Elegant Spinach Strawberry Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette
Discover the delightful fusion of fresh spinach and sweet, vibrant strawberries in this Elegant Spinach Strawberry Salad. Initially, the combination might seem unusual, but the interplay of flavors creates a refreshing symphony that elevates any meal. The addition of toasted pecans provides a satisfying crunch, while the house-made raspberry vinaigrette, featuring Roland's exquisite raspberry red wine vinegar, adds a burst of tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the salad's other elements. Serve it in a crystal bowl for an eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests at dinner parties or family gatherings. Ideal for spring and summer occasions, this salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning.
N/A
Servings
233
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach
1 lb (thoroughly washed and larger stems pinched off)
Strawberries
1 pint (sliced, with a few reserved for garnish)
Pecans
1/2 cup (toasted)
Roland Raspberry Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 cup (n/a)
Sugar or Sugar Substitute
1/2 cup (n/a)
Dry Mustard
1 teaspoon (n/a)
Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup (n/a)
Poppy Seeds
2 teaspoons (n/a)
Instructions
1
Start by toasting the pecans over low heat until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
2
In a small bowl or jar, combine the Roland raspberry red wine vinegar, sugar (or sugar substitute), dry mustard, and vegetable oil. Close the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is well emulsified. Alternatively, use a high-speed mini-mixer for a smoother dressing.
3
In a large salad bowl, place the washed spinach leaves and sliced strawberries. Gently toss to combine.
4
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is evenly coated.
5
Just before serving, garnish the salad with the reserved strawberry slices and sprinkle with toasted pecans and poppy seeds for an added touch of elegance.
6
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base of the Elegant Spinach Strawberry Salad?
The primary base of the salad is 1 lb of thoroughly washed spinach with the larger stems pinched off.
What fruit provides the sweet flavor in this recipe?
Fresh strawberries provide the sweet flavor, with one pint sliced for the salad and some reserved for garnish.
Which nut is included for added crunch?
Toasted pecans are included to provide a satisfying crunch to the salad.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 233 calories per serving.
What specific type of vinegar is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using Roland Raspberry Red Wine Vinegar for the vinaigrette.
What type of oil is used in the raspberry vinaigrette?
The dressing uses 3/4 cup of vegetable oil.
Which seeds are used as an elegant garnish?
Two teaspoons of poppy seeds are sprinkled over the salad just before serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains approximately 18g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does this salad contain?
Each serving contains about 15g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the salad?
The salad provides 2g of protein per serving.
How should the pecans be prepared?
Pecans should be toasted over low heat until they are fragrant, then cooled completely.
How much sugar is required for the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar or a sugar substitute.
Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
Yes, a sugar substitute can be used in place of regular sugar in the vinaigrette.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
One pint of strawberries should be sliced, while keeping a few whole for garnishing the final dish.
How much spinach is needed for this salad?
The recipe requires 1 lb of fresh spinach.
What is the best way to prepare the spinach leaves?
The leaves should be thoroughly washed and the larger, tougher stems should be pinched off.
How do you properly emulsify the dressing?
You can shake the ingredients vigorously in a tightly closed jar or use a high-speed mini-mixer.
What kind of mustard is used in the raspberry vinaigrette?
One teaspoon of dry mustard is used to add flavor and help with emulsification.
When should the dressing be added to the salad?
The dressing should be drizzled over the spinach and strawberries and tossed just before serving.
When are the garnish ingredients added?
The reserved strawberry slices, toasted pecans, and poppy seeds are added just before serving for elegance.
During which seasons is this salad most ideal?
This salad is perfect for spring and summer occasions when strawberries are fresh.
What is the suggested serving vessel for an eye-catching presentation?
Serving the salad in a crystal bowl is suggested for an impressive presentation.
Is this salad suitable for formal events?
Yes, it is specifically designed for dinner parties, family gatherings, and elegant occasions.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used to create this salad and dressing.
Why is it recommended to serve the salad immediately?
Immediate serving ensures the freshest flavors and maintains the crisp texture of the spinach.
What flavor profile does the raspberry vinegar contribute?
The Roland raspberry red wine vinegar adds a burst of tangy sweetness.
What texture do the pecans add to the dish?
The toasted pecans provide a satisfying, crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft strawberries.
Is there a specific brand of vinegar mentioned?
Yes, the recipe specifically highlights Roland's raspberry red wine vinegar.
Is this considered a healthy meal option?
Yes, the salad is tagged as healthy and fresh, making it a great light meal or side dish.
How would you describe the overall flavor experience of this salad?
It is described as a refreshing symphony of flavors resulting from the fusion of spinach and sweet strawberries.