Strawberry and Spinach Salad

Salad

8 cups (2 L) organic baby spinach
24 organic or locally grown strawberries, about 4 cups (1 L)
1/2 cup (125 mL) whole unblanched almonds, chopped

Dressing

3 Tbsp (45 mL) balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp (30 mL) blackcurrant concentrate
1/2 tsp (2 mL) Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp (2 mL) Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp (1 mL) cracked pepper

Wash and spin-dry spinach. Store wrapped in tea towel in plastic bag in fridge until ready to use.

Gently wash strawberries, removing tops, and lay out on paper towels to dry. When dry, slice. Set aside until serving time.

In small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. Set aside until serving time.

To serve, sprinkle dressing over baby greens and strawberries; gently toss. Divide equally among 4 plates and sprinkle with almonds. Serve.

Serves 4.

Each serving contains:
222 calories; 5.3 g protein; 13 g total fat (1.8 g sat fat, 0 g trans fat); 25 g carbs; 6.2 g fibre; 174 mg sodium

Adapted from Ultimate Foods for Ultimate Health—and don’t forget the chocolate! (Whitecap, 2007) by Mairlyn Smith, PHEc, and Liz Pearson, RD

source: "Harbingers of Spring", alive #307, May 2008