Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 5 min
Servings: 5
Dinner

This Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts is a PCOS-friendly recipe with 150 calories, 4g protein, and 7g carbs per serving. Ready in 25 minutes. High in fiber (2g), which supports insulin sensitivity.

Nutrition per Serving

150 Calories
4g Protein
7g Carbs
12g Fat
Walnuts are the only nut to provide an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This salad would be a great starter for a homemade Valentine's Day dinner.

Ingredients

  • Salad
  • 2 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 (10 oz) bag spring lettuce mix
  • 2 Tbsp dried cranberries
  • Dressing
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 packet artificial sweetener (or 1 Tbsp honey)
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until done. Place the bacon on a paper towel and set aside.
  2. Place the walnuts in a small nonstick skillet on low heat and cook until the walnuts begin to brown, about 4 minutes.
  3. In a salad bowl, mix together all of the salad ingredients.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour dressing ingredients over the salad and toss to coat.
  5. MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free and this recipe can be made gluten-free.
  6. Choices/Exchanges: 1/2 Carbohydrate, 2 1/2 Fat

How This Recipe Supports PCOS Management

Understanding the nutritional profile of what you eat is a powerful step in managing PCOS. Here is how the key ingredients in this Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts contribute to your health goals:

  • Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties make it especially beneficial for PCOS
  • Walnut: Studies show walnuts may improve lipid profiles in women with PCOS
  • Berr: Their low glycemic index makes them ideal for PCOS-friendly desserts
  • Honey: Use in moderation as part of a balanced PCOS diet

PCOS Diet Principles in This Recipe

The PCOS diet focuses on three core principles: reducing inflammation, managing insulin resistance, and supporting hormonal balance. Every recipe in our collection is evaluated against these principles. This recipe excels in providing healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that support cell membrane health and hormone synthesis. As part of a balanced PCOS meal plan, we recommend pairing recipes like this with a variety of nutrient-dense foods throughout the week to ensure you are meeting all your micronutrient needs.

Meal Prep Tip: This Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prepping is one of the most effective strategies for sticking to a PCOS-friendly diet, as it removes the temptation to reach for processed convenience foods when time is short.

PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe

This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Cranberries, Honey, Nuts, Walnuts.

Researchers believe that cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. However, store-bought cranberry juice is typically all sugar - so make sure to stick with straight cranberries. Cranberries: The Unsung Hero in PCOS Management Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) stands as one of the predominant hormonal disorders affecting many women across the globe. Finding effective and holistic methods to manage its array of symptoms is ofte...

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this Mixed Greens with Cranberries, Bacon and Walnuts recipe is designed to be PCOS-friendly. At 150 calories per serving with 4g of protein, it supports balanced blood sugar and hormonal health. It also provides 2g of fiber, which helps with insulin sensitivity.

This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. Prep time is 20 minutes and cook time is 5 minutes. It makes 5 servings, so you can meal prep for multiple days.

Per serving: 150 calories, 4g protein (11%), 7g carbs, 12g fat. Plus 2g fiber. PCOS meal plans typically aim for 30% protein, 35% fat, 35% carbs to support insulin sensitivity.

Yes, this recipe works well as a PCOS-friendly Dinner. At 150 calories, it fits within typical PCOS meal plan targets for Dinner. Pair it with other PCOS-friendly foods throughout the day for balanced nutrition.

This recipe can be part of a structured PCOS meal plan. It makes 5 servings, making it great for meal prep. For a complete weekly plan tailored to your PCOS type, take our free 60-second quiz at pcosmealplanner.com/pcos-quiz to get a personalized 7-day meal plan.

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