What's for Lunch

I have to share this yummy salad dressing I've really been enjoying:

via

I found this Sesame Ginger Dressing in the refrigerated salad greens section in the Whole Foods produce department.  Here are the ingredients: Filtered Water, Sesame Tahini (Ground Sesame Seeds), Pear Juice Concentrate, Dry Roasted Almonds, Organic Tamari Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt), Orange Juice Concentrate, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ginger Puree (Ginger, Water), Chives, Xanthan Gum.

I was looking for a pre-made dressing with Asian flavors because I have been eating a LOT of Chick-fil-a's Asian Salad w/ Honey Sesame dressing.  While it is a better choice than the fried chicken sandwich loaded up with mayo (mmmm), I knew I could make something healthier & cheaper at home.  (And I would be eating it WITHOUT a side of waffle fries dipped in Chick-fil-a sauce!)

To be honest, I felt a little nervous about this dressing BECAUSE it sounded so healthy, but I figured I'd give it a whirl.  I am now officially addicted!  I actually look forward to lunchtime so I can make myself a salad of greens (I like the "I heart Baby Kale" mix from Organic Girl), topped with one diced apple, & some slivered almonds.  Dicing a whole apple actually makes this salad half apple/half greens, but I'm completely okay with that.  I love the way the sweet, crisp apple squares taste with the salty, gingery, nutty, dressing.

Hope you enjoy this nutrient-packed salad as much as I have!

Butternut Squash & Arugula Salad

Butternut Squash & Arugula Salad via Rachael Ray

Here's something that bugs me: we go all pumpkin & squash crazy in October (which is delicious), but we burn out on the ingredient and never want to see it again until next year.  Butternut squash is in season beginning in October, but it keeps on growing through mid-March.  Try this perfect winter salad to remind yourself that you can still be friends with pumpkin-y flavors!

Citrus Steak Salad

This is a recipe that I made for the first time at home with quality ingredients, and it was delicious.  A couple weeks later, I went to the lake with some friends and tried to make this for lunch, and my Walmart-on-a-budget-in-the-country-boonies ingredients were kind of a flop.  Good story.  All of that to say: if you're pinching pennies on this recipe, make sure your ingredients are still going to be flavorful. (I'm looking at you, meat & oranges!)

INGREDIENTS:

4 strip steaks (4-6 oz each)

salt & pepper

2 navel oranges, peel & pith removed

2 Tbsp any vegetable oil

2 Tbsp honey

1 tsp finely grated peeled fresh ginger

1 head romaine lettuce, cored & cut into bite-size pieces

1 small red onion, halved & thinly sliced

4 carrots, cut into matchsticks

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium. (Let it get good and hot--flick some water on it and it should sizzle.) Season steaks with salt & pepper, and add to the skillet. Cook, turning once, until medium-rare, ab 8 mins. Transfer to a cutting board & let rest for 5 mins. (I'm serious!)

2. Peel & segment oranges & set aside. Over a medium bowl, squeeze remaining membranes to release 2 Tbsp juice; whisk in oil, honey, & ginger. Season w/ salt & pepper. Add lettuce, onion, carrots, & orange segments, and toss to combine.

3. Thinly slice steak crosswise & add to the top of the salad.

Week of Sunday, June 17, 2012

Orders due by noon on Friday, June 15th

Subscriptions closed for June--open for July on June 24th

Subscription Bread of the Week: Rosemary Focaccia
Subscription Dressing of the Week: Balsamic Vinaigrette

1. Chicken Tacos with Spicy Grape Salsa

• I know this sounds like a weird one, but wait until you try it!  A tangy red grape salsa with a touch of spice tops warm roasted chicken in a crunchy taco--the warm & chilled combo will be perfect for a warm night!
• {Preparation: Heat taco shells in oven, heat chicken in microwave, 10 mins total}

2. Ravioli with Peas & Shallots

• Cheese ravioli topped with a buttery (and slightly lemony) green peas and shallots.
• {Preparation: Cook ravioli, heat pea/shallot mixture in microwave, 15 mins total}

3. Pork Chops with Warm Plum Sauce

• Sweet and sour plums simmered into a sauce and spooned over salty, boneless pork chops.
• {Preparation: Heat pork and plum sauce together in oven, 15 mins total}

4. Greek-Style Bread Salad with Creamy Lemon-Caper Dressing

• Romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, and red onions topped with...you guessed it: a creamy lemon-caper dressing.  Topped with homemade garlic toasts.
• {Preparation: Heat toast in oven, toss salad together, 5 mins total}

5. Chorizo and White Cheese Pizza

• Crumbled chorizo and shredded Monterey Jack cheese melted on top of a homemade pizza crust.
• {Preparation: Heat in oven, 10 mins total}