Strawberry And Spinach Salad With Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette: A Refreshing Summer Recipe
This salad combines a variety of ingredients to achieve a unique flavor. You’ll use fresh strawberries, washed and sliced thin. Baby spinach leaves form the base, providing a crisp and nutritious foundation. For added texture, include sliced almonds or walnuts. Cheese options, such as crumbled feta or goat cheese, contribute a creamy element.
For the vinaigrette, mix honey, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance the overall taste. Optionally, you can add crushed garlic for a bit more flavor complexity.
Health Benefits
This salad comes packed with numerous health benefits due to its diverse ingredients. Strawberries, rich sources of antioxidants, support your immune system and help reduce inflammation. Spinach, high in vitamins A and C, boosts skin health and strengthens the immune response.
Nuts like almonds and walnuts add healthy fats, which aid in heart health and lower cholesterol. The inclusion of cheese offers calcium, essential for bone health. Finally, the honey balsamic vinaigrette, especially when made with extra virgin olive oil, provides monounsaturated fats, known to improve heart health.
The combined nutrients from these ingredients make the Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette a nutritionally balanced choice.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Cleaning and Prepping the Ingredients
Wash the spinach and strawberries under cold water. Remove spinach stems if large. Pat the leaves dry using a paper towel. For the strawberries, remove the stems and slice them into thin pieces. If you plan to use almonds or walnuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant, usually 2-3 minutes. Crumble the feta or goat cheese and set aside.
Making Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a small mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies. Optionally, add 1 clove of crushed garlic for extra flavor. Once combined, the vinaigrette should have a smooth consistency.
Nutritional Value
Caloric Breakdown
A serving of Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette provides around 200 calories. This includes calories from strawberries, spinach, nuts, cheese, and the vinaigrette. Strawberries contribute about 50 calories per cup, spinach adds approximately 7 calories per cup, and nuts such as sliced almonds or walnuts add around 100 calories for a small handful. Cheese, like feta or goat cheese, offers roughly 75 calories per ounce, and the vinaigrette contributes about 50 calories per tablespoon due to the honey and olive oil.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
This salad provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, offering 85mg per cup, which supports your immune system. Spinach supplies vitamin A, with 2,813 IU per cup, vital for vision and skin health. Nuts provide vitamin E and magnesium, with 6mg of vitamin E and 80mg of magnesium per small handful. Cheese adds calcium, supplying about 200mg per ounce, essential for bone health. The vinaigrette’s olive oil contributes vitamin K, around 8.1mcg per tablespoon, important for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
By combining these ingredients, the salad ensures a nutritional boost, making it a health-conscious choice for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Best Times to Serve
Offer the Strawberry and Spinach Salad during spring and summer, when strawberries are at their peak freshness. Serve it at picnics, barbecues, or brunches to showcase its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Use it as a light lunch or dinner option on warmer days to enjoy a refreshing and nutritious meal.
Accompaniments
Pair the salad with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a protein boost. Match it with crusty bread or a light soup to create a balanced meal. Complement the salad with a glass of chilled white wine or a fresh lemonade for a harmonious dining experience. Include it in a spread of various appetizers like bruschetta, cheese platters, and vegetable dips to provide a variety of textures and flavors.
Conclusion
Creating a Strawberry and Spinach Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is a delightful way to enjoy a burst of freshness and nutrition. Its vibrant flavors and versatility make it perfect for various occasions, from casual picnics to elegant dinners. Pair it with your favorite proteins and accompaniments to craft a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Embrace the simplicity and health benefits this salad offers, and you’ll find it becoming a favorite staple in your culinary repertoire.
