Tuesday, July 12, 2011

'Good For You' Grapefruit Salad

I had a wonderful weekend.   A little short on sleep, but apart from that, it was wonderful.  Made a trip to the beach, shopped at the outlets, had dinner at two restaurants, and watched a movie while sipping superb Ecuadorian coffee, all in the enjoyable company of some very good friends.  I headed back to work feeling elated and energetic.  It is amazing what friends (and a weekend without cooking and cleaning) can do for a woman!

So, of course, I am all pepped up to have a great breakfast and a healthy lunch and am hoping to continue that trend for the rest of this week (we shall see...occasionally, I will come upon something that triggers my sweet tooth and I go on a wild binge - so NOT good for you!)

Grapefruit - This unassuming citrus fruit, not as popular as it's smaller buddy, the orange, is touted by health nuts as a superfruit, rich in detox enzymes, Vitamin A and C, and the antioxidant Lycopene.  It is also a good source of folate, iron, calcium, and other minerals. So, today, let us look at a breakfast and lunch version of grapefruit salad - that should help ease my conscience for having eaten rather irresponsibly the last three days.

Grapefruit Salad, in the morning

1/2 grapefruit, peeled and diced (warning - takes a few minutes, needs practice)
5 leaves mint, finely chopped
3 drops lemon juice (you may add more if you like it tart)
1/2 tsp sugar or honey

Toss ingredients in bowl and enjoy.  Feel free to add crumbled cheese or roasted nuts to the mix, to make this more filling.

Grapefruit Salad, for lunch

1 grapefruit, peeled and diced
2 cups spring mix
1/2 cup roasted cashew nuts
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1/2 cup cucumber, sliced

Dressing
2 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
 salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp chili powder (optional)



Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl.  Throw in the rest of the ingredients and mix.  This is really good stuff.

Variations:  Granish with different herbs.  Use walnuts or almonds instead of cashew nuts, although cashews taste better.  Add other ingredients like spinach or avocado for a healthier version. You could even add tofu.

Have a healthy week!


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