Spinach Salad With Strawberries And Almonds And Sesame Seed
A vibrant spinach salad topped with toasted sesame seeds, sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and a tangy sesame dressing, perfect for light lunches or healthy dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the sheet.
- Toast sesame seeds in the oven for about 10 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
- In a jar, combine toasted sesame seeds, double-strength beef or chicken stock, sesame oil, lemon juice, honey, and fresh ground pepper.
- Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Check seasoning and refrigerate the dressing until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like basil or mint to the dressing. If you prefer a nut-free option, swap sesame seeds with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor, so don’t skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Almonds pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side for a summer meal. For a heartier option, consider adding chickpeas or quinoa for added protein. It also complements Mediterranean recipes, such as Lemon And Pine Nut Rice, for a delightful, colorful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salad components separately to maintain freshness. The dressing can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to serve, toss the salad ingredients together and drizzle with dressing. If the salad is made ahead, add the strawberries just before serving to prevent them from getting mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Strawberries And Almonds And Sesame Seed contains roughly 155 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 types of nuts in this salad?
Absolutely! While almonds add a nice crunch, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts for different flavors. Just toast them lightly, similar to the sesame seeds, to enhance their taste.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu. You could also include cooked quinoa or farro for a nutritious grain boost. This way, it can serve as a satisfying main dish rather than just a side salad.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. However, it's best to keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate until serving to maintain freshness. Assemble everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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).