Parmesan, Strawberry, Sundried Tomato and Spinach Salad

I’m mildly obsessed with parmesan cheese and spinach, and include it in as many dishes as possible. I’ve never been a huge fan of fruit in salads until I went to a dinner party and was served a salad with strawberries. I was bit hesitant to eat all together (as I would usually pick them out and eat separately), but I fell in love with the freshness and sweetness it gave to the salad, and from there my new favourite go-to salad was born. I love serving this alongside a protein or pasta dish.

SERVES 4

Ingredients

1 Bag of Organic (optional) Baby Spinach

1 Avocado, chopped

1/2 280g Jar Sundried Tomatoes, chopped

1 punnet Organic (optional) Strawberries, washed and chopped

Pine Nuts, lightly roasted

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Goji Berries,

Balsamic Reduction

Toss the Baby spinach, Avo and sun-dried Tomatoes in a salad dish and then top with the strawberries, pine nuts and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with Goji berries, if desired, then drizzle the balsamic reduction on top to serve

"I met Mike at the age of 19 in my second year of Uni while he was playing at the Sharks Academy… 3 clubs, 3 Currie Cup wins and 7 years later, Mike was offered to play for Saracens in the UK. Our first year of living in London and playing for Saracens has been a phenomenal one especially for Mike- having won both the European Champions Cup and the English Premiership Cup - I mean WOW right?

When I arrived in London, the magnitude of this place got the better of me and I quickly succumb to the cliche touristy “must see and do’s”. Yet I quickly learnt that the best experiences I have had so far are the ones that I have discovered overtime whilst living here. I cannot reiterate more how London has an exciting and diversely endless list of things to do and you will never find yourself bored. I love to often take the underground into central and surround myself with London’s landmarks, red busses, the iconic telephone boxes, walk down the popular shopping streets, and I seem to find myself inspired and motivated again and reminded that I live in London, and how fantastic that is. There is no shortage of theatre shows and musicals along with quirky restaurants, bars and clubs; London sure does offer an exciting social scene. In this diverse, buzzing city, comes an endless array of delicious food and dishes to choose from, from hearty Sunday pub roasts to creatively outrageous desserts, you sure do pack on a few well-worth-it pounds ;)

I always say that life in the UK is bitter sweet at the moment as any rugby wife/girlfriend will tell you that it is never easier the older you get having to uproot your whole life, leave your friends and family behind, start over, and not know how long you are going to be in that place for. But it has only been a year, and I find myself starting to settle in now. Fortunately for me, London is a thriving multicultural metropolis that hosts a contrast between the spectacular historic sights and the busy cultural scene, making London an interesting and exciting city to live in at the moment. I have been incredibly fortunate and grateful to have travelled and explored many different countries and cultures in the short year since I have been here, to get me through especially the grey and cold winter months. It is great to be able to live in London while Mike lives out his thriving career and to absorb and explore this amazing diverse city"