At-home Southwest Chicken

Aside a massive (turkey) burger) or swimming in garlicky dressing, I love salad, but without all the bad stuff it usually just awakens my appetite, rather than suppressing it. That said, a salad which is massive, filling, healthy, affordable, and my go to meal in airports is (surprisingly) McDonald's Southwest Chicken Salad. It's pretty affordable (especially compared to other airport options), filling, and with grilled chicken it's healthy (the chicken has this delicious glaze that pretty much takes the place of dressing).

Conveniently, my love for mexican flavors (and Nachos in particular) means I tend to have most of these items on hand in my refrigerator. My other gripe is meals that take too long (marinating and cooking, etc) and too many ingredients. So, I put together some of the components and whipped up a tasty meal that was done in 5 minutes, tasted great, and was only 360 calories to boot!

Ingredients:
- "Chicken" - Morningstar Farms Meatless Buffalo Wings (altho Trader Joe's Frozen Chicken Strips would also work well)
- 1/8 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar
- 2 tbs fresh pico de gallo salsa
- 1-2 tbs ranch dressing (I used Kraft Fat-Free Ranch)
- 1/4 c Black Beans
- 1-1 1/2 c Chopped Romaine Lettuce

(optional toppings - crumbled tortilla chips, sour cream, guacamole/chopped avocado, lime wedge)

Microwave "chicken" as directed by package. Chop into small pieces. Combine with other ingredients in bowl. Mix. Eat. Delicious.

Turkey Burgers

Nothing is more satisfying in the summer than a deliciously grilled burger, although with a Foreman grill you can enjoy these any time of year. As a non-beef eater, I make my burgers with turkey, which need thorough seasoning. This is a basic mix which makes a flavorful but not overpowering patty that matches any number of toppings.

1 lb ground turkey (lean but not 99% gives a moist but healthy burger)
1 tbs McCormick's Barbeque seasoning
1/2 tsp Spike seasoning (available in health food stores, but can use seasoned salt or omit instead)
1/2 tsp Poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp Chili powder
1/3 tsp crushed garlic (or garlic powder)
1 egg

Preheat Foreman grill (grill pan, or frying pan) to high heat.
Mix and spoon one tbs onto pan to form a mini patty. Cook a few minutes and taste for flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste. Form mix into 4-5 equal sized patties.
Grill on each side 2-3 minutes until juices run clear (insert knife at an angle to pierce patty until juices run)

And now for the toppings...some of my favorites:

* Wilted spinach, sauteed onions, fried egg, and havarti cheese

* Mayonaise flavored with chili powder, Cheddar cheese, and guacamole

* Cheddar cheese and sauteed onions