A Delicious, Fruity Summer Salad That'll Make You Summer Ready!

Summer is approaching and so are those fresh summer fruits and veggies! I don't know about you, but what I do know about me is that this is the season to indulge in God's goodness in abundance! When the Bible says that the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life, and have it more abundantly... I get it. I am learning that Jesus has blessed us with good things. Good, simple things that when you take the time to think about it, aren't that simple or easy-coming to attain. We have to work to eat and work to live a life that is in alignment with the word of God. No, I'm not after riches, but I am after Abba's will for my life and want ALL He has for me. Don't you? So, yes, friends, when summer and all its glory comes rolling around this Philly street corner where my mom and I reside temporarily, I embrace it. I love good, seasonal food and I hope this post inspires you to eat more summer festive salads!

The Strawberry & Cucumber Balsamic Salad

Although this recipe was created on a whim and when some strawberries were going bad in the fridge, it's one of my favorites! I'm so grateful to Abba that He has blessed my mom and I to be able to go to the farmer's markets to buy fresh produce. It brings me so much joy and peace when we drive quite a distance to one of our favorite farmer's markets and pick local, good-smelling, great priced goodness awaiting to jump right in our basket. The smells, the scenery, the customer service, and simplicity are so worth it.

On one of our trips we got a good amount of strawberries and I was so happy to get home to eat them. Now, my stomach is not too fond of strawberries, so the balsamic makes it edible for me. We had a cucumber from Whole Foods, some red onion, and ingredients for me to whip up a very quick classic balsamic dressing. Here's the recipe:

SALAD

A little less than a pint of strawberries, chopped in slices

1 cucumber, chopped how you like

Quarter of red onion or less, however much you prefer

DRESSING

Grapeseed or Avocado Oil (Use a light tasting oil)

Good quality balsamic vinegar

Raw honey

Salt & Pepper (the classic duo)

You'll want to use more oil than vinegar; I used about 1/3 cup oil. The amount of vinegar you add should be somewhat less than the amount of oil you add. Eyeballing is my best friend and one day, might be yours, if it isn't already! Then, add a little over a teaspoon of honey- not a lot, because the strawberries add sweetness. I add a little less than 1/4 teaspoon of both salt and pepper. I'm not at the place where I have concrete recipes nor might I ever be, so with that being said, my recipes are for someone who knows how to cook, but wants great ideas on new things to try!

Pour dressing over combined salad ingredients and enjoy right away or let sit in fridge for a chilled treat! YUM!

I love summer salads; they are so delicious and refreshing! It takes me back to my first teenage job at a grilled cheese and tomato soup restaurant where we served gazpachos (cold soups) during the summer.

If you tried this recipe, please let me know in the comments below!

God bless,

Hannah