UrbanMoms and California leafy greens know that when you eat well you feel well. Discover new and delicious ways to incorporate leafy greens in your diet. California leafy green farmers recognize their responsibility to produce a safe product and are committed to protecting public health. It is also important for food preparers to take steps to maintain safety all the way to the table. Practicing safe-handling methods in the home can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and keep your family healthy!
Over the next two weeks Cayla from the UrbanMoms Kitchen and Jen from The Fit Housewife will be reviewing two recipes provide by California leafy greens. These fabulous chefs will offer their opinion and insight into making recipes that are great tasting and good for you too. They will be also giving away a fabulous leafy greens gift basket valued at over $275. Click here for details. Your comment below is your entry to win this fantastic prize for your kitchen.
This versatile recipe can be served as a deconstructed salad in fun individual lettuce bundles, or even as fresh, healthy lettuce wraps your guests can build themselves at a buffet-style party. The creamy taste of butter lettuce is a perfect complement to the Thai vinaigrette.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Makes 6 servings
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper .5 mL
1 tbsp garlic, minced 15 mL
1 tbsp lemongrass paste 15 mL
1 tbsp sugar 15 mL
1 tbsp sunflower oil 15 mL
3 tbsp Thai fish sauce 45 mL
3 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice 45 mL
1 large mango peeled and cut into thin strips
½ small red onion, sliced very thin
1½ cups grape tomato halves 375 mL
3 tbsp fresh mint, chopped 45 mL
3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 45 mL
1 avocado, peeled and cut into wedges
6 butter lettuce leaves
Directions:
1. Combine cayenne pepper, garlic, lemongrass paste, sugar, sunflower oil, fish sauce and lime juice in a serving bowl.
2. In a serving bowl, toss together mango, onion, tomatoes and herbs. Gently, mix in avocado. Add in vinaigrette and toss gently to distribute. Spread butter leaves over serving platter and top with mango salad. Serve salad immediately.
Cayla’s from the UrbanMoms Kitchen Recipe Review:
Last summer, my husband and I went on the trip-of-a-lifetime to Thailand. We loved everything about the country: the amazing people, breathtaking beaches, and the awe-inspiring architecture. But when I think back to the most memorable part of the trip, I think about the food. Whether it was from a street vendor in Bangkok or a 5-star restaurant at a resort in Phuket, each and every dish we had was unbelievable. When I received the recipe for Thai Mango Salad from California Greens I was excited to try it, not just because I love the flavours of Thailand, but because I love having salad as a main course and this hearty salad looked like it would fit the bill.
When I went shopping for this recipe, I really took my time at the store. The butter lettuce this recipe calls for isn’t just there for flavour, its also an important part of the presentation (which as you can tell from the photos, is gorgeous). Thus, I wanted to make sure that the head I chose was the best one I could find. According to California Leafy Greens, you should only purchase greens found in the refrigerated section of the store. Not only does it help maintain their crispness, the cold temperatures also ensure their safety. I could have chosen bagged salad; it is just as fresh and, as long as it says “triple washed”, safe to eat right out of the bag, but since I wanted whole-leaf lettuce, I chose a fresh-looking head without any damaged or brown leaves.
After separating the leaves carefully washing and drying the Butter Lettuce under cool water, I stored it in the fridge until it was time for assembly, a must for food safety and taste. Only then did I begin to prepare the rest of the recipe, which didn’t take long. With the exception of the fish sauce, I was familiar with all of the ingredients but since they are so diverse, I was looking forward to how they would taste when they all came together. It was when I poured the dres
sing over the mango, tomatoes, and avocado, the aroma hit my nose; it was Thailand.
This was the smell that I inhaled every day last summer right before eating each delicious meal. I spooned the salad over the butter lettuce and took a bite. It tasted like I remembered: the perfect combination of salty, sweet, sour, and spice. While my kids are sometimes reluctant to try new ethnic foods, because this one was so bright and colorful, they dove right in. They enjoyed it as much as I did. And even though the recipe states that it should be served immediately, I think that the hour it rested in the fridge before my husband came home allowed the rich flavours to come together even more and he, too, enjoyed a little taste of Thailand for supper.
Jen’s From The Fit Housewife Recipe Review:
I love this time of year. The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and it’s time to start firing up the grill. During the warmer months, I prefer not to use my oven to cook. It heats up the house too much. Plus, I would rather be outside enjoying the fresh air while cooking our meal.
During the spring and summer, we like to barbeque our meat. But we can’t just eat meat for dinner, so I usually turn to fresh, crisp greens for our side dish. However, the typical side salad can get a little boring after a while. Why not change things up a little by making some lettuce bundle salads! These salads are not only fun to eat, but they are also full of healthy ingredients such as California Leafy Greens, tomatoes, mango, avocado, and fresh herbs.
As you can see, I substituted Romaine lettuce cups for the butter lettuce as my local grocery store was sold out of butter lettuce. However, I found the Romaine cups worked perfectly.
This salad was delicious! We loved the flavour of the vinaigrette; it had a slightly spicy but sweet taste.
The kids loved the idea of spooning what they wanted into the lettuce cups. This salad would be perfect to have on those warm summer nights when you don’t feel like using your oven. You could also serve these as appetizers at a party and let your guests build their own lettuce cups.
To enter the contest, simply share below how you use leafy greens in your kitchen.
The contest ends on Tuesday, May 28, 2012.
Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations.
UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don’t forget to sign-in. Not a member yet? Click here to join.
The contest ends on Tuesday, May 28, 2012.
Macaroni salad is served on a bed of mixed greens.
Hello, I really enjoy entree salads that have a variety of nuts, cheese and dried fruit mixed with salad greens.I also add leafy lettuce to sandwiches that I make to add crunch and vitamins. at meal times. During the summer months, leafy lettuce is always added as a topper to barbequed hamburgers and chicken burgers. Leafy lettuce is a staple in our household and I try to use it in some form or another daily.
Thanks for sponsoring this awesome giveaway and for the opportunity to participate.
I love salads and this recipe tickles my ‘Thai’ fancy, one of my favourite foods. I use avocados in many different recipes including egg dishes. I often add cilantro to salads. I stopped buying commercial salad dressings and only use extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a little lime and pepper. Even my daughter loves this dressing. I am going to print this recipe…just in time for dinner on the patio with this lovely weather that we are having in Victoria, BC.
I use leafy greens to garnish sandwiches and burgers. I love that extra “crunch” it gives.
like to use leafy greens on sandwiches and on tacos
Im not that creative with leafy greens,,I use them for salads,or on a burger,or in tacos,,thats about it!
I mostly use leafy green in salads. I seldom have a cold sandwich, but will include leafy greens when I do.
I use larger leafy greens as wraps instead of breads.
I like to add a layer of baby spinach in my lasagna or a handful into a fruit smoothie.
I’m pretty asic with leafy greens – it’s almost excusively salads, although we’ll sneak bits out of the salad greens for taco or burger night. My husband doesn’t like greens and my daughter changes her mind daily, so it’s mostly just me eating them.
mostly salads but in stirfrys as well
I love leafy greens in my salads and on my burgers.
I use them on sandwiches, in salads, and I make all kinds of chips from leafy greens like kale, brussel sprout and spinach chips. I also use them for wraps instead of carb laden things like tortillas.
I use leafy greens as a garnish and as snack food crunchies.
We use leafy greens for salads, in tacos, in sanwiches and burgers. I always have some in my fridge 🙂
I use leafy greens for a variety of fresh salads and also my special green greek style spinach, parsley, feta pie in phyllo pastry!
I use leafy greens in all sorts of ways. We love greek salad and actually I’ve been making lots of summer salads lately. I also use leafy greens in sandwiches and to serve mayo based appetizers on.
I use leafy greens in burritos, salads,and sandwiches.
We use leafy greens in so many ways. We use them as wraps. We make all kinds of salads. We add them to sandwiches. We even try “out of the box” ideas like making kale chips.
Leafy greens are a fantastic addition to any style of burger, sandwich or smoothie. So many benefits!!
Love to put leafy greens in smoothies for the kids and myself.
We eat a lot of leafy greens. We make fresh veggie juices every day and eat two to three green salads.
I sneak leafy greens into smoothies, they are not noticable and it is a healthy way to get greens into kids!
I use leafy greens in my kitchen whether it be lettuce, spinach , arugula or kale in my kitchen when preparing food because these are very healthy and leafy greens are a great source of Vitamin K which helps the body transport calcium. I also use leafy greens in sandwich, taco or burger recipes as a topper, in wraps,salads, as appetizers or side dishes. I really do love getting creative in the kitchen with healthy foods whether it’s just making something for a typical family night lunch or dinner using leafy greens or if it’s for a girls night in for small appetizers that are fun and inviting to try even for the kids when they need something healthy to snack on. Whether I steam these veggies or toss them or cook them or have them fresh it is always easy and fast to prepare. In salads I love adding purple onion slices, pear, strawberries, red or green peppers, chicken slices, carrots, or cheese sometimes, usually paired with a nice light dressing. Sometimes I do make healthy shakes and juices with leafy greens as well for they are needed for proper bone formation and blood clotting. Calcium is key and why not live a healthy lifestyle? It is of course the best way.
Have to admit, most of our leafy greens are veggies that we steam whether spinach or gai lan. Prepping leafy greens once a week before hand can make things a little easier too. Then assembly time is a bit faster and more likely to happen.
I use them in wraps, sandwiches, salads and burgers
I use them in wraps and sandwiches.
I use leafy greens in sandwiches to add colour and flavour.
I use them in salads, and love using nice crisp lettuce leaves as wraps
We use leafy greens much in this same way – as boats or wraps. They are much healthier than sandwiches and a plain salad can sometimes be boring!
I pick leafy greens from my garden and enjoy adding dried cranberries, purple onion slices and mandarin orange pieces to the greens , topping it with a light dressing.
I use greens in salads and sandwiches. I wash the lettuce as soon as I bring it home so it is ready to use right away and doesn’t go limp in the bottom of the fridge.
I use them for the obvious salad, and also use lettuce in sandwiches and tortillas. I love the idea of replacing bread with lettuce and bundling up the sandwich. sounds delicious, and healthy too.
Oops – that should read “bundling”
Of course, I do the obvious salad thing, and also use lettuce on sandwiches and in tortillas. I love the idea of replacing bread with lettuce and buncling up the sandwich. Sounds delicious.
I use them in salads.
I mostly use leafy freens in salads and sandwiches. I have to experiment more.
I make blender drinks using leafy greens. Better for the kids.
I use leafy salad greens and an asian salad mix (1/2 and 1/2) with almonds (sliced) and crunchy fried noodles, red pepper slicess, chicken slices and an asian style dressing in wraps and it is very yummy. crunchyand sweet
I also use greens, shredded carrots, basil, asian noodles and wrap them in rice noodles for fresh rolls – yummy
I use it to make salads and i even use spinach to make green smoothies!
I use leafy greens on burger ,sandwiches , tossed salads
My older 2 kids LOVE lettuce wraps! We use anything from chicken breast and veggies to tuna salad…or mock sushi!! (I use lettuce in California rolls instead of dried seaweed!) They also love when i make spinach sauce for our pasta! (i just add a few spices and herbs to a basic white sauce (butter, milk ,bit of flour and salt)and some pured spinach 🙂
I make chicken wraps with lettuce! 😀
We use leafy greens (all kinds of lettuce and spinach) to make yummy salads and to add to sandwiches. Nothing very creative, but very yummy.
We use leafy greens in our great garden salads and on our homemade burgers.
We use greens in salad primarily but also in sandwiches too. No one in my house wants a sandwich unless we have lettuce available. I have not been to adventurous with greens at this point but love the ideas! Thanks for the tips and the chance to win!
I like leafy greens for tuna hills. I also like to add leafy greens to any mixed salad to give it more flare!
I use leafy greens as wraps for things like tuna or egg salad. Just about anything that you can put in a pita or wrap, goes in a leafy green. Smaller kids love the smaller greens. Works for us. Thanks.
I usually just use greens in a salad… pretty boring. But I love this idea!!
I love salads and they are a big part of every day eating – my new favorite combo is butter lettuce and baby spinach – both so tender topping with pumpkin seeds, cranbberries and goat cheese – Raspberry vingerette – yum yum
I love salads but lately I have discovered the joys of kale chips. Yum!
Besides Salads, I like making cold rolls out of lettuce leaves.
We use romaine lettuce and baby spinach a lot at our house. My family’s favourite salad consists of romaine lettuce, crumbled cranberry cinammon goat cheese, candied pecans and apple slices, drizzled with a balsamic glaze. I use raw baby spinach in lasagna and on pizza as a tasty and nutritious addition.
When I did low carb i used romaine as a wrap and added all my sandwich favs inside and rolled up a few leaves.
I always have greens in the house! I love kale in soups and stews and to eat it raw in salads and baked kale chips are fantastic! I put spinach in soups and stews, too. Whatever other greens look good at the market end up in my basket, too. AND my cats love to eat greens!
I make an everything salad, with lettuce, cauliflower, carrots, radishes, cucumbers, cubes of cheddar, red onion, grape tomato’s all in light dressing which varies in the summer I roll some cold cuts and half boiled eggs and serve with buns for a light meal. I am not as artistic as you but it looks delish and I am going to try it:)
I’ve got a wonderful recipe that my mom passed to me that uses lots of spinach. It’s a spinach and potato soup base that is pureed and then it’s your choice what other veg to add: cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, green beans, etc. Just about anything goes and it’s delicious!
We also love to use leafy greens in salads, dips, stews, casseroles and all kinds of yummy ways. 🙂
I use leafy greens to my lunch time salad.
We use leafy green veggies in just about all of our meals! We looove to make lettuce wraps, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, soup, pasta, the possibilities are endless!! This is probably one of the most versatile foods and we all thoroughly enjoy the taste, options, and the health benefits! Yum Yum!
We use larger pieces of leafy greens as a wrap instead of pita/flatbread, kale/swiss chard in green ‘smoothies’ (juice, really) and I just love sauteed kale with a bit of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, & onion.
We use greens in everything from soups, sandwiches and salads to casseroles, pastas and omelets. We even make kale chips! My kids have learned to love greens from meals to snacks to even smoothies!
We use leafy greens in sandwiches, pita wraps, salads, and in soups.
We use leafy greens as wraps, in salads and in sandwiches.
Must try this salad! I am loving all things green lately, just in time for summer 🙂
I use leafy greens in salads, wraps, sandwiches, and presentation!
Mostly in salads and sandwiches. Occasionally, we substitute bread in our wraps with large leaves. Yummy!
I use frozen greens in smoothies at dinner time to up our veggie count.
I have a bowl of leafy greens every second night. I love that I can add fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc to them and never get bored of the taste. The different greens combine in new ways with each bite so you never ever get the same favour in your mouth. Leaves you craving more!
I love to use spinach in most of my cooking. I put it in salads, pastas, and sandwiches! It’s very versatile and loaded with vitamins!!
We love leafy greens! Used as wraps rather than tortillas in our house.
Even though my kids are (VERY!) picky eaters, I try to set a good example by eating plenty of veggies at dinner. And I have them help me in the kitchen with making their lunches, so they see me packing a salad (chock full of goodies like fruits, nuts and cheese) and hopefully when their palates mature, they’lll come to love veggies as much as I do.
I use greens in salads and sandwiches mainly. I never thought of ‘lettuce boats’. Have to try this!
I use leafy greens for salads, burgers, tacos and also fill the large leaves with egg salad
I use spinach in everything soup omelettes ect. have been using romaine leaves as the wrap part of the sandwich
I use leafy greens on pizzas, and as little beds for other vegetables. The kids love them.
I have to say that I am not very imagintive in my use of leafy greens, salad, burgers, sandwiches… thank you for inspiring me
I use leafy greens in salads, on sandwiches, on burgers, in tacos, the list goes on! My favorite use is to replace my bread with large lettuce leaves and put my tuna salad on them & make a wrap without all the extra carbs! YUMMY!
This recipe sounds great! I like leafy greens in my egg salad sandwiches. I either use lettuce, or for a little more crunch, I cut up some celery into small(ish) pieces, mix it in with my egg salad to make a delicious sandwich with just a little bit of crunch. Tastes great!
Our family loves salad at dinner & we also use it in hamburgerssandwiches or wraps. I can’t wait to try these recipes on my family. I’m really excited to try mangoes with the greens. Sounds delicious!
We love leafy greens in wraps, or with barbecued chicken as a salad
I use leafy greens in my garden salad nightly with dinner.
There are so many leafy greens you can use in the kitchen that aren’t the typical ‘lettuce’ greens.
Of course we use a variety of lettuces (is that a word) for a typical salad including spinach as a possible salad option.
I cook Bok Choy quite frequently as a side and everyone loves it. With a little bit of olive oil, fresh garlic and a couple tbsps of broth for flavour.
I love to grill Romaine hearts on the bbq – yum! Add a little balsamic and perfect.
And of course I can’t forget with an antipasto starter! I leaf of lettuce on a plate, with some prosciutto, bocconcini, olives & grilled vegetables.
I try to have leafy greens once a day, often in a plain but good salad. Wish my husband would eat some though!
Leafy greens are part of our food choices everyday! Wether it be in a salad, sandwich, as a meal or a side dish, this is one of the most versatile vegetables out there! I cant live without my salad!
I love adding leafy greens to things like chili and soups for extra texture and added nutrition. I also use them for all wraps and sandwiches possible.
My family of six love a dinner of beans, rice and salad; the perfect combination of nutrients. Each time someone comments “why don’t we have this every night?” 2 of the 4 kids choose salad without dressing but love all the add-ons. This recipe looks perfect for that – extra flavour without the liquid! Our mango loving family is loving this idea. I guess I am changing the dinner plan tonight! Thanks for the inspiration.
I love using my leafy greens in a chopped salad receipe that I found in a Jamie Oliver cookbook…yumm
Sometimes I forget to use “leafy greens”, it seems like just one more thing to get ready before we eat. So I am trying to make salads more often and some new ideas will help. Thanks
I use leafy greens in salads and sandwiches. I haven’t tried to make wraps using lettuce leaves, sounds like a great idea.
i like using my leafy greens as a wrap ! I put either tuna salad, or chicken/turkey breast on it, and roll it up tight, its the perfect healthy snack ! pair it when some cucumber radishes and peppers and you have a great lunch !
I use leafy greens in my asian noodle soups. The crunch from the spine adds to the texture of the soup. Just peel them into bitesize pieces, toss them in near the end of the cooking cycle & you have a nice addition to your soup. If you like them a bit softer, put them in for longer.
Hmmmmmmmm
I guess I can trust my secret here with you ladies, since I know my kids FOR SURE won’t be on this site being nosey!
Here it is… AND NO ONE TELL PLS!!!
Green Monster Spinach Smoothies!
Yep…and the kids don’t know a thing!!! 😀
And please..this is our little secret ladies!
I use leafy greens to make a taco salad and my kids love it!
I confess – the way I use leafy greens is… not very much (except in your basic salad). I’m excited to learn more!
I use leafy greens in so many ways. My favorite it a chicken burger filled with veggies wrapped up in a leafy greens. YUM!
I use leafy greens anyway I can! Salads, sandwiches or Greek quinoa salad and use the left overs in lettuce wraps the next day for lunch.
I use leafy greens as buns on my vegie burgers
I use leafy greens in my spinach stirfry, on burgers, salads and sandwiches.
Love to use lettuce as wraps instead of tortillas!
Spinach caesar salad is a favourite in our house.
I always add fruit to my lettuce salad so kids will enjoy it more
Spinach on egg salad sandwiches is healthy and delicious. Add some chives, mayo and turmeric to chopped hard boiled eggs; mix up well. Serve on whole wheat bread.
Lettuce is great on tacos. Leafy lettuce is healthier than iceburg lettuce.
Most of the time I make salads or use for sandwich toppings.
Leafy greens are big part of our meals. We use them in salads and sandwiches.
I use leafy greens in salads and lettuce on sandwiches.
Depending on what I cook depends on what I do. I can get away with lettuce on a burger or sandwhich…but spinach is another story…it is not liked in my house by anyone but me. So to hide it ill puree some of it and add it to my chili or caseroles or chili…I will also puree other veggies so that my picky eaters will still get their veggies even if they dont think they are!
I also find if I smother veggies with cheese (or gravy) it will get eaten. I dont do this on a regular basis but at times I just dont feel like pulling out the food processer 🙂
I use lettuce as a wrap for Asian-flavoured ground turkey & vegetable mixture. I also chop up kale, swiss chard or spinach and add to pasta sauces, casseroles and soups.
in our household we like to mix two or three kinds of leafy greens together when making a supper’s salad. We also toss in cucumbers, mushrooms, celery, shredded carrots or what ever is in the crisper.
We mainly use leafy greens for salad
Leafy greens are a staple in our household. We always have a salad at dinner using a variety of greens and veggies.
we use baby spinach instead of lettuce on wraps and sandwiches. And replace a good portion of lettuces in salads with spinach as well.
And kale makes great chips ! Yummy green healthy snack food !
I love spinach and kale. Lately, I have been using them in smoothies; mixed with any fruit I have on hand, milk, yogurt and a couple of tsps of sugar. Yummy and healthy!
We are a veggie house! I eat a salad every night for dessert, while my husband eats ice cream or chocolate or other things I can’t have, I happily munch a crisp green salad with my homemade vinegrette! Our girls are little bunnies too, my youngest most of all, at 3 she’s the first to ask for “Slal-add” with her dinner 🙂
I typically used lettuc greens in salads, but I also try to be creative by using them as lettuce wraps or bowls. As well, I use shredded or rolled up greens when I make fresh spring rolls with fresh rice paper. It’s healthy and pretty to look at as well. I even use shredded lettuce greens for taco toppings or tossed in with a cold noodle salad to add texture and crunch.
I would use the leafy greens in my kitchen to make delicious salads, prepare veggies for stir fry, soups and stews.
love salads with mixed greens-fruits-nuts-also a big fan of sauteed greens like chard and spinach
I am not a big fan of salad, but I do love spinach. I steam it, drain, and serve with some garlic and lemon. My whole family loves it.
I think I have to try the recipe above though, since anything with avocado and mango must be delicious. Maybe I do like salad, but I just don’t know it yet!
we’ve been dipping greens in a variety of dips for about 6 months, it’s really the only way my two year old daughter will eat anything green!
we love spinach salad with lots of extras!
My son loves all things leafy from romaine to spinach. So we use lots of it in almost every meal. I like the idea of dipping greens..might make my daughter eat some. I’m going to make those lettuce cups .
I use leafy green in salads and sandwich. I really like the lettuce cup. What a wonderful way to serve your green.
I use leafy greens in salads and sandwiches.
I like lettuce on peanut butter sandwiches. Strange but yummy!
I find using different greens with dips, hummus, cheese whiz is another way to get the kids eating more greens
I use leafy greens for salads, in sandwiches and burgers, and as a “bowl” for tuna or egg salad.
I use them in sandwiches
I use them in salads, lettuce wraps and piled high on sandwiches.
I use them for entree salads or for side dishes
Our fab leafy green dish is a spring mix of greens, bumble berries, red peppers, feta and cashews, with a homemade honey/mustard dressing. Kids love the sweetness and I love the healthy taste.
This recipe sounds so delicious. I can’t wait to try it. I try to use leafy greens as much as possible. I use them in salads and sandwiches.
I typically use leafy greens in salads and as toppings for sandwiches and burgers. This is a great new idea that I never thought of before!
i keep forgetting you can use lettuce for things other than traditional salad. love the look of the mango one. guess i better go out again for more veg and fruit 🙂
I love recipes that are good for you and fun to eat. This is a great way to get the kids involved in cooking and using vegetables in a creative way. Our favourite leafy green recipes is our world famous strawberry spinach salad with candied pecans.