Strawberry Avocado Salad

I first tried a version of this Strawberry Avocado Salad at my cousin’s house when his wife whipped it up for dinner one evening. Ever since then I’ve been hooked! It is one of the TASTIEST salads ever. The combination of juicy strawberries with creamy avocado is absolute heaven. Perfect for a fresh summer time salad.

Awesome for lunch or dinner – and great to bring to a summer bbq! This Strawberry Avocado Salad would pair great with The Best Veggie Burger Ever.

Buying Organic

Strawberries are the most important fruit to buy organically, as conventional crops are heavily sprayed with pesticides. The EWG’s 2017 Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce rate strawberries as the #1 offender when it comes to chemical contamination. The majority of strawberries are grown in California where they carefully track pesticide use. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):

California data show that in 2014, nearly 300 pounds of pesticides were applied to each acre of strawberries – an astonishing amount, compared to about five pounds of pesticides per acre of corn.

Some of the pesticides used on strawberries have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive damage and neurological problems. So, if you want to reduce your chemical exposure, always opt for organic (and preferably local) when buying strawberries. I love heading to the local market in summertime to pick up the little berries. I usually have to buy a few pints as I tend to munch away a whole basket by the time I get home.

Vitamin C + Fibre

Did you know just 3/4 cup of strawberries contain over 100% of your daily vitamin C needs? Aside from boosting your immune system, vitamin C helps combat free radicals and neutralize the effects of nitrites. It also helps with the absorption of iron, which spinach is a great source of.

And when it comes to fibre, both strawberries and avocado contain good amounts. Getting your daily dose of fibre is important for supporting your digestive system and keeping things movin’ on out.

Hemp Hearts

I probably eat my weight in Manitoba Harvest hemp hearts each week. I add them to every meal of the day.

Hemp hearts are just shelled hemp seeds that pack a serious punch of nutrients. They’re a rare plant source of complete protein. Meaning, they contain all 10 essential amino acids that your body can’t produce on it’s own and must come from dietary sources.

Hemp hearts also contain omega-3, omega-6, stearidonic acid (SDA), and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). GLA is a rare form of omega-6 that has been shown to help with cholesterol, inflammation, skin and hair health, balancing hormones, and general heart health.

Strawberry Avocado Salad

A fresh summer salad made with juicy strawberries and creamy avocado.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Course: Salad

Servings: 4 -5 cups

Author: Katie Stewart Wellness

Ingredients

• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup organic strawberries sliced
• 1 avocado cubed
• 1/4 cup pecans crumbled (walnuts work great too!)
• 3 tbsp Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds
• Maple Balsamic Dressing to taste

For the dressing:

• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

• Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a mason. Screw the lid on tight and shake until well mixed.
• Add all ingredients to the salad bowl and drizzle with Maple Balsamic Dressing.
• Toss until well combined.