Simple and Fresh - Spinach, Orange and Strawberry Salad

Now that we have been blessed with warmer weather, I find myself spending more time outside in my garden, which leaves me less time to spend in the kitchen.  So finding simple recipes that require only a few ingredients and that I can throw together in less then 30  minutes is essential.  Throughout the warm season I will try and give you as many recipes labeled Simple and Fresh that fall into that category.

Arugula is one of my favorite greens because it adds freshness to any recipe.  Either paired with pasta (here) or as the star of a salad (below) it never fails to impress me.  So how is it good for you?  Well, it contains a group of anticancer compounds called glucosinolates.  These compounds trigger antioxidant activity and are good stimulators of our body's natural detoxifying enzymes.  Arugula is also a good source of calcium.

Simple and Fresh - Spinach, Orange and Strawberry Salad



Ingredients

Salad

4 cups strawberries, hulled and cut in quarters
3 navel oranges
2 avocadoes
6 cups baby spinach
2 cups arugula
2 green onions
1 cup pine nuts

Dressing

Juice from the orange peels, should yield approximately 1/8 cup
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tbsp.. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard

Method

Hull strawberries and cut in quarters.  Using a sharp knife, peel the skin off the oranges making sure there is no membrane left.  DO NOT DISCARD the membranes as you will need them later.  Cut the oranges in wedges, and then in half.  Peel the avocado and cut in 1/2 inch pieces. 

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, squeeze the juice from the membranes.  This should give you approximately 1/8 cup.  Add balsamic and red wine vinegar as well as the dry mustard.  Whisk together and add to the salad.

Mix the salad and vinaigrette together and serve.

Have a great day!
Amelie