All tagged Balsamic

Hemp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad (For One!)

Hemp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad (For One!)

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This salad is so yummy and refreshing, and full of heart healthy fats to keep you full!  And it only takes 5 minutes and 7 easily accessible ingredients to quickly slice, assemble, and drizzle 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 cups butter lettuce and radicchio (I use a prewashed mix from Trader Joe’s)

10 cherry tomatoes

½ small ripe avocado

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar (the older, the sweeter)

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of Crazy Jane’s Mixed Up Salt (or any seasoned salt- this one is a blend of garlic, onion, salt, and spices)

How (your directions):

Onto a large plate, place the 2 cups of butter lettuce and radicchio blend.

Slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise, then distribute evenly on top of the lettuce.

Slice a small, ripe avocado in half.  Using the half without the pit (save the half with the pit, covered, in the fridge for another time), remove the skin.  Place halved avocado cut-side down onto cutting board, then slice thinly.  Fan the avocado slices and place in the center of the salad.

Sprinkle hemps seeds over the salad, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Season to taste with a pinch of salt or seasoned salt.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Hemp seeds are a rich source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  You can sprinkle hemp seeds on savory dishes (from salads to pastas to soups) and sweet dishes (top a smoothie or bowl of oatmeal for added crunch).

 

 

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Fig and Walnuts

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Fig and Walnuts

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Full disclosure: I’m always intimidated to make salads, because I worry that they won’t be near as good as what I can order from a nice restaurant.  But THIS is the recipe that changes everything! Easy? Check! Café-quality? Check! Elegant but fast to throw together? Check! Kale and Quinoa Salad with Fig and Walnuts will be your go-to “I’ll bring the salad” dish to show off to all your friends 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 bunch kale, torn into pieces

1 tablespoon pomegranate balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons walnut pieces

2 dried figs, cut into small pieces

1 oz. goat cheese

1/3 cup quinoa, cooked

How (your directions):

Place kale pieces into a large bowl.  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes.  Tip: Massaging kale allows it to become more tender and slightly sweeter!

Transfer salad to a plate, then top with walnuts, figs, crumbled goat cheese, and quinoa.

Enjoy immediately or the next day!

Why (the science):  Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a great replacement for brown rice and other starches!

Grilled Plum Salad with Walnuts and Aged Balsamic | + Video |

Grilled Plum Salad with Walnuts and Aged Balsamic | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Serves: 2

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

What (your ingredients):

3 plums

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cups arugula

3 tablespoons raw walnut pieces

2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze

How (your directions):

Heat grill pan over medium heat.

Slice each plum in half and remove the stone (pit).  Using a pastry brush or baster, brush olive oil onto cut side of plum and place onto grill.

Repeat process with remaining plum halves.

Grill plums for 10 minutes.  If desired, flip plums and grill on second, rounded side for an additional 5 minutes.  This will yield a sweeter and softer grilled plum.

Plate arugula, then top with 3 grilled plum halves.  Sprinkle with walnuts and a drizzle of aged balsamic.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Plums are a good source of soluble fiber, meaning that prunes slow the rate of digestion.  The result?  Feeling fuller, longer!