Antioxidant Blueberry Salad and Vinaigrette

This sweet and savory salad is a fresh pick-me-up for summer or winter. The blueberries contain epicatechin, an antioxidant compound that may help to preserve brain power.

Blueberry Vinaigrette

Serving size: 2 T. Makes 12 servings.
 
½ c.  olive oil
½ c. balsamic vinegar
½ c. frozen or fresh blueberries
½ tsp. Dijon mustard
1 T.  brown sugar
1 tsp. minced shallot
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. paprika

Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor, and process until smooth.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Extra dressing will keep for about 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Antioxidant Blueberry Salad

Serving size: 2 c.  Makes 2 servings.

2 c. mixed salad greens
1 c. fresh blueberries
½ c. mandarin oranges, drained, or fresh tangerines, sectioned
1 T. almond slivers
1 T.  feta cheese
4 T. blueberry vinaigrette

Toss the greens in 2 T. of blueberry vinaigrette and arrange on two salad plates. Top each serving with blueberries, orange slices, almonds and feta cheese.

Nutritional Information per Serving: 195 calories, 2.8 g protein, 21 g carbohydrates, 11.8 g fat (2 g saturated), 4 mg cholesterol, 3.5 g fiber, 118 mg sodium.