Skinny Recipe #3: BLT Salad

One of the hardest parts about maintaining a diet and eating well is choosing what's for lunch. It's so easy as a mom to run through Taco Bell or Raising Cane's on my way home from an errand, but I know that's not what I can consume if I want to meet my goals for my fitness challenge! 

A few weeks ago, I started doing a search for some EASY recipes that I could make on my own at home for lunch. I came across a website called EatingWell.com, and discovered some tasty looking salads. I'm always nervous about making salads on my own because . . . well . . .I can't ever seem to make them taste as good as a restaurant! So, I thought I'd give it another try, and I'm so glad I did! In 15 minutes, I had an awesome and filling lunch for under 300 calories; and that was only because I ate 2 servings worth since I couldn't stop eating it. :) 

BLT Salad

by EatingWell.com

Makes 4 servings; about 1 1/4 cups each

Per serving: 151 calories, 6 g. fat, 20 g. carbs

Ingredients

1 c. cubed whole-wheat country bread

2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

4 medium tomatoes 

(I used Roma.)

3 tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise

2 tbsp. minced chives

2 tsp. distilled white vinegar

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

freshly ground pepper, to taste

5 c. chopped hearts of romaine lettuce

3 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled 

For me, I changed this recipe up a little. 

I made it easy on myself and used the microwaveable bacon. 

But, you could also sub regular bacon for turkey. 

I also didn't want to waste a loaf of bread by buying whole-wheat country, 

so I used Mrs. Baird's Honey Wheat and think it tasted fine! 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toss bread with oil and spread onto a baking sheet. Bake, turning once, until golden brown, 15-20 minutes.

Voila! Croutons!

2. Cut 1 tomato in half. Working over a large bowl, shred both halves using the large holes on a box grater. (Skin won't shred, so discard when through.) 

3. Add mayonnaise, chives, vinegar, garlic powder, and pepper to bowl; whisk to combine. 

Before whisking.

After whisking. 

This is your dressing!

4. Chop your romaine lettuce using a food processor. 

 5. Add romaine, tomatoes, and croutons to the bowl with dressing; toss to coat. 

6. Sprinkle with bacon. 

7. Enjoy!  

For more light and easy meals, search EatingWell.com 

or come browse through the meals I've already found on Pinterest.