December tends to be a month where there are lots of get togethers which tend to have a lot of food.  These recipes are some options for tasty dishes you could bring to an event to help keep you on your nutrition plan!  There may be items in this recipe which you won’t find on your template food chart - that’s ok. It doesn’t mean we encourage regular consumption of off-template items.  We are just realistic in that sometimes you want a healthier option but still some sweetness. And on occasion, that is definitely ok :)

Inspired by: The Real RDs

Ingredients:

Salad:

• 5 oz. mixed greens or spinach

• ½ small red onion, sliced

• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (may substitute dried cranberries or cherries)

• 1/3 cup toasted pecan halves

• ½ avocado

Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp. organic olive oil

• 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1/2 tsp. orange zest, optional

• 1 ½ tsp. pure maple syrup (not template compliant, so you could skip this or just enjoy it for a special event!)

• 1 tsp. dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/2 small shallot)

• 1/4 tsp. dried basil or thyme (may substitute 1/2 tsp. fresh herbs)

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small saute pan over low-medium heat, lightly toast pecan’s by stirring continuously for 2-4 minutes.

2. Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Combine salad ingredients, except for the avocado, on a large platter or in a bowl.

4. Just before serving, slice avocado and add to salad. Then toss salad with vinaigrette and serve.

Whole recipe serving breakdown:

0 Servings Protein

2 Servings Carb 

6 Servings Fat

3 Servings Veggies