Live Whole Health #214: Strawberry salad, berry goodness

Strawberries aren’t just tasty, they’re packed with goodness that can benefit your health! These bright red berries are loaded with vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong and your skin healthy. They’re also rich in antioxidants, like anthocyanins and ellagic acid, which can help protect your body from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Plus, strawberries are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a smart choice for a tasty and satisfying snack.

Eating in season

Choosing foods that are in season is a great way to get in a variety of different nutrients throughout the year, as well as enjoy food at its peak of flavor. March kicks off the height of strawberry season so it is a great time to stock up or get creative with eating strawberries.

Strawberry salad

One delicious way to enjoy the goodness of strawberries is by making a strawberry salad. Check out this 4-minute cooking demonstration by VA’s Healthy Teaching Kitchen as they prepare a fresh Strawberry Salad. This strawberry salad is the perfect addition to any meal or a light and refreshing lunch on its own.

Creative ways to enjoy strawberries

Looking for more ways to enjoy the sweetness of strawberries? Get creative in the kitchen by adding strawberries to salads, smoothies, salsas, or dip in dark chocolate and enjoy as a treat! With their delicious taste and impressive health benefits, strawberries are truly nature’s little gems.

This video is part of the Healthy Teaching Kitchen video series to promote healthy eating habits and provide a nutritious and delicious recipe.

Hungry for more?

Hungry for more information, tips and ideas for how to have a healthy relationship with Food and Drink and fuel your own wellness journey? Check out this Introduction to Food and Drink for Whole Health, Healthy Tips on Eating Out and Grocery Shopping, or this Veteran’s experience with healthy cooking classes at her local VA. For more recipes, please visit VA’s Nutrition and Food Services.

Recipe

Prep:  10 minutes | Cook:  0 minutes | Total:  10 minutes

Yield:  6 servings | Serving Size:  1/6 of recipe

Ingredients

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp Splenda or sugar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp minced garlic

1 bag (10 oz mixed baby greens or spinach)

1 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 cup crumbled blue or feta cheese

1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. In a small bowl, beat vinaigrette ingredients with wire whisk until smooth.

2. Add salad ingredients to a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette dressing over salad ingredients and toss lightly until equally coated.

Recipe Notes

Could substitute apples or different berries you have on hand. Keep dressing separate from salad until ready to be served.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving: Calories: 210 | Total Fat:  18g | Saturated Fat:  3.7g 

Sodium:  187mg | Total Carbohydrate:  6g | Dietary Fiber:  2g | Protein:  5g