Taco Tuesdays: Savory Salads. Slim down for that Halloween Outfit!

Since Halloween is quickly approaching in less than three weeks, I find it to be perfect timing to share some of my favorite salad recipes and and take-out places that can help keep you on the healthy track to looking good in that Halloween costume you have been dying to wear! Now I must say these salads will not work miracles...but combined with exercise, can really boost your health and make for a great meal. So let the tossing begin!

Here are a couple easy recipes I have tried:

Mango and Steak Salad with Cilantro Dressing. 
http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-recipe/mangosteak-salad-with-cilantro-dressing.aspx

Mixed Greens with Blue Cheese Crumbles, Fruit, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

What you need:
1. Bag of mixed lettuce, I usually go with a spring mix but any will work
2. 1 Mango
3. Blue cheese or gorgonzola crumbles
4. Tomatoes, the mini cherry tomatoes are perfect
5. 1 Apple
6. Balsamic vinaigrette (I like the balsamic dressing from Trader Joes and also Newman's brand)
7. 1 Avocado

This is my go-to weeknight salad. It is super simple to make. Just grab these items at Safeway or Trader Joe's , cut up all the fruit and veggies, and toss! Adding chicken is also great if you want to throw in some protein and eat it as a full meal.

Also, I am a huge fan of a good chinese chicken salad! Always tasty and often you can find sesame and ginger dressings at the store to make it even easier to prepare.
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chinese_chicken_salad/

Good Salad Take-Out Places 


1. Plutos:  Create your own salads here! This place is yummy, fast, and inexpensive. They have multiple locations in the city  http://www.plutosfreshfood.com/
2. Blue Barn: Located on Chestnut Street in the Marina, they have gourmet salads that are healthy and delicious. The ahi tuna salad is to die for there.  http://www.bluebarngourmet.com/
3. The Plant  http://www.theplantcafe.com/
4. Whole Foods Salad Bar: So many options to choose from and convenient when you want a salad to go.

My Favorite Salad in the City:   Hillstone's Thai Beef Noodle Salad. It's unreal... Also great place to go for a night out with friends or a date. They do not charge a corkage fee, so basically bottomless wine :)


http://www.hillstone.com/hillstone/