4 Healthy & Refreshing Spring Salads

May 9

May 9 4 Healthy & Refreshing Spring Salads

One of my biggest challenges with kids home over the summer is making sure I stay properly fueled. I’m so busy entertaining, transporting and feeding the kids, I end up last on the list and that’s not good for anyone! These summer salads are not only nourishing and refreshing, they are also perfect for plan-ahead weekday lunches - all it takes is a little planning and a little prep to stay on track! We got this ladies!

Simple Kale Salad

For the dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 to 2 teaspoons honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the salad:

2 bunches kale, washed (I prefer Lacinato kale)
Drizzle of olive oil
Pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds, can use pine nuts or pepitas
1/3 cup dried cranberries, can use golden raisins or dried currants

Instructions

To make the dressing, in a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
First, remove the kale stems. Squeeze the top of the kale stem and slowly move your hand down the kale stem. The leafy part of the kale will come right off as you go down. Use a sharp knife to finely chop the kale.
Place the kale in a large bowl. Drizzle the kale with just a little bit of olive oil, you don't need a ton because you are adding a dressing. Sprinkle with a little kosher salt and massage with your clean fingers until the kale softens a bit.
Drizzle the dressing over the kale and toss well. Add the Parmesan cheese, nuts, and dried fruit. Toss again and serve.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

For the strawberry dressing:

1 cup chopped strawberries
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the strawberry spinach salad:

8 ounces fresh spinach
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 large avocado, sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
2/3 cup roughly chopped candied pecans or pecans

Instructions

To make the dressing, add the strawberries, olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
To assemble the salad, place the spinach, strawberries, avocado, red onion, cheese, and pecans in a large bowl. When ready to serve, drizzle with dressing and toss. Alternatively, you can plate the salads and serve the dressing on the side.