Summer Salad Fun

Warm weather is upon us and I am definitely not a fan. But while I can't control what Mother Nature brings our way, I can control what I choose to eat on those hot summer days.  One big hit throughout the spring and summer season is a good salad. They are so refreshing and can perk up any meal. They're also so versatile so you can pretty much put anything in a salad.

Yesterday became one of those 'put everything you can find in it' days. My son and I were hanging out at my mom's house and it was lunchtime.  I started scrounging around in the fridge for something that wouldn't be too heavy on this 90 degree day.  Well, nothing was looking good until I saw a bunch of giant mushrooms from the best place on earth.  (That would be Costco by the way.)  Anyways, the mushrooms became the inspiration for a light, but loaded with veggies, salad.  I looked around for some other things to throw in and before I knew it, I had a tasty bunch of salad friendly fare.  After slicing and dicing, it was time for a dressing.  This also needed to be light to match the day and the ingredients in the salad.  I wanted something simple but packed with flavor so I grabbed a little lime juice, oil and honey.  I thew them in bowl and had a taste.  Tang. It needed tang.  Apple cider vinegar for sure.  I love apple cider vinegar and it is one of the best ingredients to always have in your pantry.  More on that later though...

Please enjoy this brisk salad by itself or with a yummy sandwich. I prefer more vinegar taste to oil in my dressings, but just like everything in life, adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Summer Salad with Sweet Pepper Lime Dressing


Dressing:

• 2 TB lime juice
• 1 TB plus 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 c oil
• 1 TB honey
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp fresh cracked pepper

Salad:

• About 2 cups spring mix lettuce
• 1/2 tomato, sliced
• 4 large mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 c red onion, sliced

Mix all dressing ingredients together well. Mix all salad ingredients together and toss with dressing.  Enjoy!