Happy New Year!

I’m back. This winter, it has been challenging for me to come to this space to write. With the holidays and the new job, I just haven’t felt like I had the bandwidth to blog. So, I’ve been sitting on all these beautiful photos from my last shoot and all these delicious recipes. But it is a new year, so I’m getting back in the game.

If you’re like most of the US, you’ve probably made some kind of New Year’s resolution. For most people, that has something to do with being better to yourself this year, eating better, losing some weight, something like that. There is a reason that you are seeing so many ads for gyms and gym equipment this time of year. I know that I always have these kind of thoughts in January. I’ve even worked out twice this week so far. And after all of the eating excess and richness of the holiday season, for the first time in months, we all might actually be excited about a salad. For me, it’s easy to say that this is one to get excited about. Sure. It’s a big bowl of raw vegetables with some shredded turkey. That kind of thing doesn’t usually get me super excited, but this salad changed my mind. The salad is so crunchy, so refreshing. And at the same time, it has a beautiful creamy sauce. Delicious. Just the thing for this time of year. Something bright and healthy and satisfying.

And this salad dressing recipe is something to file away. It is a keeper. I always love the peanut sauce in Asian restaurants, especially with the fresh rolls. Yum! Now you can make your own peanut sauce at home! I used to buy the bottles in the Asian food aisle at the grocery store, but it is so easy to make yourself, you’ll never buy it again. And the best part is your probably already have all the ingredients in your cupboard!

If you have any leftover turkey from the holidays in your freezer, this would be a great use for it. You can also buy a breast at the grocery store to roast, or even substitute chicken. Those rotisserie chickens at the grocery store are so handy! This is a great way to use them.

Just because you’re trying to eat healthy right now doesn’t mean you can’t eat well!

Crunchy Asian Turkey Salad with Peanut Dressing

From Bon Appetit

• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 TB rice vinegar
• 1 Tsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp Sriracha
• 2 cups shredded turkey
• 1 cup shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 large carrot, shaved lengthwise
• Limes

Whisk together the peanut butter, vinegar, soy, and Sriracha. Set aside dressing.

Toss turkey, cabbage, cilantro, mint and carrot.

Spoon dressing onto plate, top with salad, drizzle with more dressing, serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy!

Photographs by Jessica Yager.