The Perfect Friendship Lunch and Broccoli Kale Spinach Salad
My friend Dee and I go way back, like 25 years back, when we worked together in dialysis (my pre-blogging life). Yesterday Dee came for lunch, and I whipped up a delicious Broccoli Spinach Kale Salad using broccoli slaw and other fine ingredients.. We sat and talked for hours.
A sturdy friendship.
Literally hours. We talked about faith, family, life – things of substance that one might say make a “sturdy” friendship. The kind where, you might not see each other for a very long time, but then the minute you do, you pick up from where you left off the last time you were together.
It’s part of “living the game of life,” which is often sweet, imperfect, joyful, honest, painful–with so many experiences to share.
I love this quote:
“Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being’s heart the love of wonder, the sweet amazement at the stars and starlike things, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what-next, and the joy of the game of living. –Samuel Ullman
Setting the table for 2.
I set the table in an unusual place — the coffee table in the living room.
The sun was peeking in, so it seemed to be the perfect place to sit on the floor with cushions, and to cozy up to the small round table, and to enjoy yummy food and an intimate lunch together.
I’m so thankful for sturdy, seasoned friends. I’ve been blessed with so many.
It really does bring a sense of joyfulness, when you walk hand-in-hand with a friend that you’ve known for years, and you celebrate the day-to-day living.
Day-to-day living.
Sometimes day-to-day living seems so ordinary, but I believe that everything we do has great eternal value. It’s easy to lose sight of the simple, because we feel so small and insignificant, but then a good friend comes along and encourages you … it makes all the difference in the world.
I think my friendship with Dee deserves a big piece of chocolate cake.
But first, we’ll start with a healthy salad and a glass of nice cold water.
The perfect friendship lunch.
What is your biggest obstacle for getting together with a good friend on a regular basis?
Get the Recipe:
Broccoli Kale Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper
- 2 cupsbroccoli slaw
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1 1/2 cup rotisserie chicken, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil with white balsamic vinegar. Add salt & pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, toss the broccoli slaw, kale, spinach, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds with dressing until well combined. Add chopped chicken. Toss and serve.
I love this pairing, it’s great overall, good stuff, especially for daily lunches
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I’ve made this but I also add thinly sliced raw Brussels spouts. Delicious with a home made raspberry vinaigrette.
What a lovely idea… friendships enrich our lives.
Happy Day
Love those kind of friendships—precious!
I agree with Elaine that the salad looks refreshing and I am a colorist. I think it’s a privilege as a human specie that we are able to see color. So I too love the colors in addition to a nice selection of textures and balance flavors. Aaaah friends– –like color what a privilege to have them. Just last night I had a long talk fest with a dear friend on similar material. I create menus that go with tea on my website. I put together a menu just for a ‘tea party’ honoring friends.
Sandy
The salad looks so refreshing and love the colors!
Nothing like catching up with a girlfriend over lunch. So many of my long time friends have moved away . . . so when they come home to visit, it’s extra special.
Elaine
Lovely post and salad recipe, Sandy! It’s always a good thing to get together with our close friends and express our appreciation and support. Pinned already (from you)!
Looks great, Sandy!! I love it!
Looks delicious! I had to pin it so I could remember to make it one day soon.
OK Sandy… you’ve gently nudged, cockled and all but actually held my hand to open my door to hospitality. I have fallen in love with your blog and your ‘voice’. It’s beautiful and encouraging. Thank you
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve entertained in the past, begrudgingly. I’ve always felt exhausted at the end of everything and happy not to have to “do this again for a long while”. Most certainly a Reluctant Entertainer =D
I have a lifelong friend whose company I treasure and this blog post has given me the courage to start very small (for me) and spoil her because she’s such a blessing. I can’t think of a better person to surprise l with a lovely lunch after our weekly hike while our kids are in school =)
I may even venture to have a Girlfriend Dinner Party for 4 (gasp), no promises! Lol!
Baby steps…
Aw, thanks for sharing Myrna! Love it!
I am with Brenda, I’ll totally bring the dessert in exchange for you making this salad…and your wonderful company!
Looks awesome, Sandy!
That would be fun, girls!
I’ll bring that chocolate cake if you make this salad! xo