Throwing a salad together seems simple enough…but does simple mean boring?

Salad generally isn’t something we search around to find new recipes for — it’s usually the same old routine, which can indeed become drab. But guess what?  It doesn’t have to be that way!

It’s time to mix things up and make salads exciting, delicious and something you crave…and once you get creative and find your flow, this will undoubtedly be the case! 

I’m sure I don’t have to convince you that salads are good for you.  Salads generously provide you a healthy helping of nutrient-packed greens, nourishing raw veggies and an extra pep in your step afterwards. With so many perks all in one bowl, it’s time to re-kindle your relationship with salads and get them back on your plate.

Here are 3 tips for making delicious salads that you will crave:

• Use ingredients that are fresh and in season.  Take a trip to the Farmers Market or your grocery store to pick up some local, fresh and in season produce…your taste buds will thank you. Salads aren’t just about lettuce! Why not use shredded brussels sprouts and broccoli slaw for the base or a different type of leaves like arugula, radicchio or watercress. Some of my favorite spring vegetables are swiss chard, which I use in my morning smoothies, broccoli, which is delicious steamed and/or sautéed, and don't forget about fruits (apples, bananas, cherries) which I can eat with anything, particularly chocolate!  Okay, back to the salad! 

 

• Mix it up.  Get creative with your ingredients and play with mixing textures.  Combining raw veggies with one cooked veggie can really take it up a notch.  For example, roasting broccoli, mushrooms or onions for your salad will add an interesting and delicious element to your plate. Also, adding foods with different textures makes your salad more interesting. If you use something soft like avocado, balance it with something crunchy like diced carrots or chopped almonds. Don’t forget the fruit!  Adding berries to a summer salad is refreshing and quenches that taste for something sweet.

 

• Add fresh spices and herbs. One of my favorite ways to add extra flavor to my salads is with fresh herbs. Mince some fresh rosemary, dill or anise into your salad and change the flavor significantly. A ½ teaspoon of fresh minced herbs can take your salad from ho-hum to wow in no time!

One of my favorite ingredients to use in salad is fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo. I make mine with diced tomatoes, minced onions, fresh cilantro,lemon juice, cayenne pepper and a splash of olive oil. I often use this as a replacement for salad dressing.

Are your ideas brewing already?  What are you inspired to throw in your next salad? Tell me what you’re ‘cookin’ up! 

I know you’ll want something special to put atop that delectable salad in your near future, so I’ve included one of my favorite easy, homemade salad dressing recipes for you below.  It’s full of healthy fats and all natural ingredients. So easy and much healthier than the sugar laden bottled salad dressings made with inflammatory oils and sugar. Enjoy!

​Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

Olive oil — 1/2 cup
Balsamic Vinegar — 1/2 cup
Dijon Mustard — 1⁄2 teaspoon
1 clove garlic, minced
Basil — 1⁄2 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper, to taste

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