Farmers markets and grocery stores are currently fully stocked with vibrant berries and amazing fruits. Take advantage of all this springtime produce by adding them to your salads!
Salads are traditionally associated with vegetables, but who’s to say that fruits don’t belong? Incorporate leafy greens with fresh fruits, berries, and raw, unsalted nuts to your salad at lunch or dinner for a delicious twist on a traditional meal.
In terms of shopping, buy your ingredients weekly to ensure freshness. To make your sweet and filling salads, your list should include…
- Dark, leafy greens (spinach, kale, spring mix, baby greens mix)
- Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, dried cranberries)
- Whole fruits (pears, peaches, apples, avocados)
- Nuts (sliced almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, pecans, sunflower seeds)
- Cheese (goat cheese, chevre, crumbled blue cheese)
- Dressing (balsamic vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing)
- Add ons (grilled chicken, baked tofu)
You can’t go wrong with any of the ingredients above when putting together your salad. Start by filling your plate with greens of your choice. Next, any combination of the other listed ingredients will be pretty delicious. Below is a list of pairs that you might want to try.
Strawberry Avocado Salad: greens, sliced strawberries, ¼ sliced avocado, walnuts/almonds, poppy seed dressing
Grilled Peach Salad: greens, grilled peaches, goat cheese, balsamic vinaigrette
Balsamic Blackberry Salad: greens, chevre, walnuts/pecans, blackberries, balsamic vinaigrette
Chicken Berry Salad: greens, strawberries, raspberries, goat cheese, toasted nuts (your choice), grilled chicken, raspberry vinaigrette
Two Apple Salad: greens, ½ granny smith apple, ½ sweet apple (gala or honey crisp), crumbled blue cheese, sunflower seeds, balsamic vinaigrette
Pear Salad: greens, sliced pear, blue cheese crumbles
If you’re looking to add a little more protein into these salads, add a serving of grilled chicken or baked tofu. And of course, enjoy!