Salad-in-Hand Rolls

I came up with these after watching a video of a chef making spring rolls with all kinds of strange stuff in them - lettuce, avocado, noodles, peanut butter, and chili garlic sauce don't really go together in my book, but to each his own. Anyway, I had some rice paper laying around for some other spring rolls I never got around to making, so I thought I'd give it a shot. They turned out pretty good, and the idea is really versatile! It's basically a no mess, no fuss salad to go.

Ingredients

• Rice Paper
• Lettuce - coarsely chopped
• Sprouts
• Tomatoes - diced
• Olives - coarsely chopped
• Cucumber - diced
• Avocado - diced
• Drizzle of Olive Oil
• Drizzle of White Wine Vinegar
• Salt and Pepper
• Oregano

Directions

- Hint: Prepare ALL your Veggies BEFORE you Dip your 1st Paper -

Put all Veggies except Lettuce and Sprouts in a bowl, and drizzle with the Olive Oil and Vinegar. Add the Seasonings and mix well.

Dip a sheet of rice paper in water and place in on your workspace. Put a small handful of Lettuce on the paper, then some of the veggie mix, and top it with a small handful of sprouts. Once the paper is sufficiently soft, roll it up burrito-style, tucking the ends in as you roll.

Verdict
Honestly, these are great! They make a great, simple but filling meal. I'll be making them regularly, I'm sure.

Taco Lentil Salad

I got this from a friend of mine, Leigh Anne, who is also doing a Vegan challenge of her own. I changed it just slightly - she likes things a lot spicier than I do.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Lentils
• 3 Cups Water
• 1/2 tsp each: Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 2 tsp Chili Powder
• Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Onion - diced
• 3 Cloves Garlic - minced

Directions
Place Water and Lentils in saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Saute the Garlic and most of the Onion (save a bit for salad topping) in a bit of oil. Add to simmering lentils along with spices. Cook until tender - about 35 mins.

Serve over Lettuce with Tortilla Chips, Onions, Tomatoes, Salsa, Olives, etc.

Verdict
It was pretty great! Matthew doesn't eat much lettuce, but he loved the lentils with rice and salsa and chips. Burkely and I both thought it was great as a taco salad.