Our Favorite Healthy Salad Recipe for the Spring!

Jordan Meggs • April 13, 2021

Words by Kayti Murphree & Jasef Wisener

This time of year, we all want to be healthier, and one wonderful way to do this is by eating big, colorful salads! With farmers markets in full swing, this is the perfect chance to grab fresh ingredients to bring your salads up a notch while also shopping locally!


Salad recipes are best when local produce is in its prime, and local produce is seasonal; fruits and vegetables can be interchangeable depending on availability and personal taste! Plant-based salads are great as a starter, or they can be converted to a crowd-pleasing entrée with the addition of steak, grilled chicken, or pork!


Whether you're trying to eat better, trying to add more plant-based meals to your diet, or are just looking for new ideas, you'll find some great options below! Check out one of our favorite healthy salad recipes for the spring and summer!

The Best Spring Salad


For this one, you're going to be using some fresh ingredients from the garden as well as making your own dressing!


Here's what you're going to need:

  • Lettuce: one bunch of green or red leaf lettuce will do the trick!
  • Strawberries: spring and summer are the perfect time for fresh strawberries, and you can even pick some up at the 2021 Cullman Strawberry Festival on Saturday, May 1, 2021!
  • Goat Cheese: this may be a new one for you, but you won't be disappointed!
  • Onion: we're going to go with a red onion for this salad, but feel free to use your favorite!
  • Almonds: this is going to be mostly for texture, so feel free to leave them out or use more depending on your preference; pecans are also a great alternative!


We're also going to be making a yummy vinaigrette dressing to go with this one, and the ingredients for it include balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper.


Find the complete recipe with measurements below!

Ingredients


For the Salad:

  • 1 bunch of green or red leaf lettuce
  • 12 strawberries, hulled & quartered
  • 4 ounces of goat cheese, crumbled
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup of toasted sliced almonds

For the Dressing:

  • ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon of Herbs de Provence
  • Salt & pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Add chopped lettuce, quartered strawberries, sliced red onion, sliced almonds, and crumbled goat cheese to a large bowl.
  2. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper to a bowl; whisk until combined and taste for seasoning.
  3. Pour half of the dressing over salad ingredients; toss with tongs to combine.
  4. Add remaining dressing to salad when served.
  5. Enjoy!

For great local and home-grown fruits and vegetables to use in your recipes, be sure to visit the Festhalle Farmers Market in Cullman! The market is open from April through October on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7am until 2pm!

By Jordan Meggs January 13, 2025
Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to sign up your young athletes for baseball, softball, and t-ball with Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism. Whether your child is a seasoned player or stepping onto the diamond for the first time, our youth sports programs offer a fantastic opportunity for children ages 3-12 to learn, grow, and have fun. Registration for the 2024 spring season is currently open and will continue through February 13th. Don't delay in securing your child's spot, as our programs consistently draw enthusiastic participation from throughout the Cullman community. Program Overview Our comprehensive youth baseball and softball programs are designed to accommodate children at various skill and age levels. For our youngest athletes (starting at age 3), t-ball provides the perfect introduction to baseball fundamentals. As children progress through the age groups up to 12 years old, they'll develop their skills, understanding of the game, and teamwork abilities. Important Dates to Remember Registration Period: Now through February 13, 2024 Player Evaluations: Week of February 17 (specific dates vary by age group) Practice Start Date: First week of March Season Opening: Games begin in April Player Evaluations The week of February 17 marks an important milestone in our season preparation, as we'll conduct player evaluations. These assessments help us create balanced teams and ensure every child is placed in an appropriate skill level group. Your child's specific evaluation date will depend on their age group, and detailed information will be provided upon registration. What to Expect Once teams are formed, practices will commence in the first week of March. This gives our young athletes plenty of time to build team chemistry, work on fundamental skills, and prepare for the excitement of the regular season. Games will begin in April, running through the spring months. Our dedicated coaches focus on: Teaching proper baseball/softball fundamentals Developing good sportsmanship Building confidence and self-esteem Creating a positive, encouraging environment Fostering a love for the game Benefits of Youth Baseball and Softball Participating in organized baseball and softball helps children develop not just athletic skills, but also important life skills. Players learn the value of teamwork, develop leadership abilities, and build confidence through achievement. The physical benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, overall fitness, and motor skills development. Get Ready for the Season As you prepare for registration, make sure you have: Proof of your child's age Current contact information Any relevant medical information Appropriate clothing and equipment (detailed lists will be provided) Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of Cullman's vibrant youth sports community. Register your child today and help them create lasting memories, develop valuable skills, and experience the joy of America's favorite pastime. For more information about registration, equipment requirements, or any other questions, please contact Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism directly. We look forward to another exciting season of youth baseball, softball, and t-ball in Cullman!
A man in a wheelchair is playing baseball with a group of people behind a chain link fence.
By Jamie Kirk November 12, 2024
At Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism, we are beyond grateful for the dedicated volunteers who bring our events to life. To all of our volunteers, thank you for your remarkable contributions. Together, we are building a vibrant community that values the arts, inclusivity, and youth development. Your support makes all the difference! Shining a Spotlight on our Amazing Community Theatre Members Their passion for the arts has enriched our special events and created unforgettable experiences for everyone involved. Whether they are performing on stage, crafting immersive experiences, or utilizing their creative talents behind the scenes, these volunteers add an extraordinary touch to our community. Their unwavering commitment to the arts inspires us all, and we cannot thank them enough for their hard work and dedication. A Heartfelt Thanks to Wallace State Community College We also want to express our gratitude to our wonderful partners at Wallace State Community College . The support we receive from their students and staff is nothing short of incredible. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure our special events run smoothly. From assisting with event logistics to engaging with attendees, Wallace State’s involvement is crucial to our success. Their enthusiasm and energy help create unforgettable experiences for everyone who participates. Thank you, Wallace State, for your continued partnership—we look forward to many more fantastic events together! Ballet South: Elevating Our Events with Grace We are proud to collaborate with Ballet South, whose artistry and grace have significantly enhanced our special events. Their performances bring a touch of elegance and cultural enrichment to our community, captivating attendees and leaving a lasting impression. Ballet South’s dedication to the arts helps us create a vibrant atmosphere that exceeds expectations. Whether performing on stage or supporting behind the scenes, they are an invaluable part of our success. Thank you, Ballet South, for sharing your talent and passion with us! Honoring the Pilot Club’s Dedication We are incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of the Pilot Club . Their members have played a vital role in the success of our Archery Tournament and Therapeutic Recreation programs. Their dedication to service and willingness to help whenever needed exemplify true community spirit. The Pilot Club’s contributions ensure that participants of all abilities can enjoy our events in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Thank you, Pilot Club, for your commitment to our mission—you truly make a difference! A Big Shout-Out to Our Amazing Volunteer Coaches Finally, we want to recognize our incredible volunteer coaches who make our youth sports programs thrive. These dedicated individuals invest their time and energy to mentor young athletes, imparting valuable life skills that extend far beyond the game. The impact of our volunteer coaches is profound—they not only teach sports but also foster confidence, leadership, and teamwork in the youth they coach. We cannot thank you enough for your dedication to shaping the future of our community. Your efforts are creating lasting change!
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