Leftover Mexi-Salad

I failed to take a picture of this creation, but it was fast, easy and pretty healthy, so I'll post the recipe. Last night I was trying to clean out my fridge/use up leftovers, and here's what I came up with:

1 small tortilla (a staple at our house)
a few spoon-fulls of black beans (leftover from previous meal)
a few spoon-fulls of brown rice (also leftover)
generous amount of salad mix (yup, another leftover)
salsa
cheese
dollop of sour cream

Directions:
sprinkle some cheese on the tortilla and microwave for 30 seconds. Layer the beans and rice on the tortilla. Cover with salad mix. Pour on some salsa for dressing and plop a little sour cream (or vegan substitute) on top. Sprinkle more cheese on top, if you're feeling daring.

Satisfying Summer Sandwich

I threw this sandwich together for a quick lunch.

Ingredients

two slices wheat bread (I'll post my aunt LeArta's quick and easy wheat bread recipe soon)

hummus

cheese (this sandwich had Havarti. I also love Pepper Jack)

tomato slices

avocado slices

matchstick carrots (shredded work well also)

mixed greens

salt and pepper to taste

The carrots give the sandwich a satisfying crunch, and complement the hummus well. Give them a chance--I think you'll like the results. :)

Tasty Pasta Salad

I adapted this recipe from a Cooking Light recipe (June 2006) to make it more kid-friendly. I tried it out with some friends, and it was a hit!

Ingredients

1 package Wacky Mac, or other brand of veggie enriched pasta

1 avocado, peeled and diced

1 tomato, diced (or 1 1/2 C grape tomatoes, cut in half)

1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced

1/4 red onion, diced

1 can (~15 oz) back beans, drained and rinsed

zest from 1 lime

juice from 1 lime

2 T cilantro, finely chopped

1 T cider vinegar

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, chop vegetables and rinse the beans. Combine veggies and beans in a medium bowl. Combine the zest and remaining ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. When pasta is done, drain it and toss it into the veggie/bean mixture. Pour the lime mixture over the top and toss well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if you like. Chill, if you like, or serve immediately. Serves 4-6, depending on your appetites.

My 2-year old enjoys this dish--I just have to leave the veggies big enough that she can pick out what she doesn't like (lately that's the tomatoes). Feel free to add whatever veggies are your child's favorite.