Refreshing Spinach and Strawberry Bliss Salad
Indulge in a vibrant and refreshing Spinach and Strawberry Bliss Salad, a harmony of flavors that comes alive during the peak strawberry season. This delightful salad, inspired by a renowned chef from Palm Springs, California, combines the earthiness of fresh baby spinach with the sweet juiciness of strawberries, topped with crunchy, sugared almonds. The creamy, zesty dressing made with balsamic vinegar, poppy seeds, and a hint of Dijon mustard elevates the dish, making it an ideal starter or a light meal. Perfect for a summer picnic or a fancy dinner party, this salad will have your guests asking for seconds and wondering about your secret ingredient!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh Baby Spinach
8 cups (washed and trimmed,)
fresh strawberries
2 cups (sliced,)
slivered almonds
1/2 cup (not toasted,)
granulated sugar
1/4 cup (for sugaring the almonds,)
water
1 tablespoon (for sugaring the almonds,)
balsamic vinegar
5 teaspoons (preferably 12 years old,)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons
liquid honey
2 teaspoons
poppy seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons
finely chopped fresh chives
3 teaspoons
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the salad greens. Break off any tough stems from the baby spinach and discard them. Rinse the spinach under cool water, then place it in a large bowl filled with ice water. Allow it to chill and crisp while you prepare the other ingredients.
2
For the sugared almonds, combine slivered almonds, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is mostly melted and the nuts turn a lovely golden color. Watch closely to avoid burning; it’s okay if some sugar remains unmelted.
3
Once done, transfer the almonds onto a large plate to cool completely, then break them into smaller pieces. If you wish, these can be prepared a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
4
Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid honey, poppy seeds, and fresh chives until combined.
5
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing is emulsified. Finally, mix in the Dijon mustard, adding salt and black pepper to taste.
6
When you're ready to assemble the salad, remove the spinach from the ice water and pat dry with paper towels. Tear the spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
7
Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the spinach. Toss gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
8
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat the spinach and strawberries without bruising them.
9
Just before serving, sprinkle the sugared almonds on top and give a final gentle toss. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in the Refreshing Spinach and Strawberry Bliss Salad?
The main ingredient is 8 cups of fresh baby spinach, washed and trimmed.
How many strawberries are required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of fresh strawberries, sliced.
How do you prepare the spinach for maximum crispness?
After rinsing, place the baby spinach in a large bowl filled with ice water to allow it to chill and crisp while preparing other ingredients.
How do you make the sugared almonds?
Combine slivered almonds, granulated sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until the sugar is mostly melted and the nuts turn golden.
Can the sugared almonds be prepared in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
What type of vinegar is recommended for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using balsamic vinegar, preferably 12 years old.
What ingredients are used to sweeten the dressing?
The dressing is sweetened using liquid honey and balsamic vinegar.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
It can be made vegan by substituting the honey with a plant-based sweetener like agave or maple syrup and ensuring the Worcestershire sauce is a vegan-friendly version.
How do you emulsify the salad dressing?
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously with the vinegar, honey, and poppy seed mixture until combined.
When should the sugared almonds be added to the salad?
Add the sugared almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What is the secret to preventing the almonds from burning?
Cook them over medium-low heat and watch them closely, stirring occasionally.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this salad?
Fresh strawberries are highly recommended to achieve the intended texture and flavor of the salad.
What role does Dijon mustard play in the recipe?
Dijon mustard adds a hint of zest and helps emulsify the dressing.
How should the spinach be prepared before adding to the bowl?
Tear the spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces after patting them dry with paper towels.
What herbs are included in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh chives.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is there a specific way to toss the salad?
Toss the salad gently to coat the spinach and strawberries without bruising the delicate ingredients.
What are the suggested occasions for serving this salad?
It is ideal for summer picnics, fancy dinner parties, or as a light meal.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The salad was inspired by a renowned chef from Palm Springs, California.
What should I do if some sugar remains unmelted when making the almonds?
The recipe states it is okay if some sugar remains unmelted as long as the nuts turn a golden color.
How much poppy seed is required?
You will need 1.5 teaspoons of poppy seeds.
What is the total count of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
Can I use toasted almonds instead of raw slivered almonds?
The recipe specifically calls for slivered almonds that are not yet toasted before the sugaring process.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust to taste.
Does the recipe specify a serving size?
The serving size and calorie count are not specified in the current recipe data.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is preparing the salad greens by removing tough stems and soaking the spinach in ice water.
How do you handle the almonds once they are done cooking?
Transfer them to a large plate to cool completely, then break them into smaller pieces.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is described as creamy and zesty.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
It balances the earthiness of spinach, the sweetness of strawberries and honey, and the zesty tang of balsamic and mustard.
Can I add other toppings to this salad?
While the recipe focuses on strawberries and almonds, you could customize it with goat cheese or feta if desired.