Refreshing Berry-Melon Avocado Spinach Salad
This vibrant Refreshing Berry-Melon Avocado Spinach Salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with sweet strawberries and juicy cantaloupe, complemented by creamy avocado slices and nutrient-rich baby spinach, this salad serves as an ideal starter or a light meal. The honey-mint dressing adds a subtle sweetness and tang, bringing all the flavors together. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a nutritious lunch, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite for families and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
95
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
1/4 cup (none)
Sherry wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (or red-wine vinegar)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 pinch (none)
Baby spinach
4 cups (none)
Avocado
1 small (4-5 ounces) (peeled, pitted, and cut into 16 slices)
Cantaloupe
16 thin slices (rind removed (about 1/2 small cantaloupe))
Strawberries
1 1/2 cups (hulled and sliced)
Sesame seeds
2 teaspoons (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sherry wine vinegar, finely chopped mint, fresh ground pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined. If desired, prepare this dressing up to one day in advance and refrigerate.
2
On four individual salad plates, evenly divide the baby spinach as a base.
3
On top of each bed of spinach, arrange the avocado and cantaloupe slices in a visually appealing alternating fan pattern.
4
Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries over each salad.
5
Drizzle the prepared honey-mint dressing over the top of each salad.
6
Generously sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dressed salads for added texture and flavor.
7
Tip: To toast sesame seeds, heat a small dry skillet over low heat. Add the sesame seeds and stir constantly until they turn golden and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes. Carefully transfer to a small bowl and let them cool before using.
Nutrition Information
3.5g
Fat
15.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
7.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Berry-Melon Avocado Spinach Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring fresh strawberries, juicy cantaloupe, creamy avocado, and baby spinach, tossed in a honey-mint dressing.
What ingredients are needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires honey, sherry wine vinegar (or red-wine vinegar), finely chopped fresh mint, fresh ground pepper, and a pinch of salt.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this salad contains 95 calories.
What type of spinach should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of baby spinach as the salad base.
Can I use a substitute for sherry wine vinegar?
Yes, you can use red-wine vinegar as a substitute for sherry wine vinegar.
How do I prepare the mint?
You should use 2 tablespoons of fresh mint and chop it finely.
Can the dressing be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the honey-mint dressing up to one day in advance and keep it refrigerated.
How do I prepare the avocado?
Use one small avocado (4-5 ounces), peel it, pit it, and cut it into 16 even slices.
How many slices of cantaloupe are needed?
You will need 16 thin slices of cantaloupe with the rind removed, which is about half of a small cantaloupe.
How should the strawberries be prepared?
You need 1.5 cups of strawberries that have been hulled and sliced.
How do I arrange the salad?
Lay a bed of spinach on a plate, then arrange avocado and cantaloupe slices in an alternating fan pattern on top, followed by strawberries.
How do I toast the sesame seeds?
Heat a small dry skillet over low heat, add the seeds, and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
Is this salad a good source of fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5g of fiber.
What is the fat content of this salad?
Each serving contains 3.5g of fat.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 7.5g of sugar per serving.
Does this salad contain protein?
Yes, there are 2g of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate levels?
Each serving contains 15.5g of carbohydrates.
What kind of occasions is this salad suitable for?
It is perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as a nutritious starter for a meal.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe that is quick to prepare.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the instructions to use four individual plates, it serves four people.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on top to provide added texture and flavor.
Can I use different types of fruit?
While the recipe specifies berries and melon, you can experiment with similar fresh fruits, though it may change the nutritional profile.
Is the salad served cold?
Yes, the use of fresh fruit and chilled spinach makes it a refreshing cold dish.
How do I prevent the seeds from burning?
Stir them constantly over low heat and move them to a bowl to cool immediately once they turn golden.
Is there any sodium in this recipe?
The recipe includes a pinch of salt, but specific sodium totals are not provided in the nutritional data.
What is the main flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is sweet and tangy due to the combination of honey and sherry vinegar.
Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?
You can, but baby spinach is preferred for its tender texture and milder flavor.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it contains only plant-based ingredients and honey.
Is this dish vegan?
It contains honey; to make it vegan, you would need to substitute the honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup.
How much salt is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for just one pinch of salt.