Day 2: South of the Border Salad

Today I modified a recipe I had from one of my first ever "cookbooks" called Wild About Salads. I haven't opened that one for a long time, but the South of the Border Shrimp Salad appealed to me. So, with a few modifications based on the ingredients I had available, my salad included:

Sliced cucumbers, European
Shrimp (Trader Joe's frozen, pre-cooked)
Butter lettuce (Live Gourmet)
Green chilis, canned

Dressing:
Juice of 1/2 lime
Chili powder blend
Salt & pepper
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Vegetable oil

It was good, although I wish I had tomatoes. I was still hungry afterwards, just like yesterday. That's the problem I have with any kind of "dieting." The more I watch what I eat, the more I eat.

Day 1: Heirloom Tomato & Cucumber Salad

I have seen tomato, onion, and cucumber salads at markets like AJ's and Whole Foods, baby and bridal showers, and at cookouts, but never really got excited about them. Usually, the cucumber is completely peeled, leaving behind nutrients, and the veggies just sit in oil until soggy. Yuck!

Today I made my own version with delicious heirloom tomatoes. They make a big difference! Although more expensive, they add complexity, color, and taste to what might otherwise be a bland dish.

Here's how I whipped up my version of this salad:

Slice a European cucumber lengthwise and cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slides. Chop an equal portion of heirloom tomatoes.

In a small to medium sized bowl (depending on your portion size), swirl 1 tbsp. basalmic vinegar (or more) with salt. Add a little extra virgin olive oil and stir until well blended.

Toss the cucumber and tomatoes in the bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving to maintain a cool, crisp salad.

I hope you enjoy this recipe. If you have additions or suggestions, I would love to hear from you!

I had a healthy salad today and I feel good!

The Challenge Begins

Today I decided I would try to eat a salad a day for 30 days. Not only to see if I could lose some unwanted belly fat, but also because vegetables don't get to play the starring role they used to in my diet. I'm a picky eater anyway and get bored with food easily. I need variety! My challenge is to eat a vegetable-based salad each day from now until June 27, 2009 and share the recipes and results. Wish me luck, spur me on, provide some advice, or just follow me on my journey! The comment line is OPEN!