Yes, yesterday while my dinner party ate bacon topped burgers and chicken fingers, I sat looking at my Houlihan's Roasted Golden Beet and Quinoa Salad. Sometimes I ask myself why I still prompt for a salad over the comfort of fried food. Ugh. But, then I tried it and was reminded: simple ingredients unaltered by grease make me feel liberated. Okay, maybe that is a bit much. Still, I felt good about my choice. It was fresh, simple, and tasty.
Let's break it down by ingredient.
1. Arugula
The base of this salad, arugula, is a "rich source of certain phytochemicals that have been shown to combat cancer-causing elements in the body" according to
fullcircle.com. It adds flavor without the calories!
2. Beets
The beets are immune-boosting veggies rich in vitamin C, fiber, and other essential minerals like potassium. Also an additional note for those expecting, beets contain B vitamin folate which can help reduce birth defects.
3. Quinoa
Ah, the quinoa craze has reached new heights. But, this craze has got some good reasoning behind it. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free for those with gluten allergies or looking to cut back on gluten. It also contains iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E and fiber. It is one the few plant based products that is a complete protein that has pernine essential amino acids.
4. Walnuts
The magical nut when it is not "candied!" Don't get the ones coated with sugar. They can get addicting (might know this from experience.) My salad came with plain walnuts and I could not be happier. Walnuts reduce inflammation and improve the composition of blood fats.
5. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese. Yes. Cheese. This one is good for you of course in a good proportion. It's easier on your digestive system and lower in calories than cheese made from cow milk. And it still provides calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin K, phosphorus, niacin and thiamin! Personally, I think that goat cheese adds extra flavor to any dish.
6. The Optional Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken was a must with this salad because I wanted to feel full and not ready to grab another meal in a hour's time. Grilled chicken is lean and packed with protein to keep you fuller longer and promotes muscle growth and toning with an exercise regime.
Extra tips: Get the balsamic dressing on the side so you decide how much you want! Also, I skipped on the bread to avoid carbs for that particular day but remember one piece of bread is not the end of the world!
Overall, I would rate this salad 5 stars!
★★★★★
I would definitely give it another try. And, it's easy enough to make it at home, too.
Check the Houlihan's you are going to beforehand to see if this dish is available, as it is a seasonal option and not on the permanent menu.
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