Strawberry Spinach Delight

$- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried - 2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced - 1/2 cup walnuts, gently toasted until fragrant - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness - 1 teaspoon poppy seeds for added crunch - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste This salad serves four people. Each serving has about: - Calories: 220 - Protein: 5g - Carbohydrates: 14g - Fat: 18g - Fiber: 3g - Sugar: 6g - Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C. It helps with eye health and boosts immunity. - Strawberries are high in antioxidants. They support heart health and can lower blood pressure. - Walnuts add healthy fats and protein. They are good for brain health and reduce inflammation. - Feta cheese provides calcium and protein. It helps strengthen bones and supports muscle health. - Red onion contains quercetin. This can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. - Olive oil is loaded with healthy fats. It can lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. - Apple cider vinegar aids digestion and can help manage blood sugar levels. - Honey adds natural sweetness. It has antioxidants and can soothe sore throats. - Poppy seeds offer minerals like calcium and magnesium. They help with bone health and muscle function. Each ingredient adds not only flavor but also health benefits. Enjoying this salad is a delicious way to nourish your body! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need fresh baby spinach, ripe strawberries, walnuts, feta cheese, and red onion. Make sure to wash and dry the spinach well. This keeps the salad crisp. Hull and slice the strawberries thinly. Toast the walnuts until they smell nice. This brings out their flavor. Finally, crumble the feta cheese and slice the red onion finely. In a large mixing bowl, add the dry spinach. Next, layer the sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, and red onion on top. This creates a nice, colorful presentation. Make sure everything is spread out evenly. This way, every bite gets a mix of flavors. For the dressing, take a small bowl. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds in it. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk this mixture well until it looks smooth and blended. This dressing adds a sweet and tangy taste to the salad. Once done, drizzle it over the salad ingredients in the big bowl. Toss gently to mix everything without breaking the spinach leaves. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy this fresh and tasty dish right away! To keep your salad fresh, wash the spinach just before you use it. Dry it well to avoid sogginess. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain crispness. Choose ripe strawberries that are bright red and firm. They add the best flavor and color. You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until serving. This keeps the spinach from wilting. You can slice the strawberries and chop the onion ahead too. Just store them in the fridge in separate containers. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. You can also mix in some fresh herbs. Mint or basil works well. These herbs add a nice twist to the classic flavor. For a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. This adds warmth and depth to your salad. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest strawberries and spinach to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad. Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts not only brings out their natural oils but also adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the salad. Balance the Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the sweetness with more honey or acidity with extra vinegar to suit your preference. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the salad right after tossing to preserve the freshness and crunch of the ingredients. {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients if needed. Use baby kale instead of spinach. Arugula adds a spicy kick. If you don't have walnuts, try pecans or almonds. For cheese, goat cheese works well too. You can skip the cheese for a dairy-free option. Want to make it a full meal? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. Chickpeas are a great plant-based choice. You can also use hard-boiled eggs for extra richness. Each option makes the salad heartier and more filling. You can change this salad with the seasons. In summer, add peaches or blueberries. Fall calls for apples and pecans. In winter, try citrus fruits for zing. Each season gives a new twist, keeping it fresh and exciting. Store any leftover salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. To avoid sogginess, add dressing only to the portion you plan to eat. The salad holds well for one day in the fridge. After that, the spinach may wilt. This salad is best served cold. You don't need to reheat it. If you stored it, just take it out and toss it gently. This brings back the fresh look. If you prefer it warm, try briefly warming the walnuts. Add them back to the salad for a nice twist. To keep spinach fresh, wash it and dry it well. Store it in a container with a paper towel. This absorbs moisture and keeps it crisp. For strawberries, keep them in their original packaging. You can also use a breathable container. Avoid washing them until you are ready to eat. This helps them stay fresh longer. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, they may lose some texture. Thaw them first and drain extra moisture. This keeps your salad fresh and crisp. Fresh strawberries taste better, but frozen may work in a pinch. If you want to replace feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both have a creamy texture. You can also use crumbled tofu for a dairy-free option. Each choice brings a different flavor to the salad. The poppyseed dressing can last up to one week in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Always give it a quick shake or stir before using it to mix any separated ingredients. This blog post covered important details for making a delicious salad. We looked at the best ingredients, their health benefits, and how to prepare them. You learned how to mix your salad and make a tasty poppyseed dressing. I shared tips on storing leftovers and enhancing flavors. Plus, you discovered variations for extra fun! Remember to choose fresh ingredients and enjoy your salad with your own twists. Happy cooking!$

Strawberry Spinach Delight

A refreshing salad combining fresh spinach, strawberries, and a delightful poppyseed dressing.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh baby spinach, thoroughly washed and dried
2 cups ripe strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, gently toasted until fragrant
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces
1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey for sweetness
1 teaspoon poppy seeds for added crunch
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, add the freshly washed baby spinach, making sure it's dry to avoid a soggy salad.
On top of the spinach, artfully arrange the sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion to create a colorful display.
In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it emulsifies and is well blended, forming your delightful dressing.
Carefully drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the vibrant salad ingredients in the large bowl, ensuring even coverage.
With gentle hands, toss the salad lightly to combine all ingredients, making sure they are evenly coated with the dressing without bruising the spinach.
Give the salad a taste, adjusting the seasoning as necessary. You can add a sprinkle of salt or a touch more honey depending on your preferred flavor balance.
Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients at their peak!

Notes

Consider serving the salad in individual bowls or plates. Garnish each serving with additional slices of strawberry and a sprinkle of poppy seeds.

Keyword healthy, salad, spinach, strawberry, vegetarian