Sweet and savoury at once, this whimsical play on a breakfast classic proves salad also deserves a spot on a morning menu. The toasted bread, sausage, and dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance, so Mom need not wait around to luxuriate in this delicious brunch on her special day. These days, there are good vegan sausage options if any family members are following a meat-free diet. Look for bread and sausage options with lower sodium numbers.
PB & J Toast Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 L) cubed whole-grain bread
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) + 1 tsp (5 mL) grapeseed or sunflower oil
- 4 links turkey or chicken sausage[1]
- 1/4 cup (60 mL) creamy peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp (10 mL) honey
- 2 tsp (10 mL) grated or finely minced ginger
- 8 cups (2 L) salad greens
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (500 mL) sliced strawberries
- 2 oz (55 g) soft crumbled goat cheese, optional
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories362
- protein22g
- fat17g
- saturated fat3g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates33g
- sugars11g
- fibre8g
- sodium475mg
Directions
01
Heat oven to 350 F (180 C).
02
In large bowl, toss bread with 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil and squeeze gently so bread absorbs oil. On a baking sheet, spread bread cubes out and bake, stirring once halfway, for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
03
Pierce sausage casings several times with a fork or skewer. In skillet, heat 1 tsp (5 mL) oil over medium-high heat. Place sausage in pan and heat until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165 F (75 C) is reached, flipping once, about 3 minutes per side. Remove sausage from pan and, when cool enough to handle, slice into 1/2 in (1.25 cm) pieces.
04
In small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, vinegar, honey, ginger, and 2 Tbsp (30 mL) warm water until smooth. If needed, add more water, 1 tsp (5 mL) at a time, until a pourable consistency is reached.
05
Divide salad greens, mint, bell pepper, sausage, strawberries, and toasted bread cubes among serving plates or bowls. Drizzle peanut butter dressing overtop. Scatter on goat cheese if using.
Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD
Matthew Kadey is a dietitian, nutrition writer, and recipe developer. He is also the author of Rocket Fuel (VeloPress, 2016) and Muffin Tin Chef (Ulysses Press, 2012).
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.
Roasted Cauliflower with Pecan Date Crumble
Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.
Creamy White Bean Pasta
This gloriously comforting dish gets its creamy lusciousness from a can of white beans. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand instead of broccoli. Pass the pasta Instead of regular pasta, consider serving this sauce over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash.
Vegan Queso Dip
This nut-free take on classic queso dip is everything you want and more. Paired with chips, crackers, or crudités, this creamy, zesty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying dip is easy enough to whip up for a cozy snack or as an appetizer for company. Go nuts! If you’re okay to eat nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds with 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews.