Cranberry & Feta Salad

Hi guys!  Today I want to share one of my FAVORITE easy lunches with y'all.  Here's a little back story . . . this summer I had to get some blood work done at my doctor's office.  Of course I had to be fasting, and the only appointment they had was at 1:30 in the afternoon.  Not a huge deal, but by the time they were done I was more than ready to eat and all I could think about was a salad I had at Paradise Bakery months ago.  I left the doctor's office and drove straight to Paradise and ordered a Crumbly Bleu Cheese salad.  I was literally and figuratively in Paradise.  

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!

Have a great day, friends!
Amy