spinach

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Greek Yogurt "Ranch" Dressing and a Summer Salad

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Everyone loves a creamy dressing. Everyone. A lot of us just dislike the heaviness of them as well as the thought of how many additional, maybe unnecessary, calories we'd be consuming if we went with that dressing option. But, summer...sweet sweet summer. And a good chop. Summer and chopped salads deserve a creamy sidekick. 

So here, I've created a healthier version of the standard Ranch Dressing we all grew up with. And an easy-peasy throw together salad to bring to your next backyard BBQ.

SUMMER SALAD WITH GREEK YOGURT RANCH DRESSING

Serves: 6-8 as a side

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 box spinach

  • 1/2 box organic girl butter lettuce or 1 small head of butter lettuce

  • handful of cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced

  • 1 avocado, cubed

  • 3 Tbsp sunflower seeds

  • 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds

  • 1/4 c fresh dill

  • 10-15 basil leaves, torn

  • 1/4 c chives, minced

  • 1/2 c microgreens

  • 3/4c plain greek yogurt

  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  2. In a large bowl, gently toss together spinach, butter lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, avocado, seeds and herbs.

  3. Add desired amount of dressing and carefully toss with hands to prevent damaging herbs or avocados.

  4. Top with microgreens and maldon salt if desired

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A Green Breakfast

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Running WIth Forks Green Smoothie

This is probably a top favorite and request of a favorite little lady I have been cooking and creating menus for over the last six years.  You've got to know that this green breakfast is jam packed with nutrients that will most definitely get you stepping out the front door with your best self shining. And the best part, you can make a big batch and keep them loaded and ready in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack the next day! 

A GREEN BREAKFAST

Prep time: 5 mins | Total time: 7 mins  | Serves: 1-2

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/2 an avocado

  • 1/2 a small fennel bulb

  • 1 large handful spinach

  • 1 inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped

  • 1 apple, cored and chopped

  • 1/2 c pineapple, chopped

  • 1 tbsp flax seeds

  • 1 c nut milk

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds

  • 1 tbsp almonds, chopped

  • 1 tbsp walnuts, chopped

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In Vitamix or high powered blender, combine all ingredients through the nut milk and blend on high until smooth. Adjust taste if desired.

  2. Pour into a bowl or mason jars and top with remaining nuts and seeds when ready to eat.