Salads with a Pinoy Twist

July 11, 2016
By Team GoWell

If you’re looking for healthy alternatives, why not try these quick and easy salad recipes with a Pinoy twist.

Salad noun | sal·ad \ˈsa-ləd\ any of various usually cold dishes such as: raw greens (as lettuce) often combined with other vegetables and toppings and served especially with dressing; or small pieces of food (as pasta, meat, fruit, or vegetables) usually mixed with a dressing (as mayonnaise) or set in gelatin. We previously learned that Filipinos are among the so-called “Generation O” – overworked, overweight, and overwhelmed citizens in Asia. It’s never too late to make small changes in our lifestyle for the better, starting with our food choices. If you’re looking for healthy alternatives, why not try these quick and easy salad recipes with a Pinoy twist.

BLT Salad

BLT (Bacon, Lettuce and Tomatoes) are not just for sandwiches. The BLT Salad serves as a healthier option because instead of bread, the other ingredients include avocado, lemon and cucumber.

Ingredients:

  • 6 to 8 slices bacon, cooked
  • 1 small iceberg lettuce, sliced
  • 8 to 10 pieces cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced
  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

  1. Combine and mix well mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the dressing.
  2. Set aside the cheese and combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl.
  3. Add the dressing over the salad, transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle cheese on top.
  4. Serve. Share and enjoy!

 

Broccoli Bacon Salad

They say one can never go wrong with bacon. Thus, the Broccoli Bacon Salad offers a crispy and tasty treat, not to mention healthy. If you are cutting back on the mayonnaise, try eating it with light sour cream as a dressing instead.

Ingredients:

  • 6 bacon slices, cooked
  • 1 head broccoli, florets chopped
  • 1 cup shredded monterrey jack cheese
  • ½ small sweet onion, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise or light sour cream
  • ¾ cup roasted cashews

Procedure:

  1. With mayonnaise as the base ingredient for the dressing, mix in vinegar, sugar, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Add the minced onion and stir.
  2. Add the broccoli to the dressing. Gently toss.
  3. Crumble the bacon and add to the bowl with broccoli. Add the cashew and cheese, as well.
  4. Toss gently until all the ingredients are well-blended.
  5. Serve and enjoy.

 

Strawberry, Mandarin and Spinach Salad

The Strawberry Mandarin and Spinach Salad is also very simple, quick and easy to prepare. The balsamic vinaigrette dressing compliments well with the ingredients of this recipe. No cooking needed, just wash the ingredients then combine, toss, and mix. Your salad is ready in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups baby spinach, cleaned
  • 6 to 8 pieces strawberries, halved
  • 1 cup peeled mandarin
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • a pinch of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • a pinch of salt and pepper

Procedure:

  1. For the balsamic vinaigrette dressing, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and mandarin, then add the walnuts. Pour in the balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
  3. Serve and enjoy!

 

Filipino-Style Panzanella

Panzanella is a popular Italian salad dish served as an appetizer particularly during the summer. It is very ideal for those who are very conscious about their diet and health. The Pinoy-style recipe is simplier, yet as delicious and refreshing as the original Italian version.

Ingredients:

  • 200 grams croutons
  • 6-8 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1 red onion, chopped

Dressing

  • 8 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • 3 tablespoons black olives, sliced
  • a bunch of fresh basil, torn into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

  1. For the dressing, combine olive oil, garlic, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper then mix well.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine croutons, tomatoes, onions, capers and black olives.
  3. Pour dressing over the salad then toss and set aside for 20 minutes.
  4. When salad is ready, sprinkle basil then toss again.
  5. Serve and enjoy.

*Salad recipes and photos from www.panlasangpinoy.com and http://filipinostylerecipe.com/

jaymie-pizarro

Jaymie Crisostomo-Pizarro

Jaymie Crisostomo-Pizarro, better known as The Bull Runner, is an international marathoner and the first Filipino to finish the World Marathon Majors. http://www.thebullrunner.com/

Teal-GoWell

GoWell

GoWell is a wellness community aimed at helping people live healthier, brighter lives. It is the wellness advocacy program of Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc.