Fresh spinach salad loaded with delicious berries, topped with maple candied walnuts and the BEST creamy strawberry poppy seed dressing. Gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free, this light and healthy berry salad is summer at it’s best.
Author:The Saucy Fig
Prep Time:20-30 minutes
Total Time:20-30 minutes
Category:Salad
Scale
Ingredients
Maple Candied Nuts
2 cups nuts (you can use any kind you like, I used mostly walnuts with some pecans)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/4 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2–3 strawberries
Spinach Berry Salad
4 cups fresh spinach
2 cups berries of choice
Instructions
Maple Candied Nuts
Place all ingredients in medium skillet over medium heat.
Stir well to coat the nuts.
Cook until bubbling, stirring regularly.
Syrup will begin to thicken and caramelize after about 5-6 minutes.
When syrup is sticking to the nuts and there is not much liquid left, remove from heat.
Spread the nuts with wooden spoon onto a parchment lined cookie sheet to cool and harden.
Once dry, store in an airtight container.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
Add honey, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, worcestershire sauce and paprika to the blender.
With blender running, add oil and vinegar in a slow steady stream. Continue to blend till creamy.
Add the dried, minced onions and blend.
Add the strawberries and blend till smooth and the dressing is thick and creamy.
Spinach Berry Salad
Wash spinach and berries thoroughly.
Slice strawberries, and put the berries on top of the spinach.
Top with maple candied nuts and poppy seed dressing.
Make sure not to put too much dressing! It goes a long ways so start small and add more to taste.
Notes
Optional additions: red onion, feta cheese, avocado, chicken