Not all of us can afford to BBQ.

4th of July this year is the same weekend I move into my new home. It’s gonna be busy and exciting. So the question bugging me today (& again) is what in the hell am I cooking?

I love mishaps that work out. You forget an ingredient in a recipe, but you don’t want food to go to waste, so you use it for something else, hoping it works. Voila. It does. Yippie. Mini victory celebration.

Mini victory celebration for YOU too. I’ve listed the prices of my local grocery store here in Boise, Idaho. For the produce only. To help give you a breakdown of how it feeds me and Jake and for how much. Plant-based is possible and affordable. After all, just because it’s the 4th of July, doesn’t mean we can all afford a BBQ.

Since it’s so busy, let’s get started right away.

Caesar Salad w/Beets

5 Servings (2 dinners  for us & 1 lunch)

2 Romaine Lettuce - $1.98
2 sets of Beets (1 set of 3 if beets are large) - $4.98
½ Red Onion - $0.39 (for the half)
Gorgonzola - $5.99* (leave out if vegan or plant-based)
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Red Chili Pepper Flakes**
Salt**
Pepper**

*Optional: If desiring a true plant-based meal, leave the cheese out.
** Apply according to your taste.

1. Peel beets & chop into bite sized pieces

2. Boil for 30-40 min, until soft (you may roast them as well)

3. Toss with olive oil, red chili pepper flakes, salt & pepper. Let cool.

4. Chop or tear romaine into bite sized pieces

5. Chop red onion into bite sized pieces

6. Add gorgonzola, red onion & beets to chopped romaine

7. Add Caesar dressing and toss.

8. ENJOY! You’re done!

Need more for your salad? Get a tasty and healthy grain bread to accompany your creation.

Hope you enjoy the extra free time! Happy 4th of July!

Love,
Waffle
Ps. Send to anyone who needs a twist on a classic, a craving for healthy food AND free time! We’re all busy. This is an easy winner for me.
Pss. Believe it or not, this cost us (rounded UP) $14 total. With 5 servings that’s only $2.80 per serving. How’s that for eating plant-based. (Technically, it’s $1.60 per serving if it’s100% plant-based. That’s a steal.)

Thank you @Sarah Arista for your beautiful photo on @Unsplash