Winter Squash and Brussel Spout Salad with Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette

Our trip to Cancun was absolutely amazing.  We didn't do much and it was amazing.  Plus, I actually got some color on my uber-pale arms and I look like I actually traveled somewhere!

Now, it is time to come home from this beautiful place.  After days of laying by the pool, yoga on the beach, countless, delish margaritas, and a trip to Tulum to see some historic ruins, I feel like I am finally ready to return to reality...

Actually, that's a lie.  I love it here and we have had such an amazing time.  I know that you can't do "nothing" forever, but I could probably handle a few more days :).  The real reason I can't wait to come home is; Benny.  Yes, I miss my cat!  I am also pretty excited to see my family for some fun Christmas Eve celebrations.  However, I just notice that it is 81 and party cloudy here and 36 with thundersnow in the forecast there.  Yuck.

Today, I wanted to share one of my favorite salads to make with some typical winter ingredients.  I love roasting some squash and Brussel sprouts and then throwing them on top of a bed of greens for a yummy school, lunch salad.  I could also use a few days of this salad as a detox for all the crazy eating I've done in Cancun...

Winter Squash and Brussel Sprout Salad with Honey Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
1 cup Brussel sprouts, peeled and cut in half
1 cup Butternut squash, cubed
olive oil
salt and pepper
chili powder
1 bag of baby spinach
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup almonds (or other favorite nut)
1/4 cup feta cheese (or other favorite cheese)
Dressing:
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
olive oil

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 and spray a baking pan with oil.
2. In a large bowl, place prepared squash and sprouts.  Drizzle with a few tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili powder, to taste.  Spread out on baking sheet and place in oven for about 30 minutes.  Toss after 15 and 30 and continue to cook longer if you would like softer veggies.  Remove from oven and let cool.
3. For the dressing, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, mustard and honey.  Season with salt as needed and drizzle in about a tbsp of olive oil while whisking.  Add more olive oil if you want.
4. Place spinach leaves in bowl.  Toss with the cranberries, almonds, feta and veggies.  Use as many ingredients as you want here, its your salad!  Flavor with dressing (again, as much as you want!)

Enjoy :)

Healthy Avocado Dip

Cancun has been amazing so far!  Yesterday, I did a short work out in the fitness room at our resort and then Bri and I had an amazing breakfast.  The breakfast here is a buffet style with options from omelets, waffles, and french toast, to traditional Mexican cuisine.  We tried a little bit of everything and our waiter even brought us mimosas.  I can't wait to try some other foods today and maybe even a smoothie from the guy who blends fresh smoothies right by your table!  This all inclusive thing is pretty great!

After breakfast, we decided to go change into our swim suits and go for a walk along the beach.  Everything is just beautiful here.  After our walk, we lounged by the pool and enjoyed margaritas and mojitos until we decided it was time to wash up for our dinner.

Dinner was at a South American style restaurant on the resort.  Our waiters were absolutely amazing, the food was great and since most of the food was not vegetarian, the waiters made Bri two special entrees (vegetable empanadas and a stuffed pepper) to make sure that he was able to eat.  Plus, since it was Bri's birthday, they brought out a cute dessert for him!  It was so nice.

After dinner, we went to the bar to order some drinks and check out the "club" scene at our resort.  Of course we didn't stay very late because it was past our bedtimes and we were somehow exhausted after a day of doing nothing.  I can't wait for tomorrow!

In the spirit of Cancun, I figured I should share this awesome recipe for an Avocado Dip.  I use this dip for chips, as well as to top things like fajitas or tacos.  Its super delish and healthy too!

Healthy Avocado Dip
(adapted from Two Peas and Their Pod)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt (I used Chobani)
2 avocados
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp cumin
pinch of chili powder
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Place everything in your food processor or blender and blend to combine until you have a smooth dip.  Add salt and pepper as needed.

Enjoy :)