Girl + Grill = Salad? 3 Fresh Recipes
It's ironic--the most skin-baring season of the year involves a lot of opportunities to
plump up like a Ball Park frank. Cookouts, parties, weddings...the list goes on. But don't abandon hope--or social occasions.
Just toss a salad on the barbie, and dig in!
The following scrumptious "grilled salads" let you take a vacation from the typical summer cookout menus that usually feature fatty potato salad, high-cal hot dogs, greasy barbeque sauce, oversized burgers and carbo-loaded buns, not to mention the carbon-charred chicken and steaks, and plenty of beer and frozen cocktails.
Just because you want to look great in your bikinis or Speedos (not!) doesn't mean you must forswear the grill. Used creatively, the backyard barbie can help you stay svelte and healthy, while satisfying your cravings for fire-roasted fare.
Next time you fire up the grill, try one of these super-wholesome grilled salads that have been taste-tested and whole-heartedly approved by the foodies at MyHealingKitchen.com…
Grilled Chicken Pineapple Salad with Smoked Almonds
Grill some free-range chicken (more heart-healthy omega-3s per bite) per usual, but if you're feeling adventurous, slide some pineapple sections on a kebab. You haven't lived until you've placed a dripping, caramelized section of pineapple into your mouth! And they're even yummier when mixed up in this salad. The sweetness of the pineapple is a perfect complement to smoky nuts and crispy chicken. Bonus: the spicy sprouts add just the right amount of refreshing crunch.
Although it's a hard call, my favorite thing about this recipe is that I learned how to smoke my own almonds (it's the easiest thing in the world).
Now that you're warming up, let's move on…
You may be accustomed to your sweet potatoes mashed or candied (and always paired with roasted turkey). However, a slice of sweet potato grilled in the great outdoors is a tuber that has achieved its highest purpose.
But why should the taters have all the fun? Add the cooked chickpeas and peanuts in a foil boat and roast them on the grill, too. Pile them with the sweet potatoes on top of a mound of wilted mustard greens, top with the cumin dressing, and you've got a meal that will satisfy you sweet tooth while it lowers your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and your weight. Now that's a healing meal!
Roasted Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Turmeric Tofu and Mint
One of the best ways to enjoy asparagus is by grilling it. This way you can get the earthy, toasted effect without blasting it in a hot oven or rendering it soggy in a pot of hot water. (Did you know that asparagus is a great source of thyroid-supporting iodine?)
This recipe also includes turmeric, which is a healing spice with superhero powers. It stabilizes blood sugar, reduces inflammation in the brain, and helps prevent Alzheimer's disease, according to scientific studies.
So whether you're an inveterate salad person who wants to get cozier with outdoor cooking or a consummate "grill head" who needs to green-up your diet, these grilled recipes are just what the doctor ordered.
More Goodies from "My Green Grill"
And if you'd looking for more practice and adventure, I invite you to like to cut your teeth on these additional tested-and-vetted salads too…
Spinach Salad with Flax Crusted Salmon and Flax Vinaigrette
Avocado Beet Salad with Grapefruit and Thyme-Infused Olive Oil
Bok Choy Salad with Warm Green Onion Dressing
Got A Family Favorite You Want To Share With The World?
My culinary curiosity is insatiable, so if you have a favorite "green grill" recipe or meal that you want to share, please comment below and I'll spotlight it on our website.
You'll be doing your part to make this summer a slimmer, healthier affair for all!
