Summer Fruit & Nut Salad with Farro

This recipe I wrote for the July 2017 issue of "Wayne Living Magazine":

SUMMER BERRY SALAD [makes 2 servings]

My favorite salads are those that combine dark lettuces with nuts and fruit. Though oftentimes, these can be a bit calorie dense and high in sugar. Here is my take on a restaurant-style summer berry salad that is full of healthy monounsaturated fats, whole grains, and nutrient packed produce. Just add a few ounces of a healthy protein on top like salmon to make it a super nutritious and well-balanced lunch or dinner!

Ingredients:

4 cups mixed lettuces and greens (lettuce, kale, chard, spinach)

1 cup blueberries and/or strawberries, sliced

½ medium onion, diced (tip: cook in microwave or on sauté pan to sweeten, then cool)

¼ c raw walnuts

½ medium avocado, sliced

1 cup Trader Joe’s 10 Minute Farro, cooked (or any cooked whole grain)

¼ c Bolthouse Farms Organic Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette (or any low-sugar, low-fat, simple dressing)

Directions:

1.      Cook farro according to package directions and cool.

2.      Mix greens, berries, onion, walnuts, and avocado in salad bowl.

3.      Add farro and toss with dressing.

* Serve with chicken, shrimp, or fish to make into a more of a substantial meal.

Nutritional Value* Per Serving: 440 calories, 18 g fat, 58 g carb, 12 g protein

*Analyzed by Diet Analysis Pro

Picture source: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/salad/salad-other-salad/strawberry-blueberry-spinach-salad-dressing.html