Fresh Spinach And Strawberry Salad
A vibrant and refreshing salad combining tender spinach, sweet strawberries, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy citrus dressing, perfect for light lunches or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine torn fresh spinach, halved or sliced strawberries, and sliced green onions. Cover and chill for up to 2 hours.
- For the citrus dressing, combine salad oil and lemon or lime juice. Mix well.
- Pour the dressing over the spinach and strawberry mixture.
- Top with broken walnuts and, if desired, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Use a serving fork to toss lightly and coat the ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider swapping out the walnuts for candied pecans or almonds if you prefer a sweeter touch. If you want a bit more crunch, try adding some croutons. You can also use a store-bought vinaigrette instead of making your own dressing. If you have leftover strawberries, they can be used in a Strawberry Cake Delight for a delicious dessert.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Easy English Trifle for a light, refreshing meal. You can also serve it alongside a hearty sandwich or wrap for lunch. For a more substantial dish, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas to boost the protein content.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate until you're ready to eat. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For the dressing, store it in a separate container in the fridge for about a week. When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy fresh flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Spinach And Strawberry Salad contains roughly 417 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting. You can chill the spinach and strawberries in the fridge and mix the dressing separately, combining them right before your meal.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you're looking for alternatives to walnuts due to allergies or preferences, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You could also use sliced almonds or pecans for a different flavor while keeping the texture interesting.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is suitable for a vegan diet as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the dressing you use is vegan-friendly, especially if you opt for a store-bought vinaigrette. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients in a light, healthy meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).