Refreshing Spinach and Berry Medley Salad
This vibrant, refreshing salad combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries and crisp apples with the zest of jalapenos and the freshness of cilantro. Tossed with tender baby spinach and drizzled with Chef Marie's Basil Garlic Citrus Vinaigrette, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish at your next gathering, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
strawberries
2 cups (washed, hulled, and sliced)
McIntosh apple
1/2 medium (diced)
Granny Smith apple
1/2 medium (diced)
green onions
2 (sliced)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 large (seeded and minced)
ascorbic acid
to taste (optional)
Baby Spinach
6 cups (washed and torn into bite-sized pieces)
Basil Garlic Citrus Vinaigrette
to taste (homemade or store-bought, for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and diced apples. If desired, sprinkle lightly with ascorbic acid to prevent browning.
2
Add the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeno to the fruit mixture, gently stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
3
Let the fruit mixture sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
In a large bowl, place the washed and torn baby spinach. Pour the fruit mixture on top and gently toss to mix everything together thoroughly.
5
Drizzle your preferred amount of Basil Garlic Citrus Vinaigrette over the salad before serving.
6
Serve the salad on chilled plates, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired for an added touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Spinach and Berry Medley Salad?
It is a vibrant salad that combines baby spinach with a sweet and spicy medley of strawberries, apples, jalapenos, and cilantro, dressed in a basil garlic citrus vinaigrette.
What kind of spinach is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh baby spinach that has been washed and torn into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
Which types of apples are used in this salad?
This recipe uses a combination of half a McIntosh apple and half a Granny Smith apple to provide a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I substitute the strawberries with other berries?
Yes, while strawberries provide a classic sweetness, you can experiment with blueberries or raspberries, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Why should I let the fruit mixture sit for 20 to 30 minutes?
Allowing the fruit, onions, cilantro, and jalapeno to sit helps the flavors meld together, creating a more cohesive taste before adding it to the spinach.
Is this salad spicy?
The salad contains one large minced jalapeno, which adds a mild to moderate kick. You can remove the seeds to reduce the heat or omit it entirely if preferred.
What is the purpose of ascorbic acid in this recipe?
Ascorbic acid, which is essentially Vitamin C powder, is used to prevent the diced apples from browning while the mixture sits.
Can I use lemon juice instead of ascorbic acid?
Yes, a light squeeze of lemon or lime juice is a common household substitute for preventing fruit oxidation and browning.
What dressing is recommended for this salad?
Chef Marie's Basil Garlic Citrus Vinaigrette is recommended to complement the fresh fruit and greens.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including the spinach, fruit, and vinaigrette, are plant-based, making it a vegan-friendly dish.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.
How many cups of spinach are needed?
You will need approximately 6 cups of baby spinach for this recipe.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the fruit mixture up to 30 minutes ahead, but it is best to toss with the spinach and dressing right before serving to prevent wilting.
What should I do if I don't like cilantro?
If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh flat-leaf parsley or fresh mint for a different refreshing profile.
How should the jalapeno be prepared?
The jalapeno should be seeded and finely minced so that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the fruit mixture.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely. To make it a full meal, you could add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or toasted walnuts for extra protein and crunch.
How should the strawberries be prepped?
Strawberries should be washed, hulled (stems removed), and sliced before being added to the bowl.
Is this salad high in nutrients?
Yes, it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the spinach, strawberries, apples, and peppers.
Can I use green onions?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for two sliced green onions to add a mild savory element to the fruit medley.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
It is best served on chilled plates to keep the greens crisp and the fruit refreshing.
Can I use a different vinaigrette?
While Basil Garlic Citrus is recommended, any light balsamic or poppyseed dressing would also pair well with these ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Once dressed, the salad does not store well as the spinach will wilt. It is recommended to only dress the portion you intend to eat immediately.
Can I use red apples instead?
Yes, though using a mix of McIntosh and Granny Smith provides a specific balance of texture and acidity that complements the vinaigrette.
Is this a good side dish for a BBQ?
Yes, its refreshing nature makes it an excellent side dish for grilled meats and outdoor summer gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 key ingredients including the produce, optional ascorbic acid, and the dressing.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh cilantro?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for the best flavor.
How should the apples be cut?
The apples should be diced into small pieces to ensure they mix well with the sliced strawberries.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy addition to any meal, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and a citrus-based dressing.
Can I garnish the salad?
Yes, the instructions suggest garnishing with extra cilantro for an added touch and visual appeal.
How much dressing should I use?
The recipe suggests drizzling your preferred amount of vinaigrette over the salad just before serving to suit your personal taste.