Salad in ONE minute

Quick canned veg salad

I've been extra busy today and needed a really quick lunch for me and my 2-yr-old.  I didn't have time to cook or prep any fresh produce.  We also didn't have any leftovers to reheat.  Thankfully, I keep a variety of healthy canned ingredients in my cupboard for days like today.

I was inspired to make something with marinated artichokes because they came in their own "dressing".  From there I looked to see what else would taste good with Italian flavors and would be visually appealing.  I love when a really good recipe comes from having to scrounge the cupboards or fridge for scraps!

Here is what I found:
Canned, sliced, black olives
Marinated artichokes (missing from photo)
Beets, in water, no salt added
Chickpeas, organic

I almost always buy organic canned beans because they are usually lower, sometimes more than half as much, in sodium.  Organic canned beans usually don't have unnecessary additives either and as a bonus, they're organic too.

National Nutrition Month® is coming to an end but that doesn't mean we should stop celebrating with delicious, nutritious foods.  I hope this recipe has proved to you that good nutrition can come from a can. You don't have to slave over a hot stove for hours to come up with something you feel really good about feeding your family!

Recipe:
1 small can sliced black olives, rinsed and drained
1 jar marinated artichokes, chopped
1 can beets, in water, no salt added, drained and chopped
1 can chickpeas or garbanzo beans, preferably organic, drained

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and serve immediately or refrigerate and let flavors mingle a little longer before serving.

Disclaimer: No toddlers were harmed in the feeding of this recipe.  I promise he enjoyed every bit of it and even served himself a second helping.

P.S.  I don't write about the foods my toddler eats to brag, but to show that, when offered (never forced) a variety of foods on a regular basis, kids enjoy eating all sorts of foods typically thought of as not being "kid friendly".

---