New Summer Salad....

I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle by exercising more and eating better.  I've started riding my bicycle to the grocery store and to do local errands instead of driving, partly because it's good exercise but mainly because I refuse to pay $4 a gallon for gas when I can use the surplus fuel I store in my thighs and posterior (Ha Ha, kinda).  It makes me feel somewhat superior to others who are sitting at the red light or waiting in long lines of traffic or the harried masses looking for a remotely close parking spot to the store.  I like chaining my bike up, taking my shopping bags in hand (I DO use reusuable ones!) and striding in the door like the Green Champion I think I am.  Maybe I feel like I'm getting one over on the government for the high gas prices (I haven't bought gas in 3 weeks!!) or maybe it's the primordial hunter/gatherer thing, but whatever it is, I am loving it. 

I was hungry for something light and flavorful the other day so I picked up some cabbage and asian pears at Albertson's, pedaled back home and rummaged around in my pantry and fridge and came up with a recipe for a really healthy, really delicious salad that is good enough to serve alone or as a side.
The cabbage gives it some good fiber and the edamame gives it protein so it's basically complete enough on it's own, but if you add some tofu or chicken or maybe some grilled shrimp, you'd be set.

Asian Edamame Pear Salad

 Salad:

½ head green cabbage, finely shredded
½ C red bell pepper, finely shredded
¼ C scallions, cut finely on the diagonal
3 broccoli stalks, finely shredded
2/3 C cooked edamame
½ C Asian pear, thinly sliced
 C raisins
¼ C slivered almonds or peanuts
1 small can La Choy chow mein noodles
1 T chopped cilantro (optional)

Dressing:

1/3 C La Choy Ginger-Garlic Dressing

1 T creamy peanut butter

1/3  C white sugar
1/3 C rice wine vinegar

 Whisk to combine all dressing ingredients and set aside.  Combine all salad ingredients except chow mein noodles, pour dressing on salad and toss well, add noodles and lightly toss.   Serve immediately.  Serves 4.

Enjoy!!