I'm excited that my strawberries and blueberries are growing like crazy this year. I've been trying to think of creative ways to eat them, and one of my favorites so far is a Strawberry, Blueberry, Spinach Salad. It's simple, delicious and perfect for the summer!
Ingredients:
Organic Spinach: Spinach is low in calories and packed with nutrition. One 40 calorie cup has all you need for vitamin K and A for the day, plus folate, and manganese. It contains cancer-fighting antioxidants, improves cardiovascular health, protects against aging and improves brain function!
source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/2700-facts-health-benefits-spinach/
Organic Strawberries: One Serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange. Strawberries increase HDL cholesterol, also protect against cancer and can help lower blood pressure.
source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/nutritional-benefits-of-the-strawberry
Organic Blueberries: Also are packed with Vitamin C, manganese which is important for converting fats, proteins and carbohydrates into energy. Blueberries are loaded in antioxidants, they come close to being one of the top choices when it comes to antioxidant activity per serving! We all know that antioxidants are extremely important because they fight off free radicals which are linked to cancer.
source: http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/health-benefits-of-blueberries/blueberry-nutrition/
Toasted Organic Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. They can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Walnuts are also high in antioxidants, and excellent source of Vitamin E, B complex vitamins and minerals such as manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. They are also a great source of protein, with about 15g per serving. They are a bit high in fat and calories... so don't get too crazy on them! To toast walnuts Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange walnuts on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, checking frequently.
source: http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/walnuts.html
Goat Cheese: Goat cheese is low in calories compared to other cheeses. "Goat cheese is higher in vitamins, D, K, thiamine and niacin than a serving of cow's cheese. A serving of goat cheese has the same amount of vitamin A as cheddar cheese, with 6 percent the daily value. Goat cheese is also high in the B vitamin riboflavin, as well as the mineral phosphorous. The body cannot produce vitamins and minerals on its own, so goat cheese provides a source of these micronutrients."
Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/402645-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-eating-goat-cheese/
Dressing of your choice- I used an Organic Champagne Dressing, but any type of balsamic or poppyseed dressing would work too.
Combine all the ingredients and......
Enjoy!
