Spinach, Pear, and Gruyere Salad with Sweet Dressing

Note: This recipe is especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but it can be a nutritious part of almost anyone's diet.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For Salad:
Mix together:

8 c. raw spinach
2 medium pears, sliced thin and cut into 1/2" pieces
2 oz. Gruyere cheese, sliced very thin (use potato peeler to slice)
4 tbsp. chopped candied walnuts (or regular walnuts or almonds)
freshly ground pepper

For Dressing:

2 tbsp. canola oil
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp. maple syrup
Whisk ingredients together in a microwave-safe container; heat on high 30 seconds.

Directions:

Wash and dry spinach; tear into smaller pieces and place into large bowl.
Add sliced pear.
Toss spinach and pears with warm dressing.
Divide salad onto four plates; top with sliced Gruyere, nuts, and freshly ground pepper.

Makes: 4 servings

Serving size: 2 cups

Nutritional analysis (per serving):
264 calories
8 g protein
16 g fat
3 g sat. fat
22 g carbohydrate
4 g fiber
15 mg cholesterol
96 mg sodium
220 mg calcium
2 mg iron
126 mcg folic acid

Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.

Why this recipe is good for pregnant or breastfeeding women:
This recipe is an excellent source of calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A, K, and C, all of which are important nutrients during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Related Resources

Allrecipes.com This site offers more than 40,000 free recipes, plus lots of cooking tips and information.

National Center for Nutrition and Dietetics Offering nutrition information, resources, and access to registered dietitians.

Food Network TV's Food Network goes online with searchable menus and recipes, an encyclopedia of cooking terms, and ideas from celebrity chefs.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as the WIC Program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, & children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

MyPlate for Moms MyPlate for Moms tailors the USDA's food guide to suit the individual needs of pregnant and nursing women.

Should I Avoid Certain Foods During Pregnancy? Find out what the experts have to say.

Pregnancy Precautions: FAQs Questions regarding what you can and can't do during pregnancy abound. Knowing what could truly be harmful to your baby versus what's no real cause for concern is key to keeping your sanity throughout the 40 weeks.