Our Aquarius friends sign rules the circulatory system, so this month’s meal is all about keeping the blood flowing. The Milky Way Martini was just for fun, now we are ready for a healthy Aquarius Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette…..
Health Benefits of this Aquarius Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette:
Blueberries rank highest of any fruit in anti-oxidant properties that control proper blood flow through the vessels and the amount of oxygen in the blood. One cup provides 14% of the recommended daily dose of fiber and nearly 25% of of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, with only 100 calories.
Carrots contain beta carotene that helps lower LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Four and a half ounces of carrots will provide 52 calories, 15% of the recommended daily intake of fiber, 308% of Vitamin A, 13% Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, biotin, potassium, and thiamine.
Pistachio nuts are high in antioxidants, Vitamins A and D, potassium, phosphorous, proteins, and healthy fats, which help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol levels which lowers blood pressure.
Cayenne pepper helps adjust blood pressure to normal levels, eliminates bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and cleanses the blood vessels. I only added a small amount to the vinaigrette to give it a small kick. Feel free to increase the amount if you prefer more heat!
How to make an Aquarius Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette:
Whisk together blueberry vinaigrette ingredients until combined. Set aside.
Divide salad greens and place on salad plates.
Top with grated carrots and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with pistachios.
Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.
This is a pretty powerful salad that we would all benefit from eating on a regular basis!
Note:
I could not find fresh blueberries, so I used 100% fruit, all-natural preserves for the vinaigrette.
During the summer months, add whole blueberries to this salad to pack an even healthier punch!
Recipes in this Aquarius meal:
Enjoy!!
Aquarius Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Blueberry Vinaigrette
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup blueberry preserves
- 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Dash of ground cayenne pepper
Salad
- 4 cups spring mix salad greens
- 2 large carrots grated
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1/4 cup roasted pistachios shelled
Instructions
- Whisk together blueberry vinaigrette ingredients until combined. Set aside.
- Divide salad greens and place on salad plates.
- Top with grated carrots and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with pistachios.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
January 17, 2014 at 2:49 pmWow this salad is loaded! Love the idea of the blueberry vinaigrette!
Happy Valley Chow says
January 17, 2014 at 5:32 pmWow great recipe! Salad has been sound so good to me lately and this one is definitely making me hungry! Feel free to stop by my link party today, #OmNomNomFriday, and share some of your fantastic creations. Have a great weekend 🙂
Happy Blogging!
Lisa Johnson says
January 18, 2014 at 12:11 amThank you so much Eric. I hope you have a great weekend as well! 🙂
Min says
January 17, 2014 at 7:14 pmYum! What a light, delicious, and nutrient-packed recipe! Blueberry vinaigrette..now that I must try! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Lisa!
Lisa Johnson says
January 18, 2014 at 12:06 amThank you so much Min! I LOVE that vinaigrette, I almost started drinking it out of the carafe. 😉 I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!!
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
January 19, 2014 at 5:51 pmI love this salad, Lisa! That blueberry vinaigrette sounds wonderful! Pinning this and sharing on social media. Thanks for sharing at MM!
Kelly says
January 19, 2014 at 10:32 pmWhat a beautiful looking salad! Love the sound of the blueberry vinaigrette! Pinning, I can’t wait to try it and thanks for sharing Lisa 🙂
Maria says
January 20, 2014 at 8:52 pmWhat a delicious looking salad! The vinaigrette sounds really good!
Lisa Johnson says
January 21, 2014 at 9:14 pmThank you so much Maria. The vinaigrette was the best part. I considered drinking it, but I got control of myself! 😉
Winnie says
January 22, 2014 at 1:19 amI’m a vegetarian and this salad is just perfect for me!
It looks sooooooooooooooooo tasty and tempting 🙂
Angie says
January 23, 2014 at 6:51 pmThis looks so delicious! I’m stopping by from the “Weekend Re-Treat” Party – Thanks for sharing!
Angie
Martha@A Family Feast says
January 24, 2014 at 7:08 amBeautiful salad Lisa! Love the vinaigrette!
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says
January 24, 2014 at 11:22 amOh this is beautiful!!! I’m an Aquarius so I can definitely appreciate the elements in this salad! 😉 I’m planning on featuring this on Saturday Night Fever tomorrow! I can’t wait! I hope you’ll stop by and link up again! Pinning!
Emily @ It Bakes Me Happy says
January 29, 2014 at 9:04 pmLisa I love this salad, it looks so light and refreshing! Thanks for linking up at Showcase Your Talent Thursday, you’re being featured this week 🙂