Gluten-Free Strawberry Spinach Salad

Ingredients

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• 5 oz baby spinach
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional) Shop
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Shop
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (verify GF) Shop
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions

1. 1 Prepare the salad base by thoroughly washing and drying the baby spinach. Place the clean spinach into a large salad bowl, ensuring it's dry to prevent a watery dressing. Add the sliced fresh strawberries and thinly sliced red onion, if using, to the bowl.
2. 2 In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, gluten-free Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic, if desired. Continue whisking vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened, creating a cohesive mixture.
3. 3 Add the toasted pecans or walnuts to the salad bowl with the spinach and strawberries, if you are including them for added crunch. These nuts will provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft greens and berries.
4. 4 Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the spinach leaves and strawberries are lightly coated with the dressing. Taste a leaf to check the seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
5. 5 Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crispness of the spinach and the freshness of the strawberries. For best results, allow the salad to sit for about 5-10 minutes after tossing, allowing the flavors to meld slightly before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Tips & Notes

• Slice the strawberries just before assembling. Cut berries release juice that can make the spinach soggy.
• Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. They taste richer and stay crisp.
• A teaspoon of honey or maple syrup in the apple cider vinaigrette helps tie the strawberries and spinach together.

Common questions