Dried Apricot Summer Salad with Red Superfoods Dressing

Summer is fast approaching, which often means family beach trips, neighborhood BBQs, and other fun adventures. I know how easy it is to be busy over the summer. It’s tempting to compromise on healthy eating habits with all the hustle and bustle. This summer salad recipe is the perfect light meal for on-the-go or away from home! Made with dried apricot, coconut, and Red Superfoods, this ultimate summer salad keeps you looking and feeling great!

Part of staying healthy during summer months includes adding more antioxidants to your diet. Antioxidants help defend your skin, hair, joints, and other cells against the harmful effects of UV damage. It also protects your body against oxidative stress.  Adding raw pumpkin seeds to this apricot salad on a bed of mixed greens is one way to help boost the nutrients your body needs to stay youthful and vibrant.

Summer Salad

Hot summer days tend to curb hunger in a lot of people. Also, heavier meals can make you feel sluggish and tired. Summer salads are refreshing and leave you feeling satisfied without feeling overly full.

I like to use a variety of mixed greens in my salads. Each offers a subtle flavor and texture that complement each other nicely. Some of my favorite mixed greens include arugula, spinach, romaine, and red-leaf lettuce. You could also add Swiss chard and collards for a more robust salad profile.

Organic Apricot

Organic apricots are a fun, colorful summer fruit that makes an excellent addition to summer salads! Not only are they lower in calories, but these nutritious fruits are a great source of Vitamin A and C. Organic apricots also contain lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin.⁹ These antioxidants help protect your body from DNA damage and premature aging. You can also find these delightful fruits in the form of dried apricot and apricot spread.

Dried Apricot

Adding dried fruits to your summer salad is a fun way to experiment with different textures and flavors. Organic dried apricot are not treated with sulfur vapors. This leaves it with a coarser, chewy texture, and darker color.

Snacking on dried fruit is one way to make healthy eating possible while on the go. Unfortunately, many dried fruits are higher in sugar. Thankfully, that’s not the case with dried apricot! Dried apricot are much lower in sugar than dried figs, dates, cherries, or raisins.

Apricot Spread

If you like a more consistent flavor and texture in your salad, using an apricot spread is a wonderful ingredient to add to your dressing. Spreads are typically made using fruit preserves and fruit juice. So, look for an organic apricot spread that contains only the fruit and juice. No additives or artificial preservatives.

Raw Pumpkin Seeds

Raw pumpkin seeds are a fantastic way to incorporate more fiber, vitamins, and minerals into your diet. Not only are they also a great source of protein and healthy fats, but they’re also rich in polyphenols. Both are vital to supporting heart and immune health.

If you’re currently following The Myers Way®, AIP diet, or an elimination diet, I recommend skipping raw pumpkin seeds for now. While raw pumpkin seeds are higher in B vitamins, they also contain more phytic acid. Phytic acid can decrease the number of digestive enzymes in your stomach. This can reduce the bioavailability of nutrients such as zinc and iron.¹⁰

Coconut Manna

If you’ve never heard of coconut manna, you’re not alone. Coconut manna is an ultra-blended coconut butter made from dried coconut flesh. Unlike coconut oil which is either liquid or solid, coconut manna has a more creamy consistency. Unrefined, sweet, and flavorful, it gives an added richness to spreads and dressings.

Red Superfoods

Adding a scoop of Organic Reds to the apricot spread dressing creates such a sweet infusion of flavor you’re going to love! Naturally sweetened and packed with immune-boosting red superfoods like beetroot, mulberry, and Aronia berry, it’s the cherry on top for a refreshing and wholesome summer salad. 

How To Make Dried Apricot Summer Salad

This salad is incredibibly delicious and a cinch to pull together. You’ll want to prepare the mixed greens first, then set aside while you prepare the organic apricot dressing.

To make the apricot salad, place four cups of your desired mixed greens in a large bowl. Then, add your dried apricot and unsweetened coconut flakes. If you choose to include the raw pumpkin seeds, now’s the time to add these in. Slice your avocado, dice your cucumber, and add them to the mix. Now you have a nice base for your summer salad.

Next, it’s time to whip up the dressing! Start by pouring the apple cider vinegar, coconut manna, apricot spread, and olive oil into a food processor. Add your pepper, salt, and red superfoods (one scoop of Organic Reds) and blend to combine. You could also mix this all by hand with a whisk.

Drizzle the dressing over your apricot salad and enjoy this refreshing burst of flavor!