This weekend I hit up the farmers market for the first time in a while! The market is kept inside in the winter months and moves back outside in the beginning of May. There is something so much more appealing to me about visiting the market when it is outside, especially when the weather is nice! I picked up a bag of fresh spinach with plans on using it for this weeks recipe. This isn’t much of a recipe per say, but more like a quick and easy salad that can be made in bulk for parties (hellloo graduation parties!) and big family dinners. I have been trying to get more avocado in my life, so this was my first attempt at avocado in salad.

Simple Summer Salad

Whatcha Need: 

• Fresh spinach
• Cucumber
• Ripe avocado
• Feta cheese
• Cherry tomatoes

How to do it: 

• Rip up spinach and remove any woody stems
• Add cherry tomatoes, avocado, feta & cucumbers

For pretty much any salad, I throw together a quick balsamic salad dressing. I really really like the strong flavor of balsamic, so I generally add much more vinegar than oil. It is totally up to you on how much you would like to add. I generally do about 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of yellow mustard and salt & pepper. Wisk together and enjoy!

There is a yummy summertime vegetable hidden in me!

Any guesses on what it may be?

If you guessed Zucchini….you are correct!!

Chocolate Chunk Muffins with a Secret

Whatcha Need:

• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/4 cup chocolate chunks (or chips) plus more sprinkled on top just before baking

How to do it:

•  Mix dry ingredients (Flours, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt) together in a bowl and set aside
•  Add wet ingredients  (Egg, milk, lemon juice, vanilla, vegetable oil) together in a stand mixer or electric mixer.
•  Slowly add dry ingredients into wet until combined
•  Fold in zucchini and chocolate chunks
• Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until muffins test done.

Now that I have this crazy amount of free time, I thought it would be best to make something of it! I think that if I plan some reachable goals, I feel accomplished once August rolls around.

Exercise:

• Run at least 3 times a week. No excuses!
• Run the 4  mile battlefield loop
• Strive to run farther distances, just have fun!
• Begin a weight training regimen

Eating:

• Don’t over indulge (as much)
• Stick to eating clean, healthy foods (I always feel better when I do!)
• Go to the farmers market more often

Reading:

• Finish the Harry Potter series
• Read The Help
• and all of the other books that your heart desires.

Blogging:

• Be a better blogger!
• Keep posts relevant and exciting

What are your July goals??

(image via wehearit)