Step into Spring with my Strawberry Avocado Spring Spinach Salad
Spring has sprung and we are at the beginning of the seasons where everyone around the United States are going out more and wearing less. Flowers are blooming, colors are popping, and many people are starting their gardens. March & April is the optimal time for planting the cool weather vegetables like spinach. Speaking of Spinach, remember Popeye? There was a reason he became superhuman when he ate it…actually, there are many reasons. But if you are in the mood to add some spring to your step, mix avocado and strawberries in with some baby spinach and you have a superhuman, nutrient rich, healthy meal that is dressed to impress.
Why Spinach, Avocados, & Strawberries?
Spinach is a low-calorie, fat-free superfood that is extremely rich in vitamins, minerals & antioxidants – vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, iron, potassium, copper & magnesium, lutein, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin.
Avocados are a heart-healthy super fruit that improve cholesterol numbers, and like spinach, supplies lutein to improve eye health, is great for your skin, and improves circulatory function. They also help to keep hormones in balance. Avocado oil has been shown to increase the potency of spinach by improving the absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants. Avocados are a great source of fiber, vitamin B, vitamin C, and magnesium, all of which promote healthy & efficient bodily function. The one caveat… avocados are highly caloric at about 320 calories per avocado. Try to eat a half an avocado in a day or one avocado per week total.
The Juicy, delicious strawberry is a nutrient-rich super fruit packed with antioxidants promoting a vast amount of health benefits.
Not only is this salad incredibly tasty, it is incredibly healthy. Here are 10 health benefits of my Strawberry Avocado Spring Spinach Salad:
- The vitamins and minerals help your skin look young and your hair healthy
- The high iron content helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body’s organs and tissues
- Studies have shown that lutein & zeaxanthin combined with other vitamins such as vitamin C promote eye health & reduce your chance of age-related macular disease
- Vitamin K has been shown to reduce neural damage in the brain & cognitive decline while boosting your ability to concentrate
- Contains soluble fiber, which regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well insoluble fiber, which improves digestion
- Will help regulate your metabolism and boosts your energy levels
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Helps reduce the risk of stroke & heart disease
- It will help boost work efficiency, your immunity, and promote weight loss
- Reduce the risk of certain cancers
Strawberry Avocado Spring Spinach Salad Recipe (Serves 4)
The Salad
- 5oz Package of organic baby spinach*
- 1 cup fresh organic strawberries
- 2 small to medium sized avocados
- 1/4 cup honey roasted sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- Pinch of salt & pepper
The Dressing
- 1/2 cup Avocado Oil
- 1/2 cup MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar**
- 1/2 cups fresh organic strawberries
* Baby spinach is regular spinach that is harvested earlier, which makes the leaves small and more tender. The nutritional information is the same for mature and baby spinach.
** Most balsamic vinegars in the USA are not real! Get real balsamic vinegar here: MiaBella Balsamic Vinegar
Instructions
Rinse baby spinach with a Salad Spinner to wash and remove excess water. Set aside.
Cut the avocado in half lengthwise until you feel the knife hit the pit. Remove the pit. Gently scoop out and slice the avocado into chunks. Set aside.
Rinse, hull and slice strawberries into chunks. Set aside
To make the dressing, mix avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, & 1/2 cup of strawberries in a food processor or Vitamix. Blend until smooth.
Toss all ingredients together with your desired amount of dressing & serve immediately.
In Health & Wellness,
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