Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad

Articles by Dr. Jerry Gore / Recipe: Strawberry Spinach Salad
strawberry spinach salad

Looking for a yummy way to work more vegetables into your diet? You’ll love this strawberry spinach salad, which is low carb, gluten-free, keto friendly and the spinach can help boost your immune system, too!

INGREDIENTS

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup full fat unsweetened chilled canned coconut milk (the top creamy part) OR coconut cream
  • 1/4 cup avocado or olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar OR balsamic vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. dried mustard or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tsp. poppy seeds
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • add sweetener of your choice to taste

For the salad:

  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh basil or mint finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts plus more for topping
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken , leave out for meatless version
  • 2 Tbsp. slivered almonds
  • 1/2 Tbsp. goat cheese or crumbled feta optional, for serving
  • thinly sliced onions optional, for serving

DIRECTIONS

  1. MAKE THE DRESSING: Add all of the ingredients for the dressing into a bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until combined.
  2. COMBINE THE VEGGIES AND PROTEIN: In a large bowl, add the spinach, sliced strawberries, avocado, chopped pecans, slivered almonds and shredded chicken (if using)
  3. TOSS THE SALAD: Pour the homemade dressing over the greens and toss to combine. Top with fresh herbs and/or goat cheese or crumbled feta (leave out for Whole30 and Paleo) and serve immediately.

NOTE: You can also toss in romaine for added crunch, or add berries such as blackberries, blueberries or raspberries for a fun variation. You can also add grilled chicken, salmon, turkey or shrimp for additional protein.

From Life Made Sweeter