Does eating “brain healthy” mean eating salads all day, every day? Absolutely not, but I will let you in on a little secret: this Spinach, Goat Cheese & Walnut Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette has not one, not two, not three, not four, but five ingredients that are considered MIND diet foods because they contain nutrients that support brain health.
Spinach, Goat Cheese & Walnut Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Serves 6
Ingredients:
For the dressing:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Zest and juice of ½ orange (about ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
For the salad:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup mandarin oranges, drained
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
Instructions:
Place the raspberries, orange zest and juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey or sugar, Dijon, and salt in the bowl of a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Heat a small skillet to medium-low heat. Add the walnuts to the dry skillet and toast about 60 seconds, tossing frequently, until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
Build salads in 4 bowls with spinach, oranges, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with raspberry dressing.
Cooking Notes:
- Substitution Tip: Omit the goat cheese for a dairy free salad. Swap in maple syrup or sugar instead of honey for a vegan salad.
- Variation Tip: Try a mix of chopped kale, Swiss chard and mustard greens rather than spinach.
This recipe is from the Brain Health Cookbook.
