Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad

This Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad is one of my favorites for spring! Made with freshly chopped spinach, sliced sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crispy caramelized walnuts, wholesome quinoa, and hemp hearts for added protein. The whole thing is drizzled with a perfectly balanced balsamic dressing that brings the flavors together. This nutritious salad is not only beautiful, but it's perfect for a hearty and delicious vegetarian or vegan lunch or dinner idea!

Course Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings Servings

Calories 600kcal

Author Christine McMichael

Equipment

Salad Chopper Blade + Bowl

Ingredients

Caramelized Walnuts

1 cup walnuts
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash cayenne

Balsamic Dressing

1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Spinach Salad

12 ounces spinach loosely chopped
2 cups cooked quinoa cooled
12 ounces strawberries sliced
2 small avocados cubed, or 2 small avocados
1/4 cup hemp hearts

Instructions

In a small skillet over medium-high heat, cook the walnuts with the maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne, stirring constantly.
When the syrup has coated the nuts and they’ve started to brown a bit (about 7-10 minutes), remove the nuts to a piece of parchment to cool.
Once cooled, chop into smaller pieces.
Meanwhile, put the dressing ingredients into a small mason jar or salad shaker, close tightly, and shake vigorously until creamy and well combined.
Divide the spinach into 4 bowls. Add the cooked quinoa, sliced strawberries, cubed avocado, and hemp hearts, then top with dressing and walnuts!

Video

Notes

Store any salad leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days (adding in the avocado when you're ready to serve). Perfect as an easy springtime lunch, dinner, or side salad!

If you want to prep this salad in advance, you can also prep and store the components in different containers. Place the sliced strawberries, chopped spinach, cooked walnuts, cooked quinoa, and hemp hearts in different airtight meal prep containers. Store the dressing in a mason jar. When ready to enjoy, simply assemble the salads and add fresh avocado!

Nutrition