Are you craving a mouthwatering salad that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy? Look no further! This Sugar-Free Spinach Strawberry Salad is about to revolutionize your meal prep, offering a perfect blend of crisp spinach, sweet strawberries, and crunchy walnuts that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or simply looking for a quick, elegant dish that impresses, this recipe is your ultimate go-to solution for a nutritious and flavor-packed meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Fresh spinach
- Strawberries
- Walnuts
- Feta cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner.
- Rinse the strawberries and carefully hull them, then slice into thin, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Gently toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the fresh spinach leaves as a base, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle the sliced strawberries evenly across the spinach leaves.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, distributing it gently to cover the surface.
- Add the toasted walnuts, scattering them across the salad for texture and crunch.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and olive oil to create a light dressing.
- Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring even coverage.
- Toss the salad gently to mix ingredients and coat with dressing, being careful not to bruise the spinach leaves.
- Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crispness of the ingredients.
Tips
- Always use fresh, crisp spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor. Washing and thoroughly drying the leaves prevents a soggy salad.
- Toast the walnuts carefully - their flavor intensifies when lightly roasted, but they can burn quickly. Keep a close eye and stir constantly.
- For the best presentation, slice strawberries uniformly to ensure even distribution and a visually appealing dish.
- Prepare the dressing separately and add just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness and prevent wilting.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for a more robust and authentic flavor profile.
- If you're preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's fresh texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 332kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg