Have you ever opened your fridge and felt like there was nothing good to eat? Sometimes when we are low on fridge supplies it can be discouraging to make a healthy meal and tempting to go shopping again, which can lead to going over budget. This week’s recipe includes lots of pantry staples that can be used when the fridge looks like there’s nothing to eat!
MyPlate Salad
Making taco salad is one of my family’s favorite traditions. It’s easy to make and great for the budget.
To increase the health benefits and tastiness of your salad consider making it MyPlate themed. A MyPlate salad consists of the five different food groups:
- Fruits: Fresh, Canned, or Dried
Begin your pantry-inspired salad with some natural sweetness by adding fruits. You can use fresh fruits like apples, berries, or oranges, or even opt for canned or dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries.
- Vegetables: Canned and Jarred Options
Pantry-friendly vegetables like canned corn, peas, or carrots are fantastic choices for adding color, texture, and nutrients to your salad. They’re rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals which contribute to the nutrient profile of the salad.
- Protein: Beans, Legumes, and Canned Meats
Pantry staples like canned beans (black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans) and legumes (lentils, peas) provide an excellent plant-based protein source. Canned meats such as tuna or chicken is another protein-rich option that’s both convenient and nutritious.
- Grains: Whole Grains
To add a hearty element to your salad, incorporate whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta. These grains provide energy-sustaining complex carbohydrates and are high in fiber, which promotes digestive health.
- Dairy: Cheese and Yogurt
Incorporating a small amount of cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt can provide calcium and extra protein to your salad. Opt for lower-fat versions that are higher in calcium.
Create Better Health Recipes and Classes
Did you know that at Create Better Health lessons recipes are handed out for free? It’s true! This taco salad recipe comes from Create Better Health and is a great way to make a low budget healthy meal made from common pantry items.
For more free recipes from Create Better Health, visit Create Better Health’s and Create Better Health En Espanol’s blog. If you are interested in taking you and your family to free in-person classes across the state, visit our website to see where a class is located near you!
Not so interested in recipes but like the idea of free exercise ideas? Visit our Instagram or Facebook to learn more about our Your Choice Your Move initiative!
Taco Salad Recipe
I’ve been coming back to this recipe for the past year because it’s easy to make and is so tasty! Making this salad is a great idea for when you are running low on fridge supplies and need to use up some pantry staples.
-Captain Create
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