Friday, May 10, 2013

Mango, Berry, & Pecan Salad


Ok, so I have a confession to make: I'm a huge procrastinator. Anything that I can push off to do at a later date, I do just that. So when it comes to holidays, birthdays, events, etc., I have a hard time planning ahead and being prepared when the time arrives... and even though I'm typically very organized and I like to have things planned out, I still procrastinate when it comes to actually doing whatever the task may be. Knowing this about myself, I try to have an arsenal of quick meals, gift ideas, etc. so that I'm not rushing and pulling my hair out when something important comes around :) Cue this simple, quick, and yet still delicious salad...





Above: a bouquet of fresh parsley and hyssop from my garden :) If you grow herbs, this is an alternate (and quick and inexpensive) gift idea instead of buying flowers. While I do love flowers, sometimes it's nice to give someone fresh herbs that they can use in their kitchen... especially if they don't have any in their own garden. Herbs are also a nice addition to a floral bouquet (think Mother's Day!)

Ingredients:

Spring mix
Fresh strawberries
Mango
Mandarin oranges
Candied pecans
Fresh parsley
Raspberry vinaigrette (I used store bought because I was short on time, as usual)

Directions:
Wash lettuce and dry well. Layer spring mix first and top with fruit and then the pecans. Add the fresh parsley (or any herbs you like) last. Pour dressing over the top, mix, and serve.

This is a really good salad to have for lunch, as a side at dinner, or in bulk for parties... I like to make this for lunch or dinner a lot because it helps me get my daily servings of fruit, which I have a hard time getting otherwise... I will usually pick up a granola bar as a snack before a banana or a handful of berries... it's just easier for me. I also want to note that because of this, I try to keep frozen fruit in my freezer (I somehow always seem to forget that I have fresh fruit when I do buy it so it ends up going bad) and that I used frozen strawberries and mangoes in this salad but I'm sure it would be better with the fresh version! And thanks to my lovely friend (and avid gardener), Sarah, I have strawberry plants blooming in my garden right now!!

Enjoy! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

❤Britt 

2 comments:

  1. This looks absolutely delicious! I can see this salad being served on an outdoor patio somewhere!
    xo
    styleontheside.com

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    1. Caroline, I think we're on the same page :)

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