Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Strawberry Spinach Salad! Imagine a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that will transport you to a gourmet paradise in just minutes. This isn't just a salad - it's a celebration of fresh ingredients that will revolutionize your approach to healthy eating, making nutrition deliciously irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of candied pecans, 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese, and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinaigrette.
- Rinse the fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Pat the spinach dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- In a large salad bowl, add the cleaned spinach as the base of your salad.
- Slice the strawberries into thin pieces. You can leave the green tops on for a more rustic look or remove them for a cleaner presentation. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the spinach.
- Next, sprinkle the candied pecans over the spinach and strawberries. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can roughly chop the pecans before adding them.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly over the salad. The creamy texture and strong flavor of the blue cheese will complement the sweetness of the strawberries and the crunch of the pecans.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with about half of the vinaigrette and add more to taste. This will allow you to control the amount of dressing and ensure it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
- Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or two large spoons. Be careful not to bruise the spinach or strawberries while mixing. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans and Blue Cheese!
Tips
- Always use the freshest spinach possible - look for bright green, crisp leaves without any wilting.
- For maximum flavor, slice strawberries just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Toast your candied pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Use high-quality blue cheese for a more robust taste - artisanal varieties work best.
- Dress the salad right before serving to prevent the spinach from becoming soggy.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Experiment with different vinaigrettes to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 209kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
