Strawberry Spinach Salad

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I was craving a strawberry salad, and we were invited to a friend’s pool party this weekend.  No better time to whip one up.  I was in a bit of a hurry, so this one uses a store-bought salad dressing.  Garlic Expressions Vinaigrette is one of my favorites that goes well on anything, but a nice balsamic vinaigrette or lemon poppyseed dressing would also taste good.  I usually like to make my own dressing, but when you’re in a pinch, there’s nothing wrong with reaching for a bottle in your fridge.  This salad is perfect for a summer BBQ.  I love the sweetness that the strawberries and grapes add.  Goat cheese always compliments strawberries.  And I love adding a chewy texture with the dried cranberries and then a little crunch with the candied walnuts.  You get great texture and flavor in every bite. 

One thing to note, and this is true for any salad, flavors are enhanced when it’s not drowning in salad dressing.  Go lightly at first.  You can always add more to your preference.

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Strawberry Spinach Salad

Yield: 6-8

Prep time: 20 MinTotal time: 20 Min

Perfect for a summer BBQ!

Ingredients

• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon butter
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 5 ounces spring mix salad
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ cups strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
• 4-5 tablespoons Garlic Expressions Vinaigrette salad dressing, divided

Instructions

1. Heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Add the walnuts, sugar, and butter and stir to coat.  Stir frequently, so it doesn’t burn until the sugar melts, and the nuts are coated, about 4-5 minutes.  Transfer immediately to a sheet of parchment paper and quickly separate the nuts.  Let cool while you assemble the salad.
2. Add the spinach, spring mix, and 3 tablespoons Garlic Expressions Vinaigrette salad dressing in a large bowl. Toss to coat the leaves.  Add the red onion, strawberries, grapes, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and walnuts.  Toss lightly to combine and serve.

Notes:

The flavors of a salad are enhanced when it’s not swimming in salad dressing.  You may drizzle another tablespoon or two but add it slowly, tasting it as you go.  I like my salads lightly dressed.

I like making this salad with half spring mix and half baby spinach, but you can use all spinach if you’re a spinach lover.