Let’s talk summer salad season. And this year, it’s bringing sugar snap peas and mango along with it. Not that either of them are new, but they’re new as a salad combo for me. Even raw pumpkin seeds, too. (The seeds are actually way better toasted, but who wants to fire up a stove in this weather?) Throw it all on a bed of arugula with some cucumber, salt, pepper, oil and balsamic vinegar, and you have dinner in less than 10 minutes of chopping.

When I posted this on instagram I said I couldn’t believe there was a time when I didn’t like fruit in my salad — any kind, ever — because now I want some kind of fruit or citrus in every salad I eat. Apparently I’m not alone because I got some great summer salad ideas from people that follow me.

One that also uses mango: arugula, shallots or red onion, avocado and mango. Add red wine vinegar and olive oil and you’re good to go!

And another with watermelon and off-the-summer-vine tomatoes. Add red onion, toasted cumin seed and oil & vinegar. Addictive. Could also add a touch of cinnamon.

I’ll definitely be trying both of those, as well as some other fun recipes I learned on my dream of a honeymoon on the other side of the world.

Standby for those, coming soon…!

I’ve become obsessed with my spiralizer because vegetables morph into these fun-to-eat noodles in seconds and the best part: you look so fancy for it. Spiralizing is the best way to get some oohs and aahs from the crowd, when you really you did nothing to deserve ’em (except read this blog).

Mom will love it cause it’s healthy and she of course wants dad to eat more fruit and vegetables. Dad will love it cause you made it. *cue the awwwwwws*

Father’s Day is just four days away. Did you get your dad a present yet? Do you know what you’re bringing to your family BBQ?

If your answer to either of those questions is no, shame on you!

But also: not to worry, there’s still plenty of time; I’ve got you covered.

Even if your dad isn’t a Dead Head (as mine is) everyone loves a little tie-dye. He can wear it to garden, play frisbee golf, or to bed. So pick up some white socks and t-shirts and order an easy tie-dye kit… it’s a super easy and fun project. You’re never too old to get crafty! And what parent doesn’t love a handmade present?

Now, to the food: try these spicy shrimp and pineapple skewers that you can either throw on the BBQ or in your grill pan. They go perfectly with an easy spiralizedcucumber salad — which is as flavorful as it is colorful.

There, just like that… all set for dad.

Following up on last week’s strawberry, pea, almond creation I bring you this delightful cucumber, tomato, onion, and herb extravaganza. The best part about both of these salads is that you can easily tailor it to your liking: pick and choose the amount of each veggie (more tomato, less onion) and add whatever protein on top to round out the meal. For herbs I used basil and thyme because that’s what I had on hand — but any fresh green from your garden or market would be delicious in this salad. I bet parsley and/or cilantro would be perfect here.

To my herbs and veggies I added a diced avocado, a bit of olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lime juice — and voila! B loved it too. He raved about this meal long after the dishes were done, and he never used to be a salad guy. I still wouldn’t classify him as such, but he’s getting there. Amazing what a little fresh herb and citrus will do to a previously Serious Sweet Tooth. Nature’s candy!