My mom and I are alike in many ways and growing up, we didn't have the typical mother daughter disputes. Shopping with my mom wasn't a disaster, bringing home a boyfriend wasn't dramatic. But if there's one topic we constantly disagree on it's...fruit. I like my fruit cold (in fact, I often eat frozen fruit) while my mom will only eat fruit that's room temperature. I think cantaloupe is gross while my mom hates honeydew. And most importantly, my mom doesn't think fruit belongs in a salad while I think it elevates salads to a whole 'nother level.
Sweet, summery, colorful and cool - tis the season for fruity salads that go great as a side dish OR as a light meal.
WATERMELON, MINT & FETA QUINOA SALAD
When I was inspired to make this salad last weekend, I had to laugh at just how jam-packed full of fruit it was. My momma would not be about this salad, but I happen to think it's a perfect weekday lunch. The quinoa makes it more substantial while the feta balances out the sweetness. And isn't the flavor combination of watermelon and mint just insanely summery? I think so.
While I whipped this up, I didn't measure everything out very scientifically but it went a little somethin' like this (hit it! I always tried to be the flyest kid on the block...)
RECIPE FOR WATERMELON, MINT & FETA QUINOA SALAD
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 of a watermelon, cubed
- 1 pint of blueberries
- 12 strawberries
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- Handful of mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 block of feta cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Whole mint leaves for garnish
And now, a few more fruity options from some of my favorite bloggers!
SUPER SIMPLE SPRING SHRIMP SALAD
From My Uncommon Everyday - Ellen nails the "super simple" with this shrimp salad with beautiful raspberries!
SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD AND STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE
From So Damn Good - I think avocado belongs in every salad :)
MINTY STRAWBERRY AVOCADO WITH CITRUS
From Athletic Avocado - don't these sisters have the cutest logo ever?
FRUITY SUMMER SALAD WITH PISTACHIO & SUNFLOWER SEED CROUTONS
From Enticing Healthy Eating - love the pistachios that Kaylin threw into the mix!
2019 was pretty great. I always like ending the year with a trip down memory lane!