March 9, 2018 1 Comment

Satisfying Salads Cookbook 

The best of the best by the residents of the sunshine state! 

By Kristie Alexander – Last Updated: 3-1-2024

For Floridians, it’s – almost – always beach season and for many of us – we are constantly wanting to loose a few pounds. With some basic exercise and eating the right type of foods you’ll be on your way to shedding that unwanted weight in no time. Not to mention, staying healthy too. Bookmark our Satisfying Salads cookbook for unique, crazy, fun and satisfying salad recipes!

Try them all and let us know what you think.

tantalizing - saladSouthern Fruit Salad
By: June Mathis – Cape Coral, FL1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup chopped pecans ( optional )
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
2-1/2 cups whipped topping
3 cups miniature marshmallows

Directions:
In a large serving bowl, combine the fruit, pecans and sour cream. Fold in whipped topping and marshmallows. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Yield: 10-12 servings

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Myth: When dining out, it seems almost impossible to eat healthy. Facts: Weight loss and eating healthy is more recognized today than ever before.  People understand the importance of eating right and staying fit. You do NOT have to skip dinner at a local restaurant on date night to stay on track. No one knows your body better than you. If you are struggling with your weight, watch what you eat. You can always find a good salad or healthy options on the menu at these Florida restaurants.

Here’s some more Satisfying Salads to try at home

tantalizing - saladBroccoli Salad
By: Susan Temple – Pensacola, FL

1/2  cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
2  tablespoons sugar
2  tablespoons white vinegar
5 cups broccoli, cut into flowerets
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
1/4 cup sunflower nuts
6  slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions: 
Mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in large bowl. Stir in broccoli and onion; toss until coated. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours to blend flavors. Sprinkle with nuts and bacon before serving.

satisfying salads

Chickpea Salad
By: Tim Gordon Ocala, FL

2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas
1 medium cucumber
6 small tomatoes
1 ½ ounces feta cheese (or goat cheese)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions: 

Open, drain and rinse the chickpeas, and then add to a large bowl. Cut cucumbers into bite-size chunks. Cut the tomatoes into small wedges. Add the cucumbers and tomatoes to the chickpeas then break the feta cheese into crumbles on top. In a medium bowl, make the dressing. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, honey, and the fresh dill together then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.

satisfying salads

satisfying saladsYou have convinced yourself – that this time.. it will work. You are headed to the produce stand or grocery store and picking up all the goodies you need to make a salad. You’re going to eat satisfying salads all week. You get home, you’re starving and you grab a bag of chips to tide you over while putting away the healthy stuff. Let’s face it… it happens!

Here’s a tip that will change your life: Eat before you head to the store. Once you get home, put all your groceries away except for your salad goodies. Before doing anything else, wash and prepare your salad for the next few days. Use a GLASS container and do not put your tomatoes, salad dressing or anything else that’s “wet” in your dish. Your salad mix will last a good few days and this will stop you from grabbing those cookies and milk in a pinch!

Great salad toss in’s include; a variety of lettuce, a good spring mix is always a great choice – but honestly, the more variety the better. Diced peppers, ( red, green, yellow ) cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, nuts, ( almonds, pecans ) dried fruit, & a variety of cheese. Your options are endless. Choose your favorites and then create a salad – that will satisfy your soul.

More Satisfying Salads from the sunshine state!

satisfying salads

By: Dottie French Sanford, FL

2-3 medium romaine hearts, chopped
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn
1 cup chopped tomatoes
½ to 1 cup peeled and chopped or sliced jicama
1 cup chopped cucumbers
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup cubed cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Diced avocados, optional

Vinaigrette:

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

In a large bowl, toss together all the salad ingredients. Combine all the dressing ingredients together in a jar or blender and shake/process until well-combined. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Pour the dressing over the salad to taste or serve on the side.

Have a salad recipe that is out of this world?

If you have a salad recipe that you’d like to provide, email us at: discoverflorida@allaboutthesunshinestate.com. Be sure to include your ingredients, directions and a photo of your dish. All recipes published will receive recognition and automatically be included in all future drawings and contests held by Elite Advertising & Design, LLC – All About the Sunshine State.

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    1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
    1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail, drained
    1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
    1 cup chopped pecans
    1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
    2-1/2 cups whipped topping
    3 cups miniature marshmallows

    Directions:
    In a large serving bowl, combine the fruit, pecans and sour cream. Fold in whipped topping and marshmallows. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Yield: 10-12 servings.