salad with tomato, lettuce, corn, and carrots in a bowl on a table

Create-Your-Own Salad

As the weather heats up, there’s nothing quite like a fresh, crisp salad to keep things light and refreshing. With endless possibilities for greens, veggies, proteins, and dressings, the perfect salad is yours to create!


Ingredients:
Serves 4-6

  • Greens 10-ounce bag
    • Leaf lettuce
    • Spinach
    • Romaine lettuce
    • Kale
    • Mixed salad greens
  • Vegetables fresh, frozen, or canned
    Mix and match any vegetable, up to 2 cups
    • Tomato
    • Carrots, sliced or shredded
    • Cucumber
    • Bell pepper
    • Corn kernels
  • Optional Protein, 2 cups
    • Beans
    • Hard boiled eggs
    • Cooked chicken, turkey, beef
    • Edamame
    • Ham
  • Optional Toppings
    • Nuts, seeds, or fruit
    • Cheese, shredded
    • Croutons
    • Cooked pasta
  • Homemade Dressings, choose one
    • Simple Dressing
      • 3 tablespoons olive oil
      • 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
      • 1 teaspoon salt
      • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
    • Balsamic Vinaigrette
      • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
      • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
      • 3 tablespoons oil
      • 1 tablespoon honey
      • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and warm water.
  2. If using canned veggies, rinse thoroughly in a colander. If using frozen veggies, be sure to thaw before adding in step 4.
  3. Rinse vegetables before chopping, shredding, or adding into salad bowl.
  4. Combine desired homemade dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
  5. Combine desired ingredients in a large bowl and add your dressing.
  6. Use tongs to toss everything together and serve.
  7. Refrigerate any leftover dressing. If the oil thickens, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before using again.

Create-Your-Own Stir Fry

Looking for a fun dish to use some of those extra vegetables you have in the fridge? There are so many different ways that you can make this stir fry, so be sure to try them all!


Ingredients:
Serves 4-6

  • Whole Grains 1 cup dry (choose one)
    • Brown rice
    • Noodles
    • Quinoa
    • Barley
  • Protein 1 pound (choose one)
    • Chicken breasts or thighs
    • Sirloin or flank steak
    • Extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Vegetables 2 to 3 cups, sliced or chopped
    • Onion
    • Carrot
    • Broccoli
    • Snap Peas
    • Yellow Squash
  • Sauce: mix all ingredients together in a small bowl (choose one below)
    • Spicy Soy Sauce
      • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
      • 1 tablespoon water
      • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
      • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
      • 1 teaspoon jalaneño, minced
      • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • Teriyaki Sauce
      • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
      • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
      • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
      • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
      • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and warm water.
  2. Cook the grains according to the package instructions.
  3. If using chicken or steak, trim it and cut into cubes or thin slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil on medium high. If using chicken or steak, add it now and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  5. If using canned veggies, rinse thoroughly in a colander. If using frozen veggies, be sure to thaw before adding in step 6.
  6. Add the harder veggies (like onion, fresh carrots, and fresh broccoli) first. As they begin to soften, add softer veggies (like squash) and tofu, if using, Cook for 3-5 more minutes or until veggies are tender.
  7. Prepare the sauce in a separate, small bowl.
  8. Add the sauce and meat to the vegetables. Over medium heat, cook until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the spatula.
trail mix in 4 separate bowls

Walnut Trail Mix

Need a light snack to keep you going throughout the day? We’ve got you covered. This trail mix is just the thing that can keep you going until lunch or dinner!


Ingredients:
Serves 4-6

  • 2 1/4 cup corn squares cereal
  • 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2/3 cup raisins
  • 2/3 cup mini pretzels
  • 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Wash hands with soap and warm water.
  2. Combine corn squares, walnuts, raisins, pretzels, and chocolate chips in a medium bowl.
  3. Using a spoon, mix together the ingredients.
  4. Serve! If eating later, place trail mix into an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week.