Sardines are the hidden gems of nutrition that many may not know about.  Our typical lunch consists of a salad like the one featured today or a less fancy as in straight up with a little avocado. Sardines are packed with nutrients and protein, which provides our bodies with important amino acids. We use amino acids to create new proteins, which serve as the basis for most of the body’s cells and structures. Proteins form the basis of muscles and connective tissues, antibodies that keep our immune system strong, and transport proteins that deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies.

Look for sardines that are packed in olive oil, not soybean or vegetable oils. If you prefer water packed that is fine too, but either way be sure to check out the expiration date on the package – they’ve got to be fresh. We find that sardines from Spain, Portugal and Morocco are some of the best. For more information take a look at Mark’s Daily Apple’s post on Better Fish Choices.

5 minute lunch or dinner:  Sardine Pear & Strawberry Salad (shown here with some of my Almond Butter Dressing)

• I tossed a few walnuts on there, but you can omit them if you like.
• I also had a craving for some goat cheese so I tossed that on as well. 🙂
• This particular salad was made with Matiz Gallego sardines from Spain, one can provided me with a little over 24 grams of protein. These are my personal favorites.
• 3 – 4 strawberries
• 1/4 to 1/2 pear
• couple crumbles of goat cheese
• a tiny drizzle of Jo’s Almond Butter Salad Dressing
• salt & pepper to taste

Enjoy this for lunch or dinner! Let me know what you think.