Strawberry Avocado & Feta Salad

with Dijon Balsamic Dressing

The winter season can make us feel blah. 15-18% of Canadians will experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in their lifetimes. SAD is a type of depression that appears at certain times of the year. On the bright side, after you’ve spoken to your doctor, there are lots of things you can do to feel better at home! If you’re looking for a mood-boost, look no further than your diet! For instance, this Strawberry Avocado & Feta Salad is scrumptious. It also has a simple homemade Dijon Balsamic dressing.

Remember that food is composed of nutrients that affect our brain chemistry. However, many people may not realize that the foods we eat impact how we feel! Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula) contain folate to raise your serotonin (happy hormone). In addition, Vitamin C in strawberries may decrease the body’s production of stress hormone. This is known as cortisol. Lastly, monounsaturated fats in avocado are anti-inflammatory. They are also associated with improved mood.

Similarly, be sure to read my newest blog on 3 Ways to Boost Mood with Food.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients for Strawberry Avocado & Feta Salad:

• 4-6 cups arugula/spinach/mixed salad greens, washed
• 1 cups strawberries, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced into cubes
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 Tbsp sunflower seeds, unsalted

Balsamic Dijon Dressing

• 6 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp honey

Optional: Drizzle aged balsamic along top of salad

Directions for Strawberry Avocado & Feta Salad:

1. Clean salad greens and place into large bowl.
2. Secondly, add strawberries, avocado, cheese.
3. Top salad greens with seeds.
4. Drizzle greens and toppings with Dijon balsamic dressing.
5. Finally, toss to combine.

Now it’s your turn! What do you do to boost mood during a long winter? Food and lifestyle tips welcome! In addition, which foods do you find make you feel the best mentally?

Strawberry Avocado & Feta Salad

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

This Strawberry Avocado & Feta Salad is scrumptious & sure to boost your mood!

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Ingredients

• 4-6 cups arugula/spinach/mixed salad greens, washed
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced into cubes
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 Tbsp sunflower seeds, unsalted
• 6 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp honey
• Optional: Drizzle aged balsamic along top of salad

Instructions

1. Clean salad greens and place into large bowl.
2. Secondly, add strawberries, avocado, cheese.
3. Top salad greens with seeds.
4. Drizzle greens and toppings with Dijon balsamic dressing.
5. Finally, toss to combine.