Aggie's Kitchen

Spinach and Eggplant Salad and Getting out of a Funk

plate of spinach salad topped with cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and baked breaded eggplant

I’ve been in quite the funk lately. For no reason really, other than maybe I just haven’t been treating myself very well…i.e. over-indulging in food and drinks, not enough sleep or exercise, and just too much stinkin’ thinkin’…you know the drill. I am at the point in my life where I really know myself and I know when I get in these “not feeling well” funks the only way out of it is changing my way of thinking and discipline. The power of Positive Thinking is no joke…it can really make or break your day whether your mind is in a positive place or not. And as far as discipline goes…for me, just recognizing the things that I know make me feel better, writing them down and putting them somewhere where I can look at them throughout the day really helps change my frame of mind. Also surrounding myself with positive people and quality family time are super important. Sometimes you just gotta know when to feed the soul.

Here’s what’s on my “What Makes Me Feel Good List” right now (taped to my bedroom mirror):

Take vitamins every day

Swimming

Yoga

Pilates

Running

Lots of Water

Unplugging early in the evening

Getting to sleep before 11

Waking up early

Routine

These are things I know I can accomplish most days…actually, every day. Daily exercise is very important to my mental well-being so rotating my favorites helps to motivate me and keep things interesting. It all sounds very simple…but I think when we get into those “funks” we really have to focus on simple…and before you know it you are feeling like yourself again.

On my quest to “de-funk” my attitude…I’m really trying to eat clean. Lots of fruits, veggies and good protein make me feel good so I’m trying to stick with all things healthy at the moment. I’m starting my days off this week with a Super Juice that I make in my juicer (bunch of kale, 2 celery sticks, 2 apples, 1 cucumber and 1 beet) and sip on it while I get the kids ready for school (and before my coffee!).


plate of spinach salad topped with cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and baked breaded eggplant

Of course, just because I’m eating clean and healthy doesn’t mean I won’t be eating well. This Spinach and Eggplant salad is one of my absolute favorite salads to eat for dinner or lunch. I can’t take credit for this creation, I actually have been ordering it at our local pizza place for some time now and just started finally making it at home.

plate of spinach salad topped with cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and baked breaded eggplant

I start with a base of fresh spinach leaves and then pile on the red onions, tomatoes, parmesan or mozzarella cheese and of course strips of the Baked Breaded Eggplant that I love. I make a quick dressing out of red wine vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper. If I have some kalamata olives around I add those too.

close up of mason jar with vinaigrette with salad in background

Delicious!!

Print

Spinach and Eggplant Salad

  • Author: Aggie's Kitchen
  • Category: Salad

Ingredients

  • 12 handfuls of fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, sliced thin
  • shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese
  • 23 slices Baked Breaded Eggplant, warmed in oven or toaster oven and cut in strips
  • kalamata olives, optional
  • Simple Red Wine Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Simple Red Wine Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dijon
  • 1 small pinch dried oregano
  • small pinch salt and fresh ground pepper

Instructions

  1. On large plate assemble salad starting with fresh spinach leaves. Top spinach with cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, shredded cheese, kalamata olives (optional) and eggplant. Dress lightly with Simple Red Wine Vinaigrette, to taste.

For the Vinaigrette

  1. Combine all ingredients in a jar or air tight container. Shake until well blended.

plate of spinach salad topped with cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and baked breaded eggplant

Baked and Breaded Eggplant topped Spinach Salad with mozzarella and tomatoes - this is the Italian Salad of my dreams!

 

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46 comments on “Spinach and Eggplant Salad and Getting out of a Funk”

  1. Really good advice for all of us! I wish I could get into an exercise routine, I know it would make me feel better. This salad looks so good!

    • When I fall out of my exercise routine it almost seems like everything else starts to fall of eventually…
      Thank you!! I’m glad I started making the salad at home, much better homemade (and baked) ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. The salad sounds fantastic. Hope you get out of the funk soon; sounds like you are on the right track.

    • Thank you Kalyn! I am getting back on track…and I think saying it out loud really helped. Thanks for listening ๐Ÿ™‚

  3. i hear you girl
    that’s why i’m on a break to get me back and running
    had a mishap with my knee and it’s all done messed up my routine, plus summer and the sun is leaving us soon.
    i need to get back on my daily over-intake of fruits & veggies and to stay far away from crap. the older i get the more crap bothers me, even the smallest amount. you know?

    • Oh I know all about that crap!! So sorry about your knee…I hate when an injury turns your world upside down. Is it on the mend??

  4. “The power of Positive Thinking is no joke”

    No joke! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I go through periods like this, too, and had one at the end of this summer. You have to make the choice, day by day, to pull yourself out of it. I’m pleased to see you are doing so. Begone, stinkin’ thinkin!

    Eating clean certainly doesn’t hurt either. And it can taste fantastic when you are a good cook, like you are, my dear. Keep at it. xo

    • You seriously always put a smile on my face ๐Ÿ™‚ You are so right, it’s all about the choice. That’s the talk my hubby and I had today…it’s like, ok, do you want to me miserable or do you want to be happy? Choose! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Thank you so much for always saying the right things ๐Ÿ™‚ Hope you are well..

  5. I am SO with you! I am actually typing up a goals post right now! That eggplant looks amazing

    • Oh, have to check your goal post out..let’s keep each other going girl!! Hope you & your little fam is doing great!

  6. Girl, I hear you! I really do. Virtual hug around your neck!

    And uh, that salad just had me singing. Like, really loud singing.

  7. I know that feeling but I’ve never written down the things I need to do to feel better, I’ll have to try that!
    Your salad looks so good, I want that eggplant!

    • Writing it down makes it seem so much more doable. I just started doing it this summer & have noticed it works for me! Try the eggplant! ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. I love you…and I think you couldn’t be more spot on. We should all remind ourselves to take time to do what makes us be the best us..every day! And, the eggplant is making my mouth water.

    • Yes! When I’m feeling my best, everything at home runs more smoothly & calmly. What do they say, happy wife happy life? ๐Ÿ˜‰

      Miss you so much Holly!! xo

  9. Funks are pesky little suckers. I like your list. I need to make one…and stick to it. Since the school year has started, working out has taken a back burner, as well as clean eating. You’ve inspired me to get off my booty!
    Delicious looking salad! Love the addition of Baked Breaded Eggplant.

  10. Love your list & that you recognize what you need, what makes you tick, and that you’re sticking to what works and scrapping or reducing/eliminating the things that don’t. Amen sista!

  11. Oh I need to make this ASAP. Love eggplant! And your list is pretty much amazing ๐Ÿ™‚

  12. Love your post my friend!!!!! You inspire me :)! Have a great week!!

  13. The ups and down of LIFE!!! I know it well. I’m huge on positive thinking….negative thoughts are such a downer! Love your focus list. I need to add exercise to mine but that’s nothing new. Your funk will pass in no time.

    PS….the salad looks great!

  14. great post and an excellent reminder to re-evaluate my own thinking, too!

    plus this salad looks amazing! can’t wait to try it soon.

  15. http://x.vu/226463 Yes! This seems to be a lot easier! I wish you success

  16. Consistency and discipline are keep to my health and sanity, especially when it involves eating and exercise. I loved this post and can’t wait to try the salad, which looks so good!

  17. Well said Aggie. Creating a routine for ourselves and insisting on following everything that is good for us will make it all better. Now that the kids are back in school it may be eaiser to keep up a routine.

  18. This is an inspiring post, Aggie! We should all make a similar list and tape it to our bathroom mirrors. This salad looks like a fabulous way to de-funk! ๐Ÿ™‚

  19. I know exactly how you feel. And being able to de-funk is key! I love the sound of this clean dish and your feel good list ๐Ÿ™‚

  20. This does look delicious and I can see why it falls on your “feel good” list! By the way, I am definitely in sync with your list. I feel so much better when I’m doing those things for myself too. You know what I love best about yoga? Yoga pants. Aren’t they so dang comfortable!!

  21. Mmmm, Aggie – this recipe look delicious! I hear you on your list – I need to make a similar one! ๐Ÿ™‚

  22. I’ve followed your post from almost the beginning. I’ve been in a super funky mood for some time now. I lost my wife four months ago. Your post Sept 5th may be the turning point for me to start feeling better. Cooking for one is going to be the biggest chalange for me but I too want to make my kitchen a happy place once again.

    • Paul, thank you so much for your comment. I’m so sorry for the loss of your wife and I truly hope that you are able to find some healing and happiness in your kitchen again.

  23. That salad looks delicious! I read your post last night and set the alarm and got up and ran this morning…time to get back on track…I haven’t run in almost 4 months! Thanks Aggie!

  24. 1. YUM, I LOVE eggplant. 2. We are meant to be friends. 3. I am int he same exact funk. And I KNOW what I need to do to get out of it, the same thing as you. Thanks for the motivation and inspiration to get back on track!

  25. I love this and I really want to try your eggplant recipe. I’m so happy that we’re friends, thanks for being a great one to me. Glad you’re getting out of your funk and I’ll let you know about mine. LOL

  26. Isn’t it crazy how helpful simply writing something down can be? Or saying it aloud to a good friend! Suddenly answers seem so simple & problems so small.
    Funny that you mention it today. Just this morning, I decided I’m going to post a sign on my daughter’s door that says something along these lines — “No matter what time she wakes up .. or how many times .. No matter if you sleep on her floor & wake up with a bum hip … it’ll all be okay!” ๐Ÿ™‚
    Great list. I may steal a few.

  27. I love everything about this salad! And sorry you are in a funk-come visit me:) Great goals though!

    • I would instantly be out of my funk with a trip to SLC! Especially with the beautiful fall weather you all are about to have! ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. You offer people far more than just eating well. Your posts are also a guide on how to be happy. thanks again, Paul

  29. Love your list Aggie, and this salad would get me out of any funk!

  30. LOVE this post my Friend! {http://on.fb.me/r2eHVZ}.

  31. I LOVE all things eggplant!!! And I love your “feel good” list too! Mine is quite similar in fact! I will definitely be trying this great recipe with a few tweaks on the breading of course, but YUM, Can’t Wait!

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