Strawberry Spinach Salad

In celebration of heart health month I wanted to feature this awesome salad loaded with good-for-your-heart foods! Again, another yummy recipe you gotta try!  I am in love with this salad!

As I opened my frig, I saw a hug container of spinach and strawberries and I knew I had to make this salad.

So simple and so delicious.  After I shot this picture I took a couple of bites and gave the rest to my hubby, he really liked it and said, “Wow, that really filled me up!”  But I did have Homemade Italian Breaded Chicken and by the way we didn’t pass that up either, haha!

 

Combine all ingredients into a plastic container or jar. 

I like to make extra, therefore I will eat more salad because it is so good!  Here are all the ingredients, canola/olive oil, red wine vinegar, paprika and stevia.  Simple as that!

Once all the ingredients have been added to the container put the lid on and shake to emulsify the dressing together!

 

Yum!  This is actually a meal in itself!  It looks like a lot of feta but did you know that one ounce (which is a ton) of feta is only 60 calories, yes, feta is actually a lower in calories and fat  than many other cheeses!

 

I had some toasted walnuts in the freezer.  To simple toast them just put them in a skillet and remove from heat when you smell them.

Now let’s not forget about the heart-healthy benefits of this wonderful salad.  Oh it is good-for- you too?  Wow, who knew? Good tasting food AND good for you!

INGREDIENT	HEART HEALTHY
Spinach	Good source of B-complex vitamins including (vitamin B12) folate  that help protect against blood clots and hardening of the arteries. Niacin (vitamin B-3) helps increase HDL "good" cholesterol.
Olive/Canola oil	Rich in monounsaturated fat that may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while protecting HDL (good) cholesterol.
Walnuts	Super-rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats, which help prevent blood clotting,ease inflammation and help prevent abnormal heartbeats.
Strawberries	Excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage. Good source of fiber, helping lower cholesterol levels.
Feta (yes, even feta)	Good sources of potassium and calcium that help lower blood pressure.

Strawberry Spinach Salad Dressing (Serves 3)

Ingredients

1/4 cup canola/olive oil blend

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 packets stevia

1 1/2 tsp paprika

Preparations

In a container with a lid, add all the ingredients and shake together!

Nutrition facts: 82 calories; 9 grams fat; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams protein; 2 grams carbohydrate

 

Salad includes strawberries, toasted walnuts, green onions and feta cheese!  Add any type of protein to this salad, even this week’s post with the Crock-Pot Shredded Chicken.