23.6.14

Summertime Fruity Sweet & Spice-y Green Salad!

Yes. I'm still alive. I do realize it's been unapologetically long since I last posted... I've been crazy busy these past two weeks (having way too much fun!) and was caught up in exam frenzy for the two months before that. But it's all over - in the blink of an eye, my first year of college is done and I'm back home for the next three and a half months. For now, however, that only means one thing: it's SUMMERTIME!

Summer means tank tops, shorts, flip flops, bikinis, popsicles, cold drinks, sunglasses, fruit salads, cold dinners, BBQs and an endless list of more such wonderful things. Here in the UK, we've been getting some pretty amazing weather for the country that's seen to have gray skies and rain all the time. These past few days have been filled with lots and lots blue skies, actual summer weather, and beautiful sunshine. I couldn't wish for better weather.

I've been eating some amazing food these past two weeks after exams ended, but couldn't help but feel that something was missing - a gorgeous green salad was the answer.

Several different flavor combinations inspired this outstanding final product - citrus fruit, spiced nuts, sweet honey, tangy lemon, crisp leaves, juicy carrot, chewy cranberries. If that isn't tempting you yet, let me reiterate: THIS IS A SUPER DUPER DELICIOUS SALAD that deserves to be made and eaten... now. Did I mention it was packed with superfoods and lots of great vitamins. It bursts with freshness and I want to hear no excuse for not making/eating this, as it's summertime and one of the most delicious additions to your "bikini body diet"!

It is wonderful as a light, yet filling lunch; an accompaniment to any BBQ (though I can't promise it won't steal the show!); or as a side to any main dish for dinner. Long story short: it's wonderful. Imagine fresh, crisp, green leaves dressed in a honey/lemon/mustard dressing, topped with bright orange grated carrot, slices of fresh grapefruit and orange, dark red dried cranberries, and the star of the show: sweet & spicy candied pecans. If you aren't imagining lots of colors and delicious flavors, you're definitely losing out right now!

Go make this salad. Then eat it. Then realize you can eat it everyday because it's healthier than healthy. Then squeal with happiness because it's so yummy!

Ingredients
Serves 1 for lunch or 2-3 as a side salad
For the salad:
2 cups mixed salad leaves
1/2 grapefruit (white, pink or red), sliced into segments
1 juicing orange, sliced into segments
2 tbsp dried cranberries
1 carrot, grated (not finely)
spiced nuts, recipe below
dressing, recipe below

For the dressing:
1 tbsp liquid honey
1 1/2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/3 tsp wholegrain mustard
pinch of salt

For the spiced nuts:
2 tbsp chopped nuts of choice (I used pecans, but feel free to use walnuts, almonds etc)
1/3 tsp brown sugar
2 drops honey
1/4 tsp cumin powder
pinch of red chilli powder

Instructions
For the spiced nuts, toss the nuts with the other ingredients and toast on a pan over low heat or in the toaster oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool and crunch up. They will smell absolutely amazing, so refrain yourself for gobbling them up before you even make the salad! Or just make more.

Mix together the ingredients for the dressing.

Toss together all the ingredients for the salad and relish the goodness!

Enjoy!

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