Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Name: Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 5 oz (about 6 cups) Fresh spinach; 1 lb Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup Crumbled feta cheese (optional); For Candied Walnuts:; 1 cup Walnut halves or pieces; 2 tbsp Granulated sugar; 1 tbsp Unsalted butter; Pinch Salt; For Balsamic Vinaigrette:; 1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove Garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 cup Olive oil

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Welcome spring with this delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad, a perfect dish to brighten up your March meals. This salad combines the tender earthiness of fresh spinach with the sweet burst of ripe strawberries. The homemade candied walnuts add a wonderful crunch and a touch of sweet-savory complexity, while a simple, tangy balsamic vinaigrette ties all the flavors together beautifully. It's light, refreshing, and full of contrasting textures and tastes, making it an ideal starter or a light lunch.

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Spring Strawberry Spinach Salad with Candied Walnuts and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time10 min

Servings4 servings

DifficultyEasy

Equipment

Small non-stick skilletParchment paperLarge salad bowlWhisk or jar with lid

Instructions

1
Prepare the candied walnuts: In a small non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add walnuts, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until sugar melts and coats the walnuts, and they are lightly toasted. Spread walnuts in a single layer on parchment paper to cool completely and harden. Break into pieces if necessary.
2
Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3
Wash and dry the fresh spinach thoroughly. Place spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl.
4
Just before serving, add the cooled candied walnuts and optional crumbled feta cheese to the salad bowl. Drizzle with the desired amount of balsamic vinaigrette.
5
Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and crisp textures.

Nutrition

Calories420 kcal

Protein8g

Fat30g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare parts of this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the candied walnuts and the balsamic vinaigrette several days in advance and store them separately. Wash and dry the spinach and slice the strawberries a few hours ahead, but keep them separate. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.

What other nuts can I use for the candied walnuts?

Pecans or almonds would also work wonderfully for the candied nuts. Follow the same candying process for similar results. For a less sweet option, you can toast the nuts instead of candying them.

Are there any protein additions that would go well with this salad?

Grilled chicken breast, grilled salmon, or pan-seared shrimp would all be excellent protein additions to make this salad a more substantial main course. For a vegetarian protein, consider adding a sprinkle of chickpeas or lentils.

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RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.