Strawberry And Spinach Salad
A fresh and vibrant strawberry and spinach salad featuring sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a tangy orange vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. fresh orange juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. honey ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
- 1 lb. fresh spinach, washed with stems removed ⓘ
- 2 c. fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 sweet yellow pepper, sliced in rings
- 1/4 c. pecan halves ⓘ
- edible, pesticide-free flowers for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, honey, poppy seed, and mustard in a small bowl; stir well to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, place washed spinach leaves.
- Add sliced strawberries, yellow pepper rings, and pecan halves to the spinach.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with edible flowers before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty twist, consider adding sliced avocados or substituting the pecans with walnuts. If you're looking for a vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup. Ensure your strawberries are ripe for the best flavor, and feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits. This salad can also serve as a light meal when paired with grilled chicken from Grandmother'S Special Pork Chops.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant salad as a refreshing starter or as a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken and can be complemented with crusty bread. Consider serving with a glass of white wine for a delightful meal. For a festive touch, it can also be part of a summer picnic spread alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. When ready to eat, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy it fresh. Avoid reheating as this salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry And Spinach Salad contains roughly 273 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g 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 prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the spinach and prevent it from wilting. Store the greens, fruits, and dressing separately to keep everything fresh.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you're not a fan of spinach, you can use kale or arugula as a base for this salad. Both greens will add a unique flavor and texture. Just ensure that you massage the kale a bit to soften it if you choose that option.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more substantial, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also complement the flavors of the salad beautifully.
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).