I go through phases where I love salads and then other times when I have lost all taste for them. I think it depends on the weather… When it’s cold outside, all I want to eat are warm foods, but when it’s warmer out, I crave fresh veggie salads. Lately I’ve been on a salad kick (bringing them in fun mason jars helps!), and I wanted to share my latest favorite with y’all- my Zesty Veggie Salad! I love making a big salad to eat off of for a few days, which not only makes eating clean and green easy, but they also cut down on cooking/chopping time throughout the week, and I never have an excuse for not eating my veggies.
I threw this salad together the other day and loved how it turned out! We ate it as a veggie side with our tamales, and I was able to bring some for lunch the next day, with enough left over to have with dinner that night too. It’s flavorful and zesty, full of vitamin rich veggies, and it looks gorgeous on the plate!
Do you like eating salads? What’s your favorite?
Zesty Veggie Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups chopped spinach
2 cups chopped kale
1 tomato, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1/2 large avocado
1 Tbsp pine nuts
1 Tbsp sunflower seeds
4 basil leaves, finely chopped
Dressing:
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp agave
Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. In a large bowl, mix the veggies and pour the dressing on top. Toss the salad to evenly coat with the dressing.
Eat immediately!
*If you are wanting to save some of the salad for later, do not put the dressing on it! Dress it when you are ready to eat.
May 16th, 2016 at 10:14 am
This looks delicious! Definitely not your typical veggie salad!
May 16th, 2016 at 10:17 am
Thanks, Karin!! And yes, I get bored with the typical salads… I like to keep my taste buds on their toes ;)
May 16th, 2016 at 11:29 am
This salad is so pretty, with so many good things in it. I’m doing the Whole30 right now, and think I can have almost all…no agave, but that’s OK. Looks yummy!
May 16th, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Thanks!! I hope you try it… I know you’d love it. :)
May 17th, 2016 at 7:53 am
So pretty!! I love avocado so much. It’s the best in a salad. I would add a little grilled chicken to this one and be full all day. YUM!
May 17th, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Me too!! And if it hadn’t been a side salad, I would have added chicken. It would go really well with it!
May 17th, 2016 at 8:20 am
YUM! That sounds delicious!! My salad this week is arugula and kale with tomatoes, avocado, chickpeas and roasted potatoes and topped with a vinaigrette made with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and greek seasoning mix. It’s delicious!
May 17th, 2016 at 9:30 pm
YUM! That sounds amazing Katie! I’ll have to try that out soon.
May 17th, 2016 at 9:10 am
Looks really good! I tend to want to eat more salads when the weather is warmer too. Can’t wait to give this a try.
May 17th, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Thanks for stopping by Christine! I know you’ll love it :)
May 17th, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Yum! This looks (and sounds) so good. Pinning for later reference.
May 17th, 2016 at 9:31 pm
Thanks so much Penny!
May 17th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
So pretty and looks delicious. Anything with avocado is a win in my book, pinning for later!
May 17th, 2016 at 9:32 pm
I agree! I’ve on an avocado kick lately. Thanks for stopping by JeeYoung!
May 17th, 2016 at 5:20 pm
I love zesting the CRAP out of my salads!!! And avocados on salad just MAKE THEM!!! :)
May 17th, 2016 at 9:32 pm
I agree!! I love love love adding avocados to my salad. They add such a great flavor and texture!
May 17th, 2016 at 7:26 pm
lately i have been indulging in meat and greasy food but hey, im on vacation right? my body is asking me for salad and this looks wonderful :)
May 17th, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Enjoy your vacation!! I love treating myself when I’m visiting new places. And thank you Dixya! Glad you stopped by.
May 17th, 2016 at 8:14 pm
This looks so good!
xoxo, Jenny
May 17th, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Thanks Jenny!!
May 17th, 2016 at 9:10 pm
Yum! This looks delicious – and super healthy!
May 17th, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Thank you Rachel!
May 17th, 2016 at 11:04 pm
This salad recipe looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing such a delicious spicy dish, I can’t wait to try it!
May 18th, 2016 at 9:35 pm
Thanks Ashleigh! I know you’ll love it :)
May 18th, 2016 at 9:29 am
What an awesome salad! Love the combination of veggies and fats. This looks like a salad I could just dive into. I’m with you, once the weather starts warming up I eat a lot more salads. Thanks for sharing.
May 18th, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Thanks Jenn! I love adding fats and protein to my salads to keep me full longer.
May 18th, 2016 at 10:33 am
This looks amazing! I sure do love a good salad!!! <3
May 18th, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Thank you Susannah!
May 18th, 2016 at 11:42 am
The avocado on top looks like the perfect addition to this yummy and colorful salad!
May 18th, 2016 at 9:37 pm
Thank you! I’m on an avocado craze right now, so I’m adding it to err thing. :)
May 18th, 2016 at 1:14 pm
It looks so colorful and healthy. Thanks for sharing the recipe! :)
May 18th, 2016 at 9:39 pm
You’re welcome Ana! Thanks for stopping by :)
May 19th, 2016 at 8:40 am
Yum! I need to grab some pine nuts to make this. I love anything with avocado.
May 20th, 2016 at 8:35 pm
Yes! The pine nuts really add a nice texture to the salad- you’ll love it :)