This delicious salad dressing is an excellent addition to your mixed green salad, but I do not stop there. I have used this dressing as a substitute in recipes for oil and vinegar, I have marinated chicken with this dressing, and I have marinated vegetables... It really mixes quite well with anything!
2) Avocados
Avocados are like the icing on the cake for salads, their green color is so vibrant that it adds another dimension to your meal. My new favorite use for avocados was discovered at the Birmingham restaurant, Urban Cookhouse. Their B.A.L.T. [bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato] makes me wonder how the classic B.L.T. was ever popular when the avocado really completes the sandwich. I also love this Creamy Avocado Dressing recipe from Closet Cooking.
3) Pesto
Whenever there is no food in the refrigerator and William and I just cannot bring ourselves to go to the store we usually turn to pasta. I am always a little more excited about this go-to meal when we have a jar of pesto because it really can turn something that is slightly boring into a tasty little dish. I am not the only one to discover all the things pesto can do, Food Network loves this magical ingredient and outlined its uses in the article, "50 Things to Make with Pesto." My favorites include adding pesto to pasta, pizza, and sandwiches!
4) Black Beans
I love black beans, and lately I have not only been eating them as a side, but have found many fabulous recipes where black beans are the star ingredient. My favorites include Black Bean Burgers from allrecipes.com and Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas from Budget Bytes. I also must note that black beans are nutrient rich, a great source of fiber and protein, and low in fat.
5) Hummus
Hummus is usually my snack solution, its like the new ranch dressing. My new favorite hummus flavor, Basil & Pesto Hummus by Sabra, is great for dipping carrots, celery, and pita chips. This dip also makes for a delicious sandwich spread, and recently I have found these must try recipes, Hummus and Grilled Vegetable Pizza from Budget Bytes and Pepper Chicken with Hummus from Epicurious.
What are your favorite ingredients?
Elizabeth Milne, MS, RD, LD
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