This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Taylor Farms. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Taylor Farms Organic Chopped Salad Kits I am rewarded with pre-chopped fresh crunchy salad greens, a hassle free and healthy 10 minute dinner and, most importantly, more time with my family.
If you know me, even just a little, then I’ve probably asked you what kind of recipe inspiration most interests you. After all, by the time we reach our grown-up years or start to show an interest in cooking, we probably have those few favorite recipes tucked away for holidays and special events.
But what about all the other meals?
Almost unanimously, what most people want are easy, low prep, healthy weeknight dinners, or recipes that will get their kids to eat something other than mac n cheese, chicken nuggets and apple juice.
Since I have tried and tried and tried to get my child to eat something other than that listed above and fail at least 90 % of the time, let’s go back to the easy, low prep healthy dinners.
It is true that my job largely revolves around food and cooking; yet, somehow, I still feel frazzled and short on time come dinner every night. When I think back to a couple years ago, pre-blog, pre-cooking at all hours of the day, I try to remember how I managed getting dinner on the table every night.
And then I remember.
I had a one year old and a relatively low key life. My days revolved around feeding times and my child (hmm, is it any wonder I became a food blogger).
I guess one may say not a lot has changed, but in reality, my life is a whole lot different these days. Even with my son in preschool, there is simply never enough time to do what I need or what to do. I am always feeling slightly sleep deprived, in need of a holiday and always wishing for just a few more hours in the day.
This works for me. I thrive on being busy and having tasks or jobs to do. After all, I love my work and I love creating; the busier I am, the happier I am.
However, I still like to save time whenever possible. I mean, who doesn’t? Right?
So, when it comes to meal prep I like to save myself as much time as possible. I would much MUCH rather play with Octavian than chop a bunch of lettuce into tiny pieces.
For this time-saving help I turn to Taylor Farms Organic Salad Kits. Already washed and chopped, each kit comes with fun toppings and dressing. These salads are tasty tossed together for an easy on-the-go lunch, or dressed up with as many (or as few) ingredients as your stomach desires.
I often think of these super handy salads as my dinner base. I will usually rummage through my refrigerator and pull out any leftover vegetables, meat or grains and toss it all together.
The result?
An easy, headache free dinner with minimal dishes AND usually the whole thing turns out pretty healthy.
(sometimes Octavian will even sneak a bite or two!)
The salad in today’s post is no different…
So what’s in there?
Taylor Farms Organic Toasted Sesame Chopped Salad which includes chopped carrots, green onion, green cabbage and romaine lettuce all chopped, washed, and ready to go, plus yummy quinoa crisps, sunflower seeds and toasted sesame dressing. Then I added sliced red grapes, crunchy mini peppers, protein packed edamame, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber and NOODLES.
Yes, noodles.
We’re making a noodle salad to feed the whole family and it takes no more than 10 minutes.
10 Minute Toasted Sesame Chopped Noodle Salad
Ingredients
- 1-2 packages Taylor Farms Toasted Sesame Chopped Salad Kits
- 1-2 packets Udon noodles (substitute with ramen or Spaghetti noodles if desired, cooked until al dente)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen edamame (thawed)
- 1 pint (cherry tomatoes)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 2-3 seedless cucumbers (chopped or cut into noodles)
- 6-8 mini sweet peppers
- 1-2 cups mung bean sprouts
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes (halved)
Optional
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onion
- cilantro
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare noodles according to package instructions, taking care not to overcook.
- As the noodles cook, empty contents of the Taylor Farms Toasted Sesame Chopped Salad Kit into a large salad bowl, reserving dressing for serving.
- Add remaining chopped ingredients and gently toss to combine.
- When the noodles are ready, immediately rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and speed up cool-down. Transfer noodles to the salad bowl and toss everything together.
- Divide salad among bowls and drizzle with the sesame dressing provided.
Nutrition
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Enjoy!
Have leftovers? Pack them in a jar a take them to go 🙂
