This simple Strawberry Spinach Salad with walnuts is dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette for a light and healthy dish. Perfect for summer entertaining, this tasty salad can be served as a starter or side dish!
With a rack in the middle of your oven, preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup walnuts, drizzle with one teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and sprinkle with a touch of cayenne (optional). Mix well and spread the walnuts onto the baking sheet in one even layer,
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until nuts are toasted and fragrant. Let cool.
Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Place all ingredients is a small jar and shake well. Set aside while you make the salad.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Place the washed and dried spinach in a salad bowl and top with quartered strawberries, sliced onion, crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts. Reserve a few strawberries, nuts and cheese to top the salad with after it has been dressed.
Dress the salad and toss. Add reserved strawberries, walnuts and goat cheese to top. Serve!
Notes
You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Take the dressing out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before giving it a good shake and dressing the salad.
Use only as much dressing as needed and store the remainder in the refrigerator for your next salad, because you'll want to make this salad again and again!