Strawberry, Pomegranate, and Pine Nut Salad

Ingredients (For 2 servings)

• Mixed salad greens
• 50 g pine nuts
• 250 g strawberries
• 1/2 pomegranate
• 40 g hard pecorino cheese (or parmesan/grana padano)
• Balsamic dressing: 
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan (over low heat, stirring occasionally; at the end, you can mix them with a teaspoon of olive oil to add shine).
2. Arrange the mixed salad greens on 2 plates, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts. Add sliced strawberries and sprinkle with grated pecorino cheese.
3. Drizzle with balsamic dressing: Place vinegar in a saucepan and simmer for a while over low heat until it reduces by half. Remove from heat, add honey or maple syrup, olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, and mix. Allow it to cool.
4. Pour the balsamic dressing over the salad before serving.

Why choose adding berries to our daily food?

Eating berries offers numerous health benefits. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth including them in your diet:

1. Improves carbohydrate metabolism: Berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, are a source of carbohydrates that provide energy to the body. At the same time, they contain fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Protection against free radicals: Berries are rich in antioxidants that help combat harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can contribute to aging processes and the development of many diseases.
3. High nutritional density: Berry fruits are very rich in micronutrients, such as vitamins (C, K, A) and minerals (e.g., manganese), making them an essential part of a nutritious diet.
4. Positive impact on skin appearance: The vitamin C content in berry fruits supports collagen production, contributing to maintaining healthy skin, elasticity, and delaying the aging process.
5. Support for the microbiome: Berry fruits contain fiber and nutrients that can positively influence gut health and the microbiome, the population of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

Adding berries to your daily diet can contribute to overall health improvement and the maintenance of a well-functioning body.