Let's Talk About Salads

I think we all know salads are good for you.I mean made at home salads if you didn't guess.They have fiber and significant vitamins and minerals.Unfortunately they can be pretty boring if you stick with a lettuce,tomato and cucumber trifecta at every dinner. To mix it up a little,try using different types of greens.You can use Bibb,arugula or
romaine or spinach for example. You can add fruit like pears and apples
or add chopped dates or dried cranberries . Glazed walnuts are a big hit
at my house as is a handful of trail mix.The ideas are endless and they really pay off. Many times my family has said "great salad Mom".The one
thing that you must do,in my opinion,is make your own salad dressing.It is not hard and it eliminates so many chemicals,preservatives and fat.My favorite bbalsamic dressing recipe is below.


                                 Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients: 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
                      8 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
                      3/4 tsp Dijon mustard
                      1/2 tsp salt
                      1/4 tsp pepper

Preparation: Mix all ingredients in the order given in a salad dressing
                       container with a tight lid.Shake until emulsified then pour
                       over salad,toss, and serve