Spinach Salad with Cinnamon Almonds, Strawberries and Goat Cheese |
This salad is perfect for entertaining with all its vibrant colours, flavours and textures. The combination of spinach, spiced nuts, strawberries and goat cheese gives it loads of character. Serves 8.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Cinnamon almonds- 1/4 cup whole almonds
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Salad
- 8 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (about 2 oz)
- 6 oz grilled sliced chicken or shrimp (optional)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp apple juice concentrate
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chopped garlic
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Rinse the almonds with cold water. Drain but do not let them dry. Place them in a bowl and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground ginger. Toss to coat. Spread out on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, tossing once. Let cool, then remove from the baking sheet and chop coarsely.
3. Place the baby spinach, red pepper, strawberries and goat cheese in a large serving bowl.
4. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, apple juice concentrate, brown sugar, garlic and mustard in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss. Top with the chopped almonds. Serve topped with grilled chicken or shrimp, if desired.
Make ahead: Prepare the salad early in the day and dress just before serving. Prepare the almonds in larger quantities and keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition watch: Almonds are great source of essential fatty acids, which can increase your good cholesterol (HDL).
Nutritional information per serving (without meat)
Calories 104
Protein 3.2 g
Carbohydrates 11 g
Fiber 2.3 g
Total fat 5.6 g
Saturated fat 1.3 g
Cholesterol 3 mg
Sodium 72 mg
Printed with permission from Rose Reisman's Family Favorites: Healthy Meals for Those Who Matter Most by Rose Reisman
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