You may wonder what is all this talk of superfoods. What are superfoods? While there might not be a specific inclusive list of superfoods, they are more or less foods that pack a lot of punch when it comes to nutrition. Foods that, for their calories content, are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy nutrients and not unhealthy ones. Lots of fruits and vegetables belong in this category along with some other highly nutritious foods such quinoa, beans, salmon, and nuts. Especially when you are limiting your caloric intake for weight loss or improved health, eating nutrient packed calories is essential. Incorporating some superfoods into your diet is important.

This recipe for superfood salad does just that. This salad is made with several of those nutrient packed foods that contain lots of disease fighting nutrients but which is balanced with low calorie content. A great combination of green leafy kale and bright blueberries and dried cranberries make this salad super attractive and super healthy. 

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped fresh curly leafed kale
• 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained well
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries (preferable unsweetened if available)
• 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• dash of ground black pepper 
• 1/4 cup toasted unsalted sesame seeds

Preparation

 1. First, be sure to thoroughly rinse the kale before beginning. Nothing is worse than biting into your healthy salad and running into a chunk of dirt! After rinsing the kale, allow it to dry a bit, and then place it on a large cutting board. Chop the kale into bite sized pieces, and toss the kale into a large bowl. Next, toss the blueberries and the dried cranberries into the bowl along with the kale.

Toss the chopped green onion in the bowl as well.

2. Prepare the salad dressing by placing the extra virgin olive oil in a small dish. Pour in the apple cider vinegar, the granulated sugar, the salt and the ground black pepper. Use a wire whisk to whisk together the ingredients well until the dressing is uniform. 

3. Drizzle the dressing over the entire salad, and toss the salad together with the dressing mixture until everything is well coated.  Be sure to toss the salad well as the blueberries and cranberries like to find their way to the bottom of the bowl. Once the salad is uniform, sprinkle the toasted unsalted sesame seeds on top of the salad and toss lightly. Serve the salad immediately. Serves 4. Per Serving Calories 175, Fat 11 grams, Carbs 17 grams, Pro 4 grams, Dietary Fiber 3 grams