Strawberry Spinach Salad
User Reviews
5
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Description
Strawberry Spinach Salad blends tender spinach leaves with juicy strawberries for a bright and fresh base. The dressing's combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, distilled white vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion creates a slightly sweet, tangy, and flavorful coating that complements the salad ingredients. Tossing the chilled dressing together with the salad just before serving ensures the spinach stays crisp and the flavors stay vibrant. Adding roasted pecans lends a toasty texture that enhances the overall experience.
The crunchy and juicy salad works well as a side dish or light lunch, especially during warmer months. The balance of tart berries and savory, slightly sweet dressing makes it a versatile option to serve alongside grilled proteins or as part of a picnic spread.
To maintain freshness, the recipe suggests preparing dressing and salad separately and mixing right before serving. Using different berries or adding mild cheeses like feta can customize the salad to taste. The dressing can be stored chilled for up to three days in a sealed container and shaken well before use.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white vinegar distilled
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion minced
- 10 ounces spinach dried, and torn into bite-size pieces, fresh, rinsed
- 1 quart strawberry hulled, and sliced, cleaned
- 1/4 cup pecans optional, roasted
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries, and pecans. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Prepare the dressing separately in advance and chill it to allow flavors to meld well.
- Store the salad and dressing separately up to three days to keep spinach crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Consider substituting strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or grapes for variations.
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy contrast, if desired.
- Roasted pecans add texture but can be omitted or replaced with other nuts.
- Adding grilled chicken can transform this side salad into a main dish.
- Shake the dressing container well before using after refrigeration to re-mix ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 338 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 338kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 42mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 545mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 4490IU | 90% |
| Vitamin C | 106mg | 118% |
| Calcium | 122mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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