Meal prep this salad for lunch for under $25
Ordering lunch can be so exhausting. By the time I decide, I either don’t have enough time to enjoy it or feel guilty about how much I spend. With my dietary restrictions (celiac and nut-free), finding options in the NY metro area can be challenging, even with so many choices. So, I’m challenging myself to meal prep my lunches to save time and money. I’ll be sharing my journey to better self-care—focusing on what I eat, drink, read, and how I rest as a new mom—exclusively on #Lemon8 . It’s tough, but I hope my story helps someone else.
Roasted pear & beet salad
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time of pears & beets 15 minutes in air-fryer
Total time: 30 minutes
Serving: 5
ingredients:
3 medium sized beets, any variety (I used 2 large ones that were ready to serve)
a small drizzle of olive oil, for roasting the beets & pears
2 ripe pear, chopped into ½ inch pieces
¼ cup walnuts, toasted (optional)
¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled (or more)
A few handfuls of salad greens of your choice
¼-1/2 cup cooked quinoa (optional, for a heartier salad; i didn’t add this time)
Micro sprouts, for garnish (also optional)
1-2 tablespoons avocado oil
A drizzle of balsamic vinegar
Sea salt and fresh black pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Roast the beets/pears by drizzling them with a bit of olive oil, some salt and pepper, and wrapping them in foil. Depending on the size and freshness of your beets, they should take from 40 minutes to 1 hour to roast in the oven or less time in air-fryer. Check occasionally, when they are fork-tender they are done. Set them aside to cool. As soon as they’re cool enough to touch, run them under the faucet and slide off the skins with your hands. Chop into roughly ½ inch cubes and set them aside to cool completely.
Assemble all salad ingredients on a platter. Drizzle with a liberal amount of olive oil, a bit of balsamic vinegar, a little honey, and some salt and pepper or purchase a ready made salad dressing of choice.
#inexpensivemeals #mealprepideas #falllunchideas #glutenfree
Meal prep is an essential skill, especially for those looking to eat healthier while managing a tight budget. This roasted pear and beet salad is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The earthy sweetness of roasted beets combined with the juicy tartness of pears creates a balanced and satisfying salad. Additionally, using fresh ingredients like salad greens, walnuts, and goat cheese enhances both flavor and nutrition. For those with dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance or nut allergies, this recipe is adaptable. Simply omit the walnuts or replace goat cheese with a dairy-free alternative to suit your preferences. The quinoa can also be incorporated for added protein and fullness, making it a versatile choice for various diets. Meal prepping this salad can save significant time during the week. By preparing the components in advance, you can assemble the salad quickly when hunger strikes. Store roasted beets and pears in airtight containers, and as you start your meal prep journey, consider investing in quality meal prep containers to keep your meals fresh. Moreover, this salad is perfect for enjoying during fall and winter months when hearty flavors shine. You can also customize it with different dressings, like a honey balsamic vinaigrette or a simple lemon-salt dressing to elevate the taste. Whether you're a new mom looking to balance self-care with healthy eating or simply someone trying to navigate a busy lifestyle, this meal prep idea is easy to implement. Join the community on platforms like #Lemon8 where individuals share meal prep insights and health journey tips, fostering connection and support in achieving better eating habits. Enjoy your meal prep adventure!
This is definitely my favorite salad! 🥰