As the seasons change, you have the opportunity to use the supply of dried fruit in your pantry in different ways. Dried peach nectarine and apricot can be used in the homemade trail mixes you’ll be packing for road trips, bike rides, and nature hikes. The flavor of these dried fruits pairs well with walnuts, almonds, and cashews. The dried nectarine you used to make comforting winter desserts can now become a tasty salad ingredient.
For a healthy and delicious summer salad, a recipe that includes mixed greens, dried nectarine, dried cranberries, walnuts, and a soft type of cheese such as goat cheese, feta, or ricotta would be healthy and satisfying. You can use whatever amount of the above ingredients you need to prepare the number of servings you need. A balsamic vinaigrette is the ideal dressing for this salad.
Healthy Dried Fruit Salad
There’s a recipe online at yayforfood.com that contains exceptionally healthy ingredients. You can substitute some of the ingredients to satisfy your individual flavor preference. The recipe they have uses baby spinach and farro. Dried fruit is added to the greens and grain. Dried peach nectarine, dried blueberries, dried cherries, dried cranberries, or raisins can be used. You can choose your favorite nuts and seeds to add to the salad. The recipe suggestions include walnuts, pecans, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pepitas.
The dressing recipe they use is amazingly simple. It consists of lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt.
Healthy Treats
Generally, dried fruits are a source of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A and C. They also provide antioxidants. Dried nectarine is just one of many dried fruits that can be eaten alone as an energizing snack. With breakfast being a meal you shouldn’t skip, dried fruit can be a great way to start your day in a healthy way. Adding it to a bowl of cold cereal or a smoothie can boost nutritional value. Preparing a granola mix with dried fruit gives you a grab-and-go breakfast food or a take-along nutritious snack. Dried fruit can be used as a topping for a summer salad or added to a cheese platter at your next party.