Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad
In the realm of refreshing and nutritious meals, the Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad stands out with its vibrant colors and deliciously sweet yet tangy strawberry spinach salad dressing. This delightful salad brings together fresh strawberries and spinach, tossed with a delectable poppy seed dressing, creating a perfect dish for springtime gatherings or a simple, healthful lunch.
Yield
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients for Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
1 bunch spinach, rinsed
10 large strawberries, sliced
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
⅓ cup white wine vinegar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions for Preparing Your Salad
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for preparing this flavorful dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach and Strawberries
Firstly, rinse and dry one bunch of spinach leaves thoroughly. This prevents the salad from becoming too watery. Then, slice 10 large strawberries thinly. Combining these ingredients provides a nutritious base full of vitamins and antioxidants.
Step 2: Make the Poppy Seed Dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together ½ cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of salt and ⅓ cup of white wine vinegar. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of vegetable oil until the mixture is emulsified. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. This dressing balances the sweetness of the strawberries, adding a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Finally, in a large salad bowl, toss the prepared spinach and sliced strawberries gently with the dressing. Be careful not to over toss as this might cause the spinach leaves to bruise.
Benefits and Variations of Strawberry Spinach Salad
This salad is not just pleasing to the palate but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K and vitamin A, crucial for maintaining healthy vision and bones. Strawberries, similarly, provide a good dose of vitamin C, essential for immune function.
Healthier Preparation Tips
For a healthier alternative, you might consider replacing the ½ cup of sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. Additionally, swapping vegetable oil with olive oil could enhance the flavor while providing healthy monounsaturated fats.
Strawberry spinach salad dressing can be varied with a splash of balsamic vinegar to create a more robust taste profile. This small tweak adds to the tanginess and complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Spring Salad
This Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Above all, it’s incredibly easy to assemble and quick to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weekdays or elegant brunches. Moreover, it offers a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that truly embody the joy of spring.
Additional Favorites
Alongside the salad, consider serving a light protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more filling meal. In conclusion, this salad provides a mouthwatering and nutritious combination that is sure to be a family favorite.
