Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Zucchini Ribbon Salad


Looking for a cleansing salad to get you back on track from Thanksgiving weekend?  This Salad is more than just Pretty,  its packed with greens and full of flavor.  The Feta Cheese and toasted almonds are the perfect topper adding flavor and crunch.  Why add Zucchini's to your diet?  Well I'll tell you....


My Top 3 reasons for runners to eat more Zucchini:

Zucchini's are a great source of Potassium, Which will help counter act those muscle cramps.  Potassium is an important electrolyte aiding in recovery and fluid balance in the body.
1 Cup of Zucchini contains nearly 30% of your daily intake of Vitamin C!  Vitamin C is crucial for a healthy body, aiding in many processes including freeing your tissues of harmful free radicals, keeping tissues strong, and helps your body metabolize cholesterol.
The peels of zucchini have dietary fiber which helps with digestion.  The high amounts of fiber in zucchini also help prevent carcinogenic toxins from settling in the colon, lowering the chance of certain cancers.

So here's the recipe, enjoy!


Zucchini Ribbon Salad:

Ingredients-
-about 2 big handfuls or more of arugula or spinach
-1 clove garlic minced 
-3 tsp olive oil
-1 tsp apple cider vinegar 
-1 tsp Dijon Mustard
-feta cheese to your desire
-Oregano, salt, pepper to taste
-handful of toasted nuts (I used almonds but can use pine nuts, walnuts, etc)
-2 medium size Zucchini's

Directions:
-make your zucchini ribbons with a vegetable peeler or a mandolin slicer (about 1/16")
-Sauté the ribbons in a pan with olive oil, or you can cook the strips on a grill until tender.  Let them cool
-mix the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasoning to make the dressing. 
-toss the salad base greens with the dressing
-top with zucchini ribbons, feta cheese, and toasted nuts

Bon Appetite!