They say you shouldn't have too many things on your to-do list and they are totally right (whoever they are). Whenever I have too much stuff to do, I tend to just switch off and not do anything at all, procrastinate all day while watching Netflix and telling people I'm too busy "working". Yeah, right. Yep that's the story of my life these past week basically.
Okay, I did do some work these past few weeks. I did a lot actually, I shot 15 recipes! Edited all the photos, uploaded them all into the posts, added recipes, and most of all the other things that go into creating a post. Yet here I am, finishing my post for the next day late again (it's almost midnight). I'm hoping that my time management and the schedule gets better starting next month. I'll be in a new environment and I hear that tends to help with creativity and productivity. If that doesn't help, then the fact that I'm finished (except for the writing) with 15 posts ahead of time is giving me a peace of mind.
About the different environment... It's really happening! I'm moving to Toronto and it's pretty terrifying. I'm also equally excited for the year ahead of me and I can't wait to share it all with you! <3 I'm planning more than just recipes. I want to do reviews of products and restaurants, playlist posts (I've already started this month. Check out my workout playlist for April here), and more! So much exciting stuff coming!
About this weirdly named "Anything You Have Chopped Salad"... I didn't really know what to call this lol. I keep making this kind of mixed salad almost every single day of the week so it seemed weird that I've never shared it with you on here. The thing is, this is a very make-it-yours kind of a salad. I always put different stuff in it. And it's always very very good.
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The base is usually: 10 cherry tomatoes, ½ cucumber, lots of greens (any kind) and then the rest is adjustable. I usually add something hearty and filling to it like quinoa, brown rice (or black or red rice), chickpeas, beans, or I just serve it with hummus if I don't have any of those. I also like to add roasted veggies on top, kimchi, goat cheese, said hummus, or anything else I have/am craving that day. Then when I'm done putting it together, I usually just choose olive oil and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for dressing. It's a classic and it's almost guaranteed that it'll taste well with anything you put into the bowl. I also started using this tasty wild pomegranate vinegar to switch things up a bit (it's by some UK brand, I forgot the name). I either eat it like that or if I'm feeling it, I'll load the salad with any dry or fresh herbs I have. I usually add dried herbs because I always have those on hand. My favorites are parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. I also like to add a pinch of garlic and/or onion powder, and of course freshly cracked sea salt and pepper. You could even sprinkle on some nutritional yeast if you think it would work with the flavors. The options are literally endless! This is the best recipe to use up all your veggies you don't know what to do with. Roast some fennel, steam some broccoli, roast some okra — whatever it is, throw it in a bowl with some greens, tomatoes, and cucumber and it will be delicious. ;)
📖 Recipe
Anything You Have Chopped Salad (my go-to work lunch)
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 1 1x
- Category: Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 10 cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ¼ cup cooked chickpeas (from a can is fine, just rinse and strain them)
- 2 cups or more greens - choose one or a mix (baby spinach, green leaf, red, leaf, kale, romaine, iceberg, arugula, frisee, radicchio, watercress, Boston/butter lettuce, etc. - the options are endless)
- ¼ avocado, diced
- Optional seasoning: sea salt, pepper, a sprinkle of dried or fresh herbs (oregano, cilantro, parsley, or basil), onion and/or garlic powder, chilli or chipotle, or a seasoning mix you like
- Other optional add-ins or substitutes: regular tomatoes, red onion, carrots, radishes, roasted vegetables (bell peppers, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, okra, beets, baby corn, etc.), hummus, brown/red/black rice, beans, chopped nuts, hemp seeds, and if not vegan a hard-boiled egg or goat cheese
- Dressing: 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoon ACV or lemon juice (this combo works with everything but you can sub any dressing you might like (see post for links to different dressings)
Instructions
- If you don't have any leftovers, start by cooking your quinoa. I always like to cook 1 cup dry which yields over 2 cups cooked which lasts me for 2-4 days in the fridge.
- Prepare all your ingredients and add them into a big bowl. This really is an anything-you-have chopped salad so feel free to omit or add any vegetables you like.
- Toss it with two spoons to mix and pour over the dressing and toss again.
- Either enjoy immediatelly or put into a plastic/glass box and take to work/school with you. Lasts 1-2 days in the fridge.
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Crystal says
This sounds so yummy - well, everything but the tomatoes, as I don't like those- lol. Never thought of adding quinoa to my salad. 😉
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Oh adding quinoa to a salad is the best <3 My friend also can't stand tomatoes haha you can always skip those ;)
Candy says
I have added rice and all kinds of stuff leftover. All good in a salad.
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Absolutely! :)
Victoria says
Wanna come be my personal chef!? This looks amazing. I'll have to try it.
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Haha maybe :P Thanks, Victoria!
Ayanna @ 21FlavorsofSplendor says
I love this idea! I'm always looking for new lunch ideas and usually have a variety of things that I can throw into a salad. So it looks like I know what I'm having for lunch tomorrow.
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Yay! Happy to hear that, salads are the best :)
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries says
What a perfect way to use up veggies! Also like the addition of the quinoa for the protein!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Exactly! Thanks!
Lindsey says
LOVE a good chopped salad! I want to try this one!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
You definitely should ;)
Kelly says
This looks so yummy! You've inspired me for my lunch tomorrow!!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Yay! That's awesome! :)
Amanda | The Golden Girl Diary says
This looks so good! I think have all of the goods so I'm making it today!
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
Alexandra says
Great idea. I usually get stuck in the rut of thinking I have to have specific ingredients for a specific salad. Welcome to my life, flexibility!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Yay! :)
Emily says
Quinoa in salad is such a good idea! I've never tried it, but I know how I want to dress up my salads now!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
It's such a good addition because it's a great protein source and it fills you up :)
Dominique says
This looks SO DELICIOUS. I'm so hungry right now!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Thanks! ;)
Kristine-Bites of Flavor says
I love salads that you just throw together like this! Congrats on your BIG move! WOW! Such an exciting time ahead for you. Can't wait to see your posts from your new life!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Yeah, thank you so much!! I couldn't be more excited! :)
Candice says
This looks amazing! I'm going to have to add it to my lunch menu, I've been in such a rut lately!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Thanks Candice! Hope you like it! <3
Kate says
I keep seeing people add quinoa to their salads, and it's really something I had never considered until now. Thanks so much for sharing!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Yeah, quinoa in a salad is the best! <3
Jazz says
This is a great idea for the work week!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Thanks, Jazz! :)
Amanda Kruse says
I love salads, especially with chicken in them. I will have to try adding rice in mine next time.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Totally! :)