Favourite Summer Salads

I have a love/hate relationship with salads. Like most people, I can get so bored with trying to eat healthy. I know they are so good for you and they’re a great way to pack a bunch of nutrients into one meal, but honestly I have a hard time actually wanting to eat them.  Let’s be honest, some are so boring! Today I’m sharing a few of my favourite salads that I actually enjoy eating!

1.       Strawberry/Mandarin Salad

This is my go-to salad especially in the summer! I have this at least once a week in the summer months. So simple and so delicious!

·       2 cups of spinach

·       ¼ cup diced strawberries

·       ¼ cup mandarin oranges (I usually buy the canned mandarins)

·       1 tbsp of low calorie Berry Vinaigrette

·       Mix together and enjoy!

2.       Caprese Salad

A classic and for good reason! It’s so easy to throw together and I love the fresh basil leaves.

·       Medium bunch of fresh basil leaves

·       1 cup of balsamic vinegar

·       2 tomatoes

·       6 ounces of sliced mozzarella cheese

·       Olive oil

·       Salt & Pepper to season

Directions:

·       Pour balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced

·       Layer tomato, basil leaf, mozzarella

·       Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the salad, followed by a light drizzle of olive oil and salt & pepper to taste

3.       Quinoa Salad

I love anything with variety and a mix of fruits and veggies! This vinaigrette makes the salad for me.

·       ½ cup of cooked quinoa

·       ½ cup blueberries

·       1 cup of mixed vegetables (my favs for this are yellow peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, snap peas)

Vinaigrette Recipe (use 2 tbsp per serving)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon stevia or other sugar substitute

If you have a favourite recipe please share it below!