Simple Spring Salad Recipe {Guest Post}

Thanks to some amazing ladies who are providing some guest posts - I will be able to focus on my school work this week!  

First up is Kristen from Cat Eyes and Baby Cries with a delicious, and simple, salad recipe for spring.  I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty sure I know what I'm having for lunch today!

About Me: My name is Kristen. I am a stay at home mom to a sweet, rambunctious baby toddler. In my spare time, I like to drink wine and pretend to be an excellent cook and DIY'er. (the wine helps!) I love to write and stay active. I also enjoy pretending to be a fashion expert and fitness guru. Most of all, I love to spend time with my boys, and enjoy every little precious moment that is motherhood.

Spring-Inspired Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

 

It hardly feels like spring when you look out the window and snow is still falling; so here is a great recipe to put you in the spring mood. Not only is this salad easy, but it's very nutrient rich and only takes minutes to make!

Ingredients:
For Salad:

Handful of Spinach
Two Strawberries, Thinly Sliced
Sprinkle of Feta Cheese
Thin slices of Cucumber
Handful of Dried Cranberries
Half of an Avocado Diced
Slivered Almonds  

For Dressing:

1/4 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

½ Cup of Olive Oil
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt

3/4 tsp Black Pepper

I always begin by making the dressing. First, I whisk together the lemon juice and Dijon, then add my salt and pepper. I then whisk in the olive oil until well blended. The dressing keeps for a few days and can also be used as a marinade for chicken. Once your dressing is made, cool it in the refrigerator and chop your spinach into smaller pieces. I find this step to be very important, as you don’t want to be gnawing on massive spinach leafs! I then cut the strawberries and cucumber into thin slices to top the spinach, dice my avocado, and top with the dried cranberries, almonds, and feta. This salad is a major hit for dinner parties, and is very refreshing on a warm summer day. Serve with a few pieces of fresh baked bread (and by fresh baked I mean from the grocery store!)

After drooling over this recipe like I have been, head over to Cat Eyes and Baby Cries and give Kristen some love!