Bison Burgers & Cucumber Salad

Posted August 28th 2009 at 8:05 am by RunnersKitchen

Last week, Nate offered to make his signature dish: cucumber salad. This salad is packed with veggies, water, fiber, and antioxidants. Perfect for hot summer evenings!

Nate makes cucumber salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Splash of rice vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • Splash of EVOO
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Combine all veggies in bowl
  • Add vinegar, olive oil, S&P
  • Toss to coat

Summer Salad

We enjoyed the salad with bison burgers on sesame seed buns and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. To make the bison burgers, I took 1 lb of lean bison meat and mixed it with 1/3 cup diced onion and a splash of Worchestire sauce. Next I divided the meat into 4 oz portions and placed them on the George Foreman grill. They cooked super fast!

Nate's Bison Burger

Bison Burger

The next day, in an attempt to use leftovers, I scrambled an egg, added some feta cheese and ketchup, and served it on a toasted sesame seed bun. With veggie salad on the side!

Egg sandwich

Lara bar give-a-way!!!!

Look what I found last night:

Lara bars

A new Whole Foods location opened up on the Upper West Side (swoon) and they were fully stocked with lara bars, including the new flavors! Ahh, I’ve been searching for these guys for weeks! Inspired by the lovely Holly, I will be sending one lucky reader a stash of lara bars (including pb&j!) as well as some other surprise goodies. To enter, leave a comment telling me what you do to cheer yourself up. I’ve been having a rough week and could use some good advice :-) You have until Sunday at 11:59pm to leave a comment/enter the contest.

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  • Jenny

    I’m right there with ya! It’s been a tough week for me too. I went out and saw a movie with a friend, went running, and had dinner out with my mom. Oh, and stocked up on lots of new books at the library! Feeling much better now. Hope one of those helps!

  • Sara

    I look at this link:

    http://maidenshade.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/50-life-lessons-by-regina-brett/

    It makes everything seem brighter. =)

  • http://softerbetterslowerstronger.wordpress.com Daria (Summer of the CSAs)

    Sorry you’ve been having a rough week – I hope it gets better today!

    There are 3 surefire things that cheer me up: a nice long run, clothes shopping (even if it’s just window shopping), and talking to my significant other about whatever is bothering me.

  • http://www.hiddenjul.blogspot.com Julie

    take a nice walk at dusk with a good friend (in person or even on the phone!)

  • Jessica

    whenever a need a boost i try to do some yoga…either by taking a class or following along with a dvd or a free 20-minute download from yogadownload.com!

  • gretchen

    great giveaway, meg! i’ve tried the pb & j, but not the other flavors – would love to, though :)

  • Jenny

    When I’m feeling down, I try and think of what I’m thankful for and how it could be worse. My dad recently had knee surgery and he has been pretty depressed, so were trying to focus on how lucky he is it wasn’t both knees and he can still get around on his crutches. Be thankful you have wonderful friends, family, etc. Oh – and as always, it helps to smile! :-)

  • http://collegaleats.blogspot.com Ada Rubin

    OMG I just went to the new Whole Foods yesterday too, it was awesome!!! They had sooo many free samples:)

    Thanks for the great giveaway! The things that always cheer me up are: going for ice cream cones with a friend, running along the river in Riverside park while listening to upbeat music, and shopping. Sometimes you just need some retail therapy;)

  • Natalie M

    ooh awesome giveaway, thanks and congrats on your one-year!

    to cheer myself up, I read a good book, set time aside for yoga, bake something yummy, or go get an ice cream cone!! :)

  • Lizzy

    These are tried and true ways to help cheer yourself up:
    -Running, (ha as silly has that is, it always makes me feel better)
    -take a mini vacation from life (aka, just escape from all the hiatus happening from your life currently and just relax)
    -watch your favorite movie (preferably) a funny one)
    -spend some with your hubby(i’m sure he’ll cheer and put a smile on that face asap)

    hopefully some of those help!!!! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity :)

    http://saladdiva.wordpress.com

  • Kate

    Rough weeks are def brutal, good thing it is the weekend!

    I would say running (of course), and then having sushi and wine with friends.

  • http://www.bananaandchocolate.blogspot.com Lindsay @ bananaandchocolate

    I’m sorry you are having a rough week. When I’m feeling down I love to go do something for myself. Sometimes it’s a pedi, sometimes shopping, others having lunch with a good friend.

  • Maureen

    I like to call my grandparents, they make me feel so good because just a simple call from me makes THEIR day! It’s always a mood-brightener.

  • anne

    I’m sorry you’ve been having a rough week- it’s hard to come back from vacation! To cheer myself up I will call a friend, go to yoga, buy a new book, and if all else fails, go to bed early and know that tomorrow is a new day!

  • http://www.jhamsrunsnyc.com Jesse

    OMG I cannot WAIT to go to that new Whole Foods – its gonna be some night next week, I’m sure is incredible!!

    I alllllways want goodies so, to cheer myself up, I:

    a – go for a walk where I know there will be dogs out, aka any park in New York City – I love love watching dogs and pups play, they make my day. I also really like it when master and dog look alike, similarities like that crack me up!

    b – I get an ice cream cone. simple pleasures.

    Did they have anything else really cool at Whole Foods?!?

  • Traci

    Oh so sorry you are having a down week. That stinks. For me, 9 times out of 10 my run perks me up. Aside from that I love sitting on the sea wall (I obliviously live on the water but a park could work too) with a magazine and taking in the fresh air. Shopping has always put a smile on my face; a new pair of shoes has never let me down! And finally (and the best cure) going to hang with my oldest niece who is just amazing! She’s 21 and we have a special bond. We never fail to make eachother laugh with our stories! Hope you have a great weekend…Smile!

  • So

    Sorry you had a rough week, to cheer myself up, nothing beats going to a coffee shop, order a huge latte and enjoy it while reading a good book ; )

  • emily

    A nice, long walk always cheers me up!

  • http://www.confessionsofachocoholic.com/ Bianca

    Hi Megan,
    I love your blog. I have just started getting into running a few months ago and your blog is inspiring and so fun to read!
    Sorry to hear you’re having a rough week but at least it’s Friday already and the weekend’s just right around the corner :) To cheer myself up, I usually think about all the things I am thankful for (I made a list one Thanksgiving and continue to add to it every year), watch some shows on DVR, and cuddle with the bf!

  • Becca

    To cheer myself up, I do this every weekend:

    1. Go to Barnes and Nobles
    2. Get myself a grande coffee-light frappaccino
    3. Grab all my favorite magazines
    4. Turn off cell phone
    5. Enjoy a nice, calm, few hours all to myself!!!

    Works every time…

  • Sarah

    Hi Megan -
    I’m a long-time lurker on your blog, and I’m a relatively new runner training for my first half marathon on Sept. 6 (!! next weekend !!).
    When I’m feeling stressed or upset or aggrevated for any reason, this is what I do (and it ALWAYS helps!):
    1) go for a run – not a long one, a FAST, breathless, leave it all out there on the road kind of run.
    2) Looong hot shower, (or bath if you can)
    3) Glass of wine and a book. I find books to be the ultimate escape. While they don’t make your problems go away, they certainly can make them dissappear for a while!
    I suggest you give it a try! Hope things get better…
    Sarah

  • http://thehealthyeverythingtarian.wordpress.com Holly (The Healthy Everythingtarian)

    oh my megan, i feel ya on the funk. honestly, after a 2.5 mile run + yoga last night, i feel lots better, so my first answer will be getting those endorphins going.

    however, watching episodes of the office + arrested development also helps, plus talking on the phone to friends. that brightened my days as well.

    lots of love…thanks for the shoutout :)

  • http://for-the-love-of-the-run.blogspot.com Danielle C.

    Usually the endorphins from running help me a lot, even if it’s just a quick 2 miles or so. But on weeks that I am REALLY in a funk, I’ll treat myself to a pedicure. It’s an inexpensive way to indulge, and then I have cute toenails. :)

  • http://roseyrebecca.wordpress.com/ Rosey Rebecca

    Oo! The burgers look great! I’ll have to try that salad too!

    I was just fan of the day on the Larabar blog. I wouldn’t feel right entering your giveaway though because Larabar sent me a huge box of assorted bars to try out!

  • Kirsten

    To cheer myself up I do something athletic, like go on a run, walk, or pilates. I also enjoy cooking and baking! And of course spending time with my friends and family! =)

  • Kelley

    Drooling at the thought of those yummy bars…

    Running always gets me out of a funk, at least temporarily. In terms of guilty pleasures though, I like to sprawl on the sofa with a tabloid magazine and a big Diet Coke!

  • Shady

    Get a pedicure. Buy a copy of my favorite tabloid magazine and a big decafe coffee and a cookie and curl up in a chair in the corner of my favorite coffee shop.

    Or try something new. Weather its a rock climbing or muay thai lesson (both of which have become obsessions for me). Or checking out a street festival you’ve never been to before.

    When all else fails, I curl up in bed with my three cats and Sex in the City on DVD.

  • http://threeboysand2girls.blogspot.com/ Kim Hoffman

    I take a nice, hot bubble bath and think about all of the things I’m grateful for!

    Hope your week is better. I just discovered your blog days ago and spent the last week catching up on your life from the past year. I’m training for my first half in November and am taking it slow! Thanks for the inspiration.

  • trinichiqn

    Baking makes me happy, whipping up a batch of White Chocolate Cranberry Oat cookies is enough to improve my mood. After I can sit down with a good book, a cookie or 4 and a glass of juice.

    Thank you for this giveaway, if I winn this will definitely put a smile on my face.

  • http://www.ChicagoMarathonVal.com MarathonVal

    Depending on what sounds good to me at the time, I may:
    - work out (run, pilates, a good long walk, spinning, yoga)
    - watch a cheesy chick flick
    - read a great book
    -bake or cook something decadent!
    - hang out with my husband or have a night with the girls
    - go to bed early :)

    Hope you feel better!!

  • Megan

    Exercise then settle in with…

    1) Super trashy television
    2) Glass of nice refreshing, chilled wine
    3) ENORMOUS icy cold seltzer

    Maybe throw in some ice cream if i really need cheering up!!

    Feel better!

  • lauren

    i spent some time looking around in barnes and noble! there’s something so cathartic about that place.

  • verbalriot

    To cheer myself up I listen to my favorite tunes, cook dinner with my favorite people or go for a walk in a place where I have lots of good memories. Thinking about the pleasant experiences I’ve had inspire me to believe that I’ll get through it and good times are coming again!

  • kimberlyzubris

    Rough week here too with a nagging injury preventing me from running (and right in the middle of marathon training too). I’ve cheered up this week by getting to the pool, getting out for bike rides and taking evening walks. And I plan on cheering up now by going to get some Starbucks! : )

  • http://outofhabit.tumblr.com/ katie

    nice giveaway – perhaps i’ll have to venture to the uws this weekend to check out the new whole foods. too bad it’s so far from my apt. in brooklyn.

    anyways, my favorite way to cheer myself up after a crappy day or week is definitely to buy a new fashion or fitness magazine and read it right away [perhaps accompanied with a fancy coffee drink] – almost always works and it’s a cheap treat for myself:)

  • http://crunchygranolagal.wordpress.com Crunchy Granola Gal

    two words: spa day!

    treat yourself to an hour long swedish massage! it heals all wounds.

    feel better soon. :)

  • Amy

    To cheer myself up, I put on a cute running outfit (this is key-no oversized t-shirt and baggy shorts on these days) and take my dog out for a nice stroll. It might be a run, it might be a walk, it might be both. Either way, I put on happy face, smile to everyone I pass, and take the time to enjoy the beauty of all of the little things in the world around me.

  • http://www.girlwiththeredhair.com Amber from Girl with the Red Hair

    Hmmm – that salad looks SO good! I can’t wait to try it!!

    To cheer myself up I usually watch one of my favourite TV shows (FRIENDS never fails to cheer me up) read a book or get some exercise in!!

  • http://traynharder.blogspot.com/ Tra

    i go for a run. seriously. or i go lift weights/strength train. sometimes i just read a book. =D pride and prejudice.

  • RB

    I try and get a really good workout in, or I call my mom ;)

  • http://eating-for-england.blogspot.com/ Angharad

    Feeling blue is the worst. If I’m feeling mega sorry for myself and want to indulge the feeling a bit then pouring a glass of wine, grabbing a good book or magazine and getting in the bath feels AMAZING. Followed by jammies, cup of tea and calling my best friend across the ocean :)

    Going for a run or doing yoga is a super quick solution too though!

    Much love x

  • http://www.domesticgoddessincanada.blogspot.com Kristilyn (Domestic Goddess)

    Sorry to hear you’re having a rough week!

    To cheer myself up I put on some good music (Jon Foreman is amazing!), grab a glass of wine, and go enjoy the sunshine on the deck. It’s a great pick me up! And a great reminder of how beautiful the world is. :-)

    K

  • Evan Thomas

    To cheer myself up, I go to the store(usually whole foods) and treat myself to a product I’d been eyeing but haven’t bought yet

    And I love making bison burgers. We got a pound of meet and made 5 patties so got 5 bison burgers for a buck each. not bad in this economy!

  • Emmanuelle

    To cheer myself up I 1) watch a funny, happy film or television show, 2) chat with a friend, 3) listen to upbeat music and dance like a maniac and/or 4) indulge in some retail therapy (but nothing too big, or else I’ll end up stressed)

  • http://www.runnerskitchen.wordpress.com Holly Wilson

    Watch a funny movie, curl up with a book, or go out with friends!

  • Lauren P.

    Sorry to hear that you’ve been feeling down… Here are two sure-fire ways to raise your spirits:

    1. take a loooong walk (no iPod allowed), (and no concern for distance, calorie burning, etc. allowed either). Observe your surroundings and think about how beautiful the planet we live on is. Even a leaf changing color is beautiful if you look at it the right way !

    2. Call up your best friend, jump in the car with him/her and go driving – windows down, music up (playing your favorite songs), and forget about life for awhile!!

    Best,

    Lauren

    2.

  • Jessica

    I get in my car and sing to the top of my lungs…

    I love your site, I am not a runner but i enjoy walking everyday…..its fun to read about your life :)

  • randomlymikey

    when i’m feeling down i know the only way to cheer myself upis to do something good for myself. having a glass of wine might sound good, but after a few glasses i have just compounded the problem. retail therapy or comfort food is the same. so now i take a run. no timers or anything just a nice run outside. or even a walk. or i do a craft, something about creating apiece of art makes you feel like you can do anything.
    p.s. i looovvee LARABARS -lol

  • cupcakelova

    I’m sorry you are feeling down lately =(. When I feel down, or am stressed I will either: a.) Buy myself something fun (shoes, purse, etc.) b.) Get a pedicure c.) Just spill my guts to someone I love and just have a good cry.
    Hope this helps! You’ll get through it =).

  • katie

    I have also been having a bad wee, I fractured my ankle, which stinks for a runner : ( But when I am havign a rough patch I like to put my favorite movie on, which is Almost Famous, and eat something that makes me feel good! Surrounding yourself with positive people also helps! Feel Better!

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