Name: Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango and Avocado
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Salad: 10 oz fresh baby spinach (about 10 cups of torn leaves); 4 cups fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced; 1 ripe avocado, chopped; 1 cup fresh blueberries; 1 ripe mango, sliced; ¼ cup cashews (toasted); For the Balsamic Vinaigrette: ½ cup olive oil; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon mustard powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures:

Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation, you can enjoy this salad in just 20 minutes.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for picnics, grilled meats, or as a light main course.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

10 oz fresh baby spinach (about 10 cups of torn leaves)
4 cups fresh strawberries, cleaned, hulled, and sliced
1 ripe avocado, chopped
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 ripe mango, sliced
¼ cup cashews

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, mustard powder, and onion powder until well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the Cashews: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped avocado, blueberries, and mango slices.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Add Cashews: Sprinkle the toasted cashews on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, making it a quick and healthy option for any meal.

Variations

Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the salad more substantial.
Cheese Options: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Nuts and Seeds: Swap cashews for toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for different textures.

Storage/Reheating

For optimal freshness, it’s best to consume the salad immediately after preparation. If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cashews just before serving to maintain their crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruits instead of fresh ones?

While fresh fruits provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen fruits if fresh ones are unavailable. Ensure they are thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

How can I make this salad vegan?

This salad is already vegan-friendly. Ensure the dressing ingredients are free from animal products, and opt for a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup instead of honey if desired.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

You can prepare the salad components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for cashews?

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute cashews with toasted almonds, pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

To prevent browning, toss the avocado pieces with a little lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

While homemade dressing enhances the flavor, you can use a store-bought balsamic vinaigrette if preferred.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

How can I make the dressing spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can be great additions.

How do I make the salad sweeter?

Increase the amount of brown sugar or honey in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Spinach Salad with Mango and Avocado is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and delicious.