Sunshine, Salad, and a Sense of Place

By: Emily Guzmán

The sun rises early these days. I hear birdsong and feel the beauty of the day before I even open my eyes. Summer has a way of pulling me out of bed , with a soft invitation.

These mornings remind me to breathe in the moment before the busyness begins. To appreciate the little things: the way golden light pours into my bedroom, the cool air before the heat sets in, and the quiet hum of a community waking up.

This season is full. My days bounce between garden chores, trail runs, summer camp at Idlewild Park, and Sundays teaching yoga under the trees at Riverside Farmers Market. Summer is a beautiful kind of busy, a season of meaningful, sun-soaked moments.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the things that keep me grounded in all that motion. For me, it’s local food. It’s seeing the faces of farmers I know. It’s pulling herbs from my own backyard. It’s eating something simple but full of life.

So today, I want to share something small: a salad. It’s easy, it’s bright, and it’s made with ingredients from places and people I love. More than just a recipe, it’s a reminder to nourish yourself well, to slow down when you can, and to celebrate the beauty of a summer lived in connection.

Simple Summer Salad with Peanut Sauce Magic

Ingredients

Salad Base

• 2 cups mixed greens (from Prema Farms – you can find them at the Riverside Farmers Market)

• 1 cup chopped romaine

• ½ cup pea shoots

• ½ cup sliced cucumber

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• ½ avocado, sliced

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup roasted chickpeas or roasted chicken

• ¼ cup sautéed mushrooms (Mt. Mushrooms’ blue oysters are my favorite! Available at the Riverside Market)

Peanut Sauce Dressing

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice

• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

• 1–2 teaspoons chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon agave, honey, or maple syrup

• 1–2 tablespoons warm water (to thin, as needed)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Add warm water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

2. In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients.

3. Drizzle with peanut sauce and toss gently to coat.

4. Serve immediately — ideally outside in the sunshine!

Wherever this summer takes you maybe to a farmer’s market, a dusty trail, or your own front porch.I hope you find moments to move with intention, eat with joy, and feel rooted in where you are.

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About the Author:

Emily Guzmán

Communications Outreach Coordinator

Born and raised in New Jersey, Emily moved to Reno, where she fell in love with the stunning Sierras. Currently studying Communications, she is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone. Emily is excited to work with the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation as the Communication Coordinator. A dedicated yoga teacher, she deepened her practice in her motherland of Guatemala. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing with friends, cooking meals from scratch, sunbathing, and practicing her Spanish. Emily believes in the power of community, nature, and mindful living.