Vibrant Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Hearts of Palm
This refreshing Vibrant Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Hearts of Palm is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will brighten any meal. Fresh spinach provides a crisp base, while sweet strawberries add a burst of flavor. Tender hearts of palm lend an exotic touch, and crunchy walnuts bring some satisfying crunch. Topped with a homemade tangy dressing infused with cider vinegar and lemon juice, this salad is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect for summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a nourishing side dish for any occasion, this salad is sure to impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cider Vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
Sugar
3/4 cup (none)
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Vegetable Oil
1 cup (none)
Red Onion
1/2 small (grated)
Dry Mustard
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Spinach
1 1/2 lbs (washed and torn into pieces)
Hearts of Palm
1 (4 ounce) can (drained and chopped)
Strawberries
2 cups (stemmed and sliced)
Chopped Walnuts
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a small non-reactive saucepan over medium heat, combine the cider vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir frequently until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
2
Once the dressing has cooled, whisk in the vegetable oil, grated red onion, dry mustard, and paprika until fully combined. Set the dressing aside.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn spinach, chopped hearts of palm, sliced strawberries, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
4
Just before serving, drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve the remaining dressing on the side, allowing guests to add more as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of this salad?
The base of this recipe is 1 1/2 lbs of fresh spinach, washed and torn into pieces.
What unique ingredient adds an exotic touch to this salad?
Hearts of palm, which are drained and chopped, lend an exotic touch and tender texture to the dish.
How are the strawberries prepared for the Vibrant Spinach Salad?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of strawberries that should be stemmed and sliced before being added to the bowl.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
One cup of chopped walnuts is used to provide a satisfying crunch.
Is the dressing for this salad cooked?
Partially; the cider vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and salt are heated in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves, then cooled before adding the remaining ingredients.
What ingredients are whisked into the cooled dressing base?
Once the sugar mixture has cooled, you whisk in vegetable oil, grated red onion, dry mustard, and paprika.
Can this salad be considered vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags provided, this salad is vegan-friendly.
What is the best way to serve the dressing?
Drizzle some dressing over the salad just before serving and offer the remaining dressing on the side for guests.
How much sugar is in the homemade dressing?
The dressing contains 3/4 cup of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of cider vinegar.
How is the red onion prepared for the dressing?
The red onion (1/2 small) should be grated to integrate smoothly into the dressing.
What spices give the dressing its flavor profile?
The dressing is flavored with 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, ranging from fresh produce to pantry staples.
Is this salad suitable for a summer gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshing salad perfect for summer gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil in the dressing?
While the recipe calls for vegetable oil, you could likely use another neutral oil, though it may slightly alter the intended flavor.
What size can of hearts of palm is needed?
The recipe requires one 4-ounce can of hearts of palm.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is included in the dressing mixture.
How much fresh lemon juice should I use?
You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Is this a light meal or a side dish?
It can serve as both; it is tagged as a side dish but also as a light meal.
What color palette does this salad offer?
The salad is very colorful, featuring deep green spinach, bright red strawberries, and white hearts of palm.
How should the dressing be combined with the salad?
Toss the dressing gently with the salad just before serving to ensure the spinach stays crisp.
What should the heat setting be when dissolving the sugar?
Use a small non-reactive saucepan over medium heat.
Are the hearts of palm used whole?
No, the hearts of palm should be drained and chopped before being added to the large salad bowl.
Can I use frozen spinach instead?
No, this recipe specifically requires fresh spinach for the desired crisp texture.
What makes the dressing 'tangy'?
The combination of cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and dry mustard creates the signature tangy flavor.
Does the recipe provide nutritional information like calories?
The current data does not specify calorie counts or other detailed nutritional facts.
How much vegetable oil is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 cup of vegetable oil.
Is the red onion used in the salad bowl or the dressing?
The grated red onion is whisked directly into the dressing, not tossed with the greens.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
You will need a small non-reactive saucepan for heating and a whisk for combining the final ingredients.
Should the salad be tossed vigorously?
No, the instructions suggest tossing gently to mix the ingredients and coat them with dressing.