The old saying goes: “Spring forward. Fall back.” Right? Well that saying can apply to more than just ‘daylight savings time’. When it comes to your diet, fall eating may leave you falling way backwards… Goodbye smoothies, summer salads, sunshine – and hello cold breezes, crisp air and comfort food cravings.
Well this year, don’t fall back – Fall Forward.
And the best way to “Fall Forward” with your diet is to have a plan! Here is an easy, go-to recipe: Fall Forward Fruit & Pecan Salad. It’s a delicious and healthy seasonal salad that you can whip together very quickly – just by having a few of the ingredients on hand in your pantry. Be prepared! And fall forward this season.
Note: autumn starts September 23, 2010. (two weeks)
My recipe ahead…
The Flavors: Warm cinnamon dried apple rings become soft and squishy when they meet the maple/avocado/lemon – spicy, sticky, zesty dressing. Taste that hint of tangy apple cider vinegar and the sweet-tart chew of dried cranberries. Creamy avocado cubes give this salad some body. Raw pecans and perky pumpkin seeds add a perfect nutty crunch. All these flavors are folded into a bouncy bed of bright baby greens. And don’t forget the slight warm hint of chili powder to brush away the cool fall breeze. This salad will leave your body and taste buds feeling good!
Like I said, this is a “Go-to” salad. Which means you can easily whip it up because you’ll already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. This salad is also very customizable to make into a meal. Toss in ideas..
* roasted butternut squash cubes
* warm cannellini beans (or another bean/lentil)
* cooked/chilled barley (or another grain)
* rice crackers or sweet potato biscuits on side
* tempeh bacon or tempeh croutons
* sticky tofu cubes
Here are the go-to pantry items to stock now, so you’ll be ready later:
* Dried Cranberries
* Pumpkin Seeds (raw or roasted, your preference)
* Raw Pecans
* Dries Cinnamon Apple Rings
* Maple Syrup
* Olive Oil
* Easy Squeeze shelf-stable lemon juice (or fresh lemon juice)
* Apple Cider Vinegar
* Spices: chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper
The fresh ingredients you’ll need:
*Avocado
*Fresh organic baby greens
…that’s it!
Cranberries/Cinnamon Apples:
Nuts/Seeds:
Dressing:
Easy. Yummy. Customizable!
Fall Forward Go-To Salad
vegan, serves two
6 cups loosely packed Baby Mixed Greens, organic/local pref’d
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup whole raw pecans
1/2 cup dried cinnamon apple rings (or diced fresh apple w/ cinnamon)
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (raw or roasted/salted, your preference)
*add more/less of these ingredients to suit your tastes!
“Falling for Maple” Dressing
2 Tbsp maple syrup (Grade B is my fave)
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 large avocado, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
optional: dash of cayenne
Directions:
Ingredients:
1. Add all dry salad ingredients and baby greens to a large bowl.
2. Wisk together the dressing and add chopped avocados.
Dressing:
3. Add dressing to salad and toss very well.
Add Dressing:
Toss:
Tossed:
4. Serve!
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