Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette | Made by Meaghan Moineau
**Title: A Taste of Spring: Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette**
**Description: Discover a refreshing and vibrant salad that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Our Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that promises to bring a burst of flavor to your table. Dive into a nostalgic story that makes this dish a cherished family favorite.**
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**A Taste of Spring: Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette**
When the first warm breeze of spring swept through our small town, it was always a signal for my family to gather in my grandmother's garden. Her backyard was a sanctuary of bursting colors, with rows of strawberries glistening like jewels under the sun and spinach leaves swaying gently in the breeze. Among the many dishes that graced our family table, none heralded the arrival of spring quite like our Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette.
**Ingredients:**
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Strawberries, sliced
- Almonds, toasted
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Cooked chicken, sliced
- Shallot, finely chopped
- Fresh thyme, finely chopped
- Ground pepper, to taste
**For the Strawberry Vinaigrette:**
- Strawberries, puréed
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Water
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, mix the puréed strawberries with balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and a splash of water. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
2. **Assemble the Salad:** On a large plate, layer the fresh spinach leaves. Top with sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and cooked chicken.
3. **Add Flavor:** Sprinkle finely chopped shallot and fresh thyme over the salad. Season with ground pepper to taste.
4. **Drizzle and Serve:** Generously drizzle the strawberry vinaigrette over the salad. Serve immediately and enjoy a taste of spring.
**A Nostalgic Family Memory**
As children, my siblings and I would race barefoot through the garden, eager to pick the ripest strawberries. My grandmother would laugh at our stained fingers and delighted giggles as we tried to sneak a few berries into our mouths. Once the basket was full, she'd lead us to the kitchen, where we'd help her prepare this simple yet extraordinary salad.
Around the dinner table, stories of past springs would unfold, each tale more vibrant with the flavors of our meal. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy vinaigrette, and savory chicken created a symphony on our plates, one that still resonates with me today.
**Difficulty: 2/10**
This recipe is delightfully easy, perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick, nutritious meal.
**Classification: Main Dish**
Whether served as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this Spinach Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette is a versatile main dish that embodies the essence of spring. Enjoy this dish with loved ones, and perhaps, create your own cherished memories around the table.
