DISCLAIMER: This post was sponsored by DOLE. I was asked to create a Brain-Smart recipe using DOLE Fresh Spinach, Blueberries, Strawberries, or Broccoli. All opinions expressed in this post are mine.
I know veggies are vital to good health. But for some reason, I always feel like they’re hard to make. Try as I might to read a hundred, thousand cookbooks on Easy Healthy Recipes, pin as I might a millionbillion pretty pictures. when it comes down to it, it’s easy to forget how to prep fresh veggies, how to enjoy them, how to add them into my daily life.
But plant-based eating is so, so incredible vital. Study after study shows the mind-blowing benefits of diets rooted in plant-based eating. From lower rates of cardiovascular disease to potentially reduced rates of cancer and boosted brain power, a focus of fresh vegetables does a body good.
So this week, when DOLE reached out and asked me to create a Brain-Smart recipe for Brain Awareness Week (which begins March 16th), I was delighted! Any excuse to dive into easy-to-make healthy recipe ideas is a dream come true.
This year Dole is looking to inspire Americans to eat more fruits and veggies in 2015, especially during Brain Awareness Week. So many fruits and vegetables contain nutritional elements that may help improve memory and overall brain function, it’s time to skip the fast food and start making fast-and-healthy food!
After hunting down some delicious ideas, I decided to create a simple Asian Inspired salad. I wanted it to be so quick and easy, there wasn’t even a smidgen of space for me to make excuses. I wanted a salad so good, and so quick, it could be made in less time than a trip through a drive-thru. You’re going to love it. Grab a sack of DOLE Spinach, an avocado, and an orange, and you’re halfway there!
HOW TO CUT A PERFECT AVOCADO SLICE
Ever wanted to slice a perfect piece of avocado? Here’s how!
- 1. Slice a ripe avocado in half with a knife.
- 2. Press the knife into the center of the pit, then twist gently to remove the pit.
- 3. Slice the avocado in half. Then gently peel the peel off. It’ll create a perfectly smooth avocado slice!
Place those avocado slices on top of your spinach leaves. Top with orange slices. Then whisk together a sweet-and-spicy sesame dressing.
A drizzle of the dressing lends beautiful flavor and tons of crunch. A little heat. A little honey. A whole lotta healthy.
Make, eat, enjoy!
SIMPLE ASIAN AVOCADO CITRUS SALAD WITH DOLE FRESH SPINACH
INGREDIENTS:
1 bag DOLE fresh Baby Spinach
1 navel orange, peeled and wedged
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoon Braggs aminos (or tamari)
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon red pepper oil (or 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper)
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon pepperDIRECTIONS:
Arrange spinach, orange slices, and avocado on serving dishes.
In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Braggs aminos, sunflower seeds, red pepper oil, honey, and pepper. Drizzle over salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!
FIND MORE HEALTHY & DELICIOUS DOLE RECIPES
The DOLE website is chock-full of delicious recipes. With a focus on healthy, plant-based eating, DOLE is a premiere resource for anyone looking to lose weight, eat right, and boost brain health.