Vegetarian Salad ... oxymoron, I think not

For all o y'all haters out there dissin my title, stop and think a moment about any restaurant salad ordering experience.

Salads have meat, fish, tons of cheese, and if, in fact, you find a salad with out these, then it will have some sort of meat dressing (bacon dressing, etc.)

This past summer I tried to eat more vegetarian food and found it surprisingly difficult. Though most restaurants do serve some vegetarian options, they tend to not be extraordinarily healthy and/or they don't have many choices.

So I've compiled a few filling and healthy vegetarian salads with innumerable possibilities. I hope you enjoy!

Couscous Salad (w. roast chicken if you wish)

1 cup couscous (dried)
avocado
pomodorino tomatoes, quartered
baby spinach leaves
cucumber
minced garlic
vegetable stock
paprika
extra virgin olive oil
pinto/red/chick peas/low salt&sugar baked beans (whatever kind of beans you like)
red peppers (if you like...I usually don't)

1. steam couscous in vegetable stock 
2. stir in paprika and minced garlic to taste 
3. Stir in avocado, tomatoes, beans, cucumber, peppers and any thing else you fancy :)
4. drizzle with olive oil and fluff so the couscous looks light 
5. add spinach on the side and enjoy! 

Rice and Beans Salad 

half and onion, minced 

minced garlic 

minced celery 

grated carrots 

rice 

pinto/red/chick peas/kidney/low salt&sugar baked beans (whatever kind of beans you like)

red peppers 

cucumber 

baby spinach 

1. mix onion, garlic, celery and carrots together 
2. stir in cooked rice (hot or cold) 
3. stir in beans, red pepper and cucumber 
4. add whatever sort of dressing you like and toss with the spinach 
5. (add any sort of cheese you think goes with the salad. I usually pick mozzarella (italian or oil and vinegar) or cottage cheese (ranch))