Healthy, Meet Flavor! Cara's Mandarin Pecan Salad

In an age when fast food is king, we often lose sight on the items we put into our bodies.  Sit back and think about what exactly is in that big mac, you might think twice.  If you're thinking that greasy fast food is time saving, think again!  You can have a healthy, fresh dish faster than that burger will come down from the heat lamps.

Cara's Mandarin Pecan Salad:

-  6 oz bag of fresh Baby Spinach

-  11 oz can Mandarin Oranges, drained

-  1/4 cup Pecans, roughly chopped

-  juice of 1/2 a Lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

-  4 tablespoons Olive Oil (or double the amount of Lemon Juice)

-  pinch of salt and pepper

Another easy, no cook dish!  Make sure your spinach is rinsed and patted dry.  Assemble lemon dressing in a jar or other seal-able vessel, including lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper.  Close jar and shake until combined into a pale yellow dressing.  Mix the remaining ingredients in a salad bowl.  Dress salad to your liking (you don't have to use all of the dressing, it's all about personal preference!).  For a heartier main dish, feel free to add a grilled chicken breast or salmon fillet.

Simple foods make healthier lifestyles.  Don't let the battle of the bulge get the best of you!