Spring is finally here and the April showers are finally gone, bring on the sunshine! It’s time to take new adventures and most of all, get that summer bikini body ready for the beach! I always try to take time to re- evaluate and reset my health and lifestyle which will help me get through the busy summer ahead! From family vacations to spending time with friends, summertime is all about making memories, living a healthy lifestyle and enjoying flavorful food!

I call this recipe the May Spring Salad because I think a lot of individuals need a little detoxing right before the summer heat. I am sure many of you have holiday barbeques, parties, vacations and family gatherings that have been occupying your time. It is perfectly fine and healthy to enjoy some sweet treats, but all the indulging can be a bit much after a while. What I love about this salad is that it can help to re-boot and re-energize your system while helping to enhance your overall health and well-being. This detox salad is dressed with one of our favorite salad dressings – a light lemon sesame dressing that is full of flavor and good for you!

Ingredients:

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For the salad:

• 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 large cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ½ cup blueberries
• ½ cup avocado, sliced
• ½ cup snap peas, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid, place lid on tight and shake until well- combined. Set aside.
2. Combine the salad ingredients into a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

The splendid thing about healthy living is you’re never out of the game. Even if you’ve eaten your weight in summer cocktails, forgot what a water bottle looks like, and haven’t seen the inside of a gym in a while, you can still pick back up and benefit from healthy choices. Enjoy and make this fresh and delicious salad with your friends and family!

 -Katelynn