Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad

The Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad is a colorful and nutrient-rich dish. We prepare this delicious salad with baby spinach, blueberries, broccoli florets, creamy avocado, cranberries, feta cheese, sunflower seeds, a herb, and poppy seed dressing. There are approximately 17 g net carbs and 285 calories in one serving of this wholesome salad. We can prepare this refreshing recipe in just 17 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays, healthy lunches, meal prep, light dinners, picnics, and family gatherings. Store the salad in the refrigerator for 3 days without the dressing, but freezing is not suggested, as the fresh veggies and avocado lose their texture. You can serve this vibrant salad with Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken, Baked Garlic Salmon, Quinoa Pilaf, Lentil Vegetable Soup, or Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast.

STATS:

• Course: Salad, Side Dish
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Calories: 285 kcal
• Diet: Anti-Inflammatory
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Serving Size: 2 cups
• Cooking Method: No-Cook

TOOLS:

• Vessels
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Colander
• Salad tongs

INGREDIENTS:

SALAD:

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 avocado
• ¼ cup cranberries
• ¼ cup feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

DRESSING:

• Three tbsp. olive oil
• Lemon juice, two tbsp.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon parsley
• ½ teaspoon dill
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

SPINACH:

• Baby spinach is essential since it contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As a replacement, you can use kale, romaine lettuce, or mixed greens.

BLUEBERRIES:

• Use fresh blueberries, as they provide natural sweetness and powerful antioxidants.

BROCCOLI:

• We use broccoli florets, as they add crunch, fiber, and anti-inflammatory nutrients. As an alternative, you can use cauliflower florets or broccolini.

AVOCADO:

• Utilize ripe avocado, as it provides creamy texture and healthy fats. You can replace it with cucumber or edamame.

DRIED CRANBERRIES:

• Use dried cranberries to add a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness.

FETA CHEESE:

• We use crumbled feta cheese for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. As a substitute, you can use goat cheese, vegan feta, or simply omit it.

SUNFLOWER SEEDS:

• Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to add crunch and healthy fats. You can replace them with chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, hemp hearts, or chia seeds.

OLIVE OIL:

• We use extra virgin olive oil, as it provides heart-healthy anti-inflammatory fats and enhances the dressing.

LEMON JUICE:

• Utilize fresh lemon juice to add a bright, refreshing flavor.

HONEY:

• We use honey to balance the flavors with natural sweetness. As a substitute, you can use maple syrup or simply omit it.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. We rinse and dry the spinach.
2. Blanch the broccoli for almost two minutes if required, then cool it in ice water.
3. We cut the avocado into slices.
4. Include the seeds, spinach, broccoli, feta, blueberries, avocado, and cranberries in a big dish.
5. Perfectly blend all the dressing elements in a different dish.
6. Spread the dressing on the salad and carefully mix to coat.
7. Serve this delicious salad quickly.

TIPS:

• Include the chickpeas, grilled chicken, tofu, or salmon for additional protein.
• We utilize refrigerated elements to get the freshest flavor.
• Use avocado just before eating.
• You could toast the seeds for additional crunch.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

PROTEIN PAIRINGS:

• Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
• Baked Garlic Salmon
• Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Lemon Pepper Tofu

SOUP PAIRINGS:

• Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
• Lentil Vegetable Soup
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Broccoli Cauliflower Soup
• Chicken Vegetable Soup

WHOLE GRAIN & HEALTHY SIDES:

• Quinoa Pilaf
• Brown Rice Pilaf
• Whole Grain Dinner Rolls
• Wild Rice Blend
• Herb Couscous

LIGHT LUNCH PAIRINGS:

• Hummus and Whole Wheat Pita
• Avocado Toast
• Veggie Wrap
• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Cottage Cheese with Herbs

BEVERAGE PAIRINGS:

• Green Tea
• Lemon Ginger Tea
• Iced Herbal Tea
• Cucumber Mint Infused Water
• Fresh Berry Smoothie

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Store this tasty salad for three days in a covered box.

FREEZER

• The avocado and vegetables will lose their texture, so we don’t suggest storing it.

FAQs:

Could we prepare this delicious salad earlier?

• Yes, you can store the dressing individually and include it before eating.

May we prepare this delicious salad dairy-free?

• Yes, you could utilize non-dairy feta and utilize maple syrup instead of honey.

Will we include protein?

• Yes, you can use quinoa, grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, salmon, or shrimp.

NUTRITION FACTS:

Calories: 285 kcal

Protein: 6 g

Fat: 20 g

Net Carbs: 17 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugar: 12 g

Sodium: 290 mg

Serving Size: 2 cups

Total Carbs: 22 g