The best part of spring is the endless number of fruits and vegetables that are available, like peaches, apples, squash, artichokes and strawberries. With all of this produce at your fingertips, one of the easiest things to do is to make a salad! There are so many combinations of fruits, lettuces and dressings that each one you make will be unique. This week, the recipe is strawberry and spinach salad with poppy seed dressing.

Strawberries

Strawberries are my favorite go-to fruit. They can easily be thrown into smoothies, added to yogurt, topped with powdered sugar, or eaten plain. Also, they are one of the healthiest fruits out there. Strawberries are low in calories but high in fiber. They lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, promote eye health and contain biotin, which strengthens your hair and nails.

Spinach

Spinach is a great base for any salad. Although raw spinach is quite healthy, cooked spinach has increased health benefits, so sautéing it with a little bit of olive oil is a great way to add fiber, antioxidants and magnesium. Spinach helps to lower blood pressure, improve vision and boost your immune system. While working to make the inside of your body healthy, spinach affects your outer appearance too! It helps the skin stay healthy by retaining moisture and fighting wrinkles.

Notes and Changes

Although I made no major changes to the recipe, the recipe does make a large amount of salad. I halved the recipe and that was enough for two to three people. I used one whole avocado, even though I halved the recipe, because avocado contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids and tastes delicious. The recipe can be made in about 10 minutes as a delightful dinner or an appetizing school lunch. Enjoy!

Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

Salad:

• 6 cups of fresh baby spinach
• 1 pint of strawberries, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup of sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/2 of a small red onion

Poppy Seed Dressing:

• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds
• Pinch of ground dry mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the poppy seed dressing, whisk all of its ingredients together until combined. To make the salad, toss all of the salad ingredients and add your desired amount of dressing. Serve the salad immediately.