Guest Author - Jill Valente
Picnics are a great way to get out of your house and celebrate the season. I like to serve sandwiches and salads such as the ones listed with sliced honeydew melon and cantaloupe. Also a big bag of fresh cherries works great as a light dessert. Grab a bottle of crisp white wine and some sparkling water such as San Pellegrino and you are good to go.
Avocado and Cheddar Sandwich
This sandwich is great for vegetarians obviously because it has no meat in it but also because its packed with protein from the cheese and avocado. Meat eaters will also love it because its totally satisfying.
Ingredients
4 slices whole grain bread
1 tablespoon reduced fat mayonnaise
½ medium avocado, sliced
2 slices low fat cheddar cheese
4 tomato slices
½ cup sliced cucumbers
½ cup alfalfa sprouts
Directions
Place all four slices of bread on a cutting board and spread the mayonnaise equally onto each side. Layer 2 slices of bread with avocado and cheddar cheese. Top with tomato, cucumbers, sprouts and other 2 slices of bread. Makes 2 sandwiches. 7 points per sandwich.
Notes
Add some extra flavor by turning the reduced fat mayonnaise into herb infused mayo! A teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley and a pitch of cayenne pepper will do the trick.
Easy Greek Salad
Tasty and refreshing with fresh vegetables, this salad is great on a nice summer day and super easy to throw together.
Ingredients
3 vine ripe tomatoes, cut into chucks
½ English cucumber, halved and cut into thick slices
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chucks
½ small red onion, slices thinly
1/3 cup fresh feta cheese, crumbled
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
Ύ tsp salt
Ύ tsp black pepper
Directions
Combine tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese in a large bowl and toss together with red wine vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper. Makes 2 servings. 3 points per serving.
All you need now is a checkered blanket and someone special to share this healthy meal with. Enjoy!
