Ashley’s Sunshine Salad

When designing this salad, I really wanted to incorporate ingredients that are known to uplift your mood.  Items such as Basil, Lemon, and Cherry Tomatoes fit the bill!  The bright colors can’t help but lift your spirits as well.  This is a great summertime salad.

Ingredients:

Mixed Greens, Washed and Dried

Sunflower Seeds, Toasted

Red Cherry Tomatoes, Cut in Half

Yellow Pear Tomatoes, Cut in Half

Orange Grape Tomatoes, Cut in Half

Basil, Chiffonade

Sunflower Sprouts, Washed and Dried

Red Onion, Julienned (I soaked my onion pieces in a bit of Apple Cider Vinegar to give them a milder and sweeter taste)

Lemon Basil Viniagrette:

2.5 Parts Olive Oil

1 Part Vinegar (I used ½ Apple Cider Vinegar and ½ Fresh Lemon Juice for my vinegar ration- add more Lemon Juice to Taste)

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Basil to Taste

½ Small Shallot

2 Garlic Cloves

Blend all Viniagrette Ingredients in Blender until mixed well.  Adjust according to your own taste preference.

Directions:

Toss Mixed Greens, Basil Chiffonade, ½ of the tomatoes and 1/2 the Sunflower Sprouts  with Lemon Basil Viniagrette.  Be careful not to overdress.  Top with remaining tomatoes, sunflower sprouts, red onion, and toasted sunflower seeds.  Put a smile on your face and soak up the Sun!