CNEP Recipe Corner

Spinach and Strawberry Salad - April 2006

Kids of all ages can help prepare this salad. Preschoolers can tear the spinach leaves while older kids can help measure and mix the dressing. With everyone having a hand in preparation, they will be much more likely to taste and like this spinach salad.

Ingredients:

For salad:

  • 6 ounce package spinach leaves (or about 2 bunches)
  • 1 pint strawberries (about 2 cups sliced)

For dressing:

  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry, ground mustard
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar

Directions:

  1. Wash spinach leaves and strawberries in clear water.  Be sure the spinach and strawberries are well drained and dry.
  2. Remove stems from spinach leaves.  Tear into bite size pieces and place in a large bowl.
  3. Remove stems from strawberries and slice.  Add to the spinach.
  4. Cover and chill spinach and strawberries until serving time.
  5. In a blender or small container with a tight fitting lid, combine the salad ingredients.  Blend or shake until the ingredients are mixed. 
  6. Before serving, toss the spinach and strawberries with the dressing.

Helpful Hints: 

  • Wait to combine the dressing with the salad until just before serving.  Separately, both will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
  • During the winter months when strawberries are not available, Mandarin oranges or bite size pieces of Navel oranges can be substituted. 
  • Dry fruits and vegetable help the dressing stick to the salad ingredients instead of pooling in the bottom of the salad bowl.  This helps the salad have more flavor with less dressing and calories!

Safety Tips:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden or farmer's market need special attention to remove sand and dirt. 
  • Clean the strawberries under cold running water. 
  • Wash the spinach in a sink full of cold water. 
  • Adding ice to the water will help crisp the spinach. 
  • Dry on clean paper towels.

Adapted from Kids a Cookin'.  Kansas State University Research and Extension Family Nutrition Program

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