Refreshing Spring Salad

I think this is my new favorite salad. It’s a tough call, but there is something about the combination of ingredients that make this salad lip-smacking good. The avocado, grapefruit, jicama, radish, and honey poppy seed dressing complement each other in ways I wouldn’t have imagined. (But I’d hoped!) The avocado is buttery and creamy, the grapefruit tart and juicy. The jicama provides lightness and crunch, while the radish adds bitterness and spice. The honey poppy seed dressing rounds the whole thing out. Plus, the salad is colorful, which I always like. Most of all, however, it’s refreshing. I was amazed at how energized I felt after eating it. And I ate a ton! Then I made another batch the next day.

I also added spelt berries to the salad. I often add whole grains in lieu of meat, as a healthier alternative. If you prefer meat, however, I suggest adding a few grilled shrimp. Just a few… Shrimp are very high in cholesterol.

Spelt is an ancient, mild flavored grain. It’s related to wheat, though most people with wheat sensitivities find they can tolerate spelt, and it’s often used as a wheat alternative. It does contain some gluten, however, so those on gluten free diet should opt for a different grain. Spelt berries, in addition, to being high in fiber, are high in a variety of minerals, including manganese and niacin. They also contain some protein, so those of you worried about eating this as a main dish, don’t have to worry as much.

I don’t have exact measurements for this salad. They are more like guidelines. Add more or less of the ingredients you like. One large bowl of salad usually feeds both my husband and I. Sometimes we have a slice of bread on the side, or a smoothie to go along with it, but more often than not, the salad alone satisfies us. The same is true of the dressing–adapt it to fit your taste buds.

Ingredients:

1 bunch spinach, washed and spun dry
1 or 2 avocados, peel and pit removed and sliced
1 large grapefruit, sectioned, pith removed, then diced
½ jicama, peeled, julienned
6 large radishes, sliced
½ cup spelt berries, cooked according to package directions
honey poppy seed dressing (below)

Guidelines:

Toss spinach with honey poppy seed dressing.

Top plates with dressed spinach.

Top the dressed spinach with a handful of each of the above ingredients. Toss lightly.

Serve.

Honey Poppy Seed Dressing:

3 tsp. honey
¼ cup cider vinegar
1/8 cup olive oil
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. poppy seeds

Whisk all ingredients together. Taste. Adjust as necessary.