As I watched the gal behind the counter make it, though, I realized how easy it would be to recreate at home. Romaine lettuce dressed with Caesar dressing. A scoop of bleu cheese crumbles. A scoop of dried cranberries. Sprinkling of sunflower seeds. Diced grilled chicken for protein. Easy peasy. I replaced the bleu cheese with crumbled Feta because it is easier to find and less expensive, but I think I like the Feta better anyway. I take this Cranberry and Feta salad to work for lunch probably three days a week and it NEVER DISAPPOINTS!
Cranberry & Feta Salad
There are no exact measurements for this salad -- it all depends on how much you want to make. For the bowl of salad pictured here I used:
1 smallish heart of Romaine {chopped into bite size pieces}
2 Tbsp. Feta cheese crumbles
2-3 Tbsp. dried cranberries
1-2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
1/4 C. diced grilled chicken {optional, but delicious!}
approx. 2 Tbsp. lite Caesar dressing -- I like Ken's Steak House brand the best.
Cut Romaine heart into bite size chunks and place in a bowl. Add Caesar dressing and toss to coat lettuce. Top with Feta cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds and chicken. Serve immediately.
If I am packing this salad to take to work, I place all ingredients except dressing in a plastic container with lid. Then I pour the dressing into another small container so I can add it right before I eat. This way the lettuce doesn't get wilt-y and the salad stays yummy.
I mean, you're welcome. Just look at all that goodness! Since I went back to school a month ago I have lost about 15 pounds, which I attribute mostly to giving up soda {well, dramatically reducing anyway} and counting calories. I've been resistant to calorie counting for years because it seems like such a drag. Keeping track of everything I eat? No thanks! So I sat down one day and found a few things I would enjoy eating for breakfast and lunch {this salad included} and figured out how many calories were in those foods. Now I have a list of "approved" meals to choose from every morning as I try to get out the door for work and life is simple. For dinner I just eat a normal family meal, but I only have a small portion of the main dish and fill the rest of my plate with veggies and fruit.
Please share your favorite quick and easy healthy lunch in the comments -- I'm always looking to expand my repertoire!
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