Strawberry & Avocado Spinach Salad

STRAWBERRY & AVOCADO SPINACH SALAD

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach 
• 1 cup arugula 
• 1 avocado, diced 
• 4-5 large strawberries, sliced 
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds 
• 2 tablespoons Gorgonzola or blue cheese, crumbled 
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt & pepper 

1. Dice avocado, slice strawberries, & crumble cheese. 

 2. In a mixing bowl, gently mix together spinach, arugula, avocados, strawberries, cheese, & almonds. 

 3. Whisk together oil, vinegar, salt, & pepper. Lightly toss salad with dressing & serve. 

Plate Finished Product 

STORY BEHIND THE DISH

I have made so many versions of this salad but this one is my favorite, quick, easy, & delicious. It pairs well with fish or chicken dishes & is wonderful for a pot luck & entertaining. 

MODIFICATIONS 

You can use any type of greens for this recipe, spring mix also works well. If you do not have strawberries, or if they are not in season, blueberries & raspberries also work great. Almonds are my first choice for this salad, but I have used pine nuts or pecans. If you want a sweeter dressing, add a 1/4 tablespoon of sugar or use candied nuts. 

Homemade Guacamole

HOMEMADE GUACAMOLE 

Printable Recipe

• 3-4 ripe avocados 
• 1/4 onion, finely chopped 
• 1/8 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 
• 1 garlic clove, minced or garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or diced jalapeno
• 1 teaspoon salt & pepper 

1. Cut onion in half, then in fourths. Place onion flat on a cutting board, slice at an angle toward the center in small sections. Turn & slice thinly while holding the sliced sections together. Finally chop finely. 

2. Rinse cilantro & dry with a paper towel. Cut off stems & chop finely. 

3. Use a garlic mincer or chop one garlic clove finely. 

4. Slice avocados into fourths, peel off skin, & drop into a bowl.

5. Using a fork & smash one piece at a time against side of bowl.

 6. Add onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, & red pepper flakes. Mix ingredients together. Add salt & pepper to taste. 

Plate Finished Product

Refrigerate & serve 

STORY BEHIND THE DISH

I love avocados therefore guacamole is a must with any Mexican dish. I have tried several ingredients when making fresh guacamole & these basics are easy & delicious! 

MODIFICATIONS/Whole30

This recipe is Whole30 & Paleo approved. If you don't have fresh cilantro & garlic on hand I always suggest keeping the Trader Joe's frozen herbs, check out Products I Love, in the freezer, or you can use garlic powder. You can also use red onions or onion powder & replace the red pepper flakes with finely diced jalapeno.