I don’t know about where you are, but it’s been très chaud here in Vancouver. After a lunch date with a friend this weekend, I walked back to my car and upon putting my key in the ignition, saw a ’37 C’ staring back at me. (It wasn’t really that hot – within a few minutes it was down to 28C, but still…) Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE hot summers and one of my big motivators for moving out west (aside from the awesome west coast culture, mountain views, beaches, etc) was to escape winter. I think it’s safe to say we can put a big fat checkmark in that box!
Based on what I’ve heard from my co-workers and friends who have been here longer than me, it really is a warmer summer than usual. You can bet I’m thanking my lucky stars for the portable air conditioning unit I installed a couple of months ago (and yes, I was pretty proud of myself once it was up and running!) Living in an apartment that has sunlight pouring in from noon until night means that I typically come home to a very toasty condo. And as you can imagine, along with that comes zero desire to cook anything.
So what’s a hungry girl to do? It’s all about the salads and keeping them exciting. I probably sound like a broken record because I recently did a great big roundup of 20 spring salads here, but today I’ve got another of my own creations, plus some from my favourite bloggers to share with you.
To prevent myself from falling into a rut, I’ve been trying to get as creative as possible with ingredient combos. Prime example: this Peaches and Greens Salad. I once had a health coaching client who couldn’t stand having ANY fruit in her salads, but if you’re down with a little bit of nature’s candy, then I think you’ll love this one.
With a Costco very close to where I live, I’m currently loving the big bags of Earthbound Farms Organic Power Greens mix, a blend of baby spinach, red and green chard, and baby kale. (For the record, I have no connection to Earthbound Farms – I just really like this!) You’ll be seeing plenty of it in recipes coming up, but for this one, I’ve tossed the greens with juicy peaches and strawberries, hydrating cucumbers, protein-packed chickpeas, some creamy avocado and raw almonds.
Dressing-wise, I went with a really simple and light white balsamic vinaigrette because the juices from the fruits are almost enough on their own. Make it or leave it nekkid – I’ll let you decide!
Oh, and while this salad’s name would make you think it’s all about the peaches, do ya see those pops of red strawberries in there? Beautiful, right? I think they juuuuuust might make this salad THE perfect addition to any sort of Canada Day (yep, that’s today!) celebrations that my fellow Canadian friends might be having. Agree? I thought so. 😉
Hop on over and get the Peaches and Greens Salad recipe on Greatist.
If you’re thinking, “But Angela, we want more ideas!” well don’t fret – I’ve got plenty. With salads coming out of my own kitchen #alldayerryday, I’ve got plenty in the hopper to share with you. But for now, I’m going to share some from my favourite veggie-loving boggers across the interwebs. Feast your eyes on these beauties!
Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto – via Cookie + Kate. Jalapeño pesto? Why have I not tried this yet?? I’ve featured her here before, but in case you haven’t yet started following her, Kate is such a wealth of inspiration when it comes to delicious whole foods.
Thai Curry Chicken Salad with Dijon Dressing – via Eating Bird Food. Those of you who have been long-time readers know I’m a sucker for all things Thai, so it’s no surprise that this was one I couldn’t resist sharing.
Mediterranean Farro Salad – via Gimme Some Oven. If you’re on Pinterest, you’ve probably seen Ali’s gorgeous salad creations before because they’re errrrywhere! Seriously, girl knows how to make food look gorgeous. This farro salad is no exception.
Grilled Apricot, Corn and Arugula Salad – via How Sweet Eats. Jess is the queen of grilled corn (and grilled things in general), and she’s really making me miss having a barbecue with this one!
Spinach Salad with Fresh Cherry Vinaigrette – via Making Thyme for Health. Those cherries. Enough said! Sara had me wanting to eat my screen with this salad!
Now it’s over to you! Tell me…
- What no-cook recipes are you loving right now?
- Canadian friends: Are you making anything special to celebrate our wonderful country’s birthday?
Peaches are fast becoming my favourite fruit this summer – they’re just so refreshing in this heat! This salad looks delicious, and I’ll definitely be whipping up a meal of it this week, thanks for the recipe!
Steph – http://nourishmeclean.blogspot.com
They’re becoming a favourite of mine too Steph, especially the cute donut ones! My pet peeve though is when they get stuck on the pit. I don’t like wastage!
Happy Canada Day!
Can you please share some of that warmth with Toronto, it’s freezing here!!!
Ahh I’ll try!! I’ve heard you guys have been getting lots of rain lately? So funny because Vancouver’s supposed to be the rainy city. (Not complaining though!) 🙂 Happy Canada Day, Cara!
I love your salads. Are you still accepting health clients? Online?
I am still doing online health coaching, but unfortunately I’m all booked up at the moment!
My favourite no cook recipe at the moment? Cereal and almond milk. This is why I need you in my life. 🙂