
Anyway, I figured since I'd indulged in a bit too much cheese due to my gorgeous new cheese board set and in the results of Mom's baking prowess over the weekend (why does Mom food always taste better?), I would be a very good girl this week, especially since I hope to enjoy plenty of champagne on New Year's Eve. I also thought it would be nice to bring you all along with me so that you, too, can get a jumpstart on those weight loss goals EVERYONE seems to have during the New Year. Why wait until January, right? Today's recipe is another super easy dish that I whipped up at work with the few ingredients I managed to throw into my bag before my ride left me this morning (Mondays are hard enough; Mondays after a 4-day Christmas weekend - even worse!). Sure, this probably seems more like a summertime recipe, but again - why wait 'til next year to have something light, healthy and completely delicious?
As with most of my bean salads, this is quite easy to prepare and will go nicely atop a generous amount of your favorite greens. This dish is packed with protein & fiber to keep you full and energized for hours, and you'd never know it's good for you by the flavor. With a sweet & slightly spicy dressing, this festive looking little salad tastes just wonderful and nothing like a "healthy" dish. And everyone can enjoy this: it's gluten-free, vegan, low carb, low cal, and all that jazz. And did I mention it's just under $2/serving?
Garbanzo & Avocado Salad (makes 2-3 servings; total cost per serving: ~ $1.85)
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1 small Roma tomato, diced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 large avocado, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
Small handful of cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
Dressing:
Juice of 2 medium oranges
1 T rice vinegar
1 t olive oil
1 T honey
1/8 t salt
Couple pinches of cayenne pepper
A very generous amount of ground black pepper
Prepare the dressing by whisking all dressing ingredients together until completely combined. Combine the beans and all the veggies in a medium bowl and toss together with the dressing. Garnish with extra black pepper if you like, serve over plenty of fresh greens or by itself, and enjoy!
This looks delicious and I'll definitely make it. Just curious about your pilates workout. Are using a video?
ReplyDeleteBonnie
I'm also interested in what type of pilates you have been doing... any recomendations?
ReplyDeleteThis recipe looks really good--like all the recipies you post. However, I too am interested in your pilates workout. Do you use DVDs or take classes?
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm not sure whether I'm inspired or just jealous that you've managed to LOSE inches this holiday season while I've gained too many to admit. Good for you! This salad looks and sounds amazing and I can't wait to try it. Did you actually pack up a nice bowl and placemat for picture-taking at work? You rock!
ReplyDeleteI love these kinds of salads. Inexpensive, healthy and delicious!
ReplyDeleteI have a near ridiculous obsession with avocados. And garbanzo beans/hummus/etc run a close second. Will definitely try this, thanks for the dressing idea for sure!
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with avocado obsession in my world!!! :)
ReplyDeleteFor those wondering about my Pilates workouts, I use the Winsor Pilates video series in the comfort of my own home. Depending on how much time I have (and how inspired I am), I will do 2 of the 15 minute targeted workouts about 5 times a week - for now. I definitely plan on bumping that up to the 3 a day I used to do daily (that explains why I was a size 4 for years!). I wouldn't recommend plunging into it in this manner unless you've already trained in Pilates a bit; though I'd been out of the daily routine for several months, I still trained a couple times a week here & there, so I'm quite used to this (even though it kicks my ass).
I could go on for days about workouts & proper diet for weight loss, as I lost & kept off 70 lbs for about 5 years before the car accident and have tons of advice to give, but I won't bore you with it now. Who knows, I may start a separate blog just for that! :)
I tried your salad recipe last night - wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear your advice on keeping 70 lbs off for 5 years. I've lost 25 lbs and am struggling to lose the last 15! Any little bit will help!
looks perfect for my attempt to eating more fiber. love salads all chopped like this! great site !
ReplyDeleteThis looks refreshing and delicious! Can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be off work for a while and this looks like the perfect lunch at home for me. All my favorites!
ReplyDeleteI've eaten this for lunch for the last three days--it was best today b/c after marinating in the dressing for so long, it really aborbed the flavors from the dressing. And the orange juice totally kept the avocado from discoloring. Next time I make it, I will let it sit in the fridge for a day or two, stirring once or twice a day, before eating. If I can wait. :) Thanks for sharing! Oh, and I would totally be interested in your weight loss strategies, tips & info.
ReplyDeletei love both avocado and chickpeas. Lovely salad!
ReplyDeletei just discovered your site! I'm frugal and love good food too! ahh the simple, affordable pleasures.
ReplyDeleteI'm making this salad for the first dinner party that I've thrown in...at least a decade!
rock on,
david
Love your site and I love this recipe! I didn't have any tomatoes or peppers, but I added feta and quinoa. Delicious!
ReplyDeleteMy meat and potatoes boyfriend even liked this. He said it tasted like salsa!
ReplyDeleteWill this survive in my fridge in a container for at least 24 hours, or will it turn mushy?
ReplyDeleteDelicious. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete