Corn and Black Bean Salad

CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD

1 (15 1/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained (or fresh corn off the cob)

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped
6 green onions, chopped

1 large avocado, chopped
1/2 c. chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 c. fat-free Italian salad dressing
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 Tbsp. lime juice
3/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce (optional)
1/2 tsp. chili powder

In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients. In a small bowl. combine the salad dressing, cilantro, lime juice, hot pepper sauce and chili powder.
Pour over corn mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Focaccia Pizza Waffles

These are so much fun! I saw this on Rachael Ray and had to try it! If you don't make your own pizza dough, I recommend asking for some raw dough at your local pizza place. We got ours from Campania Pizza and More in Southlake- we love this place! Definitely not your typical pizza.

It was a great meal for two but I wouldn't recommend it for a large crowd unless you have several waffle makers ha! Fresh mozzarella, prosciutto and spinach salad were so yummy on this. But you could really use any toppings you like. Hope you'll give it a try!

Here's the recipe

Mixed Veggie Pasta Salad

So tonight I sort of threw this dinner together because I had a fresh bunch of asparagus that I need to use. I'm trying to make more meatless meals lately. I think this will become a regular one around here during the warmer months. I used the following recipe as inspiration....

http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/grilled_vegetable_pasta_salad/

Here are my changes:

Used whole grain penne instead of plain

Used yellow cherry tomatoes- I think they are sweeter than red.

Omitted the red onion and peppers

Added fresh spinach- didn't have basil

Used regular Italian dressing, some olive oil and parmesan cheese to dress it.

I grilled the asparagus on my indoor grill just with some olive oil spray and garlic salt for about 5-7 minutes. I let it cool and then cut into bite sized pieces. This was the only cooking involved besides the pasta. SO easy and fast! We will definitely have to have this again this summer when it's 100+ degrees outside!! Give this one a try and add or delete as you wish.

Turkey Spinach Meatloaf

So we just had this for dinner and it was pretty yummy... (if I do say so myself!) I used the following recipe for inspiration and made it the lazy way-- haha-- basically the same ingredients as the recipe, but I mixed it all together instead of in layers to make a pinwheel.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Turkey-Pinwheel/Detail.aspx

So here's what I did instead:

Mixed the first 10 ingredients in a large bowl with my hands. By the way, it's very important that you squeeze out all of the water from your thawed spinach before adding it! I baked this in a loaf pan lined with foil for about 45 minutes, then took it out and added ketchup to the top and baked for another 8-10 minutes.

Sliced Steak Salad w/ "Bloody Mary" Vinaigrette

I made this last night and we both really enjoyed this. It's SUPER simple but very yummy! Personally, I don't eat a ton of red meat on a regular basis. But if you choose a lean cut of beef for this, I think it can be a pretty healthy choice (once in a while!) Really loved the different flavors in this and the only time consuming part of this recipe is the cooking of the steak... so start it a little early if you can. I was using an indoor grill like Rachael used on the show.

Oh, and for the non-drinkers out there- no worries- there is no alcohol in the "bloody mary" vinaigrette! :)

My changes:

Couldn't find horseradish so I left it out- didn't miss it.

Omitted the parsley and endive (endive is a little pricy)

Added minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds to the dressing

Used green olives- had never heard of caperberries- have any of you??

Here's the recipe