Recipe: Spinach Salad with Nectarine, Blueberries and Lime Balsamic Vinaigrette

SPINACH SALAD WITH NECTARINE, BLUEBERRIES AND LIME BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

"With nectarines available nearly all year long, you can enjoy this salad almost anytime. I actually like it best in the winter, when the tartness of imported nectarines seems to make it even more refreshing. Tossing fresh mint with the spinach adds an unexpected flavor."

1/4 cup mint leaves
Juice of 1/2 lime
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon chopped shallot
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 nectarine, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh blueberries, or 1/4 cup dried

Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl. Stack the mint leaves and cut them crosswise into thin strips. Toss the mint with the spinach.

For the dressing, combine the lime juice, vinegar, shallot, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil. Season the dressing to taste with pepper.
Pour the dressing over the greens, tossing to coat lightly.

Divide the dressed spinach among 4 salad plates. Fan one-quarter of the nectarine slices on 1 side of each plate. Sprinkle the blueberries over the spinach. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings

Per serving: 72 calories, 4 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 1 g protein, 10 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber

FOOD FACT:
The vitamin C in lime juice can help your body absorb the iron in spinach.

Source: 12 Best Foods Cookbook by Dana Jacobi