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!

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!