It’s been a while since I’ve done a challenge on the blog and as I mentioned last week I’ve had an idea cooking in my mind for a while now. In spirit of some friendly inspiration and accountability, I’m challenging myself and all of you lovely readers to enjoy one salad each and every day for the month of June.
I have a tendency to fall off the salad bandwagon, so this challenge is an effort to bring salads back into my life and amp up the veggies in my diet as summer approaches. And I hope you will be on board too! If you already do enjoy a salad each day, I challenge you to mix up your go-to salads using new ingredients, toppings, and dressings all month long.
The challenge kicks off on Friday June 1st, but I’m giving you a few days notice in case you want to prepare. Or start today! Fill the crisper. Hit up the farmer’s market. Sharpen your knives. And prepare yourself for renewed energy during the last month of spring.
Below are 6 reader favourite salads to get you started. I will be posting 5 other salad recipes shortly and hopefully a recap of my favourite easy homemade dressings for those of us who want to ditch the bottled stuff and try something new. A new salad recipe will also be featured on the blog each week during the challenge.
If you want to feel energized and balanced, this is the salad to start off with! It’s inspired by the Detox Salad at Whole Foods. I love it drizzled with a touch of maple syrup and sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving. You will never look at raw broccoli and cauliflower the same way again…trust me on this one.
2) Spring Salad with Strawberry Basil Lemon Dressing
A pretty salad to honour spring and use up all of those fresh strawberries! The dressing is made up of strawberries and basil, along with fresh lemon juice, a touch of olive oil, pure maple syrup, fine grain sea salt, & black pepper. It’s healthy and light, yet creamy and indulgent tasting. Pour it on top of mixed greens, chopped strawberries, and toasted coconut and slivered almonds for a healthy yet “fancy” salad.
Mmm…one of my favs! Light, fresh, filling, and easy to throw together for any long weekend gathering. The fresh corn lends a light sweetness to the zesty lime dressing. A generous dusting of salt and pepper before serving really makes everything come together. You can also make this the day before and let the flavours develop overnight in the fridge. Just throw it into a container and you’re good to go!
4) Red Quinoa and Black Bean Vegetable Salad
Extremely light, fresh, and packed with protein and healthy fats, this tangy cilantro and lime salad will have you dreaming of Summer.
5) Layered Salad with Orange-Ginger Dressing
Just like the Whole Foods layered salad, but now made in the comfort of your own home. With some advance prep work, you can enjoy this salad all week long. You can also layer it in a big glass bowl for a party or BBQ, or even quicker, just mix it all up together and pour on the dressing!
6) High Protein Almond Quinoa Berry Salad
Use this fun fruit salad as a side dish, breakfast, or even dessert! Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, almonds, and fluffy quinoa are mixed with a lovely maple-balsamic-lime dressing. This would make a great fruit salad to bring to a summer BBQ or gathering too.
Want to join me in this challenge?
There are many different ways you can participate…
– Leave a comment below and commit to the salad challenge! woot woot
– Blog about the challenge and post pics & recipes of your salads throughout the month of June.
– Tweet, Pin, and/or Instagram your salad creations using the hashtag: #saladaday
I’m in! I love salad, but tend to make the same ones. I’m committing to try new salads!
This is exactly what I need to get back into my healthy groove, a month of salad feasting! Count me in! :)
I’m SO in!
Count me in. I will be on vacation in maine 6/1 to 6/5, but salads you can do anywhere. Looking forward to this!
Totally in!! After just returning from two trips I definitely need to detox and this will be a great way to get me motivated!
I can’t wait! What a great idea!
I have been doing this with my husband and kids for the month of May. We have been using a fantastic book for inspiration called “Salad for Dinner: Complete Meals for All Seasons” by Jeanne Kelley. Some of the most delicious entree salads and dressings I’ve ever had! Olive Bread Panzanella, Warm Wild Mushroom Salad, Tostada Salad, Greek Salad, Poached Eggs with Asparagus and Arugula…all simple and full of flavor. I think we’ll continue for the month of June. :)
just surprised your usuage of strawberries and corn. Strawberries are on the “dirty” list. they are extremly over sprayed. However, i do love your recipes just wondering why your using so many strawberries, even organic.
I’m in! I’ve been feeling the need for more veggies back into my diet as I’ve let it slip!
Wow – that berry quinoa salad looks delicious. My sis is celiac and it’s tough to find gluten free recipes -thanks for including them! I know what I’m bringing to the family BBQ this weekwnd :)
This is a great idea! I just joined the CSA this year, so I plan on lots of salads! Nothing like a challenge to keep me motivated. I’m committing!
I think the number 4 recipe (Red Quinoa and Black Bean Vegetable Salad) is best. It is healthy as well as tasty that very few can resist, even non vegetarians.
I’m in. I always use bottled dressing so this will serve as incentive to make my own.
Super stuff Angela!
I’m especially looking forward to trying different dressings – I’m French and yes, my go-to dressing is vinaigrette (French dressing) but it gets a little boring so new ideas are always welcome :)
xx
My husband and I are in! What a great idea and the perfect season for fresh salad ingredients. This is just the reboot we need in our diet right now. Thank you!
Great idea! I look forward to trying some of your amazing looking recipes!
Heck yes!!! I usually crave salads anyhow, but sometimes- I get lazy! Challenge Accepted!
Count me in!
I am so in! This will be the perfect kick start for a summer of healthy eating!
Definitely up for this challenge! Love the idea.