Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts | Made by Meaghan Moineau

**Title: Zesty Delight: Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts**

**Description:** Dive into a symphony of flavors with our Spicy Salad featuring kidney beans, cheddar, and a medley of nuts. This vibrant dish is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a wholesome meal that can be whipped up in record time. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying, boasting a tantalizing mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements. Join me as I share a cherished family memory that this delightful salad brings to mind.

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**The Art of Quick and Healthy: Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts**

When it comes to preparing a meal that's both quick and nourishing, salads often take the spotlight. This Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that's delicious and deeply satisfying. As a bonus, it's a meal that carries with it a personal story from my childhood that makes it even more special.

**Ingredients:**

- 1 cup cooked kidney beans, rinsed and drained

- 1/4 cup almonds

- 1 ripe avocado, sliced

- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, torn into small pieces

- 4 cups mixed greens

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1/4 cup salted roasted cashews

- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, cut into strips

- A dash of Tabasco

**Instructions:**

1. Begin by preparing your ingredients: Rinse and drain the kidney beans, cut the sundried tomatoes into strips, and tear the cheddar cheese into small, bite-sized pieces.

2. In a large salad bowl, lay down a bed of mixed greens. Top the greens with kidney beans, sundried tomatoes, cheddar cheese, almonds, and cashews.

3. In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Stir well to create a zesty dressing.

4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring every ingredient gets a touch of that spicy, tangy goodness.

5. Give it a gentle toss, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.

This salad is not just a wonderful mix of textures and flavors but also a slice of my family's culinary history. Growing up, Sundays were reserved for family picnics in our local park. My mother would pack a wicker basket with freshly prepared dishes, and this spicy salad was always a staple. I remember the vivid flavors of the kidney beans and cheddar mixing with the crunch of the nuts and the tangy kick from the Tabasco-laced dressing. It was the perfect meal to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, surrounded by laughter and the rustling of leaves.

**Difficulty:** 3/10

**Classification:** Main Dish

With its simple preparation and vibrant flavors, this salad is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, healthy meal that's rich in protein and fiber. Whether you're reminiscing about family picnics or simply seeking a nutritious lunch option, this Spicy Salad with Kidney Beans, Cheddar, and Nuts is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the journey of flavors and memories with every bite!

Grilled Ham and Cheese French Toast For A Quick Weeknight Dinner | Made by Meaghan Moineau

# Grilled Ham and Cheese French Toast: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Dinner Delight

## Description

Discover the recipe for Grilled Ham and Cheese French Toast, a delightful twist on a classic sandwich that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With layers of lean turkey ham, low-fat Jarlsberg cheese, and a tangy kick from dill pickles, all enveloped in a crisp, golden French toast crust, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this mouthwatering meal that combines the comfort of French toast with the savory satisfaction of a grilled cheese sandwich. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is rated 4 out of 10 in difficulty and is classified as a Main Dish.

## Ingredients

- Buttermilk

- Egg whites

- Dijon mustard

- Wheat bread

- Low-fat Jarlsberg cheese

- Lean turkey ham

- Dill pickles

- Low-fat light Smart Balance Heart Right spread

## Instructions

1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the buttermilk and egg whites. Set aside.

2. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of wheat bread. On 4 slices, place a slice of low-fat Jarlsberg cheese. Arrange lean turkey ham over the cheese. Add 3-4 thin slices of dill pickle to each sandwich. Top with the remaining slices of bread, mustard side down.

3. **Cook the Sandwiches:** Melt 1 tablespoon of reduced-fat butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Dip 2 sandwiches into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring both sides are coated but not soaked. Allow excess to drip back into the dish. Add the sandwiches to the pan, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes.

4. **Finish Cooking:** Uncover, flip the sandwiches, press down with a spatula, cover again, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove the sandwiches, place them on a baking sheet, and keep warm in the oven.

5. **Repeat and Serve:** Repeat the cooking process with the remaining sandwiches. Once all are cooked, slice each sandwich in half and serve with a fork and knife.

## A Taste of Nostalgia

Growing up, Sunday evenings were always a special time in our household. After a busy weekend, my family would gather around the kitchen table, eager for the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal. My mother often made her famous Grilled Ham and Cheese French Toast, and it quickly became a family tradition. We would watch her expertly whip up the buttermilk and egg mixture, spreading mustard with a flourish and layering the ham and cheese with precision. The sound of the sandwiches sizzling in the pan was our cue to gather around, forks in hand, ready to dig in. Those evenings were filled with laughter, shared stories, and the simple joy of a delicious meal. Creating this dish now brings back those cherished memories, and I hope it becomes a beloved tradition for your family too.

## Difficulty and Classification

This Grilled Ham and Cheese French Toast is rated a 4 out of 10 in difficulty, making it an easy-to-follow recipe even for novice cooks. It is classified as a Main Dish, perfect for a satisfying and quick weeknight meal. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and the nostalgic comfort it brings to your dinner table.

Tag: Quick