Heart-Healthy Salad Recipe: “Six Signs of Wellness”

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of fresh spinach (rich in folate and potassium)
• 1 avocado, sliced (packed with healthy fats and potassium)
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes (rich in antioxidants and vitamin C)
• 1/4 cup of walnuts (good source of omega-3 fatty acids)
• 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds (loaded with antioxidants and vitamins)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (contains flavonoids for heart health)
• Dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (healthy monounsaturated fats)
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: Start by layering the fresh spinach on a large salad plate. Spinach is like the foundation of your health—rich in nutrients that help maintain a strong heart.
2. Add the Avocado: Arrange the avocado slices on top of the spinach. Just like recognizing the early signs of a heart issue, avocados provide essential healthy fats that keep your heart protected.
3. Tomatoes and Onions: Sprinkle the cherry tomatoes and red onion slices over the salad. These vibrant vegetables are full of antioxidants, combating the oxidative stress that can precede heart problems.
4. Top with Walnuts: Add a handful of walnuts. They might look small, but these powerful nuts pack a punch of omega-3s, which are crucial for heart health—like paying attention to the subtle signs your body gives you.
5. Pomegranate Seeds: Finish with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. Their bright color and burst of flavor remind us to stay vigilant and proactive, especially when it comes to health.
6. The Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this over your salad. Just as the 6th sign might be the most critical to pay attention to, this dressing ties everything together, bringing out the flavors and health benefits of each ingredient.

Enjoy: Savor this heart-healthy salad while remembering the importance of being aware of your body’s signals. Regularly including nutrient-rich foods like these in your diet can help you stay ahead of potential health issues.

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This salad is not only delicious but also packed with ingredients that support heart health, making it a perfect dish to keep you in tune with your body’s needs.