Experience the delightful blend of flavors and textures in a refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad. This salad is not only simple to prepare but also bursting with vibrant colors and nutrition. Perfect for busy days, it brings together fresh ingredients that can elevate any meal or serve as a light lunch on its own.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 220
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 12mg
Why Make Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a fantastic choice for those looking to add more greens to their diet without sacrificing taste. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and fresh spinach creates an appetizing dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. This salad is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize it with seasonal ingredients or your favorite toppings.
How to Make Strawberry Spinach Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
0.5 cup white sugar
0.5 cup olive oil
0.25 cup distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon minced onion
0.25 teaspoon paprika
0.25 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 quart strawberries – cleaned, hulled and sliced
10 ounces fresh spinach – rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
0.25 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
To make the dressing: Whisk together the sugar, olive oil, distilled white vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced onion, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
To create the spinach salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, torn spinach leaves, and slivered almonds.
Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
Refrigerate the salad for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve Strawberry Spinach Salad
This refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome dinner. It also complements various types of cheese, making it a perfect side dish for a charcuterie board. For a more filling meal, consider adding quinoa or farro to the salad.
How to Store Strawberry Spinach Salad
To store your Strawberry Spinach Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent the greens from wilting. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can also store the dressing separately to maintain the salad’s crispness. Reheating is not recommended since the salad is served cold, and freezing is not advised due to the delicate nature of the strawberries and spinach.
Expert Tips for Cooking Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by increasing or decreasing the sugar to your liking.
- Toast the almonds lightly to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Experiment with different nuts or cheese varieties for added texture and taste.
- Always serve the salad chilled for a refreshing experience.
Delicious Variations of Strawberry Spinach Salad
For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes. A herbed version can be created by tossing in fresh basil or mint, providing a flavorful kick. If you want to keep it vegetarian, try incorporating chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, making it a robust meal option.
Conclusion
Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s an easy recipe to add to your weekly menu. Try it today and enjoy a delightful taste experience!
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 0.5 cup white sugar
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salad Ingredients
- 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
- 0.25 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients.
- To make the dressing: Whisk together the sugar, olive oil, distilled white vinegar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced onion, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover the dressing and chill it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- To create the spinach salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, torn spinach leaves, and slivered almonds.
- Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Refrigerate the salad for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
