The word ‘salad’ can be very misleading as it inherently implies a healthy meal choice. However, that is not always the case! Take pasta salad for example—a barbecue’s common companion. Pasta salad largely consists of, well, pasta, meaning it’s traditionally carb-heavy. Soak it in mayo and it becomes calorie-heavy, too.
Let’s be honest, pasta salad is delicious and carbs are not the enemy, but when you’re reaching for two, three, or four servings at a time, it has the potential to result in an expanding waistline. Try pairing your single serving of pasta salad—that’s about one cup—with this fresh and light salad that’s bursting with berries, loaded with nutrient-rich spinach, and drizzled with a light dressing!
Using spinach as your base means your salad is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate and it also provides fiber and iron. Strawberries and blueberries add a fresh sweetness and also deliver an extra boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.
The dressing is made with avocado oil which is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. This dressing goes beautifully with any type of greens but pairing it with this berry spinach salad is simply a match made in heaven!
Try the recipe: Spinach & Berry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
The perfect formula for building a balanced plate at a barbecue? Fill half your plate with light vegetables (aka Spinach and Berry Salad), one-quarter protein (aka Greek Chicken Burger patty), and one-quarter healthy carbs (a burger bun for your patty).
Try pairing this delicious salad with grilled chicken and make it a meal!
INGREDIENTS:
8 cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup blueberries
1½ cups strawberries, halved or quartered
½ cup crumbled feta
½ red onion, thinly sliced
For the lemon poppyseed dressing:
¾ cup avocado oil
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon agave
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1 lemon, juiced
½ teaspoon salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine the lemon poppy seed dressing ingredients, set aside, or refrigerate until ready to use. Place spinach in a large bowl and top with berries, feta, and onion. Drizzle half of the dressing over top and serve immediately. Store remaining dressing in the fridge.
Make four servings.
NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING):
Calories 300
Protein 5 g
Total fat 26 g
Saturated fat 5 g
Cholesterol 15 mg
Carbs 16 g
Fiber 4 g
Total sugars 10 g
Added sugars 2 g
Sodium 370 mg
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Brittany Donovan
Brittany Donovan is a cookbook author and lifestyle blogger with a passion for food and fitness. She believes a life of fun, health and wellness can be achieved by doing the little things every day that make a difference. She enjoys kickboxing, decorating, photographing new recipes and dance parties in the kitchen with her husband. She resides in Sacramento, California.
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