I. Love. Salads.

It's Summertime People.

It's time to stop turning on our ovens and time to toss up some yummy salads.

I have become a salad snob. (I'm also a coffee snob, but that's for another day)

If you are going to cut up some iceburg lettuce and shred a half of a carrot on it and call it a salad, then you are just plain missing out on the amazing opportunity to get a ton of fresh food in your diet and - not to mention rev up your taste buds a notch.

My love for large salads began about 5 years ago when we lived in Washington D.C. My lovely friend Sue and I would hang out together every Tuesday at her home to have hangout time, corral her two precious children, take a trip to Target and make something tasty together. A lot of times, Sue would make me some yummy scones for a snack (have I shared this recipe yet? It's become a staple for me) or some delicious yogurt muffins or just some amazing - crazy concoction of a salad that was music to my mouth.

I loved Tuesdays. (and not just for the food - the company was pretty great too!)

Well, you add to this yummy salad an amazing home-made dressing that my friend Shauna gave me the recipe for - and you have Summertime Dinner Perfection.

Here's the salad I made tonight.

Soooo Goood.

Bag of Spring Mix salad
1 chicken breast that was marinated in italian dressing and broiled in the oven for 7 min. per side and then cut into chunks
Sliced avocado
Diced fresh carrots
1 Tbsp of sliced almonds or pecans
crumbled feta cheese
sliced blueberries
diced tomatoes

Dressing:

Use one of the glass italian dressing bottles. Fill the bottom of the bottle up to just below the "O" line with Canola Oil. Then, fill to the line with Water (maybe a Tbsp or so). Then, fill to just below the "V" line with balsamic vinegar. Finally, fill the rest of the way to the "V" line with Maple Syrup (about 1 or 2 Tbsp). Shake and pour over salad and Toss.

Seriously Yummy.

I won't be offended if you all want to share any of your summertime favorites with me on here too. I need some grilling recipes. Throw 'em my way. C'mon!!!