Spinach Salad with Strawberry Viniagrette

Nothing is quite as sweet as a juicy, vine-ripe strawberry on a hot day. This strawberry spinach salad screams summer; and, if you’re looking for the perfect showstopper to bring to your next barbecue or potluck this salad is the answer. Get ready for all the recipe requests!

This salad is the perfect pairing for just about all of my favorite summer meals: grilled salmon, chicken, steak, burgers, or brats. I also find this flavorful salad is a welcome addition as a side to some of my favorite comfort foods like risotto or creamy chicken penne Alfredo with a crusty baguette.

Pro tip: keep the dressing separate, and leftovers keep well for a healthy lunch the next day! Mix and match your favorite nuts and cheese - this salad can handle all the modifications.

Strawberry Spinach Summer Salad

Cook Time: 15 minutes, Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 bag of Spinach

• 8oz Strawberries, halved

• 1 Large Avocado, sliced

• 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 Cup Crumbled Feta

• 1/3 Cup Almonds, sliced

• 1/3 Cup Pistachios, shelled and crushed

For the Dressing:

• 1 Cup Strawberries

• 3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil

• 1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

• 1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard

• 1 Garlic Clove

• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Add vinaigrette ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Assemble salad, layering spinach, strawberries, red onions, nuts, and feta cheese.

3. When ready to serve toss with dressing, adding slowly (about 1 Tbsp at a time) until leaves are just lightly coated with dressing.

4. Enjoy!

Note: If you have sweeter tastebuds in your house, or don’t feel like spending on more strawberries just for the vinaigrette I’ve been known to use 1-2 Tbsp of Crofters Strawberry Preserves instead. Not quite as healthy, but it tastes even better.