As a part of the new year, I wanted to start a new series based on some of the cheap and easy meals I’m preparing over here. As a new mom, you bet your ass I’ve been making super quick meals to get through the day. And not only do they have to be fast, but filling because I am nursing and I am definitely burning through energy to keep up with the demand (Willow is actually the very hungry caterpillar). But as much as I have to eat to keep up, I also have been feeling pretty sluggish with my diet, so I am definitely trying to eat more salads that pack on the protein. Both Joe and I are trying to eat better to get back into shape.
ALSO, I know that a lot of people have concerns when it comes to eating vegan or more plant-based. I think the top concerns and excuses that I usually get are “I don’t have time” or “It seems expensive.” But to be honest, 95% of what I eat will take me less than 20 minutes to prepare. I want to make it my mission to show you that these statements don’t have to be true. I believe that a lot of what I post proves both wrong. But as the new year has begun, now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your diet and give plants a shot. Less/no meat is cheap and easy, trust me. Tack on the fact that a lot of people resolute to be healthier, I thought this cheap and easy salad was the best recipe to kick this series off. I hope you appreciate it’s simplicity.
Lettuce, carrot, scallions, rice, lentils…. these are really inexpensive buys. The most expensive buy up-front would be the vegan mayo, but even that is cheap when you have it on hand for at least a month or more. Same with the hot sauce!
Recipe
You will need:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 small carrot, peeled
- 1/4 cup red pepper, diced
- Rice and lentils, prepared according to package (I don’t have a specific amount here, because these were just leftovers for me. It’s best to make a batch of both and combine to have on hand all week!)
- 1 small scallion, sliced
- 1 tbs vegan mayo
- 2 tbs hot sauce of your choice (I like Frank’s)
To make:
- Place lettuce in bowl and add your toppings of carrot, red peppers, rice/lentil mix, and scallions.
- To make dressing, combine vegan mayo and hot sauce in a small bowl – stir until smooth.
- Top salad with dressing and enjoy.
Let me know in the comments if you like this type of series/idea. I appreciate any and all feedback to bring you guys content you’ll connect with. xx bianca
