In the 1920′s the United States first started pushing spinach commercially with Popeye the Sailorman being the biggest advocate for eating it!

Did you know there are three types of spinach: savoy or curly leaf, flat known as smooth leaf, and semi-savoy which is slightly curly leaves. Baby spinach comes from the smallest leaves found on the flat spinach.

Whenever I think of what to eat when you are trying to lose weight I can’t help but think, SALAD.  However, eating salad day after day can get a little old so I am always in search of a new salad recipe.  I found this recipe in an old Bon Appetite magazine and it has become a summer favorite.  Even my picky 7 year old will eat this!!

Spinach, Cheddar, and Apple Salad

Dressing

¼ c. balsamic vinegar

¼ c. maple syrup

¼ c. olive oil

Whisk together and let set in refrigerator until serving time.

Salad

2 6oz pkg baby spinach leaves

2 lg. Unpeeled Granny Smith apples thinly sliced

8 oz. Cheddar cheese cut into cubes

½ c. chopped toasted walnuts

Combine spinach, apples, cheese, and walnuts in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat.

Quick Tip:  To watch your dressing intake try using a small bowl to dip your bites of salad rather than drenching your salad.

Voila!  A quick and easy salad with a new twist. Enjoy!