Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

3 oz. Spinach (baby or regular)

3/4 oz. Dried cranberries

1 oz. walnuts

2 oz. Mango

2 oz. Cucumber

2 oz. Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing

Preparation:

Place spinach into a colander and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Shake excess water from leaves and place into a medium or large bowl.

Select a mango that is not too soft avoid sogginess. Mango must be cut on its opposing flat sides—never cut a mango in the middle because it has a large seed. Slice the mango lengthwise next to the seed on both sides, creating two halves. Carefully cut a cross-hatch pattern through the mango pulp without penetrating the skin of the fruit. Now take a larger knife and cut between the layers of the pulp and the skin. Do this on both halves of the mango. Place mango cubes onto the spinach in the bowl.

 Next, take the cucumber and wash it under cool water. Using a peeler, carefully peel off the thick green skin over a garbage can. Place the cucumber on a cutting board and cut into 1/8 in. slices. Next, stack the slices so that there are four or five in each stack and dice them with a large knife into small cubes.  Sprinkle cucumbers over mango on salad.

 Add desired amount (2oz specified) of dried cranberries and walnuts. Top with Tossed Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (about 2oz. or to desired taste) and mix all ingredients together.

Enjoy!

 

Curious about why this salad is so healthy?... Read on!

The benefits of eating Tossed’s “Make at Home” Balsamic Vinaigrette Spinach Salad with Fall Accents

 

Spinach (3oz)

What’s good about it? Contains folate, (also known as folic acid). Studies show that folic acid may help reduce risks of having a stroke, developing heart disease and help prevent against Alzheimer’s and cancer.

Other nutrients: Fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium

Disease-fighting power: Heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, diabetes, weight gain, hypertension, and depression.

 

Dried Cranberries (3/4oz)

What’s good about them? Contain bacteria-blocking compounds believed to help prevent ulcers, gum disease and urinary tract infections.

Other nutrients: Antioxidants, dietary fiber and other minerals and vitamins such as iron, calcium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

Disease-fighting power: Heart disease, urinary tract infections, improves digestive health, prevents tooth decay and strengthens bones and teeth.

 

Walnuts (1oz)

What’s good about them? They contain an antioxidant called ellagic, which is known for helping the immune system fight illnesses. They can help improve artery function and promote heart health and beneficial to the circulatory system. Can also help fight inflammation.

Other nutrients: Antioxidant, omega-3, calcium and protein

Disease-fighting power: Promote heart health and beneficial to the circulatory system. C

 

Mango (2oz)

What’s good about them?  A nutritious fruit, filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help regulate blood pressure and guard against heart disease. It also has high amounts of fiber.

Other nutrients: Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, potassium, iron and many more.

Disease-fighting power: Helps prevent heart disease and other illnesses such as cervical cancer. If eaten regularly it is thought to help with anemia.  An enzyme found in mango is known for treating acidity and digestion problems because of its soothing abilities.

 

Cucumber (2oz)

What’s good about them?  Yes cucumbers are mostly composed of water but they also have nutritional value.

Other nutrients: Folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, silica, potassium

Disease-fighting power: Can help regulate blood pressure and hydrating.

About Tossed:

Since 1998, Tossed has been the home of made-to-order salads featuring dozens of gourmet ingredients and unique dressings.  Now also offering whole wheat crepe wraps made fresh throughout the day as well as sandwiches, melts, soups and smoothies, Tossed has grown from its original location on Manhattan’s Park Avenue to include restaurants across the United States.  Tossed Franchise Corporation, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers franchises to companies and individuals interested in one of the freshest, most exciting concepts in fast casual dining.  To learn more about Tossed, go to www.tossed.com. 

 Photo credit:   Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services