Summer Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Candied Walnuts
This vibrant Summer Spinach Salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, perfect for warm days. The tender baby spinach forms the base, complemented by juicy, fresh strawberries and crunchy green onions. The pièce de résistance is the homemade candied walnuts, which add a sweet crunch and an irresistible charm. Dressed in a light vinaigrette with hints of garlic and dried basil, this salad is not only refreshing but also colorful, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or as a stunning side dish for dinner parties.
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Spinach
12 ounces (washed and trimmed)
Strawberries
6 (sliced thinly)
Green Onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Walnuts
1 cup (halves)
Water
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (divided)
Olive Oil
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Red Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Lemon Juice
1/2 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed)
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the walnuts.
2
In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of water with 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar completely dissolves, stirring occasionally.
3
In a bowl, toss the halved walnuts in the sugar-water mixture until well-coated.
4
Spread the coated walnuts onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the walnuts are dry to the touch and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
5
To create the salad dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, crushed garlic, and dried basil until the mixture is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
6
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and chopped green onions. Drizzle the salad dressing over the top.
7
Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients, ensuring the spinach is well coated with the dressing.
8
Just before serving, sprinkle the cooled candied walnuts on top of the salad and toss lightly to incorporate them without breaking them.
Nutrition Information
5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base for the Summer Spinach Salad?
The primary base for this salad is 12 ounces of baby spinach, washed and trimmed.
How many strawberries do I need for this recipe?
You will need 6 strawberries, sliced thinly.
At what temperature should the oven be set for the walnuts?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) to roast the walnuts.
How are the candied walnuts prepared?
The walnuts are tossed in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar, then baked until dry and golden.
How long do the walnuts need to bake?
The walnuts should be baked for about 15 minutes, or until they are dry to the touch and lightly golden.
What ingredients make up the salad dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, crushed garlic, dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
Is this Summer Spinach Salad recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredient list and tags, this salad is vegan-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are approximately 67 calories per serving.
When should the candied walnuts be added to the salad?
Add the cooled candied walnuts just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
How much garlic is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of garlic, crushed.
What type of vinegar is recommended for this recipe?
Red wine vinegar is used to give the dressing its specific flavor profile.
What is the protein content of this salad?
This salad contains 2g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice for the dressing?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How much sugar is used in total for the entire recipe?
A total of 2 teaspoons of sugar is used, divided between the walnut coating and the dressing.
What type of onions are used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.
What should the texture of the walnuts be after baking?
The walnuts should be dry to the touch and provide a sweet crunch.
Is the baby spinach used raw or cooked?
The baby spinach is used raw as the base of the salad.
What dried herb is included in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette includes 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
What occasions is this salad suitable for?
It is ideal for picnics, barbecues, dinner parties, or as a light summer meal.
How should the walnuts be prepared before coating?
The walnuts should be in halves before being tossed in the sugar-water mixture.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the dressing.
Can I prepare the walnuts ahead of time?
Yes, the instructions state they should be cooled completely before being added to the salad.
How is the dressing mixed?
The dressing ingredients should be whisked together in a small bowl until well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Should I toss the walnuts aggressively?
No, you should toss them lightly at the end to incorporate them without breaking them.
How much water is used for the candied walnuts?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of water.
Is this salad described as refreshing?
Yes, the description characterizes it as refreshing, vibrant, and colorful.
How should the strawberries be sliced?
The strawberries should be sliced thinly.