“Eating too much junk food or too many sweets is much like being drunk. The buzz happens immediately and gives you a lift… The hangover comes the day after.”

Today I must ask your forgiveness. I must redeem myself from yesterday’s share of that evil, sinful Nutella & Biscoff Cookie Swirl Bread. You remember. This one.

I know. Shake my head. It has a hold on me. I couldn’t help myself. I know I should have just kept that dirty little recipe to myself. I know I let you down with that wickedness in a loaf. I promised to look after you, and I gave you this decadent, rectangle of ooey, gooeyness. I failed you.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll make this bread, wake up the next morning with a serious sweet bread hangover, and wonder where in the world the rest of the loaf went. You blame the husband. You blame the kid. You blame the dog. You blame the neighbor or the unidentified ghost that raided your kitchen. But deep down you KNOW you did it. You ate the whole loaf. It’s OK. Admission is the first step. My name is Melissa and I am a sweet bread junkie. Sigh. 😦

But! Today is the dawn of a new day! And we can get ourselves back on track! Since I caused the hangover, I can give you the cure! Today, we are going to make a fabulous “too much junk food”  hangover helper. I’m super excited! Can you guess what it is? Of course, it’s SALAD!!! Insert bold trumpet sound off here!

Now, insert trumpet sound deflating here from your lack of enthusiasm for this topic. You’re thinking, “Are you kidding me? Is she for real?”

Wait! Wait! Don’t go! Salads can be fun!!! They can be exciting and beautiful and most of all, they can really rock your health world! These are super foods and super fruits chocked full of antioxidants, rich in vitamins and minerals and provide a fantastic cleanse when you’ve…overindulged.

Just take a look! Aren’t these gorgeous! Look at this 7-layer salad!

And this beautiful garden salad with onion rolls!

This salad is the star of the meal with the vibrant red and green colors!

Fresh fruits and berries steal the show in this romantic dinner salad.

Let’s not forget about super, amazing pasta salads!

There are even picnic salads to go! How cool are these??

See! Salads are not boring! Salads are superfoods! They are creative and colorful! Salads are nutritious and they are a spectacular “too much junk” hangover helper.

I consider myself…officially…redeemed 🙂

Super Seven Potluck Salad

In a large salad bowl or trifle dish, layer these ingredients:

• iceberg lettuce
• tomatoes
• cucumbers
• onions
• sweet peas
• hard boiled eggs
• sharp cheddar cheese
• bacon pieces

Most traditional 7 layer salads are topped with a mayo type dressing, but you can use any dressing you prefer. I usually choose a great blue cheese or Thousand Island. You can also substitute any ingredient with other vegetables or even fruits. These items make great substitutions:

• cauliflower
• broccoli
• turkey bacon
• spinach
• kale
• grated carrot
• grated Brussel Sprouts
• various cheeses
• blueberries
• strawberries
• nuts
• seeds
• homemade croutons

Be creative! Be Colorful! Be hangover free!

I love redemption. Bon appetit y’all!