from cooking light magazine)


Weeks 24 & 25 from Healthy Home Revolution 2013
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/06/week-24-and-25.html

Week 23 - summer sanity

Wondering what to do with the kids this summer?  Here's how I plan to stay sane...

Summer is in full swing now...my son had his last day of school on Wednesday and we're having lots of fun during the day.  The days are really fun, but really LONG.  So with both kids home, its important to have some structure and some built in down-time for everyone.

Yesterday, I sat down with my oldest to make a list of what HE wanted to do this summer:  indoor and out door activities, some daily learning activities, and an agreed upon limit to screen time.  We also came up with a list of family rules, all rules that he came up with himself with a little re-wording from me.   These rules are my attempt to maintain my sanity as much as possible...both kids home all day usual means more disagreements.  Not sure if it will do anything, but it makes me feel better and satisfies the inner-teacher in me.  We hung up our summer bucket lists, plans, and rules in the playroom:

It's also important to both myself and my husband to have some of our own down time, both together and on our own.  I need some time without the kids - I love them dearly, but I'm a better mom and person if I have a little time to myself.  This looks different for everyone, but for us it means to prioritize a date night - preferably once a week.  This night rotates depending on the week and our activities for that week, but it means we will always have some kid free time to re-connect.  We have also chosen to reserve Wednesday for kid-free  fun with friends.  I'm going to be taking a self-defense class and my hubby will be playing tennis.  I'm very excited to start!

Summer also means I no longer want to turn my oven on.  I start to get creative with salads and the grill.  Below you will find my meal plan for this week and a link to week 23 from last year.  Have a fantastic week!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Week 23 - June 8, 2014

Sunday:  chopped salad, lentil salad with peas and mint, lemony confetti pasta salad (Meatless night)

Monday:  grilled chicken breasts and thighs, leftover salads from Sunday night

Tuesday:  BLTs and baby lettuce salad with beets and blue cheese

Wednesday:  leftovers or takeout

Thursday:  date night

Friday:  pizza night and my family visiting

Saturday:  grilling out with my family


Week 23 from Healthy Home Revolution 2013 (nothing fancy on this menu)
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/06/week-23-better-late-than-never.html

Week 22 - long nights

My toddler has decided to go on a sleeping strike...I mean, come on! Really??? Mommy needs to sleep! So you can see where this is going...I'm running on empty and doing my best to keep my head up.

Below you will find a rough sketch of some meal plans for this week. We have a busy week ahead, lots of activities with the end of school and beautiful weather. Enjoy your week!!!

Happy cooking!
Sarah

Week 22 - June 1, 2014

Sunday - takeout

Monday - leftovers (Hubby working late)

Tuesday - grilled chicken, caprese pasta salad, grilled spring veggies

Wednesday - date night

Thursday - my book club dinner

Friday - pizza night

Saturday - grilled steak, potatoes, asparagus

Week 21 - remember to breathe

Breathe in, breathe out...I don't know what's going on, but my toddler girl is acting all sorts of ridiculous.  Not just the usual terrible two's, but this unexplainable bigger-than-life-tantrum-over-everything-don't-understand-why kind of terrible two's.  My husband and I are out of tools in our toolbox - we have tried everything!  But as that famous saying goes, you can't rationalize with crazy.  So that's where I am - I'm researching everything I can on toddler behavior and praying in the meantime.

To top off the difficult, energy-sucking behavior, she also twisted her ankle last night in an attempt to jump off of our couch (of course I wasn't in the room to stop it...do you think I LET my kids run wild?  No jumping off the couch allowed!!!  Which is why she waited till I left the room...).  So now she's difficult with a limp.

And that's why I need to remember to breathe in the chaos and confusion of the long days.  Below you will find my weekly meal plan, along with a link from week 21 of 2013.  Enjoy your week!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Week 21 - May 25, 2014

Sunday:  cookout with our neighbors (marinated chicken, veggies and dip, mustard dill potato salad, fruit salad)

Monday: italian sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions, lentil and pea salad, grilled veggies

Tuesday: pan fried parmesan chicken breasts, tortellini and sauce, roasted asparagus, green salad

Wednesday:  Teriyaki Salmon, brown rice, roasted broccoli, edamame

Thursday:  grilled steak, grilled potatoes, blue cheese chopped salad

Friday:  pizza night

Saturday:  leftovers or take-out


Week 21 meal plan from Healthy Home Revolution 2013
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/05/week-21-summer-is-coming.html

Teriyaki Salmon

Oh my goodness guys...I have a GOOD one for you!!!  This one is beyond delicious!  It had everyone in the family, including the kids, asking for more!!!  I stumbled upon a recipe on pinterest and decided to make it my own.  I made it a couple weeks ago and haven't stopped thinking about it...I am actually craving it.  So any healthy recipe that your body is craving and excited to eat is a GREAT recipe.  Right???   It's so insanely yummy that I'm making it again this week!  It's a must try - even if you don't traditionally like salmon, this one might change your mind.  Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Teriyaki Salmon
my version of the recipe is based on http://damndelicious.net/2012/05/30/teriyaki-salmon-with-sriracha-cream-sauce/
1 lb of wild caught salmon

For the teriyaki sauce:
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup of light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 T honey
1 T cornstarch (optional)

For the siracha cream sauce:
1/2 cup 2 % greek yogurt
1/4 cup of olive oil mayonnaise
2 T of siracha sauce (maybe more, maybe less depending on your taste for spicy food)
1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

The first thing I did was make my version, (a lower fat, healthier version), of the siracha cream sauce.  In a small bowl, mix together the greek yogurt, mayonnaise, siracha, green onions and cilantro.  Cover in plastic wrap and allow the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until you serve dinner.  It will stay good for up to 3 days.

In the meantime, make your teriyaki sauce.  In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and honey.  Bring the sauce/marinade to a boil over medium heat and continue to cook until it thickens slightly.  (I chose not to use cornstarch but you can easily add a cornstarch slurry, 1 T cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup of water, to thicken like a traditional teriyaki you would find at an Asian restaurant.  I don't mind a thinner marinade/sauce).

Once thickened to your liking, about 10 minutes or so, remove the pan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.  Once cool, place the salmon in a ziplock bag or bowl and pour the teriyaki marinade/sauce over the fish.  Place in the refrigerator and allow the fish to marinade for 30 minutes up to over night.  I only marinaded mine for 45 minutes and it was chock full of flavor!  And you'll see why...

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Place the salmon and all the marinade/sauce in a greased baking dish (I used cooking spray).  Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.  

Serve immediately with your favorite sides and a hefty serving of the siracha cream sauce, should you desire.  I served ours with brown rice and roasted broccoli.  So yummy!!!

My husband prefers his siracha cream sauce on the side, and some extra teriyaki on the top!  Next time I'm going to double the recipe in hopes of some leftovers.  Making it again tomorrow and I can't wait!  I hope you guys like it as much as we do.

Memorial Day BBQ Ideas

The holiday weekend has almost begun.  Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to summer and that means the beginning of the BBQ season.  Are you looking for a new appetizer, side dish or entree to share at your next cookout?  I've put together a list of my favorites from the last 18 months of the Healthy Home Revolution.  I hope this list inspires you to get in the kitchen and try something new this weekend!  Enjoy the holiday and stay safe!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

My Favorite Healthy Appetizers

7 Layer Mediterranean Dip  
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/09/mediterranean-7-layer-dip.html

Lightened up Buffalo Chicken Dip
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2011/10/football-watch-party-ideas.html

Roasted Eggplant and Garlic Dip
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/07/roasted-eggplant-and-garlic-dip.html

My Favorite Healthy Side Dishes

Wheat Berry Salad
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/09/wheat-berry-salad.html

Lentil Salad
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/07/lentil-salad-with-fresh-peas-mint-and.html

Blue Cheese Coleslaw
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/07/blue-cheese-coleslaw.html

Mediterranean Pasta Salad
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/07/mediterranean-pasta.html

Mustard and Dill Potato Salad
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/04/low-fat-mustard-dill-potato-salad.html

My Favorite Healthy Entrees or Main Dishes

Crockpot BBQ Beer Shredded Chicken
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/09/crockpot-beer-bbq-shredded-chicken.html

Grilled Yogurt Marinated Chicken
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/06/grilled-yogurt-marinated-chicken-with.html

Marinated and Grilled London Broil
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/09/marinated-grilled-london-broil.html

Crockpot BBQ Ribs
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/04/crockpot-bbq-babyback-ribs.html

The BEST EVER Turkey Burgers
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2012/02/best-ever-turkey-burgers.html

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2011/06/simple-light-summer-dinner.html

Week 19 & 20 - juggling life

Juggling life - I know many of you are masters at this.  I believe this is a craft that we are constantly perfecting, and just as we think we have it down, life throws a curve ball and we are thrown for a loop. These times can be stressful, but its how we handle the extra stress that determines how it all shakes out.

I'll be totally honest:  sometimes I deal with things much better than other times and I'm not really sure what the contributing factor is.   I do know that staying positive, eating healthy, and exercising daily helps me out significantly.  When I'm stressed out, all I want to do is eat greasy, salty foods but this ultimately makes me feel worse and hinders my energy levels.  I know that my body needs proper fuel to run at the level I need it too during busy times.  And the exercise helps me get the extra anxiety out. What do you do during stressful times?  How do you cope?  Do you have constructive outlets?

Week 19 was definitely a week for juggling things.  Before I go into detail on the power of positivity, I'm going to take a moment to vent (aka complain) about my first-world problems.  It's all relative, right?

Venting...I'm always spoiled when my parents are visiting - we have many date nights, lots of extra help with the children, and wonderful conversations about life.  We are always sad to see them go, and the week that follows usual requires an adjustment, mostly on my part.  This time was a HUGE adjustment for all of us.  My toddler girl is finally old enough (2 years, 3 months) to notice they aren't here anymore...she even wakes up asking for them and verbalizes her feelings.  Mid - May also means college graduation and year-end celebrations for my husband...this means long hours for him at work, most nights we are all asleep before he's home.  We missed our daddy/husband this last week and that always makes the days super long.  To add to our usual day to day, I decided to volunteer for a few things at my son's preschool...what was I thinking?  I am now actively involved in the search process for new teachers, observing lessons and interviewing potential candidates as a parent representative on the search committee.  These last few weeks of May will be crammed with these interviews.  I am LOVING IT, but the time it takes to do this means less time to do all the other things.  And lastly, allergies anyone???  I mean HOLY allergies!!!  This season has been awful!  Not just for me, but for my 4 1/2 year old son too.  I mean I feel horrible and he seems to have it worse than me.  It's so hard to watch him suffer!  And to top it all off, I came down with a butt kicking cold that is now making it's way around the family.  Awesomeness...what's that expression?  When it rains it pours???  Yes, well enough about that.

The power of positivity...I may need to take a moment to vent about things in my life that may make it harder to juggle things and maintain a base level of sanity, (my base level of sanity), but I never stop being grateful for everything our life has blessed us with.  We are busy and stressed because of blessings.  But most importantly, we are all healthy (mostly), strong, happy, and balanced individuals.  When the day ends, I might be exhausted, but I feel surrounded by love and I am grateful for the things that keep me on my toes.  As I mentioned earlier, it's all about perspective.  Take a moment for yourself, a moment to figure out how to maintain your sanity.  It's easy to put your needs aside, but you can't do that forever without going crazy.  What do you need?  What does your relationship with your kids need?  How about your marriage?   Life it crazy - no doubt.  It's a roller-coaster of ups and downs so figure out what you need to come out on top on the other side.  It looks different for each of us - what works for me and mine may not for you.  Prioritize your life, stay positive, be grateful, and take the time to vent every now and then.

Due to my own sanity, there is no weekly meal plan for this coming week, week 20.  I will include links to weeks 19 and 20 from last year to give you some ideas should you need some.

So here's to a week of positivity and making it out on the other side relatively sane.  I gotta go blow my nose.

Enjoy!
Sarah

From the first year of the Healthy Home Revolution:
week 19  http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/05/week-19.html

week 20  http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/05/week-20.html

Week 18 - it's party time!

It's party time!  That's right folks, my parents are here this week visiting.  Yay!!!  Not only do we love to spend time with them, but they also volunteer to watch the kids so that my time can be spent doing other things I don't normally get to do.  Double win!  And the icing on the cake?  Date nights with free childcare!!!  Woo-hoo!

Below you will find a link to week 18 from last year, but I will not be posting a weekly meal plan for myself for this week.  I'm planning to have as many date nights as I can fit into my husbands schedule.  The rest of the time I will be busy having fun with my family, enjoying this beautiful spring weather, and amazing city of Boston.  Enjoy your week!

Happy Cooking!
Sarah

Week 18 - Healthy Home Revolution 2013
http://deliciouslydomesticdining.blogspot.com/2013/05/week-18-maintenance.html