Steak and Ramen Salad with Peanut Dressing

HEY HI HOW YA DOIN'?

Want a big bite of this pretty, colorful tasty salad? I would love some. This salad is fresh, filling, and full of bold flavors.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I am 100% obsessed with peanut butter. I could eat peanut butter with any meal, any time. One of my current obsessions is fresh spring rolls with spicy peanut dipping sauces. This salad is a bit of a spin on a deconstructed spring roll.

Crispy crunchy romaine lettuce, purple cabbage, cucumbers, edamame, carrots and celery are an essential place to start. Juicy grilled steak gives this salad some oomph. Sesame peanut dressing is the grand finale - creamy with a little bit of tang and spice. This is the dressing to end all dressings. In fact, this salad is so delicious and wholesome, you won't even feel like you're having a salad. Yes, it is THAT satisfying!

OH did I mention that we are going to crumble up a bit of uncooked ramen noodles and sprinkle them on top of the salad? Well, we are. And it's fantastic.

P.S. Sorry about the quality of these photos. I really wanted to share this recipe with you but my good camera's battery was exhausted! These are straight from my iPhone. This meal is worth it though - trust me!

Veggie Packed Fried Rice

Do you ever have a brilliant idea, or a perfectly well-thought out plan that goes horribly wrong because of some unforeseen circumstance totally out of your control? That TOTALLY happened to me tonight.

OK, I'm being slightly dramatic. But, I had slightly different intentions for tonight's recipe. I had a vision of remaking a basic Asian-style fried rice and turning it into something more robust by subbing the rice for quinoa. We all know about quinoa. It's very hip right now, considered a great food to add to your diet especially if you are trying to lose weight.

Well, apparently the cat is out of the bag on this one. The mart that I frequent for quick shopping trips on my way home was plum OUT of quinoa. And because it was a work night and there was no way I was making my way to a second store, my plan was foiled.

Yes, the "cat is out of the bag" line is a totally shameless ploy to put a picture of my cat in this post. I'm a winner.

Luckily, I still decided to whip up a batch of this Veggie-packed Fried Rice. It was really delicious and flavorful. It also took no time at all to whip together. This is the perfect side dish to thwart any craving you may have for Chinese take out!

I am totally hooked on edamame right now, so I knew that would make an appearance in this dish. It has great protein content and it's light, delicate flavor loaned itself perfectly to a stir fry.

Along with the edamame, this rice has plenty of shredded carrots, onions, and broccoli. I also added in scallions and cilantro, because I love the way these herbs compliment many Asian flavors.

A fried egg also adds a punch of protein, while a touch of red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce give the rice body, flavor, spice, and saltiness.

The recipe below will serve two as a side dish or light meal. Feel free to double the recipe and toss in some chicken or pork for a great dinner! Will you try this with quinoa? I know I will -- I'll be sure to post again after I have experimented!