Sandy'S Spinach Salad
A fresh and vibrant spinach salad featuring sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of poppy seed. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish, this salad combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the earthiness of spinach, making it appealing to health-conscious eaters and salad lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim spinach, tear into small pieces, and refrigerate.
- Sprinkle strawberries with 1 teaspoon of sugar or artificial sweetener and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess. If you want a crunchier texture, try substituting sunflower seeds for pecans. When preparing the salad, always wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain the freshness of the greens. This salad pairs beautifully with My Mother'S Apricot-Cheese Salad as a light lunch option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad as a light starter or alongside grilled chicken for a more substantial meal. It complements well with Wheat Rolls for a satisfying dinner. For an added touch, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top just before serving, which enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and the nuttiness of the pecans.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the spinach from wilting, keep the strawberries and nuts separate. If you need to reheat, avoid microwaving, as it can make the spinach soggy; instead, toss the salad with a little olive oil to freshen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sandy'S Spinach Salad contains roughly 360 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 12g 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 use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! While strawberries add a lovely sweetness, you can substitute with blueberries, mandarin oranges, or even diced apples. Just ensure that any fruit you choose complements the flavors of the spinach and nuts.
What dressing works best with this salad?
A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey pairs exceptionally well with this salad. You can also try a poppy seed dressing to enhance the flavors of the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just be mindful of the sweetener you use; opt for a plant-based sweetener if you want to keep it completely vegan.
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).