Are you in a summer heat wave? We are. As soon as I walk outside I’m immediately hugged by hotness (and no I’m not talking about Bradley Cooper or Ryan Gosling, I’d die). This Summer Lovin’ Strawberry Salad will get you through the heat. It’s the last recipe of my Keep Your Kitchen Cool Series and it’s a huge hit. It takes two bowls, a knife and fork – so you’re not heating up your house and you’re also not doing dishes!

Have you ever heard of the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15?

Every year The Environmental Working Group creates these two lists based on the US Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program. To find 2019’s list click here.

I was first introduced to these lists years ago while I was in an acupuncture session discussing my health (that’s the most city-living thing I’ll ever say). We were brainstorming healthy ways to manage my diet and grocery store budget. She mentioned these lists as a way for me to pick out what should be bought organic versus what I could buy cheaper…

These lists are made every year so that you know which fruits and vegetables are or are not exposed to a high level of pesticides in conventional farming.

I buy the items on the dirty dozen list all organic to reduce my potential pesticide intake. Specifically strawberries because they are extremely porous and will soak in the pesticide chemicals making it hard to wash it off.

For this salad, spinach and strawberries are on the dirty dozen list so make sure your wash them both before making this salad! Spinach can be washed like lettuce, the easiest way is to spin the leaves dry in a salad spinner. If you don’t have one of those, wash under cold water and pat dry with a towel.

Summertime is all about fresh produce and easy. This salad checks off both boxes. Simple ingredients – Spinach, Arugula, Strawberries, Walnuts and Feta Cheese, topped with my Lemon Honey Dijon Dressing

Walnuts are good for you!

Did you know how good walnuts are for you? I’m not a dietitian or nutrition but I have read that walnuts are jam-packed with health benefits. They have an abundance of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts can help with weight control and promote a healthy gut. They also help with maintaining a healthy blood pressure and reduce your chance for Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.

https://healthyline.com/benefits-of-walnuts/

Homemade Dijon Lemon Honey Dressing

This dijon lemon honey dressing is a sweet and tangy way to add a little zing to your salad.

It’s also great dip for chicken tenders, as a marinate for chicken breast or pork chops.

This dressing will be strong in flavor but that is necessary for the raw spinach and arugula. A heavy-handed drizzle is all you really need. If you want to calm down some of the intensity of flavors, another pinch of salt should help!