Name: Spinach Strawberry Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 16 ounce bag, washed Organic Spinach (8 cups); 1 sliced thin Red Onion or; 4 cups Organic Strawberries, stem removed and sliced thin; 1 English cucumber, cut into coins; 1 cup, chopped Walnuts (optional); 2 Cups cooked red quinoa (or quinoa of choice); 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar; 3 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup; 3 Tablespoons Poppy Seeds; 1/4 cup Unsweetened Unflavored Almond Milk; 3 Tablespoons Coconut Flour; 2 Tablespoons Lemon juice; 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard; 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder; 2 teaspoons Fresh Ground Pepper; 1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt; 1 cup fresh organic strawberries; 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar; 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard; 3 Tablespoons water

When spring is in the air and fresh strawberries starting to hit the supermarket shelves, I look forward to making spinach strawberry salad. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to see a surplus of organic strawberries in the market this morning, so I took advantage of the sale. With strawberries in season, it seemed the perfect time for a spinach strawberry salad recipe.

But, it’s important to remember the dirty dozen when making salads this spring and summer. Although I try to always buy organic, there are certain fruits and vegetables that are a must in the organic section.

Strawberries and spinach, for example, contain the highest amount of pesticides, so buying organic is a MUST! So, buy organic when making a spinach strawberry salad.

LIST OF DIRTY DOZEN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Strawberries
Spinach
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes
Kale

Even though I always try to buy organic, sometimes, it just isn’t available. Then, I choose non-organic produce with a thick skin such as pineapple, bananas, or onions, but I always try to buy organic first.

INGREDIENTS IN SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD

The flavors you choose for the combination of salad ingredients make a salad incredible. For instance, Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions provide a sweet and tangy taste when mixed with greens, while the strawberries give a subtle, sweet taste. The addition of red quinoa, for example, gives a nutty flavor without adding nuts to the spinach strawberry salad.

2 cups cooked red quinoa (or any color works)
1 cup thinly sliced red onion or Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions
8 cups organic raw baby spinach
16-ounce bag washed Organic Spinach (8 cups)
4 cups Organic Strawberries, stem removed and sliced thin
1 English cucumber, cut into coins
1 cup, chopped Walnuts (optional)

HOW TO COOK QUINOA PERFECT EVERY TIME FOR SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD

In order to make the most of every salad, my goal is to include incredible ingredients with the best nutritional value. Quinoa, for instance, is one of my favorite salad ingredients. Not only does it provide a nutty flavor, but it is also high in protein.

For some reason, people struggle when cooking quinoa. So, if you need a few tips, check out How to Cook Quinoa. Once the quinoa is cooked, it is best to allow it to cool completely before adding to a cold salad.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD IN ADVANCE TO KEEP IT FRESH

Usually, I like to prep my dinners or lunches in advance. For that reason, it is important to dress this salad in advance. Also, if using Simple Rosemary Infused Pickled Red Onions, I like to lay them on a paper towel to drain before I add them to the spinach strawberry salad. Another tip is to make a well in the middle of the spinach for the quinoa, so all the ingredients stay fresh and don’t get soggy.

Once the quinoa is cool, placing the quinoa inside the well allows it to stay fresh. Then, I assemble the rest of the ingredients around the bowl. Since the strawberries are the highlight of this spinach strawberry salad, I dispersed the strawberries on both sides of the bowl.

OTHER POSSIBLE INGREDIENTS TO ADD TO SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD RECIPE

This particular salad is spinach based, but feel free to add any of your favorite greens. Spinach is a superfood loaded with tons of nutrients in a low-calorie package. Dark, leafy greens like spinach are important for skin, hair, and bone health. Spinach also provides protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals. The health benefits are endless.

Tofu Feta Cheese
Walnuts
Almonds
Tomatoes
Avocado
Dried cranberries

TWO DRESSING OPTIONS: PICK YOUR FAVORITE FLAVOR

Of course, the dressing brings it all together which id my favorite part. Since I do not cook with oil, and I LOVE dressing, I couldn’t make up my mind, so I made two different dressing to choose from. To be honest, I don’t know which one I like better, so I made both and used a little of each to see which one was the winner.

When trying to eat healthily, many people make the mistake of using a lot of fatty dressing. The healthy salad ends up having more calories and fat than a heavy fattening meal. Although the intention of eating healthy exists, it goes right out the window with the fat-laden dressing. And we all love a lot of dressing.

OIL-FREE POPPYSEED DRESSING:

1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
3 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
3 Tablespoons Poppy Seeds
1/4 cup Unsweetened Unflavored Almond Milk
3 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
2 Tablespoons Lemon juice
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
2 teaspoons Fresh Ground Pepper
1 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt

OIL-FREE STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING

1 cup of fresh organic strawberries
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
3 Tablespoons water

I LOVE the combination of sweet and crunch in every bite. And, if you want to pair it with a great spring soup, try Quinoa Vegetable Soup.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SALADS TO WELCOME SPRING, CHECK OUT THESE RECIPES

4 servings