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You know, I have this friend, Maria, who swears she doesn't like salads. It's always the same old story – 'rabbit food,' 'boring,' 'where's the flavor?' I get it, I really do. But then, one sunny afternoon, I convinced her to try this Strawberry Spinach Zestful Salad. The look on her face was priceless. Her eyes lit up! She couldn't believe how much flavor was packed into one bowl. From the sweetness of the ripe strawberries to the slight bitterness of the fresh spinach and the bright, zingy citrus dressing, it’s like a party in your mouth. This salad is so amazing, I'm sure you'll love it!
What I really adore about this salad is its versatility. It's not just a side dish; it's a complete experience. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, sprinkle some toasted nuts for added crunch, or even crumble some feta cheese for a salty tang. It’s also super easy to customize the dressing to your liking – add a touch of honey for extra sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Plus, it comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. It's a salad that adapts to you and your tastes!
This Strawberry Spinach Zestful Salad bursts with sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and a tangy citrus dressing. It’s a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Wash and dry the spinach: Thoroughly wash 6 ounces of fresh spinach under cold running water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Prepare the strawberries: Hull and slice 1 pound of fresh strawberries. I prefer slicing them about ¼ inch thick, but you can adjust based on your preference. Set aside.
Make the citrus dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is emulsified. If you don't have fresh juice, bottled juice will work in a pinch, but fresh is always better!
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach and sliced strawberries. Gently toss the salad to mix the ingredients evenly.
Dress the salad: Pour the citrus dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat the spinach and strawberries with the dressing. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy.
Add toppings (optional): If desired, add toppings such as ¼ cup of toasted almonds or walnuts, ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese, or grilled chicken or shrimp.
Serve immediately: Serve the Strawberry Spinach Zestful Salad immediately. This salad is best when served fresh to prevent the spinach from wilting. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
For a sweeter salad, add a little more honey to the dressing. If you like a bit of tang, add extra lemon juice. Try different berries as well!
To toast the almonds or walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
A salad can be more than just greens; it's a canvas for creativity, a celebration of fresh flavors, and a delightful way to nourish your body and soul.