easy salad |

Simple Chopped Salad

January 3, 2013 · by Organizedisland · 24 Comments

Now that the holidays are over, I usually try to eat a little heathier to make up for all of the cookies, cakes and other goodies I samped. One of my favorite go to recipes is a simple chopped salad. All of the fresh ingredients are so tasty and the garbanzo beans, help to make it a filling meal choice.

4 cups chopped iceberg, romaine and butter lettuce (any combination)

1/2 cup julienne sliced salami

1/2 cup deli turkey or ham chopped into 1/2″ pieces

3 tablespoons chopped onions

1 can garbanzo beans

1 package cherry tomatoes

1 cup mozzarella cheese

Mix ingredients together. Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss with bottled or Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing. Serve with a crusty loaf of bread.

Do you tend to try to eat healthier at the beginning of the year?

Make Ahead Taco Salad

September 28, 2012 · by Organizedisland · 11 Comments

Today I am sharing a quick taco salad recipe which is perfect for making ahead. With busy fall schedules, I love making this the day before we have it. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 pkg Taco seasoning (any brand)

1 head of lettuce, shredded

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1 small can kidney beans (rinsed & drained)

1 avocado, peeled and diced

1 tomato, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 bottle Catalina salad dressing (any brand)

Corn or tortilla chips

Cook ground beef in a frying pan over low-medium heat until brown. Add taco seasoning mix packet, but do not add any liquid. While beef is cooking, combine shredded lettuce, onion ,beans, avocado, tomato and cheese in a bowl. Add ground beef to the mixture. If you are going to serve this the next day or later, cover the bowl and refrigerate until serving time. If you are going to serve soon, add salad dressing (I use about 2/3 of a bottle, but you can add more if you like). Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy! What is your favorite salad for dinner?

Filed Under: Recipes, Summer · Tagged: easy catalina taco salad, easy salad, easy salads, make ahead salad, prepare ahead dinner, salad, simple dinner, summer salad, taco salad, taco salad with catalina dressing

Easy Pasta Salad

July 25, 2012 · by Organizedisland · 13 Comments

With these warm summer days, sometimes I just want to have a cool salad for dinner or lunch. One of my favorites is pasta salad, which can be made in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 package spiral or rotini pasta (1 lb.)

1 cup chopped bell peppers (I used green and yellow)

1/4 cup chopped onions (I prefer red)

1 large tomato chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese

1/2 can olives (2.25 0z)

Balsamic Vinaigrette or Italian Salad dressing (bottled or homemade)

Cook the pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, chop up the bell peppers, tomato and onions and set aside. When the pasta is ready, drain and rinse with cold water, then drain again. Add other ingredients and mix with salad dressing. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour for best results. This is a great salad to take for lunch. You can add chopped ham or cooked chicken or cucumbers if you like.