🌿A Fresh Spin on a Southern Classic: Your Earth Day Porch Supper Salad🌿 {April 22, 2025}

Y’all are in for a treat this week in The Palmetto Pulse! 🌿 We’re sharing a fresh, feel-good spin on the classic Seven Layer Salad—lighter but still full of that classic southern flavor. 🥗 You’ll also find a simple guide to starting your own little herb garden 🌱 (yes, even if your thumb’s not the greenest!), a sweet wellness tip straight from one of our readers 💛, and a roundup of can’t-miss local events to help you love where you live just a little more. Plus, we’re taking a little day trip to a peaceful park just 30 minutes outside of Columbia that’s perfect for a picnic, a hike, or just catching your breath 🧺🌳. Pull up a chair and enjoy—we’re so glad you’re here. 🤍

This issue of The Palmetto Pulse is sponsored by Christian Brothers Automotive in Lexington

🚗 Need Auto Repair You Can Truly Trust?
At Christian Brothers Automotive in Lexington, you’re more than just a customer—you’re a neighbor. With over 30 years of honest, dependable service and a heart for the community, their team treats every car (and every person) with the same care they’d give their own family. Whether you're heading to the lake, the ballfield, or Sunday service, they'll make sure your ride is safe and smooth. 🌾💛

This fresh take on the classic Southern Seven Layer Salad keeps all the charm and color of the original, but with a lighter, wholesome twist. Packed with crisp veggies, lean protein, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s perfect for porch suppers, potlucks, or a make-ahead weekday meal.

🌿 The Southern Slimmed-Down Seven Layer Salad

Layer 1: Romaine + Baby Spinach Mix

Start with a crisp base of chopped romaine and baby spinach instead of iceberg for added nutrients and fiber.

Layer 2: Chopped Bell Peppers (Red + Yellow)

Brings crunch, color & vitamin C- more so than the classic frozen peas.

Layer 3: Chopped Cucumbers

Fresh, hydrating and gives that springtime and summer season garden feel!

Layer 4: Shredded Carrots + Shaved Red Onion

Adds texture and tang without overpowering. Pretty, too!

Layer 5: Chopped Hard-Boiled Eggs

Classic protein- use pasture-raised eggs for extra color and richness.

Layer 6: Greek Yogurt Dressing

Mix together in a separate jar: 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt with 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, a splash of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon honey or Dijon, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir in a little garlic power or fresh herbs for a ranch-style spin.

Layer 7: Crumbled Bacon + Sharp White Cheddar

Sprinkle with a light hand- just enough for flavor. You could use turkey bacon here for less fat if you’d like.

🍽️ Tips for Serving:

• Make it a few hours ahead and chill—just like your Grandma did.

• Serve with grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal.

• Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or Sunday supper on the porch.

"You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces—just good food from fresh ingredients." – Julia Child 🥗🌿

⚾ Columbia Fireflies vs. Carolina Mudcats

Dates & Times: Saturday, April 26 at 6:05 PM; Sunday, April 27 at 5:05 PM
Location: Segra Park, Columbia, SC
Details: Catch all the action as Columbia’s hometown team faces off against the Carolina Mudcats. More Information Here!

🎯 Pro Tip:
Arrive early and grab a seat along the third-base line to catch the best view of the sunset. Check if it’s a theme night (like $2 tacos or fireworks) for extra fun!

🥗 Columbia Food & Wine Festival – Grand Tasting

Date & Time: Sunday, April 27, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Robert Mills and Hampton-Preston Estates
Details: Sample bites and beverages from some of the Midlands' top chefs, restaurants, and beverage providers in a beautiful, historic garden setting. More Information Here!

🚗 Monster Jam 2025

Dates & Times: Saturday, April 26 (1:00 PM & 7:00 PM), Sunday, April 27 (2:00 PM)
Location: Colonial Life Arena
Details: The thrill of roaring engines and gravity-defying stunts makes this a favorite for families. More Information Here!

🎯 Pro Tip:
Pack noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for the kids—it gets LOUD. Check for Pit Party passes before the show to get up close with the trucks and drivers!

🌸 Festival of Gardens – Columbia Green

• Dates & Times: Saturday, April 26, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Sunday, April 27, 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

• Location: Kings Grant neighborhood, Columbia, SC

• Details: Enjoy a self-guided tour of eight beautiful private gardens in the Kings Grant neighborhood. This annual event raises funds for Columbia Green’s Community Grants Program, supporting the creation and enhancement of green spaces in the greater Columbia area. ​More Information Here!

🎯 Pro Tip: Begin your tour early to avoid the midday sun and take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. Don't forget to bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down landscaping ideas and plant combinations that inspire you during the tour.​

For fresh herbs at your fingertips, start a mason jar herb garden on your kitchen windowsill! Choose easy-to-grow herbs like basil, parsley, and mint. We’d recommend a visit over to Seven Oaks Plant Shop for some of the best in the area but your local grocery store probably has some in the produce section as well.

How to Create a Simple Mason Jar Herb Garden 🌿

1. Start with a few mason jars.
   Any size works, but wide-mouth jars are easiest for planting.

2. Add a layer of small pebbles.
   This helps with drainage so your herbs don’t get soggy roots.

3. Scoop in some potting soil.
   Fill each jar about ¾ full, leaving room for your herb plant.

4. Plant your herb babies.
   Gently tuck in your favorite herbs—basil, mint, parsley, or whatever you love to cook with!

5. Find a sunny spot.
   A kitchen windowsill or porch ledge is perfect.

6. Water lightly.
   Only when the soil feels dry to the touch—no need to overdo it.

7. Get the kids involved!
   Little hands love big projects. Watching their herbs grow is a joy they won’t forget.

8. Enjoy the harvest.
   Snip a few leaves as needed to add fresh flavor to your meals—straight from your windowsill to your plate.

🌿 PULSE PRO TIP:
Many times, it’s actually cheaper to buy the whole herb plant at the grocery store than the tiny prepackaged version! 🛒✨

If you know you’ll be needing basil soon—for a fresh batch of pesto or your Friday night pizza 🍕—go ahead and grab the plant! 🌱 You’ll get more bang for your buck and fresh flavor on demand. Win-win!

🚗 Meet the Heart Behind Christian Brothers Automotive – Lexington

When you walk into Christian Brothers Automotive in Lexington, you’re greeted with more than just top-notch car care—you’re met with kindness, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve. Owner Joshua Standridge, a local native with a background in engineering, opened the shop with a clear mission: to love his neighbors through honest, thoughtful automotive service. "God had arranged things and put people in my life that allowed the business to become a reality," Joshua says. What started as a passion for solving problems turned into a calling to provide peace of mind for families navigating the often stressful world of vehicle repair.

At the heart of Christian Brothers Automotive Lexington is a simple yet powerful motto: Love your neighbor as yourself. Joshua and his team live this out daily—whether it’s greeting guests with a warm smile, walking them through their repair options with clarity and respect, or going the extra mile through community outreach. Each year, they partner with local churches to offer free oil changes for single moms and widows providing an average of 50 oil changes weekly, and regularly providing vehicle repairs for families in need, helping to ensure reliable transportation for those who need it most.

If you’re looking for a place where both you and your car will be genuinely cared for, Christian Brothers Automotive on Old Cherokee Road is ready to serve you. And with their brand-new Nice Difference Care+ warranty, you can enjoy long-term peace of mind with comprehensive coverage, oil change credits, and support for your vehicle up to 20 years or 200,000 miles. As Joshua puts it, “No one really wants to deal with car trouble—but we want to be a light during that inconvenience and help get families back on the road safely.”

👉 Stop by and experience the care & quality of Christian Brothers Automotive in Lexington for yourself! Tell them you read about them in The Palmetto Pulse!

Dreher Island State Park: A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers 🌳🏞️

Today we are celebrating Earth Day and all the joys of spring by immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Dreher Island State Park, a hidden gem nestled on Lake Murray, just 30 miles from Columbia. The park offers a peaceful escape with over 12 miles of pristine shoreline, making it perfect for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore the park's scenic trails, Dreher Island has something for everyone.

Insider Tips for Your Visit:

• Scenic Trails: Explore the park's three nature trails, offering varying terrains suitable for all fitness levels. Don't forget your binoculars for bird-watching opportunities. 🦅

• Fishing Hotspots: Anglers will appreciate the abundant fishing spots along the shoreline, with chances to catch largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and more. Be sure to have a South Carolina fishing license before casting your line though! 🎣

• Comfortable Camping: For an overnight stay, the park offers 97 paved campsites with water and 30-amp electrical hookups, ideal for both tent camping and RVs. ⛺

• Nearby Amenities: The town of Chapin is just a 15-minute drive away, offering grocery stores, restaurants, and other conveniences. 🏪

Whether you're hiking, fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the lake, Dreher Island State Park provides a beautiful setting to connect with nature. Plan your visit today as they stay booked if you’re planning for overnight and experience all that this serene park has to offer! 🌸

🎆 PULSE PRO TIP:
Plan ahead and spend your Fourth of July at Dreher Island State Park 🇺🇸 so you’ll have a front-row seat to the incredible fireworks display over Lake Murray! 🎇

Real Advice from Real People!

Each week, we ask a question and you share your best tips, tricks and secrets. Join the conversation and let’s learn from each other!

This month we are focusing on wellness tips. Here’s what Rachael shared on our social media…

Did you know?
☀️ Starting your day with electrolytes and hydration can:

• Boost energy naturally – Dehydration can cause fatigue, and replenishing fluids before caffeine helps your body wake up the right way.

• Support brain function – Even mild dehydration can affect focus, memory, and mood.

• Improve temperature regulation – Electrolytes help your body stay cool and balanced, especially important as South Carolina heats up!

• Protect your heart – Staying hydrated reduces strain on your heart and helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Thanks, Rachael! We love this tip! If you’d like to tell us your #1 wellness tip, just reply to this email! We’d love to feature more reader wisdom next week! 🌿

FYI…our family does own some funny looking chickens but this one is not one of them! We just thought this gal was cute in her own crazy chicken kind of way!

Thanks for spending a little piece of your week with The Palmetto Pulse! We hope you found something to love, laugh about, or look forward to. If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a friend who might love a little Southern charm in their inbox, too! 🌿