Prego ladies get all kinds of cravings.  I’ll admit that not all of mine have been healthy (most actually).  With my older son, I had terrible cravings for Squirt, Mac n’Cheese (out of a box…i know…unbelievable!), and Baskin Robbin’s chocolate & peanut butter ice cream.  With my daughter it was french fries with fry sauce (combination of mayo & catsup).  Unfortunately, the strongest cravings I had with my third, and latest pregnancy were things I couldn’t eat…fresh salads, apples, and tomatoes.  All three would make me throw up the entire pregnancy, and the heartburn was the worst with this lil’ guy.  (Surprisingly, he was also born with the most hair…maybe that wives tale is correct…) 

So after much dreamin’, I’ve been able to enjoy a large salad nearly twice a day lately!  I love to make a homemade salad dressing, but usually stick to my old faithful: balsamic vinaigrette.  (another development goal: other homemade dressings).  The salads are made up of various things, but I like to have a bit of meat, cheese, nuts or seeds, and fruit with some dark leafy greens…whatever is around.

Today’s summer salad:

baby spinach (enough to fill a large bowl…depending on how many you’re serving)

1/4 c walnut pieces

1/4 c emmental swiss cheese, cut into small pieces

1/2 c strawberries, quartered

2-3 slices deli roast beef, cut into small pieces

2 tbs balsamic vinaigrette

Serves 3-4 if using as a side, or 2 if eating as your main course

balsamic vinaigrette:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup olive oil
1/2 tbs sucanat
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 tsp oregano, dried
1/4 tsp basil, dried
1/4 tsp onion powder (or a small cube pressed)
1/4 tsp salt