Crisp greens are a great way to keep calories low but nutrition high for a weight loss diet.  In fact, salads are very quick and simple to prepare.  You can substitute any dried or fresh fruit and substitute any lean meat to make a delicious meal in minutes. Throwing together a quick salad is a great way to use up leftovers or small amounts of fruits and vegetables that might spoil otherwise.  Check out this Fruited Summer Salad Recipe below and enjoy with your family tonight!

Fruited Summer Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• ¼ cup slivered almonds (or any nut you have)
• 1 cup cubed chicken, skinless breast meat
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (or fresh berries of your choosing)
• ½ cup celery, chopped
• 2-3 cups salad greens

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, Dijon, and honey together.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until well coated.
3. Refrigerate until serving and top on your favorite bed of salad greens.

Makes 2 Servings

Nutrition Facts: Per 1 cup serving (chicken salad only, not including greens)

• 300 Calories
• 10 grams Fat
• 26 grams Carbohydrates
• 296 mg Sodium
• 4 grams Fiber
• 26 grams Protein

This recipe contains healthy polyunsaturated fats from the almonds and is a significant source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant.  It also has a good amount of protein which helps keep you full (essential for losing weight).  Please note - you may use Greek Yogurt instead of Regular Yogurt if you prefer it.

Preparing meals as part of a weight loss diet can be simple, delicious, and most of all nutritious.  For more information on weight loss programs in Lincoln, NE and Omaha, NE please visit WeightLossNebraska.com.