[tabs slidertype=”left tabs” auto=”no”] [tabcontainer] [tabtext] The Formula [/tabtext][tabtext] Protein Ideas [/tabtext][tabtext] Salad & Highlight Ideas [/tabtext][tabtext] Recipes [/tabtext][tabtext] Your Homework! [/tabtext] [/tabcontainer] [tabcontent] [tab]
Intro
Steak and salad.
Fish and salad.
Chicken and salad.
These are some of my favourite weeknight meals. And for that matter weekend meals as well…
My Irishman’s go-to for his Sunday night cooking escapades is Steak & Salad (with some sort of potatoes of course).
It’s such a winning combo.
The Formula
1. Quickly pan fry or BBQ a tender cut of protein. (Don’t worry vegetarians – there are plenty of options for you!)
2. Toss some salad leaves (or shaved veggies) on the side (with or without dressing them first).
3. Add a flavour highlight.
And dinner is ready!
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Protein Ideas
Tender cuts which are best cooked quickly are best here. And preferably not too thick as it can be difficult to get the middle cooked without completely burning the outsides.
Pescetarian Protein Ideas
- fish fillets
- fish steaks
- small ‘plate sized’ whole fish like rainbow trout or snapper
- prawns & shrimp
- squid
Carnivore Protein Ideas
- Steak – any kind.
- Eye Fillet – sliced into individual serves
- Lamb Cutlets
- Lamb Chops
- Pork Cutlets or Pork Chops
- Chicken Breast Fillets
- Chicken Thigh Fillets.
- Sausages
- Burger Patties
- Spanish Chorizo or other spicy sausage
Vegetarian ‘Protein’ Ideas
- Poached Eggs
- Fried Eggs
- Omelettes
- Halloumi Cheese
- Mushroom ‘Steaks’ with Roast Walnuts (for extra protein)
- Eggplant ‘Steaks’ with Roast Almonds (for extra protein)
- Chickpea Burgers
- Cooked Lentils or Beans
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Salad Ideas
My go-to here is to open a bag of pre-washed salad leaves and plonk them on the side of the plate. Then use the pan juices and whatever highlight ingredient I’m using to ‘dress’ the salad on my plate.
However if you have a little more time. Or want something a little more fancy. Here are some delicious salad ideas…
- Simple Green Salad
- Shaved Cabbage Salad
- Big Bistro Kale Salad with Walnuts & Blue Cheese
- Classic ‘Slaw
- Sunny Parisian Carrot Salad Bowls
- Lime & Tahini Kale Salad
- For more ideas see the The Art of Salads
Highlight Flavour Ideas
My uber simple go-to is to drizzle the cooked protein generously with my best extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon OR lime juice. This works with everything from steak to chicken to fish.
Here are some other ideas…
- Lemon or Lime Wedges (especially fab with fish)
- Fresh Herbs – leaves chopped or torn. Rosemary and parsley are my most-used, however mint, coriander (cilantro) are also fab for adding freshness.
- Crumbled Cheese – think feta, blue cheese or goats cheese
- Grated or Shaved Cheese – parmesan is my go-to
- Roast Nuts or Seeds – favourites at the moment are walnuts, cashews or almonds. Also love sunflower seeds and linseeds (flax).
- A Sprinkle of Spice – chilli flakes, chilli salt, za’atar (middle eastern spice blend), shicimi togarashi (Japanese spice blend).
- Olives (any kind)
- Anything from The Art of Sauce (think mayo, pesto, hummus, greek yoghurt or chilli oil)
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Protein & Salad ‘Template’ Recipe
Specific Protein & Salad Recipes – Pescetarian
- Simple Fish with Lemon Butter
- Lemony Miso Salmon
- Indian Spiced Salmon with Minty Yoghurt
- Fish with Asparagus & Goats Cheese
- Pan Fried Fish with Cashew Sauce
- Crispy Fish with Tahini Yoghurt & Walnut Herb Salad
Specific Protein & Salad Recipes – Carnivore
- Avocado & Buttermilk Chicken
- Pork & Fennel Burgers
- Indian Spiced Lamb
- Minute Steaks with Peppercorn Sauce
- Minute Steaks with Smashed Olives & Goats Cheese
- Steak with Herb & Chilli Oil
- Pepper Steak with Ricotta
Specific Protein & Salad Recipes – Vegetarian
- Quick Halloumi & Rocket Salad
- Crispy Fried Egg Salad
- Turkish Poached Eggs with Yoghurt & Sumac
- Quick Halloumi & Rocket Salad
- Sun-Dried Tomato Omelette
- Mushroom ‘Steaks’
- Eggplant ‘Steaks’
- Chickpea Burgers
- Zucchini Burgers
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Your Homework!
This is where the magic really happens…
1. Choose a protein.
2. Get some salad leaves
3. Choose a highlight ingredient.
4. Plan a night o make this simple dinner in the next week.
And I’ve love to hear how you get on? Are you already a Protein & Salad fan? Do share in the comments below… [/tab] [/tabcontent] [/tabs]
