Not your average salad

Lately I have been really into making salads to bring to work for lunch. These are not your flimsy, unsatisfying, salads that taste like you're munching on your lawn or make you feel like you're on a diet. I like to add ingredients that add texture and sweetness such as dried cranberries or apple slices. (This was inspired by a build-it-yourself salad station on my college campus. I've missed it a lot since I've graduated) 


The main ingredients in my salads: 

• Olivia's organics Spring Mix (out of an 11oz package)
• Bel Gioioso Fresh Mozzarella (Ciliegine aka "cherry size") - cut in halves
• Trader Joe's dried cranberries
• Whole Foods organic walnuts - halves & pieces
• Full Circle brand Organic Balsamic Vinagrette

Some days I also add sunflower seeds, sliced tomato or avocado. Other days I substitute just olive oil for balsamic vinagrette, although I do think the vinagrette works very well with the dried cranberries for a tangy-sweet flavor. The salad itself is pretty filling since I add so many delicious (and healthy) goodies to it, but I also like to bring an additional snack or carb, plus a little dessert :) 

All the ingredients added together cost only about $20 (spring mix $6, mozzarella ~$4.50, dried cranberries $2, walnuts $2, vinagrette $3) and can feed me for over 2 weeks or as long as the salad greens keep fresh. So that breaks down to $2/lunch. Not bad for a tasty, healthy meal... 

the main ingredients that I toss into a tupperware

finished product - tadaaaa!