With the warm weather arriving we start to think less of slow roasted lamb and winter puddings and more about lighter healthier meals, especially salads that take advantage of the fantastic produce that comes into season over Spring and Summer.

Last night for dinner we had a very simple salad that took about 10 minutes to make and was absolutely delicious…. even the kids loved it!!!   (Jamie Oliver would have been proud!)

Warm Spinach Salad with Chicken and Mushrooms

Baby Spinach
Roasted Pine Nuts
Sliced Mushrooms lightly sautéed in a little bit of butter
Diced Bacon
Feta Cheese  – choose a creamy variety
Marinated Chicken thighs –  BBQ’d and sliced

You can vary the quantity of the ingredients and the flavour of the marinade depending on how you like your salads,  toss it all together and drizzle with just a little bit of olive oil…….light, simple, easy and YUM.

The other favourite ingredient I am using at the moment is Chick Peas,  you can soak your own or use canned ones they are just as good.  Mix with what ever you like, but I like them with a little Rocket or Spinach, cucumber, avocado, cherry tomatoes, goats cheese, some seeds for crunch (eg, pumpkin, sesame etc) and a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil.  Its incredibly good for you,  is a great source of protein and keeps you going for hours.

The best thing about salads is you don’t need a recipe and its a great way to use up the left over ingredients in the crisper.