Servings : 2

Minutes : 15

Ingredients : 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup Walnuts
• 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
• 4 cups Baby Spinach
• 1 cup Strawberries (sliced)
• 1/4 cup Feta Cheese (plant-based feta crumbled)
• 1 1/2 tsps Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/8 tsp Sea Salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Toast walnuts in a pan over medium heat. When slightly browned, coat with maple syrup. Turn heat to low and stir until sticky (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
2. Divide spinach into bowls. Top with strawberries, feta cheese, and toasted walnuts.
3. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt. Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over your salad and enjoy!

Notes:

• More Protein: Add quinoa, edamame, chickpeas, or butter beans to increase the protein content.
• Save Time: Leave the walnuts raw and add maple syrup to the dressing for a quicker preparation.
• No Feta Cheese: Use cashew cheese or any other plant-based cheese instead.
• Storage: Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container with the dressing in a separate container for up to 2 to 3 days.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 402
• Sugar: 11g
• Fat: 34g
• Protein: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 412mg
• Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
• Calcium: 204mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Iron: 3mg
• Fiber: 5g

Here are some variations you can try for this salad recipe:

1. Grain Swap: Instead of using walnuts, try toasting different nuts or seeds like almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds. You can also substitute the grain by using quinoa, couscous, or bulgur instead of freekeh.
2. Mixed Berries: Switch up the strawberries with a mix of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to add more color and flavor to your salad.
3. Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t prefer feta cheese or want a vegan option, consider using crumbled vegan cheese like almond feta, tofu feta, or even avocado chunks for a creamy texture.
4. Greens Variety: Experiment with different greens such as arugula, kale, or mixed salad greens to change the base of your salad.
5. Sweetness Upgrade: Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating sliced peaches, nectarines, or pears along with the strawberries.
6. Fresh Herbs: Enhance the salad’s taste with the addition of fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro. These herbs can bring out new flavors and aromas.
7. Dressing Twist: Alter the dressing by using a different type of vinegar, such as raspberry or apple cider vinegar, or infuse it with your favorite herbs and spices.
8. Protein Boost: To make the salad heartier, add some grilled or roasted chicken, sliced grilled tofu, or cooked shrimp.
9. Citrus Zest: Include some citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) to the dressing to add a zesty and refreshing touch to the salad.
10. Crunchy Additions: Enhance the texture with some crunchy toppings like toasted coconut flakes, sliced almonds, or croutons.
11. Mediterranean Twist: Replace the strawberries with cherry tomatoes and add some chopped cucumber, kalamata olives, and red onion. Top it off with crumbled feta cheese and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette.
12. Tropical Flair: Swap the strawberries with diced mango, pineapple, and kiwi. Add some toasted coconut flakes and a tangy lime-honey dressing for a tropical-inspired salad.
13. Spiced Nutty Flavor: Use toasted spiced nuts like cinnamon-sugar pecans or cayenne-spiced almonds for an extra kick of flavor and crunch.
14. Creamy Avocado: Include diced avocado for a creamy and luscious texture. Add some corn kernels and a cilantro-lime dressing for a south-western twist.
15. Superfood Boost: Add a handful of nutrient-rich superfoods like goji berries, hemp seeds, or chia seeds to elevate the nutritional profile of the salad