Spinach Berry Salad with Candied Walnuts & Poppy Seed Dressing
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.
- 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
Keywords: spinach, berries, salad, poppy seed dressing, maple candied walnuts, summer, easy