Finally, something healthy!

It's starting to warm up here, in sunny Texas and I find myself craving what I lovingly refer to as summer foods - nice cold, crisp salads (okay and ice cream too but we're on healthy at the moment) and ice-cold frozen drinks with little umbrellas in them. We're going for the salad today. This salad with strawberries and crunchy spinach is truly delicious. It won't ever be a burger and fries - but that's okay.

Strawberry and Spinach Salad (this serves about 8 people, so feel free to taper it to your size group)

• 2 bunches of spinach, washed and torn into pieces (or 1 bag prewashed, torn into pieces)


• 4 cups of fresh sliced strawberries


• 1/2 cup vegetable oil


• 1/2 cup white sugar


• 1/4 teaspoon paprika


• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar


• 3 pieces of crispy bacon, crumbled (optional)


• 3 oz, crumbled goat cheese (optional)


• 1/4 cup slivered almonds (you can always use more or less)

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, vinegar and paprika together until combined. In a larger bowl, toss together the spinach, strawberries, slivered almonds, and bacon until combined. If you like your dressing mixed in, feel free to pour about half the dressing and toss together - or if you don't, throw the goat cheese on top and add whatever amount of dressing you want on top.

Enjoy!