Healthy Spring Meals

By Cindy Adams

We are moving into Spring and time to get healthy so Heartland Living is bringing you some nutritious recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast, you can enjoy a wholesome Green Detox Smoothie, or if you want a more hearty meal, try the Baked Eggs with Mushroom and Spinach. Keep lunch light with a delicious Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad or a low carb Cauliflower Chowder. If you are a shrimp scampi lover, for dinner try this healthier recipe, Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti Squash. And for a light spring drink, try the Apple Sangria anytime in the afternoon or evening.

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

A bright, refreshing spring salad with apples, bacon, and pecans.

INGREDIENTS:

3 slices diced bacon
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 medium diced shallot
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch kale, stems removed and leaves shredded
1 medium diced apple
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, shallot, and Dijon; let stand 5 minutes. Whisk in olive oil and honey; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in kale and massage for 1 minute.
3. Top with bacon, apple, celery, cranberries, feta cheese and pecans, and gently toss to combine. Serve & Enjoy!