Fresh salads are a great way to get antioxidant and fiber rich vegetables into your diet.
Strawberry season is here! And what better way to celebrate than with this fabulous antioxidant– and fiber-rich salad? Olive oil and walnuts provide satisfying healthy fat. Along with fiber and several antioxidants, strawberries are a source of several cancer-fighting components including ellagic acid and folate. And the low fat raspberry vinaigrette helps cut calories to prevent obesity, one of the main breast cancer risk factors. Choose a high nutrient salad mix that contains spinach and red cabbage to up the cancer-fighting ante. Pair this salad with some fresh whole grain bread dipped in olive oil and you have a yummy low-calorie vegetarian dinner.
Want breast cancer prevention bonus points? Consider picking your own strawberries at any one of Long Island’s many “U Pick” farms, like Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue. You’ll be getting a healthy dinner as well as exercise and Vitamin D from the sunshine (just remember your sunscreen!). According to one study from The Journal of the National Cancer Institute, “physical activity offers one modifiable lifestyle characteristic that may substantially reduce a woman’s lifetime risk of breast cancer.”
Strawberry, Gorgonzola & Walnut Salad
- 6 cups of salad greens
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 4 Tb. of low fat raspberry vinaigrette (see below)
Combine all ingredients and serve immediately. Serves 2.
Low Fat Raspberry Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive or walnut oil
- 1/4 cup raspberry or fruit-based vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 Tb. dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Whisk together all ingredients until emulsified.
Have you tried this salad? We’d love to hear your review!