One of the best things about summer is the abundance of sweet, juicy fruit that is available. Farmers markets and grocery stores come alive with all the rich colors and shapes of Mother Nature’s bounty; melons, mangos, grapes, litchis, berries, cherries. Why would we ever need candy or cake with the cornucopia of sweet pleasures offered by nature?

The one fruit that consistently appears at the top of the fruit list, in terms of their great health benefits, is the blueberry. Blueberries, though small in size, are big in phytonutrients and thus health benefits. They seem to be a very well-studied little fruit with all kinds of research pointing to their benefits - from reducing cognitive decline to improving metabolic syndrome.

At IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health, our doctors and wellness coach want you to thrive and live the best life ever. So, in creating the perfect, nutrient dense salad these disease-fighting berries are just the beginning…let’s throw in some energy-giving greens, raspberries and fiber-rich, nutrient dense cabbage and top it off with some detoxifying apple cider vinegar, garlic and delicious extra virgin olive oil. And now we have a colorful, perfectly balanced, refreshing salad that nourishes your body and your taste buds on every level. It’s great for a hot summer afternoon. Plus all you need to do is follow three simple steps.

This refreshing summer salad recipe is provided by the wellness coach from IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health, and is a part of the IMUA Detox Program. If you would like to know more about the detox program or other wellness coaching programs offered by IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health please send an e-mail to imuahealth@gmail.com to set up a free consultation with IMUA’s wellness coach.

Salad Ingredients:

2 cups baby spinach or spring mix

½ cup chopped purple cabbage

½ cup fresh blueberries

½ cup fresh raspberries

Salad Dressing Ingredients:

½ cup blueberries

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

½ – 1 small garlic clove

Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

3 – Step Instructions:

Step 1: Make the dressing: Add all dressing ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the salad: Add salad ingredients to a large salad bowl.

Step3: Mix it Up: Top with dressing and mix until well coated. Enjoy!

The above ingredients should make two servings, but there’s always the option of doubling it up, that way you can feel better about yourself for sharing the love. Enjoy!