Power Up With Cheese

Even though there are more than 300 different cheeses in the United States and 2000 in the world, you can always find Cheddar,Colby or Monterey Jack in our refrigerator. We've never had any cheese that we didn't like but these are our  favorites for snacking, to use as a salad topping or shredded and combined with other recipes.

Cheese packs a powerful protein punch that can curb hunger,supplies calcium,vitamin A and B12,riboflavin,phosphorus,potassium, magnesium and maintains muscles and builds strong bones and teeth. If you're counting calories or portions, one serving of cheese is 1.5 ounces of natural or 2 ounces of processed cheese. A serving is also the equivalent of 4 cubes the size of playing dice.

  If you are needing a quick,calorie light lunch or dinner to fit a busy holiday schedule, you may want to try Colby Cobb Salad. It's perfect for the Colby Cheese lover!

Colby Cobb Salad

For the dressing:
2 cups fat-free yogurt,divided
4 large basil leaves
1/4 cup parsley,stems removed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon additional pepper (optional)

For the salad:
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce (1 small head)
1/2 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup diced cucumber
2 slices cooked turkey breast,cut into strips
2 tablespoons bacon bits
1 egg, hard boiled and chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby or Colby Jack cheese

Preparation:
Place 1 cup of yogurt,basil,parsley,chives,lemon juice,honey and pepper in a blender or food processor. Cover and pulse until smooth (dressing will be green in color). Pour yogurt mixture into a medium bowl; stir in remaining yogurt and mayonnaise until just blended; refrigerate until ready to serve.
For the salad: Place lettuce at the bottom of a bowl and sprinkle the tomatoes,onion,cucumber,turkey,bacon bits, egg and Colby cheese on top. Just before serving, pour dressing over salad and toss lightly. (Dressing may be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated)

                    You can find Colby Cobb Salad and other delicious recipes at DairyMakesSense!