Easy Salads to Bring to Work

I eat salads every day for lunch. I'm all about shortcuts so I start with the pre-packaged organic sweet leafy greens from Central Market (I live in Central Texas so HEB and Central Market both carry this). It's a huge container and lasts me the entire week, even with using for some dinners as well.

Each morning, I slice 1 carrot, about 10 slices of cucumber and 6-10 grape tomatoes into a gallon size ziplock bag, add 3-5 cups fo the greens and you have the makings of a salad. Add a can of drained tuna and your favorite low calorie dressing right before you eat and serve yourself up some healthy, low calorie goodness. I also add a chopped apple to my salad and I use Kraft Sun Dried Tomato Dressing...totals 427 calories.

(If you don't like tuna, you can top with grilled chicken strips or add black beans for protein.)

I agree with the Kraft dressings, they are the best! I love the Roasted Red Pepper Italian dressing.. only 30 calories a serving (I usually have around 2 servings)

I read someone's reply about making "Mason Jar Salads" and I made some up on Sunday for this week's lunches...even made four smaller ones for my husband and I to split as side salads for dinner. I did a basic salad, vinigrette dressing, grape tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumber, carrots, deli turkey meat and baby greens. So far they have been delicious. I'll let you know by Friday if that one tastes as fresh. It is great to walk to the fridge as I'm heading out the door, grab a jar and put in my bag...lunch to go is awesome!

Here's a link I found for ideas on some delicious salads. I'm going to make the ground turkey taco salad next week

http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2014/03/17/the-ultimate-mason-jar-salad-tutorial-and-recipe-round-up/

My favorite summer salad is based on a grain & full of veggies.
I use couscous, but you could substitute something else with a small grain which absorbs flavor & moisture.
I like couscous because it's quick. Another grain you'd have to actually cook separately & drain.

Put into large bowl (4qt) & let it absorb while you chop everything else.
2c couscous
2c hot water
2T lemon juice
1T olive oil
1t garlic powder
1t salt
Yes, it will turn out a bit dry, but that way it absorbs the juices from the tomatos & cuke.

Add on top of grain (go ahead & dump it in while the grain is soaking):
1 can garbanzo beans, drained (could use black beans)
1-2 large tomatos, chopped (1-2 c)
1 medium cucumber, chopped (about 1.5 c; could use zucchini or summer squash)
1 small onion, minced (red adds more color)
1 can sliced black olives (either get an already-sliced can, or get a regular can & slice it; kalamata are great)
4-6 oz feta cheese (buy the crumbles, or buy a block & cut it up)
1 bunch parsley, chopped

optional:
1 medium red or yellow bell pepper, chopped

Once the grain has had 10 min or so to absorb the water, stir everything together.
This is best when cold, but I usually can't wait, so I have at least 1 bowl before I put it in the fridge to chill.

Here for some ideas, too. I'm getting a little tired of my romaine and grilled chicken salad (good, but need to venture outside my routine box).

Step by step salad in a jar:
http://www.organizeyourselfskinny.com/2014/03/17/the-ultimate-mason-jar-salad-tutorial-and-recipe-round-up/
She even mentions My Fitness Pal in the article.