If you haven’t kept up with Washington State news, then you might not be aware that we recently legalized same sex marriage and marijuana use. I’m planning on going to some absolutely fabulous weddings this year. The dessert tray and floral arrangement options are just insane when you think about it. Josh and I got on a long talk about the latter and I found myself in one of those awkward parenting positions that just keep getting more awkwarder (I know it’s bad grammar, chill) as the kids get older. Angie, angelic and pure, has the luxury of recalling her perfect childhood existence (pause for the chuckle). Me, not so much. The truth is is, sure I tried it when I was a teenager, but it just made me tired and hungry, which was so redundant to being a teenager that it didn’t stick as a lifestyle. What happened to the good old days when everyone just pretended that they never did anything wrong? My parents had the decency to set an example I could never live up to. Which brings me to dinner salads. What? Clunky segway? Sorry, I’m under the influence of cold medicine on a business trip. You’ll have to take what I can give.
In keeping with our theme of bringing you healthy dinner options that don’t suck even a little, we came across this tremendously satisfying and delicious salad featuring lean ground turkey, organic black beans, a mexican spice palate and enough greens to fulfill a good portion of your veggie quota for the day. The hint of lime and smattering of cheese top off a meal-worthy salad that we’re now weaving into our regular menu. Not a peep of complaint from the three extra large kids we should probably start calling adults. Everyone loves it…we have a winner.
Over a decade ago, I had a nutritionist recommend a nutrition and exercise book by David Zincczeko, Editorial Director of Men’s Health & Women’s Health Magazines. At first, I recoiled at the idea of anything with “diet” in the title. But I gave it a shot and it turned out to be a great resource for information on food, nutrition and what your diet should look like if you want to eat and live healthier. ”Diet”, to me, meant starvation. Unfortunately, that’s how most of us think. Angie jumped on the bandwagon a little later, but the book, and the eventual cookbook that followed, has been a great resource and guide for us since. This recipe comes from the author’s Abs Diet Cookbook and its one of many we’ve snuck onto the table without the kids ever knowing. We recommend it highly. Try this recipe in your kitchen and you’ll see what we’re talking about.
Adopted from The Abs Diet Cookbook by David Zincczeko and Jeff Csatari
Serves: 3-4 adults. Time: About 30 minutes to dice, chop, cook and assemble.
Ingredients:
For the meat portion:
1 lb. lean ground turkey (97/3)
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 fl oz (or a 15.5 oz can, uncooked) of cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1/3 Cup water
For the dressing: (you can use this on so many things)
4 medium organic tomatoes, diced
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice, strained to remove seeds and pulp
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
For the salad:
4 Romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
3/4 Cups shredded, low fat cheddar cheese
8 oz (2 per serving) baked corn tortilla chips
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey until there’s no pink left to it, breaking up the pieces with a wooden spoon. Add the garlic and beans and cook for two more minutes. Add the chili powder, cayenne, and water and stir until throughly combined. Remove from the heat and let it sit to cool slightly while you prepare the dressing and salad.
Mix the dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, then divide the lettuce among your dinner plates, top with the beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese. We cut up and mash an avocado and top the whole thing with a spoonful of it for each plate. If you’re eating strictly for taste you won’t fail here, but if you’re making an effort to eat healthier food and portions, keep it 8-10 of the baked corn chips. Most importantly, dig in and Enjoy.
