Kenny and I had our combined families together for the day, and I wanted to fix something delicious.  As I was thinking about the different food likes/dislikes/allergies/intolerances, etc… between all of us, I had a difficult time coming up with something everyone could enjoy.

However, since we both love fresh, organic produce… we came up with a “make your own salad bar” idea.  Thirty-seven ingredients later… it was a hit! The best part of an idea like this, is that there are no set amounts of items, and the only limitation is your imagination. Or lack thereof, I suppose 😉  Kenny’s daughter Kelsie was home from college and was a huge help! While I was chopping away, she was busily plating everything. As a matter of fact, she’s the one who set everything out… so all of those bowls are her artwork =0)
You Rock, Kelsie!

Wouldn’t this be a GREAT idea for your Super Bowl Party on Sunday?

Here are the ingredients we used that day. Of course, there are so many more… so when you want to put together your own “Ultimate Salad Bar”, take a look at these, and then add as many more as you’d like 🙂

• Romaine Lettuce    
• Green Leafy Lettuce
• Red Leaf Lettuce
• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Red Bell Pepper
• Snow Peas
• Peas
• Corn
• Artichoke Hearts
• Black Olives
• Avocado
• Yellow Tomatoes
• Cherry Tomatoes    
• Red Grapes
• Green Grapes
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Kiwi
• Apples
• Navel Oranges
• Pineapple
• Bananas
• Coconut
• Raw Sunflower Seeds
• Candied Pecans
• Candied Almonds    
• Cayenne-Cinnamon Cashews
• White Cannelli Beans
• Red Kidney Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Herb Sautéed Chicken Thigh
• Meyer Lemon/Butter Chicken Breast
• Gluten-free pasta (chilled)

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I love to keep whatever fruits or veggies I’ve found at the farmers market in the fridge, all chopped up and ready to go at a moments’ notice. Many days I will have a lunch consisting of various produce items, topped with nuts and balsamic.

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Here’s another idea: Salads don’t have to have lettuce in them! Whatever fruits and/or veggies you mix together constitute a salad to me 🙂

Plus, they’re even better when topped with seeds, nuts, coconut, or cheese. There’s only one thing that doesn’t need to be there: fake stuff. So, if Aunt Hortense says she’s making fruit salad and there’s Jell-O involved… run! Quickly!

 

 

Here are the recipes for some of the ideas I’ve shown you: Summer Salad, Trip Tip Salad, Valentine Orange & Beet Salad, Paleo Lemon Coconut Chicken.

Now that I’ve got you thinking about what ingredients you have at home…tell me: What are your favorite things to put into a salad?