It’s January 5th. 2015.

2015!

Crazy.

Most people are waking up this morning, dreading the idea of going back into the office after a long, luxurious, and altogether too quick holiday break. And with the start of the new year come resolutions. We resolve to get healthier, work out, learn a hobby, take a trip, get promoted, quit our job…. Mostly, though, our resolutions revolve around our wanting to change our eating habits and to become more active. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I am by no means abandoning the burger. Just maybe mixing a salad or two in every so often.

Here’s a super healthy and delicious salad to start off your year right.

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Makes 1 1/2 cups

1/2 a shallot finely diced

1 clove garlic minced

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

3/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon whole grain mustard

1 teaspoon lemon juice

salt & pepper

Salad

1/2 head of lettuce

1/2 an avocado, sliced

1/2 an English cucumber

2 tablespoons pecans

100 grams goats cheese

2 carrots, grated

2 finely diced radishes

Handful of sprouts

1 lemon

Two pieces of bread, toasted (or grilled)

Finely dice your shallot and mince your garlic, and place them in a medium bowl. Whisk in your oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, & lemon. Season with salt & pepper.

Slice & dice your vegetables and plate them together. Heat a grill pan over medium high. Toast your bread. When toasted, slice a lemon and grill the pieces for a couple minutes.

Assemble salad. Feel fantastic.