A taste of healthy: samples of some of my favorite fresh salad creations.

Most of us wants to look good by striving to shed some pounds, even if it can be a tedious task. For not only do we need to exert effort by doing strenuous exercise routines, but also adjust our diet,  which for most of us can mean starving ourselves to death by settling to a bland, unappetizing meal of fresh greens and veggies. I tried that before, but I didn’t get healthy, only depressed. I just love exciting flavours on my food.

Fortunately, I have learned along the way that good food need not be unappealing, for with a splash of color and important spices to my fresh salads, it can be both delicious and healthy. =)

Here are just some of my favourite salads which are loaded with great flavours. Instructions of how I made each below. Read on.

My SUPER EASY APPLE WALDORF SALAD

First, this is not your Classic Waldorf salad . 

How to make this:

Place your choice of greens on a large plate or platter, arrange apples and grapes. Add in some cold cuts like lean ham. Add a handful of walnuts if available. Serve with your choice of  fruit flavored yogurt on the side, instead of the classic mayonnaise. For this one in particular, I served it with some apple flavored yogurt to complement the whole salad. Serve chilled. 

Now, this is one salad dressing you shouldn't be afraid to use.

PEACH-CHICKEN SALAD with HOMEMADE MINT VINAIGRETTE

I got the recipe for this salad creation in allrecipes.com, I just twisted the vinaigrette a bit to my liking. Vinaigrette is a great enhancer to any salads. Experiment and create your own concoctions in your kitchen to tailor your salad dressings to your own taste. 

How to make this: 

In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches, shredded left over grilled chicken or chicken breast, red onion, and cucumber. Set aside in the fridge to chill.

Make the Mint vinaigrette by combining 1 tbsp of Calamansi (Philippine lime) juice extract, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup  white wine or red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix them well by processing them through a blender. But if you don't have a blender, you can always use a mortar and pestle to bruise and bring out the flavor of the mint. 

Drizzle the vinaigrette to the salad or serve them on the side. A few drizzles goes a long way already since this dressing is loaded with flavors.

CURRIED CASHEW & SHRIMP, GRAPE AND PEAR SALAD

with Homemade HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING

This is another one of those that I got from allrecipes.com, with some twist here and there, this has become a keeper and a favorite! =) I just love the combination of butter and curry ; and I am partial to anything that goes well with honey mustard dressing. =)

How to make this:

In a pan, toast about 3/4 cup of cashews until brown; remove from pan to cool. In the same pan, cook about 6 shelled shrimps; cook until shrimp turns into an orange color or until cooked. Set aside.

In the same pan, combine a tbsp of butter, a teaspoon of fresh rosemary leaves, a teaspoon of curry powder, a tbsp of brown sugar, 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper (or more if you like the heat) and some dash of salt. Cook over very low heat until everything is mixed well. Return the cashews and shrimp to the pan to coat them evenly with the butter-curry mixture. Remove the pan from heat and set aside.

Now, time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, stir together 3 tbsp of white wine vinegar (or any white vinegar of your choice), 3 tbsp of Dijon mustard and 3 tbsp of honey. Whisk everything well while slowly incorporating 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with some salt and pepper. 

Now, in a large plate or salad bowl, combine the curried shrimp and cashews with your choice of greens, some pear and grapes. Serve with the honey mustard dressing on the side.

Enjoy! =)

SHRIMP POMELO SALAD 

with Homemade ORANGE-HONEY Vinaigrette

Here's another fresh salad to enjoy if you love shrimp.

How to make this:

In a large plate, combine about 1/4 kg of boiled, shelled shrimps, about a cup of cucumber, your choice of greens, some strips of carrots and about 3 cups of pomelo (peeled and segmented), a small red onion (chopped) and a handful of crushed peanuts. Set aside to chill in the fridge. 

Make the dressing by combining in another bowl, about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice, 1/3 cup of honey, 2 tbsp of cider vinegar, about 2 tsp of roughly chopped red or green bell pepper, a tsp of roughly chopped red onions. Season with salt and pepper and blend well.

Serve the salad with the dressing on the side.

Dig in! 

Now, you're ready to eat your way to a healthier you! 

Have a great summer and flaunt those bodies you worked so hard for. =)

Happy Eating! =)