I am determined to eat healthier. I like healthy food but I also like bad food. It's the bad that has gotten me into trouble. I usually make bad choices at lunchtime. As a mom who works outside of the home, I don't always remember to bring my lunch to work. And then I'm forced to buy lunch. And when I'm in a rush, it's easier to make poor food decisions. But I'm working on it.
Two weeks ago I discovered a new salad place - Fresh & Co - a quick walk away from my office. I love that I can order on line and then walk to pick up. I've ordered from them 4 times and each time I order the same thing: Kale Caesar salad. And after all the extras, my salad is between $10 - $12. I don't know about you but it always hurts me a little to spend so much money at lunch especially salad because I could buy the ingredients for less than 20 bucks and have lunch for a few days.
I decided that I was going to recreate my new favorite salad. (Truth is - I really want Norrin to eat more greens. He's pretty good with broccoli but he will also eat romaine lettuce - no dressing. I need to make sure I have plenty on hand!)
When I order my salad I usually add chickpeas and chicken. And one of the things I love about a Caesar salad are the big crunchy croutons but in making healthier decisions, I wanted to cut out the croutons. I decided to roast the chickpeas so my salad still had a crunch. You guys - if you love chick peas like I do and never had them roasted - you are missing out. Roasted chickpeas are now my new obsession. And super easy to make.
Roasted Chick Peas
2 (15.5 oz) cans of chick peas - drain, rinse, dry
2 tablespoons of olive oil
whatever seasonings you like - I used salt, pepper, garlic (w parsley) and Italian seasoning. Next time I may sprinkle some parmesan cheese mid way.
Preheat oven to 400 - 425. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and desired seasonings. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 20 minutes. Turn and continue for another 20 25 minutes. Keep checking.
Kale Caesar Salad (I made myself a single serving)
Romaine lettuce and Kale (about a handful or two of each)
Toss greens with fresh lime juice. I used the juice of 1 lime. (I love the tartness of lime and it adds a little kick. I don't care that my lips are stinging and that I'm making funny faces.)
Cherry tomatoes (about 7) - halved
1 - 2 tablespoons of Caesar salad dressing (I used Paul Newman's but use whatever you like or feel free to make your own.)
Toss all ingredients
Add roasted chick peas (as much as you like)
I skipped the parmesan cheese but feel free to add.
Other add ins: cucumbers, peppers, broccoli or grilled chicken
If you can wash, chop and prep all the ingredients on Sunday, you can build a few salads during the week. This is perfect for lunch and/or a quick after work dinner.
Labels: Atypical Mami, Copy Cat Recipes, Easy Working Mom Meals, Health & Fitness, Meatless Monday, Recipes, Working Mom Life
