Can You Find Comfort in a Salad? You Bet!
By Donna Stark
The temperatures are getting colder and the days are getting shorter, and after driving home from work in the dark, many of us just want to sit down with some of our favorite comfort foods. After all, it is the season for that, isn't it? But who said comfort foods have to be so heavy and creamy and loaded with fat? Can't we just "winterize" our favorite summer salads and find our comfort that way? Of course we can! And when paired with a cup of soup, we can even find that extra bit of warmth we are looking for too!
Winter Salads
Salads are known to be light and refreshing, so finding comfort and warmth in one may sound impossible, but it really isn't at all. By simply adding your favorite fall flavors, pairing it with a cup of soup, and including a warm baguette to the meal, your winter salad could very well become your new go-to comfort meal. Take a look at how to create the best one yet.
- Start with your base - Save the iceberg lettuce for summer. The salad you are making now needs something heartier and more substantial, so stick with the darker-colored greens like kale or spinach. You can also add in some extra crunch and texture by choosing a variety of cabbage too!
- Add a carbohydrate - After you choose the type of greens you want to start with, it's time to decide on a carbohydrate, especially if you are looking for a more satisfying meal. Some really good options are fruit, beans, lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, corn, and roasted sweet potatoes.
- Add a protein - In addition to adding some substance to your salad, lean proteins are also the perfect way to incorporate some extra flavor to your meal. Use up your leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, or choose from steak, chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes. The options are endless.
- Add some "extras" - This is the step that can take any ho-hum salad and turn it into a culinary masterpiece! It's also where you can add some extra flavors of fall. So pull out those candied pecans, dried cranberries, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Sprinkle them on top with some of your favorite cheese and get ready for an amazing meal that will warm you to the core!
The New Comfort Meal
Your new comfort meal doesn't have to be heavy or drenched in a creamy sauce. In fact, you can easily enjoy the colder season and the longer days with healthy and satisfying winter salads! They will definitely be meals worth driving home to!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Woodbury, Minn.