Super Spring Salad
Lately, despite that warmer weather, I've been feeling a little bit uninspired. I haven't had my usual drive to create exciting and healthy meals. I've been opting for simplicity. Broth with veggies, or hummus and crackers, frozen (homemade) veggie burgers - now don't get me wrong - nothing is wrong with these food choices BUT the lazier I become, my food and excercise routine starts to slide too. I notice a lot more "treat" days and "one more handful won't hurt" thoughts . For me, this is the beginning of falling off the proverbial wagon. When I notice these changes in my actions, I know I need reign it in and recommit myself to healthy habits. Immediately.
This past Sunday, I woke up early, made myself a latte and curled up on the sofa with my new and magnificient cookbook from Sarah Britton. My New Roots is equally as beauiful as it is inspiring; full of creative plant based seasonal recipes. Not only does the book (re)motivate me to get back in the kitchen, it also is extremely humbling to see how beautiful her food photography is. I have so very much to learn about food, writing and and photography ~ and soaking up inspiration from ladies at the top is a great way to keep the wheels turning. I will absolutely be making (and posting) from this book. However, the wheels ended up turning to a salad I often used to eat for lunch when I lived in London. The Original Superfood Salad at Leon is fresh, fantastic and filling. I love Leon. It's a restaurant on the high streets in London offering heathly options, Leon claims that their fast food CAN be good, nutritious food - and that it is my friends.
This salad is fresh and filling - but also exciting. The peas are bright and crisp. (Not to be confused with soggy overcook peas rolling around on your dinner plate - I still refuse to eat THOSE). And the crumbled feta helps me feel really satisfied by this salad, as a meal, rather than a side dish. This version doesn't have avocado, simply becuase I didn't have a ripe one on hand, but it certainly can be added.
So long winded story short. It's important to recognize when you need a little inspiration to keep you excited and positive. It could be changing up your workout, trying a new food or recipe, adjusting your shopping list with the season, switch up your breakfasts ~ whatever it is for YOU. Just be aware of it, as it will only help you to continue to succeed on whatever path you are on. And if you are doing just fine at this point in time, the salad still tastes delicious!
Enjoying this in the sunshine was all I needed to add a little "spring" to my step!! It really can be that simple.
INGREDIENTS:
*serves 2
2 x 2" knobs of cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup peas
handful of broccoli or brocollini
5 thin slices of fennel
5 thin slices of red cabbage
handful of alfalfa sprouts
5 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of feta (or more if desired)
salt & pepper to taste
small handful of mixed greens, for serving (optional)
juice from 1/2 lemon
drizzle of olive oil
Bring a small pot of water to the boil. Drop the peas in the boiling water for 2 mins, remove and run under cold water. Repeat with the broccoli/broccolini. Slice the cucumber, fennel, cabbage and tomotoes. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. Place the mixed greens on a plate if using, and add the salad mixture. Drizzle with olive oil (or any kind) and sqeeze the lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Toasted pumpkin seeds would also be a great addition to this salad if you want to increase the protien.
