Healthy Salads

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This unique salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, with the juicy, sweet strawberries complementing the earthy spinach perfectly.

When you want a quick refresher that will keep you fresh and healthy for the entire day, especially during summer, you don’t have to go any further than this colorful strawberry spinach salad with crunchy almonds, sesame seeds and a wonderful sweet and sour dressing. Strawberry Spinach Salad is the yummy salad of the day! With a simple homemade dressing, this salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Let's jump into the recipe and learn how to make this delightful dish!

What Is Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Strawberry spinach salad is a delightful combination of succulent baby spinach, juicy sliced strawberries, and crunchy almonds. This refreshing salad is elevated with the addition of roasted sesame seeds, drizzled with a sweet and tangy dressing made with honey, vinegar, and a touch of Indian spices like red chili flakes. The unique seasoning enhances the flavors of the main ingredients, making this salad a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Why You'll Love Strawberry Spinach Salad?

Delightful Texture: The combination of the tender baby spinach, juicy sliced strawberries, and crunchy almonds creates a delightful texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Nutrient-Packed: Not only is this salad delicious, but it's also packed with important nutrients. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, while strawberries are high in antioxidants. Almonds provide a healthy dose of unsaturated fats and protein.
Light and Refreshing: The light dressing made with honey, vinegar, and olive oil adds just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess to the salad without weighing it down.
Perfect for Weight Management: With its high fiber and low-calorie content, this salad is perfect for those looking to manage their weight or simply make healthier choices.
Heart-Healthy: The combination of ingredients in this salad, particularly the almonds and olive oil, make it heart-healthy and great for maintaining overall cardiovascular health.
Boosts Immune System: Both spinach and strawberries are known for their immune-boosting properties, making this salad a great choice for keeping your body healthy and strong.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the blend of flavors and nutritional benefits in every bite.

Ingredients for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Baby Spinach: The fresh and tender baby spinach leaves add a vibrant green color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
Strawberries: The sliced strawberries contribute a juicy, sweet, and slightly tart flavor that complements the spinach well.
Almonds: The toasted almonds add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the salad, enhancing its overall taste and providing extra protein and healthy fats.
Roasted Sesame Seeds: The sesame seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the salad, making it more interesting and flavorful.
Honey: The honey provides a touch of sweetness to the dressing, balancing out the tartness of the strawberries and the acidity of the vinegar.
Olive Oil: The olive oil serves as the base of the dressing, adding richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the salad. It also helps to bring all the flavors together.

How To Make Strawberry Spinach Salad?

To make a delicious strawberry spinach salad, follow these simple steps for a flavorful experience:

First, toast the almonds in the oven at 180 degrees C for about 8 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. This step is crucial as it adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor to the salad.
While the almonds are toasting, whisk together honey, vinegar, olive oil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is the key to bringing all the flavors together in the salad.
In a serving bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and roasted sesame seeds.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
Toss the salad gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the delicious dressing.

By following these steps, you'll have a refreshing and flavorful strawberry spinach salad that's ready to serve immediately. Enjoy the healthy and delicious combination of flavors in this salad.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a protein: To make it a complete meal, consider serving the strawberry spinach salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Add a carbohydrate: Consider adding a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a slice of whole grain bread to make it more filling and satisfying.
Include a cheese: Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese to the salad for an extra burst of flavor and creaminess.
Serve with a soup: A light vegetable soup or a refreshing gazpacho can be a great addition to the meal.
Bread or crackers: Include a side of crusty bread or whole grain crackers for some added crunch and texture.
Refreshing beverage: Pair the salad with a refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or a fruity sparkling water for a complete dining experience.

Tips for Making a Delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad

Preparation Duration: The preparation time for this salad is minimal, as most of the ingredients are easy to prepare and assemble. It should take about 10-15 minutes to put together.
Toasting Almonds: When toasting the almonds, make sure to keep an eye on them as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. Toast them until they are lightly browned and have a nice aroma.
Dressing it Up: The dressing is what brings all the flavors together, so ensure that it is well mixed before pouring it over the salad. Whisking together the honey, vinegar, olive oil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper is the key to a tasty and well-balanced dressing.
Garnishing for Presentation: The presentation of the salad can be enhanced by sprinkling some extra sesame seeds on top or even adding a few whole strawberries to the serving bowl. This will not only make the salad look more appealing but also add a little extra flair to the dish.
Tossing Gently: When tossing the salad with the dressing, be sure to do it gently to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the delicate baby spinach leaves and strawberries.
Serve Fresh: This salad is best served immediately after preparing, as the spinach and strawberries will remain crisp and fresh, giving you the best taste and texture. Enjoy!

Variations for Strawberry Spinach Salad

Add protein: To make this salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The protein will add substance to the salad and turn it into a complete meal.
Swap the nuts: Instead of using almonds, try using walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for a different flavor and texture.
Cheese options: Add a salty kick to the salad by sprinkling feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese crumbles on top. The creamy and tangy cheese will complement the sweetness of the strawberries.
Citrus twist: Squeeze some fresh orange or lemon juice into the dressing for a citrusy flavor. You can also add some zest for an extra punch of citrus.
Herb addition: Toss in some fresh mint, basil, or cilantro to add a pop of freshness and herbaceous flavor to the salad.
Fruit variations: Experiment with different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches to create a unique and seasonal twist to the salad.

How to Store Strawberry Spinach Salad

Keep the spinach fresh: After washing the baby spinach, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before storing it in an airtight container lined with a dry paper towel. This will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the spinach fresh for longer.
Store the strawberries properly: To maintain the freshness of the sliced strawberries, store them in a single layer on a paper towel-lined plate. Cover the plate with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It's important to not wash the strawberries until right before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Preserve the toasted almonds: To keep the almonds crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a small piece of bread to the container, which will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the almonds crisp.
Protect the sesame seeds: To maintain the flavor and texture of the roasted sesame seeds, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing them to heat or sunlight, which can cause them to go rancid.
Keep the dressing fresh: Store the prepared dressing in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. Make sure to give it a good shake before using it again to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Serve and enjoy promptly: While the salad can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours, it's best enjoyed immediately after preparing to maintain the freshness of the ingredients and the crispness of the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use baby arugula instead of baby spinach?

Yes, you can definitely substitute baby arugula for baby spinach in this recipe. Baby arugula has a slightly peppery flavor which will add a unique taste to the salad.

What can I use as a substitute for almonds?

If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a different nut, you can use chopped pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds in place of almonds for a different flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make the dressing vegan?

Yes, you can make the dressing vegan by replacing the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The result will still be a delicious sweet and tangy dressing that pairs perfectly with the salad.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

While it's best to enjoy the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients.

How can I make the salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost. You can also toss in some cooked quinoa or farro for added fiber and substance.

Can I add other fruits to the salad?

Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mango chunks to complement the sweetness of the strawberries and add a variety of flavors and textures to the salad.

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