WATERMELON STRAWBERRY SALAD
SIMPLE BITES
Summer is here and this hydrating salad is on repeat! This Strawberry and watermelon salad is so simple and quick to make to bring to the beach or a picnic for your whole family to enjoy. It is a great summer salad to keep you hydrated and nourished while out in the hot sun.
INGREDIENTS:
1 medium watermelon
1 pint of ontario organic strawberries from your local farm
handful of fresh mint
handful of fresh basil
1 lime (zest & juice)
METHOD:
Slice the watermelon into cubes about 1/2 inch thick and add to a large bowl
Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice in half and add to the watermelon
Finely chop the mint and basil together and add to the strawberry and watermelon
Zest and juice the lime and pour overtop of the mixture
Toss just to coat
Scoop into your summer salad bowl
Garnish with an extra sprig of mint or basil
ENJOY EVERY BITE!
Watermelon is one of the best fruits to help remove heat from the body in summer months. It is cooling in nature and will help quench your thirst as it is made up of 92% water!
Watermelons are full of a phytonutrient called lycopene which is found in bright red fruits because of its high carotenoid content. It may help with eye health, reduce prostate cancer, help to balance cholesterol levels, reduce high blood pressure and reduce blood clots.
Watermelons are also high in fibre, calcium, vitamin C, Vitamin E, B vitamins, lipids, amino acids, pectin and many antioxidants. Watermelons may help reduce edema, canker sores in the mouth and reduce urinary tract inflammation.
Did you know that you can eat watermelon rinds and they have the same nutrients as the flesh including a high amount of silicon which is so important for collagen synthesis to help improve skin elasticity and strength.
You can pickle, juice, roast or stew the rinds to enjoy all the fibre and nutrients.
**CONTRAINDICATIONS**
If you have anemia, excessive urination or weak digestion, you should avoid eating watermelon or keep it to a minimum.
Speak with your health practitioner before taking lycopene in a supplement form if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking blood thinners, medication for cancer, lung disorders, cholesterol, blood pressure, or if you have bleeding disorders.