Spinach Salad With Strawberries
A vibrant spinach salad featuring sweet strawberries, tangy raspberry vinaigrette, and fresh kiwi, perfect for a light, refreshing, and flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix raspberry or strawberry vinegar with preserves to make the dressing.
- Add oil to the dressing and whisk until combined.
- Toss the cleaned and stemmed spinach with half of the sliced strawberries, kiwi, and nuts.
- Sprinkle the remaining strawberries, kiwi, and nuts on top as garnish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting olive oil with walnut oil for a nutty taste. If you can't find raspberry or strawberry vinegar, balsamic vinegar works well as an alternative. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can enhance the salad's freshness. To make this a heartier dish, add protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas. For a different texture, try including Spiced Holiday Nuts.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish at dinner. It pairs beautifully with Big Bucket Fried Chicken for a delightful contrast. Consider serving it alongside a light soup or a sandwich for a complete meal. For a festive touch, you can add crumbled feta or goat cheese to elevate the flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the spinach from wilting, keep the dressing separate until just before serving. If the salad is dressed, consume it within a day for optimal freshness. Reheat any leftover chicken or chickpeas separately before adding them back to the salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Salad With Strawberries contains roughly 563 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries or raspberries instead of fresh ones?
While fresh strawberries or raspberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen if fresh ones aren't available. Just ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the salad. This may slightly alter the texture, but it will still taste delicious.
How can I make the dressing ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing a day in advance. Mix the vinegar and preserves, then add the oil just before serving to ensure the emulsion remains intact. Store the dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake well before drizzling over the salad to recombine the ingredients.
What can I add for more crunch?
For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans. You can also include crunchy vegetables like cucumbers or radishes. If you want a unique twist, try adding some crispy chickpeas or croutons for an interesting texture that complements the salad's freshness.
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).