Happy Foodie Friday! I’m back with another guest post from Lindsay of Itz Linz. This girl is great; I found her blog more recently and love all of her fun stories and her workout posts definitely keep me motivated! Not to mention she posts so delicious food too.. always a plus! I figured it was only appropriate to share her beautiful rainbow salad to kick off the weekend. How delicious does this look?!
Hi all! Itz Linz here and can I get an “AMEN” to the fact that I’m totally jealous of Brittany and her honeymoon right now? For now I’ll just pretend like I’m back on the beach… #wishfulthinking
While I’m certainly no food blogger, food photographer, or food connoisseur like Brittany is, I do know how to throw together fast, easy, healthy, and tasty meals. One of my favorites is a rainbow salad, and with summer nearing I thought it’d be perfect to share with you today!
Rainbow salads do take a bit of prep work, but if you designate an hour or so each week, you’ll be able to throw together these salads in no time flat. There is so much variety with the foods that can be used, I never get bored. And let’s be real… they look pretty, too!
So how do you make a rainbow salad? Well, you buy tons of fresh fruits and veggies, clean ’em and chop ’em up! The more colors the better. Itz not called a rainbow salad for nothing! I love all colors of peppers, carrots, corn, onion, celery, and carrots. Nuts and seeds provide you with healthy fats and a crunch – sunflower seeds are my favorite.
If you’re a sweets fan like me, then you’ll appreciate a bit of sweetness in your salad. We don’t have to go all sugar crazy, but if we get sugars from naturally sweet foods, then we’re all good. Raisins and apples are both good options, and I’m thinking watermelon will be perfect for the summer.
Iceberg lettuce is so yesterday. It provides zero nutritional value and is just plain boring. You have way more options than you think for a salad base. Shredded cabbage, spiralized squash or zucchini, spinach, or broccoli slaw are the best.
Don’t forget the protein! When eating a salad for a meal, you must add some type of protein to keep you full. Any type of lean meat will work, such as chicken or fish, and tuna is an easy option, as well. Beans, beans, the magical fruit are a wonderful source of protein, too! There’s a million and one types of beans, so pick your favorite.
Alright, so you’re loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ve got a good protein source, now itz time for the dressing. Don’t lose it all with the bottled stuff. Itz easy to make your own out of a few ingredients. If you mash an avocado, you’ll get a totally creamy dressing. Make sure you add fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. I also like using plain Greek yogurt in my dressing; plus, it increases the protein content. Play around with what flavors and combinations you like. Sometimes I add red pepper for a spicy kick, other times I add fresh lime juice for a tang. Itz whatever you please!
What are your favorite ingredients for a rainbow salad?
Thanks for having me at Barr & Table! Check me out at Itz Linz, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Thanks again for sharing this tasty recipe, Lindsay!
Barr & Table 