SUMMER…. in a salad!!
As you probably know by now, one of my favorite summer foods is SALAD!! Not only is it deliciously light and refreshing, but I love the variety of fresh produce that is available in the summertime. It’s like a whole new ballgame! I don’t know about you, but I am a HUGE fan of combining fruits and vegetables in salads….and I love using different nuts and cheeses as toppings. The more different flavors and textures I can pack in, the better! (Can you hear how excited I’m getting just thinking about it?)
The funny thing is Jorden can’t stand salads with fruit in them! In his opinion, fruits and vegetables should remain separate….and although I don’t agree, I do understand where he’s coming from. I distinctly remember, as a child, when I found out that tomatoes are not actually vegetables, but fruits! WHAT!? Who knew? At the time, of course, I found it both intriguing and a little disturbing (how had I been wrong for so long… and why was I eating fruit on my pizza?) But, unlike Jorden, I got over it.
Jorden is just that way, though. He’s not a fan of his “worlds colliding”….(to use one of his favorite Seinfeld quotes)…..in food, or in life! Me, on the other hand? My feeling is the more, the merrier! Why keep things separate if you can enjoy them together? I feel that way in friendships (why get together with two friends separately if they might enjoy one another’s company)……and in food (why keep fruits separate from vegetables when, so often, they go so well together!?) This salad is a perfect example of worlds colliding….and proof that it can go well! The combination of sweet and savory fruits and vegetables is perfect for summer….and with pecans, fresh-shaved parmesan, and avocado (which, by the way, is also a fruit!) it’s surprisingly satisfying.
What about you? Are you a “keep things separate” kind of person….or do agree that more is merrier? If you’ve never let your worlds collide, why not give it a try? You might be surprised at just how well it goes!
Tropical Spinach Salad
3 c. fresh baby spinach
1/3 c. strawberries, chopped
1/3 c. pineapple, chopped
1/2 avocado, cubed
1 slice red onion, quartered
1/8 c. chopped pecans
fresh-shaved parmesan cheese, to taste
Layer ingredients in medium salad bowl and top with Sweet Lime Vinaigrette.
Sweet Lime Vinaigrette
1/8 c. olive oil
1/8 c. vinegar
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. agave nectar
Combine ingredients in a small container with a lid; shake well.
Be sure to check out my other summer salad recipes!
Grilled Corn Salad with Chili Lime Vinaigrette
I originally shared this post at The 36th Avenue!
Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea says
YUM! Another delicious salad recipe, thank you! I love nuts/fruit/veggies/lime/avocado so this is a winner in our book!
Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com says
I love fruited salads! Lucky for me, most of my family enjoys them as well! We all love avocados thought! And you know, in the summer, all I want to do is eat salads. They are so much simpler and cooler. Love avocados and strawberries together Cathy.
Cindy says
Cathy–this salad looks wonderful. It is full of my favorite ingredients. I’ll try it soon. Have a great summer.
Julie Rogers says
Looks delish:) We would love for you to share at our fun Super Summer Saturday link up here: http://www.thechirpingmoms.com/2013/07/super-summer-saturday_13.html Thanks! Julie
Jamie Sanders says
Oh my gosh, this salad looks so good! (and if will fit right in with my diet…) I would love for you to come over and link this up at our Inspiration Monday Link Party that has just started!
~Jamie
holdtheoffice.com says
Hi. I am visiting from Sweet and Savory Sunday. Thanks for the salad dressing ideas. I made up a lime salad dressing last week and it was not good! I will be trying this one instead. Do you use red wine vinegar?
Thanks,
Nicole
Hold the Office
Mariah says
Mmm, this looks delicious! I found you via I Heart Naptime and just shared my Honey Lime Dressing so this caught my eye! Can’t wait to give it a try.
Shannon Hawk says
Oh this looks wonderful! I am going to make this for lunch or dinner this week. The perfect meal for a hot day!
Style Sisters says
I am all about mixing the fruits and veggies in a salad…this looks divine!! Come link up to my party that is going on right now and share this post with us. http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/07/centerpiece-wednesday-and-wrap-up_17.html
Karin
Garden Chef says
At dinner tonight! Tonight’s the night… Thank you for sharing!
Garden Chef says
Waaahhhh!!!! I lacked strawberries and pecans but added pear. But it still turned out good! I love it! My husband also did and said it’s quite different from what he usually eats.
Garden Chef says
Here’s my version of your recipe. http://gardenchefsneedleandpen.blogspot.com/2013/07/guacamole-spinach-salad.html Thanks so much for sharing, Cathy!
Leslie Stewart says
Looks delish! Thanks for sharing at my Twirl & Take a bow party! Stop by tomorrow to see it featured!
Leslie
House on the Way
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
What a wonderful salad Cathy – it looks amazing!