Valentine's "Show the Love" Salad

Here is a non-sugary Valentine idea for those healthy-minded individuals that you want to show your love for this Valentine's Day - a salad. Such a simple idea since we all eat salads regularly...right? I got this idea from a blog called Jo and Sue, who always have fun little food ideas. The trick for this recipe was to find the little, tiny heart- shaped cookie cutters. I found them at the first place I tired, Michael's Arts and Crafts Supply.

These cookie cutters are actually 12 different shapes because each of the 6 cookie cutters have a smooth edge and a scalloped edge.

Once you have the cookie cutters, use your imagination on what foods to use. For the red color, I used well-cooked, softened beets because I love beets.

Red bell peppers are the perfect red color for Valentine's Day.

For the white color, use cucumbers and mozzarella cheese.

You can also use radishes, daikons or turnips, as well, for more variety. Use your imagination.

6 cups of salad greens

1 large cucumber, sliced
2 red, bell peppers, seeded (tops and bottoms removed)
1 small brick of mozzarella cheese

1. Place the salad greens in a large bowl.

2. Using a small, heart shaped cookie cutter (about 1 inch) cut out heart shapes from the cucumber, red peppers, and cheese or whatever colorful vegetables you like, and mix with salad greens.

3. Just before serving, drizzle with your favorite salad dressing.

Start you special Valentine's Day dinner with this "Show the Love" salad, guaranteed to start your evening off in a loving direction.

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