Winter Chopped Salad

After a month of holiday parties, frequently going out to eat, and taking a family vacation, I decided to wipe the slate clean and start off the new year on the right foot.  So, I’ve been trying (emphasis on trying) my best to make healthy choices that include lots of fruit, veggies, soups and lean meat.  A typical day lately has been either egg whites or oatmeal for breakfast, low fat tomato soup (love this one) for lunch, and a big salad with grilled chicken for dinner.  In between meals, I’ll snack on fruit and cheese or cucumber slices and hummus.  And, I must admit, if I’m seriously craving something sweet, I’ll indulge in a Weight Watchers ice cream bar at night (the struggle is real).  It’s probably not the best thing, I know, but I have a serious sweet tooth!  Anyway, back to the salads, I try to mix it up each night because salad everyday can become pretty monotonous.  Lately, I’ve been into a chopped salad because it’s less messy and besides, doesn’t it look much more presentable?  I’m also loving red cabbage recently…it adds a crunchy texture plus it gives it a vibrant punch of color.  So, when I spotted this winter chopped salad that included beets, sourdough bread (okay, probably not necessary but seriously sooo good) and English cucumbers, I knew I had to create a similar version:

Ingredients:

1 package of spinach/arugula mix

1 package of shredded red cabbage

1 English cucumber

1 package of pre-cooked red beets (about four…they come in a vacuum sealed pack)

1 loaf sourdough bread

Directions: 

Finely chop the greens and cabbage.

Quarter the beets and cucumber slices.

Place in a bowl.

In the meantime, heat the oven to 425 degrees.

Cube the sourdough bread and place on baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.  Bake for 10 minutes.

Throw bread crumbs on top of salad.

Toss with this lemon vinaigrette or this dressing.

* You can also sprinkle some crumbled reduced fat feta cheese on top (in lieu of the bread).

* Another suggestion: Use kale as a green instead and throw in some roasted sweet potatoes (both are so good for you!).

* You can find a few more salad recipes here, here and here.