Songs & Salads

It's amazing how much music can dictate your mood. I have always been the type of person to make playlists for certain events and periods of my life. The songs need to fit just perfectly so that when you listen to them years later, they take you back to that moment in time. 

The songs I've been listening to lately remind me of that smell of dewey grass, cicadas buzzing, warm breezes and the slight taste of citrus on my tongue. I wanted to share this with you guys, so I've put together a mini-playlist to give you a taste of my summer. Listen to these songs while you lay in the grass, ride your bike, drive around with the windows down, or whenever you feel in the mood to let in some sunshine.

(click on the photo for download links!)

This salad, in my opinion, is also quintessentially summer. It's light, crunchy, fresh and so incredibly simple to put together: the perfect summer lunch!

Simple Summer Porch Salad

makes about 3-4 servings

Dressing:
1 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp agave

Salad:
1/2 cup red quinoa
1 cup water
1 cup shelled edamame
1/2 cup baby carrots, thinly sliced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/4 cup crushed raw cashews
1/2 lime

1. Combine the quinoa and water in a medium pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Cover, bring the heat down to a simmer and let cook for about 15 minutes or until all the water is soaked up.
2. To make the dressing, combine the ingredients in a small sauce pan over low heat for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the salad by tossing together quinoa, veggies, cashews and the dressing. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and serve warm or chilled.

Does anyone else like to make playlists for certain seasons? I'm always looking for new music recommendations, so I'd love to know what you are listening to this summer!