I love a good salad, and I love it even more if it is easy to make. I won’t lie, I kinda think chopping things like lettuce and cabbage is drudgery. It’s just not a fun thing to do and it takes more time than I want.
Don’t get me wrong, when I really have to pinch pennies, I do chop these items, but if not then I give myself a break and buy it already chopped. Is anyone with me on this? Or am I the only one?
Regardless, all my produce for a salad gets rinsed very well and is allowed to dry before using it.
I don’t put much thought into creating salads, often using what I already have on hand because it helps to keep costs down.
This tossed salad is basic. It doesn’t require many ingredients and tastes good. It’s the perfect side salad, or addition to work week meals.
Ingredients:
Greens such as lettuce, spinach, or kale (some people message oil into kale to make it less stiff, I guess. I have never done this but if you want to, go ahead and do so before preparing the salad.)
Large tomato, or some smaller ones
Large cucumber
Mozzarella cheese (either a block you can chop up or shred, or those little mozzarella balls you can cut in half or quarters)
Olive/Avocado oil
- Be sure all produce is washed and dried off.
- Chop the produce into small pieces, placing it all into a medium to large bowl depending on how big a salad you are making.
- Chop or shred the mozzarella, adding this to the bowl.
- Drizzle oil over the salad in the bowl. You do not need a lot.
- Toss everything together in the bowl. I usually use my hands. Naturally, you always want clean hands when preparing food.
- Store in the refrigerator either in your meal packs, or in individual bowls so they are easy to grab for meals or a snack.
Notes:
- To turn this into a main meal, add shredded chicken or beef, or even taco meat. You could also add things like other vegetables, fruit, seeds, and nuts. Go ahead and make it as hardy as you like.
- As is, this salad makes a great snack or side.
- In my area, it is cheaper to buy a block of cheese and shred or slice it yourself. This is what I usually do. Is it the same in your area? My understanding is that a block of cheese is also healthier than shredded. Also, I buy store brand to save a little extra. And you can freeze the blocks of cheese or shred them and freeze that way. So, if it is cheaper in the long run to buy the bigger block where you are from, go for it.
- Okay, I know organic oils are not exactly cheap, but they are healthier and a little goes a long way. I know I could take the time to figure out the cost per serving, but I am just not going to. Oils are used for different things, so that would vary. Because I have diabetes, getting in healthy fats is especially important. I try not to skimp on this.
- As much as I would like to, I don’t always have the budget for all organic produce. Look up the Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen if you are wondering what foods should be organic. Doing so will help you to budget as wisely as possible for these foods.
- The best way to save money is to grow the produce yourself. Do you do this? If prices keep rising, I think I am going to beg my landlord to let me grow at least a few things.
- I love a good beefsteak tomato but will get whatever is most economical. Sometimes it is Roam. Sometimes grape or cherry tomatoes.
I hope I have given you some good tips on how to save money on what you need for a simple salad. Please let me know your version of this salad in the comments.
~ Shannon
