Spinach, a May Foods of the Month (FoM), can be eaten many different ways. We feature spinach as a FoM because it is full of antioxidants, espeically when eaten fresh! Spinach is also an iron rich food so be sure to include spinach in your diet. For more ways to eat spinach, try it as a snack; eat our recommended spinach snacks afterschool, or serve them on the weekends while entertaining friends for a healthy alternative. Here are some of our favorite ways to snack on spinach:
Spinach and Artichoke Hummus – Make your own hummus using this recipe or use store bought hummus. Use a food processor to blend several handfuls of fresh spinach leaves into the hummus. Serve with whole grain triscuits and veggies for a healthy and tasty snack.
Fruit Smoothie with Spinach – Add spinach to your favorite smoothie recipe to get lots of nutrients! In a food processor, mix two handfuls of fresh spinach leaves with your favorite ingredients. We like to make our spinach smoothies with cut up granny smith apples and one tablespoon of peanut butter. Add ice cubes and a splash of water to make the mixture blend easily and serve.
Mini Egg Salad Sandwiches with Spinach – Prepare your favorite egg salad (be sure to use low-fat mayonnaise!), then spoon the salad onto whole wheat bread. Add fresh spinach leaves, then cut into bite size sandwiches square.
Lighter Spinach Dip – Restaurant spinach dips are typically high in fat because of the cheese that is used. To lighten up spinach dip, but still keep the flavor, cook one package of frozen spinach on a stovetop with some oil and your favorite flavorful veggies (we like minced onion, garlic and jalapeno). Mix together with 1 cup blended low-fat cottage cheese. Then add fresh ground pepper, parmesan cheese and/or low-fat mozzarella cheese. Broil the dip for a few minutes to make the top bubbly then serve with cut up veggies.
