How is it going? We are in the throws of summer now and many of us, at this time of year, think more about salads as a way of healthy eating. I eat a lot of salads, and sometimes get in a rut. You may be the same way, so here are some tips to help you spice up your salads!
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.  (Whew)

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 certainly 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 killer salads that you will long for:

1.    Use ingredients that are fresh and in season.  Take a trip to the Farmers Market or your local healthy grocery store to pick up some local, fresh and in season produce…your taste buds will thank you.  For some inspiration, a few of my favorite veggies currently (and almost always) in season are bean sprouts of some sort, carrots (shredded), cabbage (shredded) celery, and beets.

2.    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 some broccoli, mushrooms or onions to add to your salad will add an interesting and delicious element to your plate.  Do you already have some ideas brewing?  Don’t forget the fruit! Adding berries to a summer salad is refreshing and quenches that taste for something sweet.

3.    Spin your greens.  After you wash your greens, spinning them dry will help them not become soggy or too wet to absorb your ingredients and dressing.  So break out that Salad Spinner and spin away!

I used to eat just a bland regular salad using iceberg lettuce and adding cucumbers, shredded carrots and tomato, but I have learned over the years that there are much more nutritious forms of lettuce such as romaine and even the field greens. I love to add nuts and fruit of some kind to my salad, and spice it up with some grated ginger. I don’t even often have salad dressing, but it I do, I keep it simple with something like a balsamic vinegar, or even the juice from some of the fruits I have used for other recipes. You can also use the great homemade dressing I have included in this newsletter.

Are your ideas brewing already?  What are you inspired to throw in your next salad?  Hit ‘reply’ and 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.  Enjoy!
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

•    Olive oil — 1/2 cup
•    Balsamic Vinegar — 1/3 cup
•    Dijon Mustard — 1⁄2 teaspoon
•    1 clove garlic, minced
•    Basil — 1⁄2 teaspoon
•    Salt and Pepper, to taste

Combine in jar with lid, shake and store.

Pretty soon, I will be offering a Webinar called “Salad in a Jar” where you will learn some cool ways for making salads and layering them – making them delicious and with ever changing options that will leave you wanting more salads than ever before. I will email you the details soon.
In the meantime, if you have health care concerns or need support, encouragement and help for weight loss, schedule a free call with me.

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CALL