Summer Salad: Nutrient-Packed Spinach, Mushroom, and Zucchini Salad with Tomato Pesto

We love bowls. They are easy to make and you can seriously put ANYTHING in one. We are always testing new combinations, but currently have two guiding principles that are a focus in our meals: eating in-season and creating balanced meals.

In season: There are so many benefits…supporting local farmers, reducing environmental impact, variety in our diet, and perhaps, most enticing, is that produce is more fresh and flavorful.

Balanced: there is an abundance and conflicting advice around what should be on your plate (this is for a later post). But keeping it simple – we try to hit a balanced combination of macronutrients in each meal. This includes: complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

For our recipe of the day, try out a delightful Spinach, Mushroom, and Zucchini Salad with Tomato Pesto! This simple yet nutritious salad recipe combines fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, and tender zucchini, complemented by crunchy pine nuts, creamy cottage cheese, and sweet cherry tomatoes. All these flavorful ingredients are then topped with a mouthwatering tomato pesto. Not only is this salad a treat for your taste buds, but it also packs a powerful nutritional punch!

Ingredients (makes 1 serving):

  • Fresh spinach leaves (2 small handfuls) - Vitamins, Minerals, Healthy Fats

  • Zucchini, thinly sliced (1 quarter of a zucchini) - Vitamins, Minerals, Carbohydrates

  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (4-5 small tomatoes) - Vitamins, Minerals, Carbohydrates

  • Sliced mushrooms (1/4 cup) - Minerals, Proteins

  • Cottage cheese (2 tablespoons) - Proteins, Minerals

  • Pine nuts (1 tablespoon) - Healthy Fats, Proteins

  • Tomato Pesto - Vitamins, Proteins, Healthy Fats

A note for our friends who love following recipes – we have general measurements here because you can make the servings according to how hungry you are. Eyeball it-it does not need to be a perfect science!

Instructions:

  1. Assemble the Salad: In a generous salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, earthy sliced mushrooms, and tender zucchini, creating a harmonious base for the salad.

    • Measurement tip: Two small handfuls of spinach for each bowl you are making. For one serving, use a quarter of a zucchini.

  2. Tomatoes, the Star of the Show: Halved and bursting with flavor, these little gems elevate the salad's taste and visual appeal.

  3. Creaminess Unleashed: Don't miss the creaminess! Add dollops of creamy cottage cheese, harmonizing perfectly with the tangy tomatoes.

  4. Add the Nutty Crunch: Time to elevate your salad game! Sprinkle the delectable pine nuts over the greens, bringing a delightful crunch to each bite.

  5. Drizzle with Tomato Pesto: Our Tomato Pesto is the cherry on top! Drizzle the tantalizing pesto over the salad, allowing its rich flavors to enhance every ingredient.

  6. Toss and Taste: Gently toss the salad to ensure the ingredients are coated in the delightful Tomato Pesto. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

  7. Enjoy the Burst of Flavors: Transfer the salad to individual serving plates or savor it straight from the bowl. Feel the burst of flavors and the abundance of nutrients in each mouthful!

This Nutrient-Packed Spinach, Mushroom, and Zucchini Salad with Tomato Pesto is a simple, balanced, and delicious way to indulge in a variety of essential nutrients. This vibrant salad is not only a delight for your senses but also a nourishing addition to your daily menu. Try this wholesome salad and discover a symphony of flavors and nutrition that will leave you craving for more!