Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence. Low in calories and high in vitamins, one cup of the leafy green vegetable contains far more than your daily requirements of vitamin K and vitamin A and nearly 40 percent of your magnesium requirement. It is a good, very good or excellent source of more than 20 different nutrients, including dietary fiber, calcium and protein.
When choosing spinach at the grocery store or farmers market look for spinach that has vibrant, deep green leaves and stems without signs of yellowing. The leaves should look fresh and tender. Fresh spinach should be eaten within 3-4 days of purchase.
Need a great recipe for spinach? Try this yummy salad. Fresh spinach, strawberries, grilled chicken, almonds and feta cheese create an unbeatable bowl of healthy deliciousness. This is a salad recipe that you will come back to over and over again.
Spinach Salad with Chicken, Feta, Almonds, and Fresh Strawberry Dressing
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups strawberries (about 6), hulled
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons honey
7 ounces baby spinach
1 pound grilled chicken breast (four 4-ounce grilled breasts)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, olive oil, and honey. Pulse until smooth.
- Assemble the salads by dividing the spinach among four large serving plates or bowls. Divide the chicken among the spinach, followed by the feta and almonds. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of dressing on top of each salad and serve immediately. Any extra dressing will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information for 1 Serving (1/4th of Entire Recipe): Calories 385, Total Fat 23.3 g, Total Carbohydrate 14.4 g, Dietary Fiber 2.0 g, Sugars 10.3 g, Protein 30.5 g