Easy Spring Salads

It’s the first day of spring and we thought we’d celebrate with some bright and easy salads!  Salads are great for picnics, a quick lunch, a healthy dinner or when you’re feeling like fresh, crunchy, veggies.  We like to make our salads as colourful and filling as possible – a great way to fill Half Your Plate at lunch or dinner.  Why don’t you celebrate the first day of spring with these easy 5 ingredient (plus your dressing of choice) salads?

1. Roast Beef, Beet and Arugula Salad. All these ingredients remind us of a beautiful spring picnic.  The delicious orange vinaigrette, the dark purple beets, and perfect amount of protein to make this salad a full meal – one you can put together in less than 15 minutes!
2. Shrimp Vegetable Salad The first day of spring means you can empty out that freezer! Frozen peas, carrots or corn? Use them in this easy salad topped with cooked shrimp.
3. Cantaloupe and Kale Salad. Nothing gets you in the spring time mood like cantaloupe!  Lay it over kale and top with a simple dressing for a quick boost of spring!
4. Sugar Snap Peas with Radish, Cress & Thyme This salad is so fresh and will impress at any pot luck you attend. You’ll also love how easily it comes together.
5. Picnic jar salad. Easy to make ahead and grab for work, this salad layers black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and strawberries over spinach for a delicious and nutritious lunch on the go.

Need some more ideas?  Try any of these combinations;

• Tomatoes, Bocconcini cheese, Fresh Basil, Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Arugula, Cucumbers, Hard Boiled Egg, Red Onion, Lemon Vinaigrette
• Asparagus, Strawberries, Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese, Raspberry Vinaigrette
• Ground Beef, Romaine Lettuce, Salsa, Grated Cheddar Cheese, Avocado
• Quinoa, Red Peppers, Fresh Mint, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil

Do you have any favourite spring salads?  We’d love to hear your suggestions!