the perfect salad...

i love salads!  i eat them often and they don't have to be boring!  often times my friends or family will ask me to bring a salad for dinner parties because apparently "i make good ones"  :)  well...there is no secret, it's easy!  here is my go to formula for salads...

~i like to start with a dark green spring mix (the darker the leaf the more nutritional value)

~add a variety of crispy veggies (cucumber, carrots, celery, onion or tomato)

~add something sweet (dried cranberries, sliced apple, pear, strawberries or even blueberries)

~add crunch (seeds or nuts, i prefer almond slivers, sunflower seeds, pine nuts or wheat berries)

~add something creamy (avocado or cheese - or BOTH!  i like feta, parmesan or goat cheese)

~if this is an entree salad then i will add a form of protein (usually chicken or sliced turkey)

~make your own dressing!  it is so much better, i promise.  i have a variety of gourmet flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars and you mix them equal parts with salt and pepper to taste.  in a pinch my favorite bottled dressing is "girards" brand light champagne dressing.  it goes well on most salads.