Simple Spring Salad!

Spring is here! Jogging in central park, sipping ice coffee, and outdoor dining is back! With the weather getting warmer, who wants to spend time indoors slaving over dinner? Not me! Try making this simple, fresh, and HEALTHY salad in 20 minutes or less! It's packed with all the nutrients you need to fill you up!

1 head of romaine lettuce (vitamin A, K, C, fiber, and folate)
1 head of fresh broccoli (vitamin C, K, folate, and calcium)
1 sweet potato (fiber, vitamin A, and C, and helps regulate blood sugar)
1 cup of raw kale (high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, and can help lower cholesterol)
1 granny smith apple  (fiber and helps regulate blood sugar)
1/2 seedless cucumber (low calorie!)
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (vitamin E and can help lower cholesterol)
2 tablespoons chopped almonds (fiber, vitamin E, protein)
1/4 cup of feta cheese (protein and calcium)

Dressing: 
balsamic vinegar                                                                                                        
olive oil
salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Serves: 2-4

Start by microwaving your sweet potato (depending on the size, between 6-8 minutes). While your potato is cooking, start chopping your kale (remember to discard the stem), romaine lettuce, granny smith apple, and cucumber. Next steam your chopped broccoli for about 2-3 minutes. After your sweet potato is soft in the center, chop it and put in the freezer to cool for 5 minutes. Once the broccoli and sweet potato are cool, add them to the salad and top with seeds, nuts, and cheese. Dress with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and spices (sorry I never measure!!).

Enjoy the salad and the warm weather!