Now that Spring is here, it’s time to freshen up with those wonderful light spring mix salads that you can just whip up without a thought!  Also, if you want to shed those extra pounds winter may have brought on, this is a straightforward way to do it!

This week, I am keeping it very simple. I just want to throw out ideas for what a basic “clean” salad can be–we are not talking iceberg lettuce with bacon bits, croutons and ranch dressing here!–and just leave it to you to do your thing! Sometimes, that’s all it takes--a little word of encouragement and an easy plan to put it into effect. So here we go!

Spring Mix Salads

Try this “formula” for a spa dinner every night this week!

No fuss, no “suffering,”  just use the same base every day of all-you-can-eat fresh mixed greens with lots of fresh cut veggies and then, each day, vary one lean protein of your choice. I’ll tell you what I mean!

FRESH ORGANIC MIXED GREENS: AS MUCH AS YOU WANT EVERY DAY 

As much and as diverse as you’d like: baby spinach, arugula, kale, Boston lettuce, romaine, radicchio, chard, green leaf, red leaf…..(You can even take advantage of the pre-washed ready-to-go bags to make it easier for you).

FRESH VEGGIES: AS MUCH AS YOU WANT EVERY DAY

As much raw chopped vegetables as you can pile on (tomato, carrot, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, alfalfa sprouts, fennel, cauliflower, string beans, snap peas etc…).  I recommend a mandolin slicer for perfectly thin slices for some of the harder veggies–it’s so quick and easy. You can also grill your vegetables–see Grilled Veggies.

SOME LEAN PROTEIN: PICK ONE FROM THE LIST BELOW EACH DAY

Plain cooked lentils (you can also used canned, well rinsed) or my recipe for French Lentil & Sweet Potato Salad

 OR

Plain canned beans, well rinsed (black, red kidney, chickpeas, cannellini, Great Northern, fava). You can also use my  Black Bean Tomato and Corn Salad.

WITH

Plain cooked whole grains (bulgur wheat, farro, quinoa, wheat berries). I recommend you make a batch and keep it stored in a tupperware in the fridge. it will keep fresh for a week. You can also use my recipe for Simply Quinoa, or Tabbouleh Salad.

OR

Plain grilled fish (see my tip: Grilling is that easy) or seafood (Shrimp, scallops) or canned tuna in water (I recommend this one because it is sustainably caught wild seafood).

OR

Plain grilled organic free-range chicken breasts (see my tip: Grilling Is that Easy) or you can use my Crispy Chicken Tenders, or my Grilled Orange Herb Chicken.

OR

 Hard boiled eggs (organic, cage-free, preferably pasture-raised)

OR

Tofu–you have GOT to try this crispy tofu recipe–watch!

IF YOU’D LIKE, FEEL FREE TO TOP YOUR SALAD WITH:

Fresh Sliced Fruit (strawberries, apples, pears, grapes, avocado)

Fresh Herbs

Some nuts or seeds: (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, hempseeds are delightful and nutritious)

Finally, for the DRESSING:

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil  and vinegar of your choice ( I love balsamic vinegar but cider vinegar or white or red wine vinegar is lovely too). If you prefer, you can replace the vinegar with fresh squeezed lemon–a pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper and toss. That’s it!

If you prefer a creamier dressing, I recommend adding a big dollop of my Simply Spinach Dip to your salad, before tossing. It is not only delicious but it also adds nutrients to your salad to boot, because is filled with fresh ground baby spinach. You can make a batch and store in a tupperware in the fridge. It will keep fresh for a week, so don’t hesitate, if creamy is your thing, this is the dressing for you! Another idea to make your dressing “creamy” is to add a dollop of hummus (store-bought is fine) to your oil and vinegar dressing. My daughter Natalia thought of it and it’s absolutely delicious and nutritious! It even takes care of the lean protein for you!

I think if you try this for one week, and keep your snacks simple & wholesome (here is more on that!), and just have fresh fruit if  you want something for dessert,  you will be surprised with the result! (now that the days are getting warmer, add a brisk walk outside too, while you are at it!)

For one, because you can plan this ahead of time for the whole week. You don’t have to worry about what to make for dinner every night because everything will be ready to go in your fridge or your pantry.

No fuss–I love that!

Secondly, because of the high volume of veggies in these salads, you will fill up on fewer calories and will find yourself not only satiated and satisfied but you may well notice those pounds shedding off steadily!

If you prefer more “formal” recipes for salads, here are a couple you will also love, but again, same idea: lots of veggies, some wholegrain, some legumes or beans and a light homemade dressing and you are on your way!

So, there you have it, take it away and make it your own, be creative and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common ingredients in a fresh spring mix salad?

Mixed greens like spinach, arugula, and lettuce together with nuts or seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds, and some peas or beans, such as chickpeas, black beans, or edamame, can make good ingredients for a fresh spring mix salad.

Can I add protein to my spring mix salad, and if so, what are some good options?

Yes, you can add protein to your salad. As mentioned above, you can also use my recipe for Simply Quinoa or Tabbouleh Salad.

What dressing pairs well with a fresh spring mix salad?

Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar of your choice. If you prefer, you can replace the vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon, a pinch of sea salt, and fresh ground pepper, and toss. That’s it!

Can I make a spring mix salad ahead of time, or is it better to make it right before serving?

You can always make a fresh salad ahead of time. I recommend you make a batch and keep it stored in a Tupperware in the fridge; it will keep fresh for a week.

How can I add some crunch to my spring salad?

Adding some crunch to your spring salad can be a great way to add texture and flavour. The easiest way is to add nuts or seeds to your salad. Try adding almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to your salad.

Are there any fruits or vegetables that should be avoided in a spring salad?

Well, there are no specific fruits or vegetables that should be avoided in a spring salad.

Can I make a spring salad into a complete meal, or is it better as a side dish?

Yes, you can make a spring salad into a complete meal by adding some protein and healthy fats to it. Adding some whole grains to your salad can help make it more filling and nutritious. Try adding quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Adding some fruit to your salad can add some sweetness and nutrients.

 

Bon appétit!