Strawberry spinach salad
strawberry spinach calorie conscious creation salad
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08 Jun 2025I remember the first time I tried a strawberry spinach salad. It was at a tiny cafe in Napa Valley during a road trip. I wasn't expecting much, but oh my goodness, the explosion of flavors was incredible! The sweetness of the strawberries, the slight bitterness of the spinach, the creamy goat cheese—it all came together in a symphony of deliciousness. Ever since, I've been hooked. This salad is not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, it's quick and easy to throw together, which is a huge win in my book. Who has time to spend hours in the kitchen these days?
Now, let's be real, calorie counting can feel like a drag, right? But this salad is so naturally delicious that you won't even feel like you're depriving yourself. The key is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and a light, homemade vinaigrette. No heavy, store-bought dressings here! We're keeping it real and keeping it light. I've tweaked this recipe over the years to find the perfect balance of flavors and textures. And trust me, it's a crowd-pleaser. I've served it at countless potlucks and dinner parties, and it's always a hit. Even my picky niece, Lily, who turns her nose up at most vegetables, loves this salad. That's how you know it's a winner!
Required Equipments
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Salad Spinner
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Strawberry Spinach Calorie Conscious Creation Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry Spinach Calorie Conscious Creation Salad
Indulge in this Strawberry Spinach Salad, a calorie-conscious creation that blends the sweetness of strawberries with the earthy taste of spinach, topped with tangy goat cheese and a light balsamic vinaigrette. It's a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Wash the spinach: Place the spinach in a large bowl filled with cold water. Swish it around to remove any dirt or sand. Lift the spinach out of the water (leaving the sediment behind) and transfer it to a salad spinner. Spin until the spinach is dry.
- Prepare the strawberries: Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops. Slice them into thin, even pieces – about 1/4 inch thick.
- Toast the pecans (optional): In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecan pieces. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the pecans are fragrant and lightly toasted. Watch them closely so they don't burn!
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the washed and dried spinach, sliced strawberries, and toasted pecans (if using).
- Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. If using a jar, you can shake the ingredients together instead.
- Assemble the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the spinach and strawberry mixture. Toss gently to ensure the spinach is evenly coated.
- Add goat cheese: Crumble the goat cheese over the salad. Be generous – it adds a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the spinach at its freshest. If you're not serving right away, hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving.
📝 Notes
- For a vegan option, replace goat cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 220 kcal
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Calcium: 50mg
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