If you’ve been following the Challenge Accepted Series, this is the second part of a healthy eating challenge. This series of blogs are aimed to help you become a better version of yourself in terms of health and wellness. These days It’s so easy to grab a burger or whatever fast-food option is nearby but honestly salads are great options for lunches and dinners. They are a nice change from the heavy meals we constantly consume, and you can switch them up anyway you like.

Every once in a while, I try to incorporate salads into my lunch plans. I like to eat something light but still filling. Although when you say salad, most people probably think…boring and bland!!! We want to share how to build a better salad packed with flavor and give you two recipes that can easily become a weeknight dinner and dessert option for your family.

Build your salad!

• Greens (Vary the flavor): Try romaine, spinach or arugula
• Veggies (Great for crunch): Try cucumbers, broccoli, raw carrots
• Proteins (To keep you full): Try chicken, salmon, tuna, hard boiled eggs, beans or nuts
• Fruit (Added flavor): Add apples, mandarin oranges, berries or pears
• Dressing: Try to make your own with oil, vinegar and spices from home
• Extras: Add fresh herbs (basil, thyme and oregano), onions and scallions

Not sure where to start? Check out two of my favorite salad recipes!!!

Cheeseburger Salad: A spin on a favorite fast-food item without all the carbs from the bread!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup finely diced onions
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup finely diced dill pickles
• Thousand Island Salad Dressing
• Chopped Cherry Tomatoes (optional)
• toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the beef over medium-high heat.
2. Drain the fat.
3. Season with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Transfer meat to a bowl to cool.
5. To assemble the salad, add lettuce to a bowl and top with about beef, the cheddar cheese, diced onion, and pickles. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over salad and toss to coat. Garnish with tomatoes and toasted sesame seeds (optional).

Fruit Salad – Can be a great option for dessert without the added sugars!

Ingredients

• Sliced Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Diced Pineapples
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Combine fruit in a large bowl and stir to mix well.
2. Pour vanilla extract on top and stir to combine.
3. Refrigerate for two hours or overnight. Serve cold.

Who said salad had to be boring? I wonder what other flavor combinations you will come up with?!?!

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