Skip to main content

Summer Salads and May Recap

Happy National Running Day! Is it just me or is that everyday for you? Today, in honor of the holiday, I've decided to....
Wait for it....

Have a rest day. While I'd like to celebrate, I think my body has deserved a day off and today looks like the day. Fine by me!

It seems like like lately, everyone is complaining about record heat. I'm with you---I get drenched in sweat when I step outside, and any runs after 7am are crazy talk. The one upside? Salads. Nothing tastes as refreshing for a summer lunch than a salad, and I'm going crazy with them right now. Everything I like to eat gets put on a bed of lettuce and it's instantly better.


Today's was a bed of organic baby greens and radicchio with a mix of brown and wild rice, strawberries, peaches, almonds, and flax seeds. I've been big on rice on my salads lately--kind of new to me and a year ago I would have been confused, but I promise it works and tastes great! With the forecast looking like this for the next 10 days, I have a feeling a LOT more salads will be in my future:


I've been slacking on my weekly workout recaps lately, but I'll be bringing them back soon. In their stead, my May running recap is as follows:

Total Running Miles: 122
Races: Scenic City Trail Half, Fairmount Memorial Day 5k
Injuries: None
Longest Run: 13.1 Miles


Anyone running today in honor of National Running Day?

What's your favorite food to eat in the summer?
Well, this salad was up there, but let's be honest---it's going to have to be something ice cold. Frozen yogurt or an ice cream come would have to my favorite summer eat!

Really random question now: Is there any way to incorporate PB in a salad?
I love PB. I love salad. Somehow I can't bring myself to mix the two. If anyone has a suggestion for a way to do so, you get one million blogger brownie points. I'm not really sure what those are, but they have to be good, right?!

Comments

  1. KileyJune 1, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    The only way I've mixed spinach leaves & pb was in a green smoothie. I don't know about on an actual salad...but then again - you are probably the queen of weird random salads!! I still haven't tried the pickles yet!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I bet you could mix some peanut butter into you dressing. It would probably make it thicker...but it would taste like peanut butter!! I want to see how you end up mixing the two!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jill@Run for the HillsJune 1, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I did a salad post today too and we have the same dishes. ha!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I'm running today...but I did yesterday and Monday...and Saturday...so I'm not sure if it's in "honor". :)

    I'm not so sure about PB in salad...I've had a major obsession with PB lately and I love me some salad...but idk bout that one....LOL

    ReplyDelete
  5. FashionablyFitJune 1, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    love salads during summertime more than any other season! it must be something about hot climates :)

    have you searched for a thai peanut dressing?? that may work!

    heck, if all else fails, melt some PB in your microwave & drizzle on top :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    You could try using PB & CO. The Heat is On peanut butter to make a spicy peanutty dressing? Other than that, you got me..

    I'm thinking today will be a rest day too. What I want to do is go to the gym again, but I paid $9.50 for a drop in last night! RIDICULOUS!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. TeamarciaJune 1, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    No running for me cuz I've got a sick little one. :(. I guess I did run some doing my plyo/mill workout but not the 8 miles I wanted to.
    Ok here's my PB salad idea. You take apple chunks and PB them up and toss them over a salad.
    I'll do anything for brownie points! :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cara @ EAT. PRAY. RUN.June 1, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    National runner's day for me is kicked off with day 1 of Chicago Marathon training! I can't believe its already starting!

    Try making a peanut butter asain dressing! I'm thinking PB/greek yogurt/rice wine vinegar? Not quite sure but i'm sure but peanut dressing is BOMB! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sam W.June 1, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    salads in the summer are the best. went for a little 3 mile jog this morning to celebrate :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. XaarlinJune 1, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    That salad looks delicious!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. MarleneJune 1, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I am all over salads too, especially in this heat! Nice and light and COLD! I often use quinoa in a salad so nothing wrong with rice in my books. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. ATTrioJune 1, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Well I am actually running tomorrow because today is my rest day. But you are right, it seems like every day is running day!

    Fav is frozen yogurt! I cannot get enough.

    I wish I could figure out a tasty way to add pb. hmmm I will have to think about this one.
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lisa@The Daily RUNdownJune 1, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Thai chicken salad.. Pb in the dressing! And it has rice noodles...
    Perfect for you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    That salad looks divine. I love any salad with fruit in it...but I'm not a huge salad person...more like just give me the fruit and chicken and nuts - forget the lettuce...LOL
    And I was supposed to go running this morning but didn't...so I'm not sure I'll have time tonight but it feels weird not running on national running day!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. RunFitMamaJune 1, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    I'm celebrating by resting today, too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. JessicaJune 1, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Your salad looks YUM! Happy Run Day :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownJune 1, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Happy national running day to you too!! I never crave salads, but they do taste great once I start eating them!

    ReplyDelete
  18. ChelsJune 1, 2011 at 5:45 PM

    I love anything grilled in the summer time. As for adding pb into your mix, I mix up chopped chicken breast, soy sauce, peanut butter, and garlic and through it on a bed of lettuce with mushrooms...kind of like an Asian mix.

    ReplyDelete
  19. KaylaJune 1, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I ran today, but it was very hot, so I only ran around 10 minutes and then went and swam most of the time. AS far as BP in a salad, I might try putting grated peanuts in the salad and then whatever jelly you use, say it is grape, you could crush up some grapes or slice them somehow and put them in it. Then it is kind of like a PB&J sandwhich/salad. haha

    ReplyDelete
  20. MacJune 1, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    I have never tried PB on salad, however I have used PB to make a Thai peanut sauce, which was successful... that might be good?!

    I've never tried this one, but here is a PB salad dressing from Southern Living. http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/peanut-butter-salad-dressing-10000000549693/


    Good luck experimenting with PB and salad :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Neon Blonde RunnerJune 1, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    Your salad looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  22. TheRavenousMommyJune 1, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    You can make a great peanut dressing with some soy, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil & ginger. Delish!

    ReplyDelete
  23. SbMacJune 1, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I love strawberries in salads too. When I was growing up we grew our own strawberries. I miss that!

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousJune 1, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Man looks like we have the weather, it's just miserable here in Charlotte. I usually like the summer time but not when it jumps to 90's so fast! My sister and I are running a race this Saturday at 7:30am and I hope that it's not super hot...maybe early 70's will be okay.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Jess A @cajunrunnerjessJune 1, 2011 at 8:57 PM

    I have tried a salad dressing that had a nutty taste but I can't remember the name of it! I think it might have been some kind of Thai peanut dressing.
    Last summer I craved snowballs! I don't think I had one this summer yet.
    I skipped running today, in fact I haven't run since Sunday due to the heat. I either have to wake up extra early or go running right about now.

    ReplyDelete
  26. CaitlinJune 1, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    and a happy running day to you too! but i luv your comment about everyday being our day. :) jk...but you're also smart and not running when you know your body needs a break!

    my favorite summer foods have to be ice cream and then any kind of fruit. :)

    sorry, i'm not a fan of PB, but good luck on your salad quest! :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Britt @ Chicago Runner GirlJune 1, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Lovely weather you're having! That salad looks good enough for me to almost lick my computer screen.

    ReplyDelete
  28. runs with boxersJune 1, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Wow, it looks horribly hot there! I also have been sweating the buns off, and it makes it hard to feel like I have the energy for a run....been thinking about hitting up the gym and treadmilling it simply for the a/c....My favorite summer food is anything grilled. Or ice cream. Or chilled watermelon...

    ReplyDelete
  29. JuliaJune 1, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    your salads always look SO delicious!! and fresh! love that!

    I ran Alicia's Virtual 5k race for Autism today...it was fun and my first ever virtual race...I really enjoyed it :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. kristenJune 1, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Not sure about the PB in salad but the fruit looks delightful!

    ReplyDelete
  31. TrishaJune 1, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    I had an ironic rest day today too...no cross training or weights or anything!
    The salad looks delicious & I had never thought about putting rice on a salad before - I'm totally going to start doing that!

    I think everyone who mentioned PB in a salad dressing hit the nail on the head. I have no idea how to do it well, but let the experimenting being!

    ReplyDelete
  32. XaarlinJune 1, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    I usually have the tread at .5 - 1.5 incline. For the 5k trial tonight I had no incline. I hope the tread is accurate with distance/speed. I need to research that :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. ElleJune 1, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    So jealous of the heat wave you have going in Georgia.

    I like to put PB in my salad dressings sometimes.

    I will be making this and featuring it on my recipe blog soon... but it gives you an idea.

    You can leave out the pasta of course.

    ReplyDelete
  34. ElleJune 1, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    oops... here is the recipe.


    Sesame Noodles

    Core + about .5 Points, if you use 6 Servings
    Adapted from Diabetic Meals in 30 Minutes - Or Less!
    6 Servings/Serving Size: 1 cup

    1 tbsp. peanut butter
    2 tbsp. light soy sauce
    1 tsp. sesame oil
    3 garlic cloves, minced
    1 tsp. grated ginger
    2 cups cooked thin whole wheat spaghetti noodles
    1/2 cup thinly sliced red pepper
    1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots
    1/4 cup minced scallions
    1/4 cup bean sprouts
    Red pepper flakes, to taste

    In a small saucepain, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 3 minutes.

    Combine the remaining ingredients and pour the hot peanut sesame dressing over the pasta vegetable mixture. Serve immediately, or chill and serve cold.

    ReplyDelete
  35. FalonJune 1, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    I can't eat salads with fruit on them... I am starting to think something is way wrong with me. Glad you gave yourself a day to rest... you is a runnin' foo.

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousJune 2, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    I'm sure there are a lot of Thai peanut sauces that would work wonderfully on a hot or cold salad!

    ReplyDelete
  37. The Hungry Runner GirlJune 2, 2011 at 12:06 AM

    I NEED THAT SALAD RIGHT THIS SECOND, that looks like heaven. YAY for rest days, way to listen to your body. PB on a salad...you are the smartest person I have ever met (yes, I consider us to be real life best friends).

    ReplyDelete
  38. The Hungered OneJune 2, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Salad with asian-style Pb sauce!

    Oh my goodness, I took a rest day for National Running Day, too! I'm glad I'm not the only one. haha.

    That weather looks crazy. I mean, great for a swim... even an ocean swim! But... not so hot for the running.

    ReplyDelete
  39. LindseyJune 2, 2011 at 12:41 AM

    Yuuuum, that salad looks amazing!! Definitely one of my favorite summer (or any season) foods!

    ReplyDelete
  40. MarissaJune 2, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    I want that SALAD! looks sooo yummy :) I ran for running day yesterday, early morning before the heat and it felt great. Today is a rest day, especially will 100+ degree temps today...YUCK!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. ChristinaJune 2, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    Haha, I took a rest day on National Running day too :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Morgan HJune 2, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    That salad look deeeeelicious! Rice is literally my favorite food, it needs to make its way onto my salads ASAP!

    Those temps look killer. It's the same story here in Maryland, I feel your pain.

    I haven't been able to comment on your posts in forever, I'm glad my Google account finally let me :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. MalloryJune 2, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    That salad looks amazing!!!

    My favorite summer treat is fruit... especially watermelon!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sarajane HerbertJune 2, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Barbecue Tofu Salad with Soy-Peanut Dressing at canyoustayfordinner.com

    It's a pretty awesome blog.

    http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2010/02/25/barbecue-tofu-salad-with-soy-peanut-dressing/

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousJune 2, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    That salad looks so yummy! :)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Race the Bar 5k Recap (AKA: A Personal Worst!)

Do you remember a few weeks back, when I was all braggy about running in Florida in February/March? Sunny mornings around a lake with a light breeze off the water have turned, cruelly, into humid stretches of time where I am humbly reminded of my own limitations. You guys, I see these gazelle-like creatures, men and women alike, who prance on my running route with compression socks, a soft glow of perspiration at their brow. It's beautiful. It's also a harsh reminder that I am not them. I am currently running in the thinnest, smallest items of clothing I can without offending anyone (shirt stays on, people). I dare not step outside without some awful visor or wide-brimmed hat. When I hop in the shower after a run, my face is a deep crimson that causes my husband to voice his concern for my general well-being. Have I mentioned this is what happens after my easy runs, with a few walk breaks thrown in? Yeah. It's humbling. Now, I'm not complaining. It's beautiful
63 comments
Read more

Brace Yourselves: Cuteness is Coming

One of the hardest things about moving, for me, was wondering how the cats would adjust each time. Although our cats are super travelers at this stage, I feel really guilty every time we have to pack them up and force them onto a plane. I remember my grandma telling me years ago that when she moved with a cat, they put butter on their paws. That way, the cats spent the first day in a new house licking their paws to get them clean, and that was enough time to lose the "smell" of the old house. I love that story, and I wish the same principle applied to longer moves. Anyway, that's a super long intro to say that for the fellow cat ladies out there, our three fur babies are insanely happy in this jungle gym of a home here in Florida. It's warm, there are plenty of sunny spots to curl up a take a nap, and they have lots of room to spread out. Despite the space, of course, they still usually want to take a nap on my head at night. Obviously. They also love climbing on ou
6 comments
Read more

Running Jewelry Giveaway from The Run Home!

Running has a tendency at times to make me feel just a little less feminine that I might like. The curves might disappear just a little (well...the top ones at least. Bottom ones are still out in full force) and I spend more time fiddling with my Garmin than I do putting on make-up. So I love when I can show my interest in running with a beautiful, feminine piece of jewelry. I recently received two necklaces from the great people at The Run Home.   They have an Etsy store full of inspirational necklaces, bracelets and more for athletes. I received this beautiful necklace in the mail from them: A cute running shoe, heart, and a hand-stamped 26.2 charm. In all honesty, I don't think I'll wear this until I have finished the marathon in November. Kind of like wearing a race shirt before you completed the race! But it will make the perfect reward and I can't wait to wear it with pride. The Run Home sent everything to me perfectly packaged--like it was a gift. I loved that:
187 comments
Read more