Lemon Tree Dwelling

Fresh Recipes for Everyday Life

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Tropical Spinach Salad

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Fresh spinach, tropical fruits, chopped pecans, and homemade sweet lime vinaigrette –
SUMMER…. in a salad!!

As you probably know by now, one of my favorite summer foods is SALAD!! Not only is it deliciously light and refreshing, but I love the variety of fresh produce that is available in the summertime. It’s like a whole new ballgame! I don’t know about you, but I am a HUGE fan of combining fruits and vegetables in salads….and I love using different nuts and cheeses as toppings. The more different flavors and textures I can pack in, the better! (Can you hear how excited I’m getting just thinking about it?)

The funny thing is Jorden can’t stand salads with fruit in them! In his opinion, fruits and vegetables should remain separate….and although I don’t agree, I do understand where he’s coming from. I distinctly remember, as a child, when I found out that tomatoes are not actually vegetables, but fruits! WHAT!? Who knew? At the time, of course, I found it both intriguing and a little disturbing (how had I been wrong for so long… and why was I eating fruit on my pizza?) But, unlike Jorden, I got over it.

Jorden is just that way, though. He’s not a fan of his “worlds colliding”….(to use one of his favorite Seinfeld quotes)…..in food, or in life! Me, on the other hand? My feeling is the more, the merrier! Why keep things separate if you can enjoy them together? I feel that way in friendships (why get together with two friends separately if they might enjoy one another’s company)……and in food (why keep fruits separate from vegetables when, so often, they go so well together!?) This salad is a perfect example of worlds colliding….and proof that it can go well! The combination of sweet and savory fruits and vegetables is perfect for summer….and with pecans, fresh-shaved parmesan, and avocado (which, by the way, is also a fruit!) it’s surprisingly satisfying.

What about you? Are you a “keep things separate” kind of person….or do agree that more is merrier? If you’ve never let your worlds collide, why not give it a try? You might be surprised at just how well it goes!

Tropical Spinach Salad
3 c. fresh baby spinach
1/3 c. strawberries, chopped
1/3 c. pineapple, chopped
1/2 avocado, cubed
1 slice red onion, quartered
1/8 c. chopped pecans
fresh-shaved parmesan cheese, to taste

Layer ingredients in medium salad bowl and top with Sweet Lime Vinaigrette.

Sweet Lime Vinaigrette
1/8 c. olive oil
1/8 c. vinegar
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 Tbsp. agave nectar

Combine ingredients in a small container with a lid; shake well.

Enjoy!

Be sure to check out my other summer salad recipes!

Grilled Corn Salad with Chili Lime Vinaigrette

Basil Pesto Panzanella

I originally shared this post at The 36th Avenue!

Thanks for taking a peek inside my Lemon Tree Dwelling….
I hope you feel right at home!
-Cathy

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Comments

  2. Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com says

    I love fruited salads! Lucky for me, most of my family enjoys them as well! We all love avocados thought! And you know, in the summer, all I want to do is eat salads. They are so much simpler and cooler. Love avocados and strawberries together Cathy.

    Reply

  5. Jamie Sanders says

    Oh my gosh, this salad looks so good! (and if will fit right in with my diet…) I would love for you to come over and link this up at our Inspiration Monday Link Party that has just started!
    ~Jamie

    Reply

  6. holdtheoffice.com says

    Hi. I am visiting from Sweet and Savory Sunday. Thanks for the salad dressing ideas. I made up a lime salad dressing last week and it was not good! I will be trying this one instead. Do you use red wine vinegar?

    Thanks,

    Nicole
    Hold the Office

    Reply

  7. Mariah says

    Mmm, this looks delicious! I found you via I Heart Naptime and just shared my Honey Lime Dressing so this caught my eye! Can’t wait to give it a try.

    Reply

  11. Garden Chef says

    Waaahhhh!!!! I lacked strawberries and pecans but added pear. But it still turned out good! I love it! My husband also did and said it’s quite different from what he usually eats.

    Reply

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