Mood Boosting Strawberry Salad

This vibrant, fresh salad is like spring in a bowl! It’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that not only elevate your mood but also your taste buds. Perfect for a light meal or a gathering with friends. Here's a break down of the goodness in one bowl!

Ingredients Benefits:

• Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and folate, strawberries help to boost mood and reduce inflammation.

• Chickpeas: Packed with protein and fiber, chickpeas help stabilize blood sugar, supporting balanced energy and mood.

• Spinach & Rocket: Both greens are full of folate, which is essential for serotonin production—helping to keep your mood stable and positive.

• Avocado: A great source of healthy fats and vitamin E, avocado supports brain function and can improve your overall well-being.

• Asparagus: High in folate, which helps to promote healthy neurotransmitter function, leading to improved mood and mental clarity.

• Almonds: Loaded with magnesium, which is known to help reduce stress and enhance mood.

• Feta/Goat's Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium, these cheeses can help with mood regulation by stabilizing blood sugar and supporting brain health.

Ingredients:

• 1 punnet ripe strawberries, washed and sliced

• 1 tin chickpeas, rinsed and dried

• 250g spinach and rocket

• 1 avocado, sliced

• Handful of fresh mint

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 punnet cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 bunch asparagus

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/4 cup almonds, roughly chopped

• 50g Danish feta or goat's cheese

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2-3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1-2 tsp honey

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Char the asparagus: Heat a pan or BBQ and char the asparagus until bright green and just tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, chickpeas, spinach, rocket, avocado, mint, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and asparagus.

3. Make the dressing: In a jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake well until combined.

4. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with chopped almonds and crumbled feta or goat’s cheese.

5. Serve and enjoy! Serve as a vibrant, mood-boosting dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.