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...it's time to get out the plates. Table time yields benefits that go far beyond food. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) says that the more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. The center compared teens who had a family meal five or seven times a week with those who did so twice or less. Those who ate together more often were four times less likely to smoke, 2.5 times less likely to use marijuana and half as likely to drink alcohol.

Lowers Risk for Substance Abuse

CASA says that teens who regularly eat...

Enjoy this flavorful salad blending the flavors of pineapple, green apple and yellow pepper. This Simply Salad contest winning dish was submitted by Priscila Forteza, UMass Memorial Health - HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, Clinton, MA. 

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 c. chopped celery
• 2 pineapple slices, chopped (not too small or they fall apart)
• ½ c. yellow pepper, chopped into small cubes
• 3 strawberries, chopped (not too small or they fall apart)
• 1 green apple, chopped
• 1 T shallots
• 1 T fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 T extra virgin olive oil
• 2 T white vinegar
• Salt

Directions

Combine all the ingredients. Adjust the salt...

Just a few ingredients give your broccoli a flavor lift. This Simply Salad contest winning dish was submitted by Linda Ciccone, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA. 

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 c. fresh broccoli florets
• 1/8 c. red onion, finely diced
• 1 ½ T raisins
• ½ T dry roasted sunflower seeds
• 1/8 c. plain yogurt
• 1 T orange juice
• ½ T fat free mayonnaise

Directions

Combine the broccoli, onions, raisins and sunflower seeds. In a small bowl, whisk the yogurt, orange juice and mayonnaise until blended. Pour over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat.

Your taste buds will welcome this sweet salad topped with fresh strawberries tossed with tangy raspberry vinaigrette. This Simply Salad contest winning dish was submitted by Lindsay Knight, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA 

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 3 c. mixed greens
• 1 c. fresh strawberries, hulled, cleaned and sliced
• 3/4 c. part skim fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/4 c. walnuts, chopped
• 1/8 c. golden raisins
• 3 T light raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing

Directions

Toss all ingredients and serve.

If you like salmon, you'll love it even more when it's drizzled with avocado cilantro lime dressing. This Simply Salad contest winning dish was submitted by Joey Cyr, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA 

Serves 2

Ingredients

• ½ c. fresh yellow tomatoes, halved
• ½ c. fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, peeled and diced
• ¼ c. cooked corn
• ¼ c. lima beans
• Olive oil, to taste
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Grilled salmon, enough to serve 2
• ¼ c. of plain Greek yogurt
• ½ avocado, mashed
• 1 c. fresh cilantro
• Juice from 1 lime
• Dash of salt
• Minced garlic, 2 cloves

Directions

In a bowl, combine first 6 salad...

A burst of freshness with sweet, tangy and savory flavors. This Simply Salad contest winning dish was submitted by Jay Cyr, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA. 

Serves 4

Ingredients

Salad

• 4 c. of spinach
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, peeled and diced
• ¼ c. of feta cheese
• ½ c. of fresh blueberries
• ½ c. of chopped walnuts

Dressing

• 1 T olive oil
• 1 T honey
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Chia seeds

Directions

Add salad items to a bowl. For the dressing, whisk ingredients and toss with the salad. Sprinkle chia seeds on top.