Refreshing Tomato, Cucumber, and Bell Pepper Salad

Tomato, Cucumber, and Bell Pepper Salad

Whenever I go home to visit, my mom sends back back with a bag full of fresh picked produce. There is something about a salad made of fresh-picked produce that just makes it tastier than your average salad. I wanted to enjoy to celebrate each of the vegetables and fruit and I think this dish allows each ingredient to both shine as well as compliment each other. Not to mention, it is incredibly easy to make!

This recipe can either make 4 portions as a side dish or 2 portions if you really like salad!

Tomato, Cucumber, and Bell Pepper Salad - Serves 4

Ingredients


1 large cucumber (peeled, deseeded and diced)
3 small tomatoes - larger than a golf ball but smaller than a baseball (deseeded and diced/sliced)
1 large scallion (diced)
1 baby red bell pepper (diced)
3 tbsp rice vinegar
.5 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp garlic powder
chili oil
pink sea salt (or your favorite salt)
pepper

Instructions
In a large bowl, toss cucumber, tomatoes, scallion and bell pepper. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder. Add chili oil to taste (I used 5 dashes so there is a small but noticeable kick) as well as salt and pepper to taste.

Toss dressing with vegetables, cover, and refrigerate. You can serve right away however I like to let the dish sit for about 30 minutes to let all the flavors come together.


Nutritional Information (using MyFitnessPal.com to calculate it) for full recipe: 153 calories, 22 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber

Summer Sandwich Satisfaction

As the summer sun comes out to play, there are some days you just don't want to have to turn on a stove.  It's times like these where I break out the leftovers and get creative!


Today's sandwich started with some leftover Christmas day turkey. Say what?!? On Christmas day, I took leftover turkey breast and portioned it out, vacuum-sealed it, and frozen it. This was the last batch. You obviously could use fresh turkey breast or even chicken to make this easy summer sandwich. One summer tip is to cook a large turkey breast one evening and you are set!


In addition to the turkey breast, you will need these two babies:

Original Garlic Gold and Harry & David Red Pepper and Cheese Spread!


The recipe is really easy:


4 ounces of shredded turkey breast
2 tbsp of red pepper spread
1 tsp Original Garlic Gold
ground pepper
hot sauce (if desired, just a couple dashes)


Mix it up and let it sit for a little while for the flavors to come together. I served mine on sandwich thins, but it would also be great on a salad. This serves two people or one very hungry person. The Garlic Gold adds a crunch to the sandwich and the spread gives it a creamy texture without adding a lot of calories.


One serving of the recipes (makes two servings), does not include bread: Calories 112, Fat 3.5g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 17.5g


Garlic Gold Nutrition Facts (1 tsp): Calories 40, Fat 4.33g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 0g


Harry and David Red Pepper and Cheese Spread Nutrition Facts (2 tbsp): Calories 30, Fat 2g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Protein 1g

Is that a salad in your carry-on bag or are you just looking for a sweet deal?

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Traveling, whether for work or pleasure, can be a trying experience on your diet. From attempting to make healthy choices while in airports to ensuring you get all of your vegetables in. One of the easiest ways to eat healthy and get in your veggies is to have a salad. But this isn't always the easiest to pack when you are attempting to save space.

Thus I introduce to you, my salad bag:


This is an easy and inexpensive meal to put together in a hotel room and to travel with. Buy a bag of baby mixed greens, some precooked turkey or chicken, and some cheese (the bag above includes precooked turkey from the Whole Foods hot bar and some almond pepperjack cheese that I cubed with a plastic knife). I also use a snack size bag for salsa which serves as a great low calorie dressing. Packing it in a separate bag allows you to put it in your "travel liquids" bag if you are taking the salad through airport security.

Finally, I always carry Garlic Gold with me when I travel. Frequent readers have heard that I use it on popcorn, potatoes, chicken, and even salad! This low-calorie add-on gives my salad-in-a-bag an extra pop!

I wanted to tell you all about my salad on National Garlic Day (yesterday) but I was too busy enjoying it on my flight back to California from our nation's capital. Luckily, the fine folks at Garlic Gold have offered up a special discount that lasts ALL WEEK when you hit up the Uncovering Food OpenSky Shop!

Here are the details:

Garlic Gold 4 Pack Sampler
Date: Monday, April 19th -Friday, April 23rd.
Retail Price: $21
Promotion: $20% OFF
Promotional Price: $16.80
Coupon Code: GarlicGold

I know I am stocking up this week before I hit the road again for the next tournament. Gotta keep livening up my greens!

Doug's Burrito Filling

I know it isn't the most appealing picture, but hear me out on this recipe. I am a very lucky girl in that my boyfriend can cook, and attempts to make healthy dishes for me. One of his staples is something he likes to throw together for himself and has since lightened up the recipe so I can enjoy it too! It is simple and filling (and I had it for brekkie this morning!).

He sautes a pound of 93% ground beef in a nonstick pan with a packet of burrito seasoning and then adds a can of fat-free refried beans. That's it! It is so simple but so good. I like to add a generous serving of hot sauce to spice my serving up, but he enjoys it with a little less spice. I enjoy this filling because the flavors come together better then when served seperately as the beans soak up what little fat cooks out of the meat. The beans also stretch out the meat to make more servings for diners on a budget.

He also makes a burrito filling that is vegetarian friendly. Saute up a can of low sodium corn (drained) with a can of black beans (rinsed) and half a packet of the burrito seasoning.

You can pump your burritos up with lettuce, grilled veggies, low fat cheese, salsa and whatever else you can dream up. Both fillings also work great on top of salads.

I was surprised at how simple both of these were and yet so filling and tasty. Sometime the simplest recipes are the ones we forget about but are so satisfying to the taste buds, the stomach, and the pocketbook.

The nutritional information will vary based on the brands you use so check them out. You would be surprised at the difference in calories on two cans of fat free beans! Doug's recipe makes about 10 servings and for our products that meant 129 calories/6.8 grams of fat/10.5 grams of protein/2.1 grams of fiber per serving.

Pizza Cravings? Sandwich and Salad Time? Hit Jamba

(Starting on the left and going clockwise: Gobble'licious, Caesar the Day!, Couscous & Produce)

Gobble'licious is a turkey sandwich if we want to keep descriptions simple. But the truth is that there is something special about the turkey, provolone cheese, field green, and fresh red peppers on the focaccetta roll. I could only pinpoint the dijonaise sauce. This sweet, creamy dressing brings the sandwich together. Altough the turkey is moist enough without it and the texture with the crunchy vegetables is better than your average fast food sandwich, the full fat cheese and creamy dressing make it a winner. Unfortunately, the dressing also packs on the calories. Without dressing: 420 calories/14 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/28 grams of protein. With dressing: 570 calories/28 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/28 grams of protein.

Caesar the Day! is just your average caesar salad with chicken, cheese and croutons. The dressing is anchovy free and the greens are a better quality than the airport salads, but there isn't too much to write home about here. Without the dressing, it is the lowest calorie item on the menu, which does redeem some of the general lack of creativity. Don't get me wrong, the flavor is good and I would order it again, but it's just a salad. Without dressing: 180 calories/8 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/13 grams of protein. With dressing: 330 calories/22 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/16 grams of protein.

Couscous and Produce is the more unique of this line, combining fresh jicama, bell peppers, romaine and field greens with Israeli couscous, currents and diced almonds. Accompanying the salad is a sweet light whole grain mustard dressing that complements the blend perfectly. One thing I like about couscous is how a little amount can leave me full for hours. This would pair well with a tropical smoothie or the passionfruit tea infusion. Without dressing: 360 calories/10 grams of fat/9 grams of fiber/11 grams of protein. With dressing: 480 calories/19 grams of fat/9 grams of fiber/11 grams of protein.

(Starting in the upper left and going clockwise: Tomo Artichoko, Smokehouse Chicken, MediterraneYUM, Four Cheesy)

The first thing that should be noted about these California Flatbreads is that they are small. Imagine a small snack size disposable plate. That is about the size of these beauties. Once you are aware of the smaller portion size, which it allows it to be a great snack or the perfect portion to pair with a smoothie for a complete meal, the second thing you should note isthat despite the name and a variation on crusts, these flatbreads are very similar to a pizza.

Tomo Artichoko: Topping a crispy flaxseed crust are tomato sauce, diced artichoke hearts, three cheeses (asiago, romano, and parmesan) and crunchy breadcrumbs. I will be honest, this was not my favorite. I enjoyed the creamy cheese one the other three flatbreads. Perhaps this was too refined for my taste but it was crumby and crunchy on top and did not have the same depth of flavor the others did. 310 calories/11 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/11 grams of protein

Smokehouse Chicken: This flatbread utilizes bbq sauce, roasted corn, black beans and poblano peppers to compliment the plump bbq chicken. The crust is fluffy and crisp and the combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses complete this delicious flatbread. 300 calories/8 grams of fat/6 grams of fiber/15 grams of protein

MediterraneYUM: The feta-mozzarella combination of cheese is smooth and the flavors are herby. The flax seed crust adds another dimension to this flatbread and the grilled veggies add a smokey component. 250 calories/8 grams of fat/3 grams of fiber/10 grams of protein

Four Cheesy: This is the perfect kid choice. The flatbread has a light tomato sauce and the four cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and romano) make this a rich choice. The crust is light and airy. This would pair perfectly with a heartier bverage like the pomegranate tea infusion. 330 calories/13 grams of fat/2 grams of fiber/17 grams of protein

Blended Bliss adds Bite: Jamba expands menu choices

Adding a variety of new food options to California store menus, Jamba Juice is giving us plenty of excuses to eat Jamba for every meal!

Today, I had the opportunity to sample the entire new line of California Flatbreads, Grab and Go products, and Fruit Tea Infusions. These products will not replace any current products in the Jamba line-up, but rather will make Jamba Juice "more relevant to more people," according to Kim Larson, vice-president of brand marketing, who lead us through the initial product briefing.

I think Jamba is on the right path with their new product lines. As Kim mentioned in her briefing, while many people can make a smoothie into a meal, others need that solid food product to chew on in order for the meal to be complete. Keeping in mind Jamba's goal to create all natural products, these food items are made of high quality, fresh ingredients.

This post is the first of a series of posts over the next week that will walk you through the entire product line including the seasonal Blackberry Bliss smoothie. We will discuss the flavor profiles of the various products, allergy information, Uncovering Food's suggested beverage pairings, and finally what are the best low-calorie options on the menu.

In addition to offering the new products, Jamba will also offer food and beverage bundles where you can save $2 on the bundle. Who doesn't like to save a couple bucks in this economy? And if a smoothie fills you up, I would still advise you to take advantage of the bundle. Add one of the Grab and Go menu items and toss it in your fridge for later!

Jamba, which I learned is Swahili meaning "to celebrate," has found a way to celebrate even the boring cubicle lunch. Coming later this summer, Jamba will be changing things up to make lunch more exciting. Rolling out the "Brown Bag Bliss," Jamba's paper bags that are used to carry your meal will now double as a picnic "blanket" for your desk. You will be able to load music and scenic views on Jamba's Web site, and even post the provided picture of a "window" on your cubicle wall. Leave it to Jamba Juice to add an entertaining and relxing spin to a weekday lunch! I am also excited to get to play with the Brown Bag Bliss request, an opportunity to send customizable video requests for Jamba Juice to coworkers and friends.

The hot California Flatbreads include: Smokehouse Chicken, Tomo Artichoko, MediterraneYUM, and Four Cheesy. The cold Grab and Go menu features wraps, salads and a sandwich. The options are: Greens and Grain Wrap, Asian Style Chicken Wrap, Chimichurri Wrap, Greek Goodness Wrap, Caesar the Day! salad, Couscous & Produce salad, and the Gobble'licious sandwich. Finally, the Fruit Tea Infusions include: Pomegranate, Passion Fruit and Prickly Pear.

These new products are worth the hype. They are flavorful and good for you which can't be said for so many fast meal options that exist. My only gripe? I am leaving for Alabama for the next week and they won't be available there! At least not this summer...

Delectable Dressings: You "Gotta Luv It"

I have never been a salad girl. The thought of limp pre-washed lettuce with clumps of ranch dressing and couple of paltry vegetables tossed on top is not appetizing to me. Unfortunately this is often what salads look like when you purchase them in shops or airports. In restaurants, the dressing and fried toppings pile on the calories so high you might as well just get the burger. And the dressings you buy for use at home are usually loaded with preservatives and words I can't begin to pronounce. Since attempting to swear off the overly processed dressings, even my salads at home have lost their appeal. There are only so many days a girl can enjoy oil and vinegar.

However, my views of salads are beginning to change with the discovery of Gotta Luv It dressing and marinades. These locally made condiments are the brainchild of Jade Powell in Petaluma, California. These dressings pack a punch, and while the serving size on the label is two tablespoons, you don't need that much to enjoy a flavorful salad! Powell makes three dressings: Chipotle-Lime Fusion, Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Sweet & Tangy Italian. At under $5 a bottle, the fact that you only need a drizzle of dressing for a large salad makes Gotta Luv It a value investment as well.

While I usually enjoy creating my own recipes, I had to try a suggestion from the creator of Gotta Luv It:

Chipotle Lime Fusion Cole Slaw

1/2 medium Napa Cabbage, shredded
1/4 small Purple Cabbage, shredded fine
1/4 small Savoy Cabbage, shredded fine
4 stalks Green Onions, diced
1 small Carrot, grated
2-3 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (toast in saucepan or broil briefly in oven)
Gotta Luv It Chipotle Lime Fusion dressing & marinase

Toss all ingredients together and enjoy!

Now I cheated, per the note on the instructions, and used bagged shredded cabbage. I also added some precooked chicken. This was an AMAZING salad. However, it was even better in a whole wheat wrap for lunch the next day. The flavors of the dressing popped when enjoyed with the crunchy cabbage and nutty seeds. While the chipotle lends a kick to the dish, it isn't overwhelming in the weaving of flavors and textures.

One of my favorite things about Gotta Luv It is how versatile the dressings are. From dressing fresh mangos with a light drizzle of the Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, to marinading chicken and tofu in the Sweet & Tangy Italian before tossing them on the grill this weekend, the thickness of the dressing and the fullness of flavor make these a winning staple in my kitchen.

For those who have been following Uncovering Food for awhile, you know that I enjoy sharing products that are rocking in local markets but should have national exposure. Gotta Luv It dressings are currently sold online and in more than 70 stores in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. However, I would urge you to ask your local stores to stock this family made, all natural dressing & marinade. It will save you the shipping costs and ensure you will have quick access to a versitile and healthy product. Have I ever steered you wrong?

Chipotle-Lime Fusion: This silver medal winning dressing is light with a mild kick. The tang of the citrus and the spice of the chipotle balance each other out for a dressing that only needs a drizzle to flavor the whole bowl of veggies. Great for a salad or tossed with some leftover chicken for a lunchtime wrap, this dressing adds zing to any meal.

Ingredients: Canola Oil, Lime Juice, Rice Vinegar (5% acidity), Organic Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt), Dry Minced Harlic, Dry Cilantro, Spices, Salt, Xanthan Gum
Nutritional Information for 2 tablespoons (although you won't need that much!): 110 calories, 11 grams of fat

Sweet & Tangy Italian: This dressing won the Double Gold Medal at the Sonoma County Fair. It is creamier and sweeter than many Italian dressings on store shelves. Full of flavor, this dressing dances on your tounge and creates a party in your mouth. I used it to marinade some tofu and chicken for a weekend BBQ. The flavors were complex enough to add flavor to the proteins without overpowering the entree. It was also great tossed with some romaine and fresh parmasen when we had spaghetti.

Ingredients: Canola Oil, Red Wine Vinegar (5% acidity), Organic Sugar, No-Salt Seasoning (Onions, Spices, Lemon Peel, Dehydrated Garlic, Citric Acid, Paprika, Red & Green Bell Peppers, Mustard & Parsley), Mustard Flour, Xanthan Gum
Nutritional Information for 2 tablespoons: 140 calories, 15 grams of fat

Raspberry Balsamic Vingairette: Another silver medalist, this dressing stood out for it's ability to work in sweet and savory dishes. Thicker than it's counterparts, the berries and balsamic flavors are strong and stand out in any dish. Like the other Gotta Luv It dressings, the recommended serving size is two tablespoons. I would recommend starting with a teaspoon and working your way up. While the calories and fat are higher than the more processed dressings on the shelves, the fullness in flavor means you don't need near the same amount. I recently enjoyed the Raspberry Balsamic in a fruit salad side dish with dark chocolate shaved over the top. The garlic and other spices in the dressing provided a savory contrast to the sweetness of the raspberries and balsamic i the dressing as well as the bittersweetness of the chocolate and the ripeness of the mangos and strawberries in the salad. It was an unusual and delicious combination.

Ingredients: Canola Oil, Balsamin Vinegar (6% acidity), Raspberry Puree, Organic Sugar, Water, No-Salt Seasoning (Dried Onions, Spices, Lemon Peel, Dried Garlic, Citric Acid, Dried Bell Peppers, Mustard), Mustard Flour, Natural Raspberry Flavor
Nutritional Information for 2 tablespoons: 150 calories, 14 grams of fat