How To Master The Garbage Salad

If you've been reading since the beginning of the blog, you'll remember when I introduced you to garbage bowls.  Today for lunch I had a garbage salad.  This post will be very picture heavy - I apologize in advance if that's not your thing.

If garbage salads were human, they would be my best friends, my biddies, my BFFLs (best friend for life)...you get the picture.  I love them.  Just like garbage bowls, garbage salads are perfect for using up produce and leftovers.  Also, for someone who hates to throw out food, it helps me get through massive amounts of vegetables.  Have you ever used roasted vegetables in a salad the next day?  Do it.  It is so good.  Okay, back to the important things in life...

You really can add anything to these salads, so if what I included is not to your liking, or you plain don't have it in your fridge, feel free to swap for other ingredients. 

Ingredients:

4c raw spinach or any greens you like

3oz extra firm tofu, pressed with a paper towel to removed excess liquid and diced

1/2 orange pepper, sliced

1/2c cherry tomatoes, sliced

1/2c canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/8c walnuts, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

sprinkle truffle salt

Directions:

1. Place spinach or greens in a large bowl (this will be your base) and season with truffle salt 

2. Assemble your garbage (read: vegetables, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt)

3. Chop the pepper and walnuts, slice the cherry tomatoes, drain and rinse the chickpeas, dice the tofu, then arrange on a cutting board or plate

4. Begin to build your garbage salad - add the tofu, peppers, tomatoes, chickpeas, and walnuts

5. Dress the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar 

6. Toss or chop as you wish, then plate

Here is a picture of the base:

 Garbage chopped and ready to go:

Almost ready to be mixed:

 Finished product:

Nutrition information per serving:

315 calories, 36 g carbohydrates, 19 g fat, 20 g protein, 12 g fiber

I hope you aren't thinking "19g of fat in a salad?!" because really, the fat in here is healthy, good for you, the kind you want to eat.  Plus, fat helps your body to slow stomach emptying - this means you'll feel full well after eating!  Healthful, filling, and colorful.  Ahh, the many joys of a garbage salad. 

What's your favorite garbage to put in a salad?  If you make this, or a version of it, I would love to hear from you!  Hope you enjoy. 

xx,

The Future Mrs. Wolf