How to Make a Simple Blueberry-Apple Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese (Diabetic Friendly, No Artificial Sweeteners)

This salad is easy to make and really refreshing. It's also nutritious with lots of fresh, juicy blueberries, sweet apples and carrots, and green onion for a tiny bit of contrast and bite. Another nutritional powerhouse in the salad is the spinach, which is one of the best leafy greens available and loaded with antioxidants. A simple dressing of orange juice and olive oil ties the salad together without adding too much sweetness or heaviness. Feta cheese contributes salt and creaminess as well as a bit of protein. I also sometimes add a couple of tablespoons of chopped, toasted almonds to the salad before serving it for extra protein and crunch, but they aren't necessary. You can make the salad ahead and refrigerate it--just don't mix in the spinach until just before serving time. The salad is great if you're on a diabetic diet or want to "eat healthy." I like to serve the salad as a change from "everyday" lettuce and tomato salads, and the spinach salad also makes a nice dish to serve for special occasions. Enjoy!

How to Make a Simple Blueberry-Apple Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese (Diabetic Friendly, No Artificial Sweeteners)

Blueberry-Apple Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese (Diabetic Friendly) -- Serves 4

1-2 medium or small apples, cored and chopped but unpeeled (about a cup)

1 cup of washed blueberries

1/2 cup of shredded carrots

1/4 cup of chopped celery

1/4 cup of chopped green onion

1/4 cup of orange juice

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1/4 teaspoon of onion powder

1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese

4 cups of washed and dried spinach (preferably "baby"), tough stems removed and big

leaves torn

In a large bowl combine the apples, blueberries, carrots, celery, green onion, orange juice, olive oil, and onion powder and mix them well. Add the cheese and mix it in until combined and some of the crumbles have broken down a bit. Add the spinach and mix everything together to combine all the ingredients. If you're making the salad ahead, put the spinach on top of the other ingredients (don't mix it in), cover the salad and refrigerate it, then mix the spinach into the other ingredients just before serving the salad.

How to Make a Simple Blueberry-Apple Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese (Diabetic Friendly, No Artificial Sweeteners)