Spicing Up Your Salads: Romaine & Artichoke Salad with Avocado Dressing + Baked Goat Cheese & Cranberry Salad

*The recipe page has been updated!*

Earlier today I read an article regarding 2012 state obesity rankings (you can read it here). Not surprisingly, the rankings show that the states where people are eating their fruits and veggies have among the lowest rates of obesity. My current state of residency, California, ranks among the highest in fruit and veggie consumption. The study also found that states where people report engaging in the most physical activity also have the lowest obesity rankings. Cali is also listed as one of the highest in this category. However, the article notes that only about 1 in 4 adults in these top-ranked states are eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. I think it’s pretty sad that only 25% of people get the recommended servings of produce in a day, and that’s in states that have high fruit & veggie consumption! With that being said, let’s talk about fruits & veggies – salads more specifically.

Some people think salads are boring, but there are so many ways to jazz them up. I’m constantly coming up with different salad combos, from what I deemed my summertime salad to watermelon, feta & arugula salad. Here are some of the foods I tend to include in the mix most often:

Veggies

• Arugula
• Spinach
• Romaine
• Bell pepper

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Feta
• Goat cheese

In the past few days, I’ve eaten a few salads that seem a bit fancy but were so easy to put together. If you’re looking to change up your same old salad combo or to add some produce into your diet, try one of the below recipes or get creative with your own mix!

Romaine & Artichoke Salad with Avocado Dressing

• 1/2 romaine heart, chopped
• 1 oz avocado
• 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, sliced
• 1/2 TBSP red wine vinegar
• 1/2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 Roma tomato, sliced
• 1 oz crumbled feta cheese
• Garlic powder, salt, & pepper to taste

In a salad bowl, combine romaine, artichoke, tomato and feta cheese.

Mash avocado in a small bowl. Whisk in red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Add seasonings to the avocado dressing, then pour onto salad.

Stats: 315 calories, 22 g fat, 12 g protein, 29 g carbs