I am currently on a never-ending quest to get in the mood for summertime. I realize we are getting closer and closer to April which means only one more month with the potential of snow! It’s staying brighter out longer and it’s slowly starting to warm up. Automatically, my spirits start lifting. Throw in a salad with fruit and I am instantly reminded of summer and that we are just a bit closer to it! Something about salads and fruit remind me of summer. Maybe it’s cause they’re cold, or there’s so much more fresh produce available in summer. Or maybe it’s simply the fact that all I ever crave in the summer is salads, fruits, and smoothies. Whatever it is this salad gets me one step closer to summer and I’ll take whatever I can get!

Ingredients: 

• 10 oz fresh baby spinach 
• 2 oranges
• 1 lb fresh strawberries
• 1 lime
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions: 

1. In a large mixing bowl combine your baby spinach with the juice of one whole lime. 
2. Dice your oranges and strawberries and toss with the spinach.
3. Toss in the cooked quinoa and sliced almonds to combine.
4. Top with a protein of your choice (chicken or shrimp would both work great!).

Makes 4-6 servings

What’s your favorite season?? What things remind you of summer??